Voting has now opened for 2007’s Heineken Thirst Studio Global Sessions. Now in it’s fifth year, the diverse musical contest event hosted by hip-hop superstar Kanye West, takes place in Las Vegas from May 25 – 27.

Worldwide DJs and artists, from as far apart as Hungary and Singapore will be competing for the chance to record their music – with experienced artists to guide them – at world-renowned Palm Studios.

They also get first hand experience of playing massive venues and inside knowledge about the business from those that have already found huge success.

For the past year, Heineken’s Global Thirst Sessions have been holding events to find the best emerging talent to invite to the final session this weekend. Since the concept started in 2002, nearly 300,000 people have attended these shows.

This year’s finalists include Innerlight from Indonesia and DJ Ali Ajami from Dubai. The winners selected from each country are now working on new tracks to bring to the Vegas’ judging panel. There is also a People’s Choice award – see below for the link to cast your vote.

The judging panel, as well as Kanye West, will include superstar DJ Paul Oakenfold and US award-winning DJ duo Gabriel and Dresden. Old-skool Hip Hop group Gym Class heroes will also be appearing.

Oakenfold comments that: “the concept of Thirst Studio is a great platform for our industry because it allows up and coming talent to interact with artists with more experience and to explore a world that they’re passionate about.”

The Sessions are attempting to create a unique collaboration between rocker, dancers, hip-hoppers and producers; to create amazing live experiences whatever the genre.

The Thirst Studio Global Winner will be exclusively announced at a private event in Las Vegas at Tao Night Club this Friday (May 25).

Go here to cast your vote – and grab a chance to win a Zune MP3 player!

Pic credit: Associated Press