FOX19, Gray Media launch Star-Spangled Sing-off in celebration of America’s 250th birthday

CINCINNATI (WXIX) - Gray Media and FOX19 are launching the Star-Spangled Sing-Off, a contest that invites Americans to send in their best a cappella rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” for a chance to win a big prize.

The contest’s winner will get an all-expenses-paid trip to Nashville to film a performance that will air on FOX19 and all other Gray Media stations across the U.S.

The Star-Spangled Sing-Off contest opened for submissions on Friday, May 1 here: www.fox19.com/page/star-spangled-sing-off/.

The contest is part of Gray’s “We The People” initiative celebrating America’s 250^thbirthday ahead of July 4, 2026.

“We The People” recognizes local commemorations, celebrations and events tied to the nation’s 250^th birthday that showcases hundreds of original stories that connect history to hometown experiences.

Since 2019, FOX19 has aired the National Anthem daily, refreshed most recently in 2024.

Contestants can enter by submitting a video of a complete, solo, a cappella performance of the National Anthem here: www.fox19.com/page/star-spangled-sing-off/, where official rules are also available.

The deadline for submissions is Sunday, May 31. After submissions close, viewers can vote for their favorite local and regional performances. A final winner will be announced on July 2, a couple days before 250^th birthday celebrations.

“The Star-Spangled Sing-Off will put the communities we serve on center stage. We’re excited to discover and spotlight new talent as the nation comes together to celebrate this milestone in American history,” said Gray Media Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Sandy Breland.

FOX19 and other stations owned by Gray Media will broadcast the winning performance later this year.

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