Poplar Bluff, Missouri - Southeast Missouri’s own talent show is making a comeback this spring, as “Show Me Whatcha Got” returns to Poplar Bluff for a second season. The show, which sold out the Tinnin Center last February, is promising to have an even bigger run this year, with more contestants, more shows, and a $1,000 grand prize on the line.

“Show Me Whatcha Got” will hold its first round of online-based auditions from Jan. 21 to Feb. 21. All types of acts are welcomed. Contestants who cannot submit online will also be able to attend recorded audition sessions on Jan. 26 and Feb. 9, held 9 am to 3 pm at the Tinnin Center in Poplar Bluff.

Selected acts will then perform in front of a four-judge panel in two live shows on Apr. 6. The top 12 acts will move on to compete in the final show on June 1, with the $1,000 grand prize winner selected by audience text message vote.

“I’m incredibly excited to see this year’s shows,” said Mitch Davis, the show’s creator and a member of the “Show Me Whatcha Got” judging panel. “We had a great turnout last year, and I’m anticipating a talented, diverse set of contestants this season. We haven’t even opened auditions yet, but we’ve already gotten dozens of people showing interest in competing.’

Davis created the show in late 2011, as a response to the popularity of national TV shows like “America’s Got Talent.” The first competition, which ended in February of 2012, exceeded even Davis’ best expectations, attracting 50 competitors and selling out the Tinnin Center.

Tanisha Jones, a singer, wowed the judges and audience for the grand prize, and is scheduled to return as a guest performer at this season’s final show.  Also returning from 2012’s show is judge Tabitha Pierce, who is being joined this year by newcomers Leeza Edmundson and Adam Davis.

“As a musician myself, I noticed that there were all of these talented people around me with nowhere to show off their skills,” Davis said. “There was this void, waiting to be filled. Now, performers from all over Southeast Missouri have a professional, high-quality venue to perform in. We’re also going to be spending the two months between auditions and the live show coaching performers, to help them be at their best for the audience.”

While “Show Me Whatcha Got” is Davis’ brainchild, he said that the secret to the show’s success is its roots in the local community. Both seasons of the contest have been sponsored by local businesses, as well as Three Rivers College. The show is held at the Tinnin Center in Poplar Bluff, and both the judging panel and production staff are made up of local volunteers.

“The community has been really enthusiastic about showing its support for the show,” said Abby Eaker, one of the show’s executive producers. “It helps that they know that it’s produced by people like them, for people like them. With all the help we've been getting, it’s been no problem to get season two off the ground.”

Potential contestants are encouraged to submit audition videos online at smwgtalent@gmail.com, or attend one of the recorded audition sessions.

Online submissions should include name, age, city of residence, and what the contestant would use the prize money for. For more information, go to facebook.com/showmewhatchagot, twitter.com/showmewhatchagot, or call 573-300-1412.