If you have ever dreamed of singing at the 3Arena this could be your lucky chance. Celtic Woman are looking for an aspiring singer to join them on stage in Dublin when they bring their Voices of Angels tour to Ireland.
If you've be thinking about entering this competition, it's time to stop thinking and start singing, as the closing date is July 21.
If you don't want to miss out on this incredible opportunity, make sure you get your entry in as soon as possible.
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Méav Ní Mhaolchata is one of the original members of Celtic Women and is now the group's Vocal Director. She is also one of the judges who will decide the top ten entrants who will go forward to a public vote to decide who will get the chance to sing at the 3Arena on September 2.
We caught up with Méav to find out what it is like to be a Celtic Women and to get some very important tips for anyone thinking of entering this fantastic competition.
RTÉ Entertainment: What is it like being a Celtic Woman?
Méav Ní Mhaolchata: It’s brilliant. It is such a privilege to sing with such a talented group of musicians and to travel the world with them. I am especially proud of introducing traditional Irish language songs to international audiences - and getting a Grammy nomination earlier this year was a huge and unexpected thrill.
What are you looking for in the competition winner? Have you got any entry tips?
The competition is called Voice of an Angel - but we are not simply looking for a beautiful voice. We are looking for someone who can stop you in your tracks with the power of their storytelling, and draw you right into the song.
The videos submitted don’t need to be fancy - they can be recorded on a phone at home. Just remember it’s a performance, so imagine you are singing to a live audience.
Pick a song that you love in a key that suits your vocal range and shows off what you do best.
Don’t try to copy someone else’s sound - be true to your own sound, show us your personality, and tell us the story.
Do you miss the touring side of Celtic Woman?
I miss the camaraderie of tourbus life and the excitement of a different venue every night - singing in iconic venues like Red Rocks, Colorado and Radio City, New York is really unforgettable. However, I have young children now and touring can mean spending a long time away from my family.
Luckily I still get to perform with the group when they are recording and choosing repertoire, and that is the process I probably enjoy the most.
The buzz of being on the road with the group during the 10th Anniversary tour in America was great though, so never say never!
You are now the vocal director for Celtic Woman, what is that like?
My work can be different every day. From the very first gig in the Helix, Dublin in 2004, I loved the fact that every performer has a distinct musical personality and sound, but also can blend their solo voices and instruments to create a sound that is unmistakably Celtic Woman. As vocal director, I work closely with our producers and musical director Gavin Murphy to build on that sound, finding the right people to join the group and the right material for them to perform.
I work with the lead singers in the studio and in concert rehearsals to help with any technical vocal issues that may arise and to offer suggestions of interpretation and vocal colour.
I write and translate lyrics and help to shape the arrangements of the songs with Gavin, and we try out different ideas in studio.
I source supporting choral singers for album recordings and touring, and work with them on vocal blend, pronunciation and stagecraft alongside our wonderful choreographer Daryn.
One of the craziest periods is the lead up to a new TV special or tour when all the production staff head out on the road with the musicians to give last minute notes during final rehearsals.
What will it feel like for the competition winner standing on the stage of 3Arena in September?
I hope it will feel fantastic! Every member of Celtic Woman has been given the opportunity to shine and has relished that opportunity.
Now we are offering one gifted singer their very own moment in the spotlight, and a chance for their performance to be included in a new Celtic Woman TV special.
It is a big space so it could be daunting, but they will have plenty of support and time to rehearse with our production team so they can fill that big stage with a big performance. Bring it on!
So what do you need to do to enter?
This competition is open to anyone over the age of 14 who feels they have the vocal talent and ability to perform at the Celtic Woman show at the 3Arena on September 2, 2017.
Entrants must video themselves singing over one of the backing tracks that are available to download at www.celticwoman.com
Vidoes can be created on a smartphone or digital camera. It does not require professional recording or filming.
You then upload your video on the application site, celticwoman.myauditionstage.com and include all your contact details.
The judging panel will select a shortlist of ten entries and these ten will be auditioned in person by the panel.
The judging panel consists of Méav Ní Mhaolchata - Vocal Director and one of the original members of Celtic Woman, Gavin Murphy - Musical Director for Celtic Woman and Shane McDonnell - COO of Celtic Woman and Show Producer.
A final three candidates will be chosen and a public vote will then decide who the winner will be.
Good Luck!
