32 Finalists, in a variety of Christian genres, will be selected to go to Charlotte later this year to appear on the television program, which will begin airing in January 2009. The contestants will be judged on several aspects, including, (but not limited to): ministry, vocal quality, tone, pitch, and song selection. Groups will also be judged on harmony, blend, and cohesiveness. Judges for the National Finals will include celebrity artists and music industry professionals. Past judges have included Russ Lee, Janet Paschal, Tammy Trent, Bob Carlisle, Kim Hopper, Maurette Brown Clark and Michelle Williams.
The winner of the seventh season will record with the Grammy®-nominated and Dove Award-winning Lamon Records and Dave Moody Productions.
The Inspiration Networks originated, sponsored, and produced C.A.T.S., which debuted in 2003 before Fox's American Idol.
