Music Contests - Song Contests - Talent Searches
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Guitar Center Drum-Off 2010 - USA only, $25,000 Grand Prize, sign ups start Aug 1, 2010. Contest is for qualified amateurs, must be 16 years of age or older to compete. Sign up in person at any of the 214 Guitar Center stores, limited number of sign-ups available per store. Drum competition with the goal of finding the next great-undiscovered drummer.

Festival4StarsLive International Songwriting Competition - There are 4 genres to submit to: Pop/Rock/R&B, Singer/Songwriter, Country, Wild Card (for songs that do not fit into any of these i.e. folk, world, new age, etc). All submissions receive written feedback from judges. The 4 overall winners of Heat 3 will receive their cash prize of $300 and their songs will be submitted to the Grand finals in November 2010. The 4 overall Grand Prize winners chosen in November, 2010 will win an all expense paid invitation to attend the International Songwriting Camp in London in January, 2011. Camp will be headed by John McGloughlin and other top credited hit songwriters.

How Sweet The Sound - Verizon's Search for the Best Church Choir in America (2010) - National Choir Competition. Support your community and church choir, or just view choir videos, and vote for your favorite. Vote by August 1st to help your favorite choir advance to regional events.

Ernie Ball Vans Warped Tour Battle of the Bands - "Free to Enter, sign up deadline varies for each particular Vans Warped Tour date (dates listed on website). The Top 100 vote getting bands for each venue will be eligible to win a slot to play live on the Vans Warped Tour. Four bands will be chosen to perform live on the Ernie Ball Stage for each date of the 2010 Vans Warped Tour. The winning artists earn the opportunity to perform on the Ernie Ball Stage at the Summer's largest music festival, The 2010 Vans Warped Tour. The winning bands will play live in their hometown venue in front of thousands of fans alongside main stage headliners and Ernie Ball headlining artists. One band will be eligible to win the Grand Prize consisting of $15,000 Guitar Center Shopping Spree, All Expenses Paid Trip to Hollywood to play live at the Vans Warped Tour After-Party, 2 Week Slot on the 2011 Vans Warped Tour", and more.

Colgate Country Showdown - Annual Country Music Talent Search begins each Spring with over 450 local talent contests sponsored by country music radio stations throughout the US. Winners advance to their respective State competitions held at leading fairs and expositions. Acts then compete for a $1,000 prize, the State Title and the opportunity to advance to one of five Regional Finals. It’s the last step before the prestigious National Final held at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN. The audience cheers on the Regional Winners, as they compete for the Grand Prize of $100,000 and the National Title. A uniform judging system is used at all levels of competition to ensure fairness.

ParamountSong Nashville International Song and Lyric Competition - "Over $100,000 cash & prizes awarded, multiple contests throughout the year (every year). We reward all kinds of songs and lyrics equally... including Traditional Country, Today's Hot Country, Contemporary Christian, Gospel, Pop, Rock, AAA, Alternative, Jazz and Blues. The Nashville Songwriting Connection for songwriters all over the world."

Song of the Year 2010 - Song & Lyric Competition starts March 10, 2010. $100,000 cash and prizes, 600 monthly songwriting contest winners. Annual contest whose "primary focus is to find great songwriters while helping them network with professionals in the music industry. Monthly winners and finalists throughout the year will get their music sent to Record Labels, Music Publishers, management and more. Judges include numerous Grammy Award Winners, Major Record Labels, individuals from Rolling Stone Magazine, professional songwriters and individuals.

John Lennon Songwriting Contest and Maxell Song of the Year - Annual
Session I begins in January, Deadline in June.
Session II begins in June, Deadline in December.
International contest with over $275,000 in cash and prizes. The JLSC is open year-round, open to amateur and professional songwriters, and features two Sessions. Each Session has 12 Grand Prize Winners (one in each category) and 36 Finalists (three in each category). Your songs may be entered in any of the following 12 categories: Rock, Country, Jazz, Pop, World, Rhythm & Blues, Hip Hop, Gospel/Inspirational, Latin, Electronic, Folk, and Children's. Grand Prize Winners of Session I and Session II will compete head-to-head in an online voting battle to become the Lennon Award Winner in their respective category. The 12 Lennon Award Winners will compete for the Maxell Song of the Year.

