Contestants wanted for "Sparkle" singing contest Saturday

The Jordin Sparks/Whitney Houston movie musical "Sparkle" doesn't hit theaters until August 17, but Concord Mills Mall will host a "Sparkle" related singing competition Saturday, July 14 at 1 p.m. Contestants are asked to sing a 60 second version of the Sparks/Houston (pictured) duet "Celebrate" or "Something He Can Feel," which Curtis Mayfield wrote for the original 1976 film and Aretha Franklin and later En Vogue made famous. Clips from the songs and contest details are available here.

Contestants ages 13 to 40 can register between 10 a.m. and noon at Concord Mills Mall Saturday, but you can reserve a spot by emailing SparkleContestChar@gmail.com. The winner of Charlotte's "Sparkle Singing Challenge" receives $500, a $25 Bebe's gift certificate, and a chance to compete for the Grand Prize of a trip to New York, an appearance on BET's "106 & Park," and chance to record a track with the Punch Monkeys producing and writing team.

The original 1976 film starred actress/singer Irene Cara of "Fame" and "Flashdance...What a Feeling" fame and "Miami Vice's" Philip Michael Thomas. 

The contest is sponsored by BET, MySpace. and 96.1's Ace & TJ Show.