Offical Rules

How It Will Work:

The entirety of the Voice of Arcadia competition will take place on September 28th from 9am-6pm.

The first round will take place from 9am-12 pm. Specific time slots will be sent out to competitors on September 26th after registration concludes.

On September 28th, shortly after the first round concludes (approx. 1pm), competitors will receive an email that will let them know if they have or have not advanced to the second round.

Regardless of advancement, we invite all competitors to join us in the audience for the second round that will begin at 3pm.

Eligibility: 

  • We invite Arcadia Academy of Music students above the age of 7 as of December 2024 (born in 2017) to apply.
  • There is no age limit.
  • Contestants will be divided into two categories:

– Voice of Arcadia Junior 2024  (12 & under)
– Voice of Arcadia Senior 2024  (13 & up)

Fee:

An entry fee of $45 will apply to all participants, regardless of advancement to the second round. We encourage all competitors to stay and enjoy the second round performances as spectators. There will be a $5.00 entry fee to attend Round 2 for all non-participants.

Entry Limitation:

  • Entries will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • A maximum number of entries will be determined, and participants will be notified as entries are received.

The Process:

*Please note: If your child doesn’t thrive in competitive environments, we advise against participation. While our competition is designed to be enjoyable and exhilarating, it does involve a competitive aspect*

  • The Voice of Arcadia competition will consist of two rounds. The first round will be a closed audition in front of a panel of three judges. Each competitor will perform the first verse and chorus of their chosen song, a cappella.
  • Competitors that advance to the second round will be notified approximately an hour after the first round concludes via email.
  • If a competitor does not show up to the second round, we will assume they are not continuing with the competition.
  • The second round will be open to the public ($5 admission tickets will be sold at the door), and competitors will sing their song with a backing track.
  • After the judges deliberate, a winner will be chosen as well as two runner ups.

Song Choice:

Competitors will sing any verse and chorus, a capella, of their chosen song in the first round. We suggest they work with their instructors to choose the part of the song that will best showcase their voice.

*Any use of profanity, and mature content is strictly prohibited and will result in immediate disqualification*.

  • Duets are not permitted.
  • Original songs, musical theater and classical songs are not permitted.
  • Competitors must upload mp3 backing tracks to be used for the second round upon registration. Competitors should also have their backing tracks on hand on a USB for the day of the competition.
  • Backing tracks should not include backing vocals.
  • Backing track proof of purchase must be provided if asked for on hand.
  • Self accompaniment is not permitted.
  • Repertoire changes will not be permitted after the registration deadline.

Criteria:

  • A panel of three qualified and esteemed judges will make deliberations.
  • Competitors will be judged on musicianship and artistry, stage presence, star potential, showmanship, and quality of originality of performance.
  • Feedback will not be provided.

Dress Code:

Competitors are encouraged to showcase their individuality.

Prizes:

Our winners and runner ups will receive prizes that are shown on the “prizes” page. See the prizes here.