International Songwriting Competition - ISC 2010 - "All Genres Accepted. Over $150,000 in cash and prizes shared by 65 winners. The International Songwriting Competition (ISC) is an annual song contest whose mission is to provide the opportunity for both aspiring and established songwriters to have their songs heard in a professional, international arena. ISC is designed to nurture the musical talent of songwriters on all levels, and promote excellence in the art of songwriting. Amateur and professional songwriters and musicians are invited to participate. ISC has the most prestigious panel of judges of all the songwriting and music contests in the world, offering exposure and the opportunity to have your songs heard by the most influential decision-makers in the music industry."

Great American Song Contest - Annual. $10,000 in cash plus other prizes. ALL categories offer awards to the Top 5 songwriters — for a total of 45 awards in 9 different songwriting categories. All participating songwriters receive written evaluations of their songs from contest judges who are experienced music-industry pros.

FreeCreditScore.com - Next Band for Commercials - ENDED August 7, 2010. Experian chose a new band to be in their nation-wide TV and cable commercials. Winner gets a $10,000 check and over $12,000 in gear and perks.

Lyric Check Songwriting Contest - all genres and song categories are included, all entries must be original songs. Entry Fee is $29.99 for one song and $49.99 for 2 songs. There is no limit to the number of songs you may enter. The Lyric Check Contest and all affiliate contests are open to both amateur and professional songwriters. A panel of Music Business Professionals will select the winners. Songs will be judged based on composition, lyrics, melody, and originality. The quality of performance and production will not be a consideration. Visit website for information, complete prize lists, and to enter your song! Winners will be announced February 14, 2011.

100% Music Songwriting Contest 2010 - starts in the fourth quarter of 2010. "Several thousand dollars worth of music prizes will be awarded to the winners. Songwriting competition open to all bands, musicians and songwriters, from any part of the world, amateurs or professionals. The competition will be judged by a panel of independent music industry professionals including record label presidents, professional artists, journalists, publishers and producers. Songs are judged primarily on music composition and melody, and production quality is not considered. Contestants can participate in several categories that are related to different music genres. Three winners are chosen per category then 3 overall winners from each first place winner of each category."

OurStage - ongoing monthly contest. upload your music and videos, fans vote, win prizes. OurStage is where music fans can discover, enjoy and reward the best emerging artists - and where the world's artists come to find their fans, get amazing gigs and launch their careers.

The Next Holiday Classic - Annual. Entry Deadline is in November. Beginning in late November, online voters will determine which songs will advance to the final. Cash prize and the opportunity to be presented to major label recording artists for inclusion on their future holiday projects. This is a free internet song contest for original holiday and seasonal songs. Potential additional contests are The Next Wedding Classic, The Next Children's Classic and The Next Patriotic Classic Song Contests.

27th International Blues Challenge - February 2-5, 2011 in Memphis, TN. "The IBC represents an international search by The Blues Foundation and its Affiliated Organizations (mostly blues societies) for the Blues Band and Solo/Duo Blues Act ready to perform on a national stage, but just need that extra break." It's the largest gathering of blues bands in the world.

NSAI/CMT Song Contest - Annual. Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) and Country Music Television (CMT). Submissions accepted August 1st through November 30th, voting starts February 1st and lasts till early March. No cash prizes. Prizes include 2 tickets to CMT Awards, private tour of CMT studios, one single-song publishing contract by a major publisher, Three-day trip to Nashville for one including airfare and hotel, etc.

Billboard World Songwriting Contest - Annual. Winners receive non-cash prizes.

American Accordionists' Association Competition and Festival - July 14-18, 2010 in Harrisburg, PA. Contestants from the U.S., China, Russia, Canada, Mexico, France and Italy compete for cash prizes and a grand prize. Annual event.

Eurovision Song Contest - Oslo 2010 - link is to official website which has original Eurovision TV Song Contest clips, backstage materials, exclusive interviews, updates, press centre, and more.

uPlaya Music Contests - various contest added throughout the year. non-cash prizes plus promotion through uPlaya.

Music Industry Artists Looking For Songs - ongoing, submit songs.

The Jimmie Rodgers Society 2010 Echo Award Video Song Contest - Submissions Deadline: October 15, 2010. Contest is designed to showcase the talents of a wide variety of performers, covering a diverse series of musical genres, each stamping their own unique imprint on a Jimmie Rodgers song. We're looking for great performances, not great video editing. 3 age categories. One winner, along with 2nd and 3rd place finishers, will be chosen in each category. Non-cash prizes: award, memberships, videos posted.

Contests Listed in YouTube - check for DIY Home-Style Music Videos singing contests to Full Production Music Videos competitions to short commercials you make with your music in the background. New contests get added, see past winners.

