Disclosed are systems and methods for identifying talent via local, national, or worldwide talent competitions, which eliminate or minimize the costs and/or risks of identifying such talent and generate significant charitable donations. In one aspect of the present invention, artists' or bands' songs are made available to critics such as members of the public via mediums such as the Internet, radio, and television. Such individuals provide feedback during successive phases of the talent identification process, and artists and/or bands with the greatest public appeal advance to the final stages of the process. Ultimately, the artist or band receiving the most favorable feedback is awarded with, for example, a record deal. Throughout the process, revenue is generated via a variety of methods including voting/critiquing fees, advertising, promotional items, and the like. In some aspects of the present invention, at least a portion of such revenue is donated to charity.