MTV India have chosen the UAE to host a new talent search for unsigned acts across the Gulf.
Bollywood star Luke Kenny will chair the judging panel for the Next Big Thing contest, which is being billed as Middle East's "largest South Asian talent hunt".
Online entries are now open, ahead of live auditions which will see musicians battle it out onstage for the chance to win a record and video session produced by the hit TV channel.
However, the cameras won't be rolling, with no plans to turn the Next Big Thing into an X-Factor-style reality TV show for would-be rock, sufi and Bollywood stars.
"Next Big Thing is an incredible opportunity to showcase your music and to reach out to audiences internationally," said Kenny.
“I have heard so much about the raw unexplored talent that exists in the [GCC] region. I am looking forward to meeting and guiding these upcoming musicians.”
Entrants should email clips of their original music to mtvindianbt@gmail.com, with the best performers invited to an open audition at Dubai venue The Music Room on October 17.
A total of 12 finalists will be selected to receive mentoring from Kenny and the MTV India team, before being called back to perform at three heats, hosted in front of a live crowd at the same venue, on November 7, 14 and 21.
The winner of each night will then be back at The Music Room to compete in the grand final on November 28, in front of Kenny, who will cast the deciding vote on which act takes home the top prize of an original track and video produced by MTV India.
The second place performer will win an all-expense paid trip to an international MTV event, while third place will take home Dh10,000 worth of music gear.
Entries can be solo acts or bands of up to five members, all of whom must be GCC entrants aged 21 or over.
Judges are looking for predominantly South Asian performances, such as desi rock, sufi or Bollywood. Finalists must perform at least one original song during their audition.
The deadline for submissions to mtvindianbt@gmail.com is October 14.
• For further details on the auditions, contact 04 345 1165 or 056 739 7041
