Rules & Guidelines
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General Guidelines
  1. Categories: Solo Vocal Performance.
  2. Music Selection: All genres welcome (ONLY CLEAN LYRICS). Song selection must be preapproved by the Josie Music Awards and Passantino’s owners.
  3. Performance Time: Song must be under 4 minutes long.  Mic will be shut at 4 minutes.  Contestants will perform one preapproved song.
  4. Accompaniment: Participants may provide their own accompanist (one acoustic guitar only).
  5. Memorization: Song must be memorized.
Judging Criteria
  1. Tone Quality: Clarity, consistency, and control of the voice.
  2. Rhythm: Accuracy of rhythm and appropriate tempo.
  3. Technique: Vocal technique, control, and overall musical skill.
  4. Artistry: Interpretation, phrasing, dynamics, and style.
Additional Rules
  1. Eligibility: An all-ages competition.  Must complete an application.  Those who will compete each week will be selected by the Josie Music Awards team and scheduled for one of the competition dates.  If you miss your scheduled date, you will not be rescheduled.
  2. All participants must arrive by 5 pm on their scheduled competition date.
  3. Sound Equipment: We provide microphones and sound equipment. Participants are not allowed to bring their own microphones or sound equipment.
  4. Timekeeping: Performances must start and end within the allotted time. Exceeding the time limit may result in termination of the participant from the competition.
  5. Professional Conduct: Participants should conduct themselves professionally and respectfully throughout the competition.
  6. A winner from each night will be selected and those winners from each week will compete on the final night and one overall winner will then be selected.
  7. Winner will receive their award on stage at the 11th Annual Josie Music Awards held at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville and make their acceptance speech in the legendary circle. Winner will receive 2 complimentary tickets to the 11th Annual Josie Music Awards.  Winner will also receive a performance slot at the JMA Music Festival and Conference held at the Belle Air Mansion in Nashville.  Dates for these two events are as follows:
November 1 – JMA Music Festival and Conference performance slot
November 2 – Josie Music Awards Event (where you will be awarded)