WASHINGTON – It may be extra cold outside, but a sure sign of spring has emerged.

For the first time ever, a singing contest was held Monday night to choose some of the performers for 2014’s National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade, which takes place April 12.

Among those who sent in first-round audition videos, 18 local vocalists or groups were chosen to perform live auditions in front of a panel of judges at D.C.’s Hard Rock Caf