Simon Cowell Wants You to Be the Next YouTube Star

Whether you're an exceptional singer or a budding stand-up comic, now you have the chance to be the next big YouTube star, with the help of celebrity singing-competition judge Simon Cowell

YouTube is partnering with Cowell's company Syco to launch the first-ever online global talent competition. Over the next 12 months, YouTubers will be able to upload a video to reveal their skills and talents — from cooking and fashion styling to singing and dancing — via The You Generation channel.

The competition will launch in 26 countries, starting Wednesday March 20, and run for 52 weeks.

"Every submission will be judged by Syco executives and experts in the relevant field," YouTube said in a statement. "Finalists will be chosen every two weeks with the winner being announced on the second Friday of every contest."