BMI announced this week that its 12th Annual Unsigned Urban Showcase will feature headlining performances by Nas, Trey Songz, and up-and-coming singer Novel.

The event will take place on April 23rd at the E.S.S.O Nightclub (1599 Memorial Drive) in Atlanta, GA, at 8 p.m., and is aimed giving some of the most-promising unsigned talent the chance to shine before industry executives.

Hopefuls from across the country vied for a chance to display their talent in front of Atlanta's influential, music community. Showcase finalists were chosen by a group of top BMI songwriters, producers and industry executives from over 300 submissions.

The contenders include songwriting siren Ryn Nicole (San Diego); genre-smashing showman Kameron Corvet (Atlanta); Source Magazine "hyped" MC Rain (NYC); and r&b wranglers 718 (NYC).

Those performers will put on a show before industry professionals, and celebrity judges such as singer/songwriter Dallas Austin; Capitol Records Senior Vice President of Urban Music Leonard Brooks; MySpace Records President of Urban Music Marquis Collins; manager and Imani Entertainment Group CEO Manny Halley; Def Jam Recordings Executive Vice President Chris Hicks; Polo Grounds Music President and RCA Music Group Senior Vice President of Urban Bryan Leach; and veteran manager Jimmy Roesmond.

The festivities are open to the public, but attendees must be 21-years-old with valid identification. For $25 limited advance tickets and table reservations, call (404) 378-1095.

BMI will also present the Legends of ATL Award to a community leader, recognizing his or her contributions to the Atlanta music scene. Past recipients of the prestigious honor include Big Oomp, Organized Noize and Dallas Austin.