Four people standing together on an outdoor stage; three hold award certificates for first, second, and third place in a singing contest. — 2025 Next Gen host Angelo Brown with winners Olivia Chameroy (1st), Brendan Perera (2nd), and Kiara Macri (3rd).

Seven diverse performers stand in a row on an outdoor stage under a white tent. Three of the individuals hold framed award certificates. A white piano and musical equipment are visible on stage behind them. — 2024 Next Gen Winners Angelo Brown (1st), Alyx Lim (2nd), and Mikylah (3rd) with jurors Demetrius Nath, Cat Bernardi, and Adina V and host Jasy.

Three smiling young women stand together outdoors, each holding a framed "Congratulations!" certificate. They are positioned between a Mississauga Arts Council (MAC) banner and a Martys HUB banner. — 2023 Next Gen winners Natalie G (3rd), Jay (1st), and Hanna Alaei (2nd).

Three young women pose closely together in front of a brick building, proudly holding framed "Sauga Teens Got Talent" prizing certificates. A MAC banner stands in the background on a porch. — 2022 winners Ramya Ramnath (3rd), Bianca Espino (2nd), and Jasy (1st).

Next Gen: Singing Contest

The Next Gen: Singing Contest is a yearly juried singing competition for youth aged 16-22 hosted by the Streetsville Bread and Honey Festival, produced by Mississauga Arts Council, and sponsored by Metalworks Studios and Metalworks Institute.

This year’s competition will be held on June 6, 2026, at the Streetsville Bread and Honey Festival’s Community Stage. Youth vocalists will perform in a juried competition with established jurors from the Mississauga music community, competing for prize money and experience courses from Metalworks Studios and Metalworks Institute.

LEARN MORE

AUDITIONS ARE NOW OPEN!
Deadline to submit is May 25, 2026, at 5 PM EDT!

Next Gen: Singing Contest

Fifteen selected vocalists will showcase their talents on the Community Stage at the Streetsville Bread & Honey Festival for the chance to win a cash prize and prizes from Metalworks Studios and Metalworks Institute!

SUBMIT an audition!

A view from behind a performer on stage looking out at a seated audience watching an outdoor community event.

Audition Details

Important Dates

Auditions open April 28, 2026
Deadline to submit is May 25, 2026, at 5 PM EDT
*No late submissions will be accepted
Event date is June 6, 2026

Eligibility

Open to vocalists aged 16-22 at the time of performance (Event date is June 6, 2026)
Must be a resident of the City of Mississauga

Submission Requirements

Contact information
Mailing address
A video or audio recording of you performing (submit as a link)
A short bio (max 150 words)
What song(s) will you be performing
Social media links
Headshot for promotional purposes

SUBMIT AN AUDITION!

Terms & Frequently Asked Questions

IMPORTANT: The first-place winner of the Next Gen: Singing Contest will be asked to perform on the Main Stage. We ask all of those chosen to perform at the contest to have 2 songs ready to perform (one to perform during the contest and one to potentially perform on the Main Stage).
Only selected performers will be contacted
Up to 15 performers will be selected
If you are selected to perform, you will perform one song (backtrack provided by you). Your time slot will be provided to you ahead of time.
Mics and other audio equipment will be provided.

Prizing

1^st Prize – Cash prize of $300 from MAC, and 2 Student for a Day Experiences: Live Music Experience & Studio Recording Experience for winner(s) plus two friends from Metalworks Studios and Metalworks Institute.
2^nd Prize – Cash prize of $200 from MAC, 1 Student for a Day Experience: Live Music Experience or Studio Recording Experience for winner(s) plus two friends from Metalworks Studios and Metalworks Institute.
3^rd Prize – Cash prize of $100 from MAC, 1 Student for a Day Experience: Live Music Experience or Studio Recording Experience for winner(s) plus one friend from Metalworks Studios and Metalworks Institute.
***All winners also receive a free subscription to SoundsUnite ($120 value) and a complimentary 1-year student membership from MAC

Terms

This event will be recorded/photographed and may be used for program-related marketing for Mississauga Arts Council and/or Streetsville Bread & Honey Festival.

This is a family-friendly event, and as such, your performance must be suitable for all ages.

Questions

Please get in touch with Sherri Parliament, MAC’s Communications Manager & Music Strategist at sherri@macarts.ca. Please allow up to two business days for a response.

Meet the Host

JSAL

JSAL is an award-winning, Mississauga-based singer-songwriter who defines her sound as Phoenix Pop, transforming pain into power through emotionally charged pop with subtle Middle Eastern influences. A cancer survivor, she creates music for those facing unseen battles, delivering cinematic performances that inspire audiences to rise, feel deeply, and stand unapologetically. Her debut album launches in May 2026.

Meet the Jurors

Andre Anthony

Performer, Screenwriter, Songwriter

About Andre Anthony

Andre Anthony is a singer, actor, dancer, and writer who has performed on many stages, including Mirvish Productions’ Kinky Boots and Titanique. He is the author of the children’s book The Gingerbread Band and creates work spanning gospel, jazz, pop, R&B, and musical theatre, inspiring audiences nationwide through music and storytelling.

Bree Taylor

Award-winning Country Artist

About Bree Taylor

Bree Taylor is a rising country rock artist known for powerful vocals, fearless songwriting, and a bold, unapologetic presence. Blending vulnerability with grit, she explores heartbreak and empowerment. With over 2 million streams, major accolades, and her album Worship, Bree is emerging as a compelling and influential voice in modern country rock.

Demetrius Nath

Founder/Executive Director of Mississauga Music, Owner/Operator of antiskeptic entertainment

About Demetrius Nath

Demetrius Nath has worked with Grammy & Juno winning artists with his music management & marketing company antiskeptic entertainment, while leading the not-for-profit Mississauga Music. He is also a talent buyer for Cineplex & the front man for rock band MAYBE MAY. In addition, you can find him at Metalworks Institute, Centennial College & Harris Institute as an educator.