Who will perform at iHeart’s Jingle Ball Village, get mentored by Grammy Winners and Win $10,000? You decide!
Oh! The Manatee
Must finish first in their group to advance to the Semifinals.
BONUS MENTORSHIP OPPORTUNITY Must be first in their group on Monday, 11/16 at 11:59 PM ET / 8:59 PM PT for a chance to be selected for a one-on-one mentorship with Kevin Jonas Sr. (The Jonas Brothers, Demi Lovato).
Voting for this round ends on November 19, 2026 at 10:00 PM EST
About Oh! The Manatee
Based in the Midwest, OTM has been moving since the day we were founded. In just one year together, playing 50 shows, winning “Best Local Band 2026”, and appearing in Cincinnati magazine, we know the best is yet to come. We are hungry for gold.
Performances & Content from Oh! The Manatee
Halfway
Garnet
Captain Captain
Learn More About Oh! The Manatee
What makes you the Next Music Star?
Oh! The Manatee has been building momentum as an independent band while balancing college, work, and music. In 2026, we were honored to be voted "Best Local Band of 2026" by readers of the The News Record in Cincinnati.  We've independently released our debut EP, Catalyze, and continue to perform throughout the region while growing our audience both in person and online. Our music blends alternative, indie, and pop rock influences, and every release reflects our commitment to strong songwriting and meaningful live performances.  We're proud of what we've accomplished as a completely independent band, and we're excited about what's next. OTM is releasing a new single on NOVEMBER 13th called 'Captain Captain.' This opportunity paired with a new release would help us continue expanding our reach, releasing new music, and representing the Cincinnati music scene on a larger stage.
What do you love about music and performing?
We thrive off crowd energy. There's nothing like playing a song and feeling the room react in real time. A live show creates a connection that you can't get from streaming music through headphones. Some of our favorite moments as a band have been watching people sing along, dance, or come up after a set to tell us a song resonated with them. Those interactions remind us why we do this. We love writing and recording music, but performing is where everything comes together and the songs take on a life of their own.
Who are your biggest music inspirations and dream collaborators?
Our biggest inspiration is The Backseat Lovers. They've shown how far great songwriting, authentic performances, and a strong connection with fans can take a band. Their music has had a huge influence on how we approach writing songs and building our sound. We'd love the opportunity to collaborate with them someday, but honestly, even opening a show for them would be a dream. Being able to share a stage with a band that's inspired us so much would be an incredible experience and a full-circle moment for us.
What would you do with the $10,000 Grand Prize?
We would use the $10,000 to help expand where we can perform. As an independent band, transportation is one of the biggest barriers to playing shows outside our local area. The money would help us invest in reliable transportation and cover the costs that come with traveling to new markets. That means more opportunities to perform, reach new audiences, and grow our fanbase beyond Cincinnati. We'd also use a portion of the prize to support future releases and promotion, but our main goal would be getting our music in front of as many people as possible through live shows. Every mile we can travel is another opportunity to connect with new listeners and continue growing Oh! The Manatee.
Vote for Oh! The Manatee
Participation supports Musicians On Call, a 501(c)(3) charity, which brings live and recorded music to the bedsides of patients, families and caregivers in healthcare environments.
How It Works
Free votes
Get 1 free vote daily. Verify yourself through your mobile phone number to make sure you're a real human.
Cast Charity Votes to Help Your Favorite Entrant While Supporting Musicians On Call
These votes benefit Musicians On Call. The best part? There's no limit on how many you can buy!
Confirm payment
Confirm and complete payment if needed.
Share
Share the profile to invite your friends to vote!