Alice Cooper's teen talent search: How to apply to be in Proof Is in the Pudding 2023

Alice Cooper's Proof Is in the Pudding talent search is gearing up for 2023.

Last year, the competition added a new category, allowing dancers to compete alongside bands and solo artists ages 12 to 25 with one grand prize winner chosen from each category.

Winners will receive up to $1,000 cash and get to open Cooper's Christmas Pudding 2023 concert at the Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix on Saturday, Dec. 9.

Proceeds from that star-studded musical variety show benefit the free music, dance, arts and vocational programs for young people ages 12 to 20 at Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock Teen Centers in Phoenix and Mesa.

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Alice Cooper's Proof Is in the Pudding is open to all genres of music

All music genres are welcome to apply.

As Randy Spencer, who handles partnerships and fundraising for Cooper's Solid Rock Teen Centers, said, “We’ve had mariachi winners. We’ve had hip-hop winners. R&B, country. We would like to see all styles of music. Just because it’s Alice Cooper doesn’t mean it’s only rock ‘n’ roll. This music competition is for the community.”

Taking part can lead to opportunities for young singers, musicians and dancers.

When Cooper launched Proof Is in the Pudding in 2004, a 14-year-old Jordin Sparks of Glendale took top honors in the solo category. Three years later, she was crowned the youngest "American Idol" in the history of the TV competition.

Other past participants include Jared Kolesar of Jared & the Mill, Injury Reserve and Doll Skin.

“There’s always great connections people make, whether it’s playing at the Phoenix Suns games or Arizona Cardinals games or getting free concert tickets to different things throughout the year,” Spencer says.

“We’ve had teens go on to be on ‘American Idol’ and ‘The Voice.’ They’ve had opportunities to meet famous musicians like Joan Jett, Kid Rock and Miranda Lambert. You never really know what’s gonna happen when you’re part of the competition. Even if you don’t win, you can get a lot of exposure.”

Performing in front of 'a lot of rock 'n' roll legends' is a top prize

Those who win get to open Alice Cooper’s Christmas Pudding, whose 2023 edition features Sammy Hagar, Heart guitarist Nancy Wilson and Quiet Riot.

“Teens get to perform in front of a lot of rock ‘n’ roll legends every year,” Spencer says.

“It’s pretty cool. We’ve seen people like Gretchen Wilson come up to musicians and talk after watching them play the Christmas concert. Or Sister Sledge give advice and encouragement backstage. So there’s a lot of great free mentorship that a lot of young musicians are getting."

How to apply for Alice Cooper's Proof Is in the Pudding 2023

Young musicians and dancers can sign up through Oct. 1 at alicecoopersolidrock.com or text "proof" to 480-351-1765.

“There’s a submission process on our website,” Spencer says. “All they have to do is send over a simple video of them performing. It could be shot on an iPhone or an iPad. We want to give people the opportunity to perform where they feel the most comfortable.”

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Jim Adkins of Jimmy Eat World will perform at this year's kickoff

A kickoff event for the 2023 Proof Is in the Pudding is on Oct. 6 with Jim Adkins of Jimmy Eat World doing a solo acoustic performance followed by a Q&A.

“Every year, we try to have a couple prominent musicians be a part of the music competition,” Spencer says.

“We’ve had Monte Pittman, Madonna’s guitar player, come out and jam with kids. Debbie Sledge of Sister Sledge. Brian ‘Head’ Welch of Korn. And this year, musicians and dancers who sign up will be treated to a free concert by Jim Adkins. We’re really excited.”

Spencer says they are hoping to announce the building of a third Solid Rock teen center soon.

“These are safe spaces where teens can spend their time and have an outlet. They can do free recording, free music lessons, work on their songwriting skills. Alice and Sheryl Cooper just wanted to give back to their local community.”

Reach the reporter at ed.masley@arizonarepublic.com or 602-444-4495. Follow him on X (formerly Twitter) @EdMasley.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Alice Cooper's Proof Is in the Pudding 2023: Teen talent search is on