- Kia launches an online video contest based around the Soul.
- Contestants are invited to post videos on YouTube.
- Fan judging begins August 20; winner takes home $10,000.
IRVINE, California — Kia Motors America is going "in search of the next big Internet star" with its $10,000 Who's Next? contest on YouTube. Built around the Kia Soul, the online talent search runs through the end of September.
YouTube viewers are being invited to submit videos themed around the Soul. Videos will be posted on the Kia Soul video channel on YouTube, with fan judging to begin August 20.
Videos also will be judged by YouTube celebrities SMOSH, ShayCarl and Lisa Nova, whose combined channels have more than 640 million video views and 2.62 million subscribers.
The top eight entries selected by the judges will be entered into a three-round voting process, with two finalists selected by viewers. The finalists will be flown to Los Angeles for the announcement of the $10,000 grand prize winner.
Michael Sprague, Kia's vice president of marketing and communications, observed: "Social media is an important part of the marketing strategy for Soul, and engaging passionate enthusiasts in this space creates additional opportunities to build buzz through a new, interactive experience."
Inside Line says: A shameless rip-off of American Idol and other similar "talent searches." — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
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tom297 says:
11:47 AM, 09/22/2010
The two finalists in the Kia Soul Who's Next? contest have been announced. You can see their latest videos and vote on your favorite by 9/24 at Kia Soul's YouTube channel - http://www.youtube.com/kiasoul
gmhl10 says:
11:33 PM, 07/27/2010
Well... I guess it's time for me to put on that hamster costume.
rodger_victor says:
10:05 PM, 07/27/2010
For ten grand you could probably buy six crappy KIA's.