ISSA Song Contest - no info for 2010. Annual international songwriting competition, 9 categories. Independent Singer Songwriters Association (ISSA).

Briggs & Stratton Battle of the Bands Contest - Ended April 16, 2010. upload a song for users to vote on. If they win, we'll pay their way to come party with us in Milwaukee. We'll fly the winning band out to Summerfest - the world's largest music festival held June 26, 2010, put em in a hotel and let em play their set on stage. Plus give them photos, video and a CD of their performance.

American Idol - Annual Fox TV show & Pop Music singing competition.

America's Got Talent - Annual NBC TV show & Talent Search.

MTV Making The Band

Annual SXSW Showcase (South by Southwest Music Conference) - held in March. South by Southwest Music and Media Conference (SXSW), Austin Music Conference and Festival in Austin, Texas. This is HUGE. "Over 1400 acts showcased last year before more than 8000 registrants from all over the world. Pop, jazz, country, blues, reggae, hip hop, electronica - every imaginable style of music, from nearly every continent - is represented each night at over 50 of Austin's premier stages, many within walking distance of one another."

Fast Track To Fame TV - Internet Music Television for aspiring singers and bands.

Cover vs. Original - online voting site pitting original version songs against various cover versions.

2010 Music Competitions and Talent Contests in Michigan
These Local Listings are added/updated when information is received. TBA means To Be Announced

Phoenix Productions Battle of the Bands - in November 2010, all four Saturdays at Creative 360, 1517 Bayliss St., Midland (Mid-MI). 12 bands compete to win $1000 cash prize, studio time and more! Entry and ticket info website. 989-708-0549.

Get On TV Detroit (30 Seconds of Fame)
Get Your Talent Discovered in 2010. $5000 Grand Prize. A new local show 3pm Saturdays on WADL TV38 Detroit featuring videos of Michigan bands, dancers, musicians, singers and more. Video with most email votes each week WINS $500 and competes again next week.
Cost to have your video broadcast: 30 Second Video $199. 60 Second Video $299.

Detroit Music Awards 2010 - ended in April 2010.

Sphinx Competition February 2-6, 2011 in Ann Arbor and Detroit.
Annual classical music competition. "Open to all Junior High, High School, and College age Black and Latino string players residing in the U.S., offering young Black and Latino classical string players a chance to compete under the guidance of an internationally renowned panel of judges and to perform with established professional musicians in a competition setting."

William C. Byrd Young Artist Competition - Finals (Piano) March 5, 2011 in Flint.
"Young artists from throughout the world compete for a grand prize of $6,000 plus an opportunity to perform with the Flint Symphony Orchestra. Held annually on the first Saturday of March, competition is sponsored by the St. Cecilia Society in collaboration with the Flint Institute of Music and the Flint Symphony Orchestra." Competition rotates annually between four disciplines.

Detroit Blues Challenge 2010 - various rounds of competition start in February culminating with the Finals on October 17, 2010, at Callahan's in Auburn Hills. Blues Challenge is annual, Applications usually accepted in early November prior to upcoming year.

"April in the D" 2010 song contest - Submit Songs by Feb 10, 2010. Winning song will become FOX Sports Detroit's April in the D theme song and will be used to promote Tigers, Wings and Pistons games all month long. The winner will also receive $5000.

Tecumseh Trade Center Talent Search - Saturday, May 22, 2010.
All types of "family friendly" talent welcome! Registration accepted at event prior to contest start. For more information visit event website or www.partytimemusic.net

Sumpter Country Fest Talent Search - Monday, May 31, 2010.
All types of "family friendly" talent welcome! Registration accepted at event prior to contest start. For more information visit event website or www.partytimemusic.net

Hamburg Family Fun Fest - Talent Search finals 2010 - Saturday, June 19th. (Hamburg Twp is north of Ann Arbor). Junior, Adult & Open Divisions beginning at 2pm. Requires qualifying at preliminary round. For more information visit event website or www.partytimemusic.net

WDIV TV "4 The Best List" Metro Detroit, July through August 31st. Local Bands (in arts & entertainment), Bars (in nightlife), Music and DJs (in weddings). It's an annual online voting contest for "bragging rights" in Metro Detroit.

