The FA is launching a ‘Battle of the Bands’ style initiative to find an official FA Cup Anthem for this season’s competition.

A six-strong shortlist of some of the UK’s biggest music acts will battle it out to produce the soundtrack to the world’s oldest domestic football competition, with the decision in the hands of the British public.

Amongst the contenders hoping to record the first official FA Cup Anthem are MOBO-award-winning rapper Lethal Bizzle – cousin of former England U17 and Arsenal star Emmanuel Frimpong, VMA-nominated grime artist Devlin and Leeds rockers The Pigeon Detectives.

The initiative is part of a series of planned events to mark The FA’s 150th anniversary, showcasing the organisation’s commitment to supporting football since 1863.

Running from the Third Round Proper of this season’s competition, the initiative will see the shortlisted acts perform live at selected football grounds across the country, with fans voting for the official Anthem after the Semi-Finals.

The search for the Anthem kicks off at Upton Park on Saturday, when Lethal Bizzle performs his track ‘Not A Saint’ with Vato Gonzalez & Donae’o ahead of the tie between West Ham United and Manchester United.

Further music acts and performances will be announced ahead of each additional round as far as the Semi-Finals, with the winning track chosen before The Final.

The winning composition will then greet the teams as they step on to the Wembley turf for The FA Cup with Budweiser Final on 11 May 2013.

Fans will be given the chance to vote for their favourite on The FA Cup website in the lead up to The Final. 

Voting will be open for three weeks ahead of The FA Cup Final, from 15 April to 5 May 2013, with the winner announced on Monday 6 May, 2013.

Videos of each performance and artist updates will be available to view on The FA Cup website and on the official FA Cup Facebook page after each round.