This past year, talented vocalists Hernandez, 60, of Bloomfield, NJ, and Wright, 51, of Vero Beach, FL, were crowned co-winners of the inaugural AARP Superstar singing competition that culminated in September 2014 at AARP's Ideas@50+ National Event and Expo in San Diego.

Today, AARP is launching a new national search to find the next 50+ musical phenomenon with AARP Superstar 2015 Contest. The contest is open to anyone who will be age 50 by May 15^th to compete for a $5,000 grand prize. AARP Superstar Contest is accepting submissions now through March 12^th, 2015, and concludes with a live competition in front of a celebrity panel of judges and a live audience at AARP’s 2015 Life@50+ National Event & Expo in Miami on May 15^th.

“We are extremely excited to launch AARP Superstar and offer our members a chance to become the singing sensation they always dreamed of, no matter what the age,” said Myrna Blyth, editorial director, AARP. “This is a chance of a lifetime for those who have always believed in their voice, but haven’t had the right opportunity to showcase their talents. We can’t wait to uncover the next 50+ superstar!”

Contestants can submit video entries online through March 12^th and a panel of judges will narrow the field to a group of semi-finalists. The general public will help to determine the top eight finalists via online voting from March 16^th until April 3^rd. Voting is open to all AARP.org registered users and each voter age 45+ (limit 1 vote per day) will be entered for a chance to win a $5,000 sweepstakes*. The eight finalists will travel to Washington D.C. in late April to perform for the judges and then the final five finalists will be flown to Miami to compete in a LIVE singing competition in front of a live audience of AARP members and a celebrity panel of judges during the Life@50+ National Event & Expo. The five finalists will be provided with airfare, hotel for two nights and a $250 gift card as part of the package for advancing to the finals.

Residents of all 50 states including Puerto Rico can enter the contest. Complete contest information, rules and regulations can be found online in English and Spanish at www.aarp.org/superstar2015

*U.S. residents (excluding Florida) who will be age 50 by May 15^th, 2015 are eligible for the sweepstakes.

For more information on AARP Superstar 2015, please visit www.aarp.org/superstar2015

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About AARP
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of nearly 38 million, that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare, employment and income security, retirement planning, affordable utilities and protection from financial abuse. We advocate for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name as well as help our members obtain discounts on a wide range of products, travel, and services.  A trusted source for lifestyle tips, news and educational information, AARP produces AARP The Magazine, the world's largest circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin; www.aarp.org; AARP TV & Radio; AARP Books; and AARP en Español, a Spanish-language website addressing the interests and needs of Hispanics. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates.  The AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more atwww.aarp.org.

CONTACTS:
Carla Clunis, 646-633-4971, carla.clunis@coburnww.com
AARP Media Relations, 202-434-2560, media@aarp.org