The People’s Choice Talent Showcase
A Platform for Local Talent and Community Engagement
The People’s Choice Talent Showcase is an innovative program designed to discover local talent and engage the community. Inspired by an "American Idol"-style format, it offers individuals the opportunity to pitch their “idea worth sharing” to the curation team and a live audience for a chance to become the next TEDx speaker.
After a thorough vetting process, selected speakers deliver a five-minute pitch during our Salon events. Both the curation team and the audience evaluate the pitches, and the audience votes for the speaker they believe deserves a spot on the TEDx stage.
This process takes place at two Salon events, with the finalists from each competing at a Finale Event. The People’s Choice Winner earns a place at the TEDxUStreetWomen Conference. In addition, the curation team awards Golden Tickets to other standout speakers with exceptional ideas, inviting them to join the main event as well.


Apply
Complete the online application. Make sure you pick which event you want to pitch your idea. There are two opportunities to audition.
Our curation team will review all applications and contact the applicant with next steps & details. Make sure you answer all questions. There may be more than one winner. Check out our FAQ page before you apply.
Pitch Your Idea
During the TEDxUStreetSalon event, the applicant pitches their idea to the audience and curation team. We are not looking for perfection, just someone with an idea worth sharing. Both events includes a Q & A on TED/TEDxUStreetWomen guidelines hosted by the Executive Producer. Once the person becomes the People's Choice Speaker, we will formally train them for our main TEDxUStreetWomen event - usually organized in the Fall.
Voting
Online voting for the speakers will begin after all of the speakers have auditioned at each event. At each event, the audience will vote for the top 5 individuals (semi-finalists). The semi-finalists from each event (total of 10) will compete with each other for the ultimate prize - The People's Choice Winner. If you are not chosen, don't worry, the curation team awards Golden Tickets to individuals who may not get the most votes, but have an idea that deserves to be on stage.
Winner
The People's Choice winner will be announced at the winter event. The winner will become the People's Choice Speaker for the next TEDxUStreetWomen event. This is a guaranteed spot. The winner will not need to apply again to be a speaker.
Unfortunately, our application period has closed! Next cohort begins March 2025!
Don't miss out on the fun—use the button below to cast your vote for the next TEDx speaker! Your voice matters!