One Swift Current resident is reaching for the stars, as he competes in ‘The opening Act,’ a music competition sponsored by Audacity Entertainment. 

The winner of the competition will have the opportunity to perform at an annual concert located at Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, as well as be treated to a meet and greet with major artists, and industry executives, and $10,000. 

Neville Nicol, a resident in Swift Current said that after stumbling upon the competition, he entered his music on a whim. 

“I put my current original songs in the competition to see what happens, you know, on a lark,” he explained. “Time went on, about a month or two went on, and I got an e-mail from them saying that they had selected me. Then another week went by, and they said that I've been hand selected for the for the entire competition.” 

Artists are placed into categories that are dwindled down to the top 20, before competing to place in the top ten and top five spots in their category. 

After the top artist has been selected from each category, artists in second place will compete in a wildcard round and the top two will move on in the competition. 

He added that it was an amazing feeling to be recognized and appreciated for his music. 

“It felt good, you know, to be recognized at least, by a company like that,” he stated. And out of all the people in the United States and Canada, you know they chose me be in the competition.” 

Nicol is currently in 14th place in his category, with voting for the top 20 closing tonight. 

Voting will take place throughout all rounds of competition, up until the final performance at the end of October. 

Vote for Nicol on ‘The Opening Act’ and listen to his music here.