AUSTIN, Texas — Patterning itself after the hit TV show “American Idol,” Whole Foods Market launched public voting for a first-ever competition showcasing the musical talents of its employees.
The company's internal music contest, called “Raw and Unprocessed,” launched in April and the company is now asking the public to choose a winner at rawandunprocessed.com from 10 finalists who made the cut from 729 entries. Voting is open through Aug. 31, with a limit of one vote per person each day.
An an incentive for voting, Whole Foods is offering a chance to win a trip for two to Napa Valley to attend the “Live in the Vineyard” music festival in November.
"Live in the Vineyard" is a private festival that gives attendees access to recording artists, wine makers and chefs. At the concert, the winning Whole Foods Market musician will be the opening act for an artist from the VH1 You Oughta Know franchise, which highlights up-and-coming musicians across its national platform.
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"Whole Foods Market Team Members are as creative and gifted as they are diverse, and this competition is a fun new way to highlight their musical talents in a way that might help them fulfill their dreams," said Sirr Less, global vice president of communications for Whole Foods Market, in a statement. "We were blown away by the talent exhibited by our team members and we appreciate VH1 for providing an outlet to showcase their abilities and help them pursue their passions."
In addition to the opportunity to play before an audience at the Live in the Vineyard concert, the winner will also get a professionally produced music video and additional exposure through a concert with a VH1 You Oughta Know artist at the Whole Foods Market Napa store in November. The winning artist will also get a Creative Music Integration deal with VH1, with the opportunity to have their original music featured within a VH1 show or promotion.
