Can’t make it out to the next American Idol or The Voice audition? That’s alright! You can still show off your vocal skills and compete for recognition in one of the many online singing contests put on across the country. Below are several worth checking out!
- The Hal Leonard Vocal Competition: The only vocal competition for all of North America aimed at young singers ages 23 and under, this is one of the first legitimate online singing competitions created. There is no entry fee, making it accessible to all qualified North American singers. Video auditions are all submitted through YouTube. Prizes include cash and gift certificates.
- The Lyndon Woodside Oratorio-Solo Competition: For the under-30 crowd, this international solo competition focuses exclusively on oratorio singing (lengthy musical pieces that tell a story and are typically religious in nature). Initial entries and rounds are online, however finals are held at Carnegie Hall in New York City with substantial cash prizes are awarded.
- Singist: For those 18 and up, Singist offers monthly online singing competitions. You can audition to be entered in the monthly contest for free, or sign up for a “Performer Plan” at $4 per month and enter yourself. Video submissions must be original, featuring any song or genre you choose, and not posted on any other site (such as YouTube). Registered Singist users vote on a monthly winner, and social media sharing is encouraged. Small cash prizes in the $5-25 range are awarded to monthly winners.
- MacroDazzle: MacroDazzle accepts a cappella, karaoke, sing-along, and even self-accompanied singing from contestants of all ages. Competitors over 18 are eligible for cash prizes, and minors are eligible for gift certificates and non-monetary prizes. A $16 entry fee is required for cash contests.
Tips for Entering an Online Singing Contest
When entering an online singing contest, keep in mind that the devil is in the details. Pay strict attention to application deadlines, application requirements, submission formats (tapes, CDs, YouTube videos, etc.), required music genres, and rules to avoid being disqualified or forced to wait until the next competition. Also, be aware you may need all or many of the following items to complete you submission: proof of age (birth certificate or passport), application fee, photo, biographical material, letter of recommendation from your voice instructor, and parent permission forms for minors. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to ask your singing instructor for help!
Preparing for Your Online Singing Contest
While singing in the shower is a great start, your most essential prep tool for an online singing contest is a great voice teacher. A skilled voice teacher can aid your performance in many ways, teaching you about proper breathing, improving your tone quality and vocal range, and more. Don’t have a singing instructor? It’s never too late. Find one in your area today and you’re sure to see your abilities rise exponentially!
Ready to put in a ringing performance? Court the judges with your singing talents in an online singing contest today!
Photo by U.S. Army
Suzy S.