Rules for Live Finals
Get song title and lyric approval by emailing [email protected]. Please include song name, artist, lyrics, and any lyric changes you want to make. We will reply to let you know within a day or so if your song and lyrics are approved. We may ask finalists to submit a different song or substitute lyrics if we feel the need.
Submission Deadline for Song and Minus Track
Once your song title and lyrics are approved, finalists using minus tracks must email their track to [email protected] by the song submission deadline that will be given or be eliminated without a refund.
Song Changes
Song Length
Finalists will sing one song between 2:30 to 3:30 minutes (time starts when music starts and ends when music stops). Points will be deducted if song is overtime.
Covers and Original Songs
Finalists may sing a cover of another artist’s song or their own original song.
Acceptable Genres
All genres acceptable except heavy rock, metal, or songs with an excessive, heavy beat.
Duplicate Songs
We will not allow duplication of songs for the live finals. The order that finalists send in their songs will determine who has first choice of that song. For this reason, finalists should have an alternate song in mind.
Acceptable Accompaniment Types
Live Accompaniment Requirements
Minus Track Requirements
Tracks Must be Purchased From These Specific Sources
For copyright reasons, it is required that all minus tracks be purchased from the sources below. Exceptions have been made in cases where music owners give specific permissions. FYI: ProSound and Musical Creations have some pre-cut, competition-length songs on their sites.
Cutting Tracks
Cut tracks must be professional-sounding (no abrupt or unnatural-sounding cuts). A FREE music editing program called "Audacity" is available to download online. If you want help cutting your track, please contact a recording studio (most edits can be done by email) and the fee is usually between $30–$40.
Key Changes
Be aware that key changes made to a minus track can sometimes cause the music to sound distorted. Compare the key-changed track to the original track to hear the difference in sound quality.
Emergency Backup CD
Finalists should bring a copy of their song on a labeled CD to the competition (don’t turn it in).
- Exposure through the Winners' Profiles featured on our website
Get song title and lyric approval by emailing [email protected]. Please include song name, artist, lyrics, and any lyric changes you want to make. We will reply to let you know within a day or so if your song and lyrics are approved. We may ask finalists to submit a different song or substitute lyrics if we feel the need.
Submission Deadline for Song and Minus Track
Once your song title and lyrics are approved, finalists using minus tracks must email their track to [email protected] by the song submission deadline that will be given or be eliminated without a refund.
Song Changes
- Due to the song screening process, there may be a fee to change songs after you have already received song approval (whether using minus tracks or self-accompanied). Please request the song change by email before sending a new track.
- Because all minus tracks are burned onto one CD prior to the live finals, no song changes will be accepted after the song submission deadline.
Song Length
Finalists will sing one song between 2:30 to 3:30 minutes (time starts when music starts and ends when music stops). Points will be deducted if song is overtime.
Covers and Original Songs
Finalists may sing a cover of another artist’s song or their own original song.
Acceptable Genres
All genres acceptable except heavy rock, metal, or songs with an excessive, heavy beat.
Duplicate Songs
We will not allow duplication of songs for the live finals. The order that finalists send in their songs will determine who has first choice of that song. For this reason, finalists should have an alternate song in mind.
Acceptable Accompaniment Types
- Minus Tracks (see requirements below)
- Live accompaniment incl. piano (there is a grand piano on stage), acoustic guitar, ukulele, banjo, etc.
- A cappella (not recommended for soloists)
- No electric guitars (acoustic electric is allowed)
Live Accompaniment Requirements
- Get song title and lyrics approved before finalizing song.
- Carefully time song & tell us exact length (must be between 2:30 to 3:30).
- Soloists may have one instrument (self-accompanied or provide your own accompanist).
- Groups must get approval for more than one instrument (only one outside accompanist).
Minus Track Requirements
- Get song title and lyrics approved before cutting or emailing track to us.
- Keep within 2:30 to 3:30 song length (see "Cutting Tracks" below).
- NO BACKUP VOCALS or voices are allowed on the track whatsoever.
- Tracks must be purchased from one of the 3 sources listed below.
- Email track and purchase receipt to [email protected]
Tracks Must be Purchased From These Specific Sources
For copyright reasons, it is required that all minus tracks be purchased from the sources below. Exceptions have been made in cases where music owners give specific permissions. FYI: ProSound and Musical Creations have some pre-cut, competition-length songs on their sites.
Cutting Tracks
Cut tracks must be professional-sounding (no abrupt or unnatural-sounding cuts). A FREE music editing program called "Audacity" is available to download online. If you want help cutting your track, please contact a recording studio (most edits can be done by email) and the fee is usually between $30–$40.
Key Changes
Be aware that key changes made to a minus track can sometimes cause the music to sound distorted. Compare the key-changed track to the original track to hear the difference in sound quality.
Emergency Backup CD
Finalists should bring a copy of their song on a labeled CD to the competition (don’t turn it in).