online auditions
Do you have what it takes to grace the stage at Birthday Bash 2026? Submit your video to win a trip to Atlanta, GA to perform at Birthday Bash and be crowned The Athlete of the Mic!
eligibility + video requirements
Please make sure your video meets the following requirements:
- Clean version (no cursing or foul language)
- 2 minutes max length.
*any cursing/foul language will be automatic disqualification.
*contestants must be 18 years or older to audition and enter the contest.
live auditions
Atlanta
Saturday, May 2nd
2pm - 5pm
OPIUM
990 Brady Avenue NW
Atlanta, GA 30318
*all music must be clean, original and on a thumb or flash drive (no exceptions)
The Athlete of the Mic (TAOTM) is a nationwide talent competition that gives rising artists the chance to perform on one of the biggest stages in hip-hop—Hot 107.9’s Birthday Bash. Since launching in Atlanta in 2015, TAOTM has grown into a multi-city event, with live auditions held in key TAF markets like Raleigh, New Orleans, Charlotte, Norfolk, and Dallas.
To expand access, online auditions were introduced, allowing artists from across the country to compete for the crown. One winner—The Athlete of the Mic—receives an all-expense-paid trip to Atlanta to perform at Birthday Bash.
For 2026, live auditions will be held in Atlanta and two finalists will be selected.
The two (2) finalists from the Atlanta live auditions and two (2) finalists from online submissions will battle it out on stage at the Who’s Hot contest in Atlanta on Thursday, May 21st. The winner earns the title of The Athlete of the Mic and a performance slot on the Main Stage at Hot 107.9’s Birthday Bash on Sunday, May 24th!
past winners
Bishop Bee
2025
Dreek Jones
2024
Digital Young Kingz
2023
marv.p
2022
lil wave daddy
2019
bobby beige
(co-winner)
2018
krook
(co-winner)
2018
meechie ro
2017
tesh
2016
guap gambino
2015
Birthday Bash ATL 2026 celebrates 30 years of hip-hop history as HOT 107.9 brings Atlanta’s most iconic concert back to State Farm Arena on Sunday, May 24. The 30th Anniversary edition marks three decades of music, culture, and the city that helped shape hip-hop’s global sound.
Headlining the historic night is Atlanta legend T.I., delivering a milestone hometown performance celebrating 20 years of his groundbreaking album King and the cult-classic film ATL. The celebration continues with powerhouse performances from Gucci Mane, Waka Flocka Flame, 2 Chainz, Soulja Boy, Travis Porter, and Pastor Troy, with more artists to be announced.
For three decades, Birthday Bash ATL has served as a proving ground and celebration stage for hip-hop — breaking new artists, reuniting legends, and reflecting the heartbeat of the culture. The 2026 anniversary promises unforgettable moments, surprise collaborations, and once-in-a-lifetime energy as Atlanta’s influence on music and culture takes center stage once again.
our partners
contest rules
The Athlete of the Mic contest (“Contest”) will begin on April 1, 2026 and end on May 13, 2026 (“Contest Period”). This Contest will be conducted online and on-site. There will be a total of four (4) finalists from the Online and On-site (two (2) from on-line submissions; two (2) from the on-site audition). The four (4) finalists will perform live at Hot 107.9 Who’s Hot Competition in Atlanta. One(1) grand prize winner will be selected from among the finalists. The grand prize winner will be awarded a performance spot on the main stage at Hot 107.9 Birthday Bash as State Farm Arena.
*Contestants must be 18 years or older to audition and enter the contest.