Fifteen local artists will take the stage — hoping to win Bermuda's vote — next Friday night at the CellularOne Mobile Movement Tour concert.

Finalists Ali Smith,1undread, Blac f. Vibes, Black Diamond, Blaze, Double J, J Shamar, Jackie Ayres, Joy Barnum, Mr. Dudley, Mr. Mikey, The Homegrown Band, Tiny T, Torrie Baker and ZenjiSan will perform at Snorkel Park and concert attendees will vote to determine the winner of the contest.

The finalists were chosen by a judging panel of industry insiders including Tyran Smith and Shaleek Berry, both with A&R Universal Def Jam, and Bryant Biggs and John Marcelin of Swagger Wireless.

The winner will receive a Mobile Distribution Agreement with CellularOne and Swagger Wireless including ring tones, screensavers, wallpapers and MP3 video clips, a $5,000 publishing deal, and a trip to New York City to record the winning single, and a one-on-one session with DJ Clue, a well respected industry veteran who founded Desert Storm Records.

The Royal Gazette sat down with Diana Winfield, retail and marketing manager, and Simone Gibbons, assistant marketing manager, of CellularONE to talk about the upcoming concert and overall contest.

The main requirement was that the contestants submit a song containing original content. Mrs Gibbons said 40-plus artists entered over 150 songs. The response was overwhelming with artists very excited about the competition, the organisers said.

"I had one chap come after five trying to fill everything out," Ms Winfield said. "He said, 'I know I'm late but I want to be included'. I called him the next day to tell him he had been included and he was happy."

Mrs Gibbons herself called the finalists.

"I had the pleasure of calling the 15 finalists. I heard screams on the other end. You have guys that are like, 'I made it?'," she said.

With the high level of excitement among contestants, next week's concert promises energetic and talented performers.

"It's going to be a fantastic night, Mrs Gibbons said. "We have 15 fantastic acts who will make every effort to make sure they win. They need to wow the audience. They need to get up there and put out their best effort."

Shane Woodley, an engineer at the Roc the Mic Studios owned by hip-hop mogul Jay-Z, and Miss Thang will play hosts for the evening.

Audience members will have the opportunity to change one person's life by choosing the winner. There will be a number for everyone to text indicating their choice to win, no matter who their mobile service provider is.

"People at the party have the power to make it happen for the winner," Mrs Gibbons said. "It's important for their friends and family to come out to support them."

After the finalists perform, recording artist Tank will take the stage for 45 minutes to an hour while the votes are tallied. Once the winner is announced, the party with DJ Clue begins.

When asked why people should come, both organisers agreed it was about supporting Bermudians.

"To support local talent. It's going to be a great night with great entertainment," Mrs Gibbons said.

Ms Winfield added: "I think a lot of people who come out will be a part of making history. People who get chosen will have a great opportunity.

"For local talent to get this exposure is amazing. People are going to be a part of a historical event. Their music will be heard worldwide."

The pair also said the songs were really good.

"The songs are hot. Some of them are amazing. They sound incredible. When we heard the finalists, we knew they were the best. They were the cream of the crop. They knew what they were doing," the women said.

Mrs Gibbons suggested, with the Collie Buddz phenomenon, more artists are flocking to the studio more to make great songs. Collie has been an inspiration for these artists.

Ms Winfield said, if the event is successful, CellularONE is looking to make it annual.

The winning ringtones will be available immediately internationally but will take a little time in Bermuda.

Sponsors for the concert include TBI, www.vybezalliance.tv, www.thaunderground.net and Verisign, the company that has the technology to push the ringtones on to the phones.

Doors open at 8 p.m. with the actual concert starting at 9 p.m. Fast ferries will run up to Dockyard at normal times with two ferries coming from Dockyard and 3 and 4 a.m.

Food and beverages will be on sale by Hammerhead's Bar and Grill. Tickets can be purchased at all CellularONE locations Islandwide for $45 in advance and $55 at the gate.