THERE is always room in the limelight for an upcoming superstar and guess what? Now you too can claim your spot right there.

R.AGE and Follow Me Sence are looking for the next musical sensation and if you think you have what it takes to become a star, then Rising Star is definitely the competition for you.

Heading the judging panel is Follow Me Sence ambassador and international singer/songwriter Yuna, who is excited to be involved in this latest talent contest.

“I want to inspire ‘normal’ singers out there. Those who are just like me when I first started out. I tried out at many talent competitions and those were my stepping stones into the industry and also to who I am today.

I believe that Rising Star would be just that to the aspiring singers,” said the singer.

Rising Star, which will be officially launched on Monday, is a singing competition for students between 13 to 30 years old and participants are allowed to choose to compete in either Solo or Duet/Group/Band categories.

The Star Marketing Services, Events and Promotions head Kenny Thong said that the competition aims to provide a platform for young people in Malaysia to unleash their talents in the performing arts, creative design and other non-academic areas.

“We also want to provide students with an alternative platform to communicate, be creative, break away from norm and be confident.”

There are two ways to participate in this competition – online and via on-ground auditions at selected shopping malls in Penang, Malacca as well as Klang Valley.

Only 12 participants will be selected –based on judges’ and online voting system –to enter the Rising Star grand finale in November.

Besides cash prizes and other awesome goodies, winners from each category will get the chance to record a cover of one of Yuna’s songs. The songs will then be aired on Redfm, the official radio station for Rising Star.

For more information on Rising Star, go to www.risingstar.my.