Metropolitan Room to Launch 6th Annual MetroStar Talent Challenge, 7/8

Something funny's happening to the "MetroStar Talent Challenge" this year. Singer-restaurateur Carolyn Montgomery-Forant joins the permanent jury, and the comic actor Jay Rogers hosts the 6th annual edition of the singers contest at the Metropolitan Room. The exciting competition, which has launched the careers of a number of standouts in cabaret, pop and jazz, is accepting applications through July 1. The 2013 "MetroStar Talent Challenge" runs for seven consecutive Mondays, from July 8 through August 19.

Open to solo singers and vocal duos of all ages, backgrounds and styles that have not played a major engagement at the Metropolitan Room, the jury and audience-voted, elimination-round competition offers a career-boosting package of prizes and professional encouragements including a fully produced primetime Met Room engagement and live recording. Past winners have included Anne Steele, Liz Lark Brown, T. Oliver Reid, and Marissa Mulder. Billie Roe is the current MetroStar.

The comic actor Jay Rogers ("When Pigs Fly," Whoop-Dee Doo!") will host the seven-week competition, replacing Tom Gamblin, who is currently performing at sea. The MAC, Bistro and Nightlife Award-winning Montgomery-Forant, who, lately has been pursuing a career as a restaurateur, has been hinting at a return to singing.

She joins last year's other permanent jury members -- the acclaimed singer, actor and director Eric Michael Gillett, cabaret writer Roy Sander (the chairman), and the critic Rob Lester. After the contest's three weeks of trials (July 8, 15, 22), the permanent jurors are joined by different weekly guest jurors, drawn from the media, theatre and cabaret. The contest's co-producers are Bernie Furshpan, Joseph Macchia and Beck Lee.

To apply, performers must submit an application accompanied by a CD or recording (either by mail or via e-mail). For details and downloadable application form, visit www.metropolitanroom.com

"MetroStar" encourages singers to present well-rounded stage performances in which creativity, innovation and authenticity are prized over vocal fireworks.

The 2013 MetroStar Talent Challenge, the 6th annual edition, takes place on seven consecutive Mondays from July 8 to August 19. All shows are all at7pm; the cover charge for all shows is $20, with a two-drink minimum. Hailed as "the best of New York's smaller clubs" by The New York Times, the Nightlife, MAC and Bistro Award-winning Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd Street, celebrated its seventh anniversary this month. For reservations call212/206-0440 or to order online visit www.metropolitanroom.com