LakeShore Fireworks Celebration - Battle of the Bands - July 1 & 2, 2010. Band application deadline: June 1, 2010. No entry fee. Preliminary round on Thursday, July 1 from 5-11 PM, Final round on Friday, July 2 from 10 PM - Midnight. 10 bands compete in preliminary round with top 3 bands advancing to the finals. Winning band to open for Teezer concert at Van Buren Park on August 27, 2010. For more information visit event website or www.partytimemusic.net

Riverfolk Old-Time Fiddle Contest - August 1, 2009 (sat). Part of the annual Riverfolk Music & Arts Festival held in Manchester (southwest of Ann Arbor). Fiddle Contest has three divisions, Registration Fees are Youth $5, Junior $10, Adult $15.

Kalamazoo County Fair Talent Search - August 15 (sat) in West MI. Open to all types of family friendly talent - 3 divisions of competition. Cash prizes and opportunity to perform in the Michigan State Fair Talent Showcase.

1st Annual Detroit Youth Blues Challenge - entry deadline was Aug 31, 2009. main event in October of 2009 at Callahan's Music Hall (blues club) in Auburn Hills. The Detroit Blues Society, Callahan's Music Hall, No Cover Productions, 94.7 WCSX, and the Detroit Blues Challenge, will be staging this challenge. Winner of the main event will go to Memphis, Tennessee on January 22, 2010 to play at the 26th International Blues Challenge Youth Showcase.

Clinton Fall Festival Talent Search 2009 - in Lenawee County, Saturday September 26, 2009. Can you sing, dance or play an instrument? Show off your amazing talent and compete to win trophies, cash prizes and a professional studio recording session at Talent Live Studios in Canton. Contest is open to all types of family friendly entertainment, solo or groups. Two divisions of competition are offered: Juniors (ages 15 & under) at 3 PM, Adults (ages 16 & over) at 5 PM. Contestants must supply their own music / instruments. Sound and microphones will be provided. $20 entry fee required. Complete contest rules and registration forms are available on festival website or call Carla at Party Time Entertainment 734-620-0246, www.partytimemusic.net

25th Michigan State Championship Old-Time Fiddlers Contest - October 2, 2010 (sat). held in New Boston (southwest of Detroit). Starts 10am. Contestants must play a waltz, a schottische, a jig and a reel in a manner suitable to Michigan old-time dancing. Contestants will be judged on tempo/timing. intonation, expression and repertoire. Non-refundable $10 entry fee. Annual contest is part of the Huron Township Applefest.

Michigan Competing Band Association State Championship Competition - November 6, 2010 (sat), at Ford Field in Detroit. 40 High School Marching bands, Drum & Bugle Corps style bands in four MCBA Flights of Competition. Annual event.

Music Awards Ceremonies in Michigan

2009 Inductees to Michigan Rock and Roll Legends - You can vote on-line starting in January, 2009. Website dedicated to the artists and music that are part of Michigan's rich and diverse rock and roll legacy. Legends now encourages all Michigan residents to participate.

DMA - Detroit Music Awards 2010 - at the Fillmore Detroit in Downtown Detroit. The Annual Detroit Music Awards is a high profile awards & ceremony organized by the Motor City Music Foundation MCMF. Click Awards link for artists eligibility and submissions, for all of us to register and vote, get ceremony information (when available) and tickets. Previous winners are also posted on DMA website. DMA myspace page

[TBA 2009] International Gospel Music Hall of Fame and Museum Induction and Awards - annual event held in Detroit, usually in late October.

[Oct 2009?] SoulTracks Readers' Choice Awards - online voting/national with awards ceremony and show in Detroit. 2008 2007 - info when available is on SoulTracks.com.

Trance Awards - Featuring 13 categories voted for by the public on this site. The highlight every year is the star-studded ceremony and full-on party (in November) which celebrates the diversity of trance music and culture.

Nashville Star - former annual TV show & Country Music singing competition that aired on NBC TV and USA TV.

Unisong International Songwriting Contest - former annual contest, last entry deadline was in 2008. checked in March 2010, no new info.

Music City Music Records Song Contest - this contest has no dates, might be over. checked in March 2010, no new info.

Goodnight Kiss Songwriting Contest - last in 2008. checked in March 2010, no new info.

Get Out of the Garage Music Contest - last in 2008. checked in March 2010, no new info.

The Shortlist Music Prize (New Pantheon Music Prize) - 2001 through 2007.

The Next Great American Band - Fox TV show competition from 2007. checked in July 2009, no new info. The Muggs from Detroit were on it.

Emo Emily Theme Song Contest - a one-time contest on youtube held in 2008.

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