The Gospel Music Channel is once again partnering with FameCast Media to present a battle of the bands contest organized by the American Heart Association Team to raise awareness about stroke prevention through a fun, competitive, digital entertainment experience.

Stroke is America’s number three killer and leading cause of sever, long-term disability. As a part of its Power to End Stroke campaign, the American Heart Association plans to educate people through music, by bringing choirs across America together for the online competition.

“As soon as the opportunity was presented to us, we thought of our old Indie Spotlight contest partner –FameCast Media. We knew that together, working in conjunction with the American Stroke Association we could do a lot to raise awareness about stroke and stroke prevention in a fun, entertaining and interesting way. We hope that we can reach, inspire and educate people on this important topic,” said Philip Manwaring, GMC vice president of digital media.

The three month contest runs from now until April 6, and encourages choir groups to raise their voices and inspire others through their submissions.

Short video or audio files can be uploaded to the Most Powerful Voices Contest web page and will be accepted until March 9. The top 100 choirs will move to the second round based on the number of fan votes they receive. Between March 10 and 20 that number will be narrowed down to the top 20 choirs based on which groups can gain the most attention and votes through social networking.

Round three will see music industry judges review the top 20 and chose their top 10 selections. Afterward public voting will reopen for the fans to chose the top choir in both the large and small choir categories.

Winners will have the opportunity to perform live at the 2010 Power Awards in New York City as well, your choir could win $5000 in keyboards and recoding gear from Roland. The two winning choirs could also be featured on the Gospel Music Channel and have the chance to be coached by EMI Gospel artist Myron Butler.

“Everyone knows someone, a family member, a close friend, a co-worker who has experienced the life-changing effects of a stroke. As the nation’s leading Christian/Gospel music television network and no. 1 website, supporting the American Stroke Association was an easy decision to make” said Manwaring.