This Grammy-Nominated Country Favorite Is Giving One Artist a Huge Career Boost
Just in time for CMA Fest, SoFi is rolling out a major new national initiative aimed at uplifting the next generation of musicians.
Launching April 15, the company is introducing the "Amplify Your Ambitions" Contest in partnership with the Country Music Association and multi-platinum star Kelsea Ballerini. The nationwide competition will award one grand prize winner $200,000, with two additional artists each receiving $50,000.
The contest will culminate in a live performance event in Nashville during CMA Fest, giving finalists a high-profile stage in one of country music's biggest moments.
The initiative directly targets one of the biggest hurdles facing musicians today: financial instability. With many artists self-funding their careers-and often taking on debt to do so-SoFi is positioning the program as a blend of music, mentorship, and financial empowerment.
"Kelsea knows firsthand what it takes to build a career in music," the announcement notes, highlighting her role in helping identify artists who show both creative passion and a strong sense of direction.
The contest will feature a live judging moment with a panel that spans both music and finance, including:
- Kelsea Ballerini
- Vivian Tu, SoFi's Chief of Financial Empowerment
- Shane McAnally
Three finalists will be selected by SoFi, with the final winner determined through a combination of judge input and public voting. The winner will be revealed June 4 following a live performance event in Nashville.
How to Enter: Aspiring artists can apply between April 15 and April 30. To be considered, entrants must submit:
- A short video (up to 3 minutes) explaining how they'd use the $200,000
- A 30–60 second performance of an original song
- A brief written essay
- Applicants must be 18 or older, U.S. residents, and have a registered SoFi account.
The announcement also reinforces SoFi's ongoing role as presenting sponsor of CMA Fest, extending its involvement beyond the festival stage and into artist development.
With significant prize money and national exposure on the line, the Amplify Your Ambitions Contest is shaping up to be a major opportunity for rising talent looking to break through.
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This story was originally published April 14, 2026 at 9:00 PM.