1.

Time restricts competition to 100 competitors. Registration is based on a first-come, first served basis, and on the following guidelines:

A waiting list will be implemented. At deadline (April 1, 2008) categories will be filled to a total of 100 competitors total.
If there are insufficient entries for any one category, the committee reserves the right to: 1) combine male and female participants for that category and/or 2) advance them directly to the final round.

2.

Contestants must be a Canadian citizen, have proof of age and have amateur status.

3.

Contestants must sing two songs of their choice in the following order: 1st song - slow tempo, 2nd song - up tempo. Your selection must be country as accepted by the Judges.

4.

Both songs must be completed within 6 1/2 minutes.

5.

Singers must perform with the band supplied and may use a non-microphoned acoustic guitar to play along with the band (no props allowed). Contestants must use the microphone provided. Talking on stage is restricted to thank you’s.

6.

A good quality CD of each song plus typed lyrics for each song is required with your entry form. (The CD will be returned at the time of your rehearsal) The band does all the chord charts for a fee of $10 per song.

7.

Singers will be allowed one false start without penalty in the preliminaries only. Twenty-five points will be deducted off total score for false starts in the finals.

8.

The top five performers in each category will move to the finals. In the event of a tie the best sound quality mark determines the winner. A tie in the finals will be decided by the highest mark from the first round.

9.

The top three singers in the finals are awarded the prize money.

10.

Multiple Year Winners:  A first place finish two consecutive years in a row will eliminate the contestant from performing in that category for one year.

11.

All contestants may enter one class only.

12.

Contestants will be judged on sound quality, interpretation, presentation and stage presence.

13.

During the contest, failure to appear after being called three times will result in disqualification.

14.

The back up band for each category will play for that category throughout the entire competition. Song selection may not be changed after April 15, 2008.

15.

JUDGES DECISIONS ARE FINAL. Judges will mark for the entire category on either the first round or finals.

16.

Contestants agree that photographs taken by Blyth Festival or local news media may be used for promotional purposes without further payment.

17.

The finals on Sunday will be recorded by am920 for possible broadcast on a date to be determined. Portions of this recording may also be placed on the Blyth Festival or am920 website for promotional purposes. Contestants are not guaranteed placement in the programme and contestants will not receive payment for this broadcast.
 

12 & Under Karaoke