Since January, Open Doors and Saltmine Trust have been scouring the whole of the UK, searching out the best in new Christian musical talent. They've travelled far and wide - Bristol, Edinburgh, London, Belfast, Norwich, Birmingham and Manchester - selecting acts for the Hope Academy Final.

At each regional audition, our panel of experts (drawn from the very best in the world of Christian arts and entertainment) have heard all kinds of musical styles-including pop, gospel, classical, musical theatre and soul-and listened to solo singers, groups and bands, many performing their own songs. Now the finalists have been chosen: seven in the under-18s category, eight over-18s.

They spent a weekend in April, not only receiving professional coaching from top Christian artists, TV producers and radio experts, but also teaching about how best to use their talents to the glory of God. But it's not just about the music. Throughout the weekend, all the finalists gave time to learning more about the Persecuted Church, praying for Christians under pressure and considering how their music could be an expression of God's heart for His people.

So now they are ready for Hope Academy: the Final. They'll be competing for a unique prize: the winners in each category will visit Egypt with Open Doors, sharing their music and meeting Christians facing persecution. They'll also win performance opportunities with Saltmine and Open Doors; their song will be recorded, complete with a video.

The winners will be decided not only by our panel of experts but also by the votes of the live audience. This event is your chance to hear the emerging talent that will voice the cries of the persecuted.

Come and hear the finalists perform - and make your vote count!

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Introducing some of the finalists...

Glory and Oli
Glory and Oli are a duo from Birmingham who have made it through to the under 18s final. Glory, a gifted pianist, accompanies Oli's lead vocals across a wide range of musical styles. They have been writing songs together for some time and successfully auditioned for Hope Academy with one of their own songs, Crisis.

Bethan
Bethan is a solo singer from Wales in the over 18s category. She auditioned for Hope Academy with her powerful rendition of Rachael Lampa's song No Greater Love. She loves to worship God with others and has been regularly leading worship at her church for over a year.

Hoshen
Hoshen are a duo based in Scotland competing in the over 18s category. Classically trained guitarist Stephen has a promising solo career and performs across the UK. Since meeting in Edinburgh's Exile gospel choir, in which Mark sang tenor solos and Stephen played lead guitar, they worked together on a production of contemporary psalms for the Edinburgh Fringe.

... and guest performers Four Kornerz!
An infectious mix of Funk, Soul, R&B and traditional Nigerian rhythms, in June 2005 Four Kornerz beat over 400 other hopefuls in ITV London's Battle of the Bands to win a spot at the O2 Music Wireless Festival. The band's highly anticipated debut album Soulectric in June 2007 earned them numerous prestigious awards including a nomination for a MOBO award.


The Hope Academy Final
Saturday 10 May
The Emmanuel Centre, Westminster, London, SW1P 3DW

Under 18s final: 1pm
Over 18s final: 7pm

Tickets per final: £10

Phone: 08450 944 414
Internet: www.opendoorsuk.org/events