Detroit native Kid Rock has joined local music experts and representatives from professional sports teams as part of an 11-member panel of judges to determine the 10 semifinalists for the FOX Sports Detroit’s April in the D song contest.
 
Among the panel members will be Red Wings defenseman Brad Stuart. The individuals on the guest panel are working this week to narrow the overall field of 50 musical acts down to the top 10. 
 
Beginning Feb. 21, Detroit’s sports and music fans can vote online at FoxSportsDetroit.com to determine the three finalists. The finalists will undergo another round of online voting to determine the grand prize winner, which will be announced April 1. The winning band receives $5,000 and the honor of delivering the song that will promote FOX Sports Detroit’s April the D campaign that celebrates the city’s passion for sports and the welcomed arrival of springtime. All three finalists receive a professional recording session valued at $1,000.
 
Entrants were required to submit a music video of no longer than 3 minutes, 30 seconds that incorporates a sports theme focusing on Detroit’s teams and the phrase April in the D. Entries are judged based on creative lyrical use, production quality and originality.
 
Kid Rock’s involvement in the guest panel is another example of his love of all things Detroit. His recent hit song "Times Like These", a ballad to the resiliency of the Motor City and its citizens, was used during the APRIL IN THE D Song Contest call for entries period.