[citation needed] The new management team implemented significant changes to the submissions process, voting, advertising and PR which they feel make it a far more Musician-Friendly Competition.

It is a new style format, with 21st-century technology and Stadia and Live Music venues forming the basis of auditions and finals.

The first regional final is set to take place at Sunderlands Stadium of Light after a length of 5 years off the scene.

[8] The overall winner of the competition is offered a recording and a management contract, as well as an investment to release a single.

The Live and Unsigned judging panels have included: The 2007 Grand Final was held in May 2007 at Portsmouth Guildhall to an audience of 2,200[19][20] and the competition was divided into age categories.

[13] Category winners for 2010 included rock band Underline The Sky, acoustic act Sam Garrett, and alternative group We Beat The System.

The Live Fest event also included performances from Zane Lowe, The Hoosiers, Tinchy Stryder, Roll Deep, Tempa T, The Guillemots, Funeral For A Friend, and Kids In Glass Houses.

[24] Another winner in 2011 was overall runner-up Lucy Spraggan, who was initially offered a festival slot in Australia as part of her prize.

[38][39] Molly Smitten-Downes won the Urban/Pop category, winning herself a slot at Sundown Festival as well as free studio time.

[38][40] CoCo and the Butterfields won the Indie/Alternative category, winning themselves a £2,000 Fret King endorsement, a free TC Electronic amp and a festival slot at Tour Music Fest in Rome.