Two local artists placed first in their respective categories in the recent Unsigned Only Music Competition, culled from nearly 7,500 entries internationally. Ms. Monét of Sylmar took first place in vocal performance, while Young Clipp of North Hollywood took first place in the R&B/Hip-Hop category. “Winning it was such a ‘What?’ moment for me… That’s pretty cool considering how many people entered,” said Ms. Monét. The competition was judged by members of band 3 Doors Down, Kelly Clarkson, Robert Smith of The Cure, Kenny Rogers, and Cyndi Lauper, among others. The grand-prize winner, Lara Johnson of San Francisco, will receive $5,000 cash, mentoring from music industry executives and social media and marketing services. The first-place winners will receive, among other things, social media and marketing services and on-stage sound environment equipment. But for Ms. Monét, the prize can’t be measured in money or management. “Right now, for me, it’s been completely bragging rights,” she said. “It’s affirmed that I’m doing it right — to keep working and to keep honing my craft.” Ms. Monét, real name Conesha Monét Owens, remains unsigned, but has regularly toured as backup and featured vocals for acts such as Boz Skaggs, Michael MacDonald and Faith Hill. She has traveled extensively to perform at Jazz Festivals around the world and was a backing vocalist on Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On.” For her winning entry, Monét sang a cover of the Billy Vera & The Beaters song “At This Moment.” –Kelly Goff