Solo Singing "Western Non-Classical" Competition Rules

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Age Groups

  • Sub-Juniors: Age 5 - 7 Years

  • Juniors: Age 8 - 10 Years

  • Seniors: Age 11 - 13 Years

  • Youth: Age 14 - 17 Years

  • Adults: Age 18 and above

Duration: 3 to 5 Minutes

Genres: Pop, Rock, Jazz, R&B, Musical Theatre, etc. (English language only)

Before you register, please read the sections below.


Rules & Regulations

  1. Separate competition for each age group.

  2. Performance should be in one of the above mentioned music genres (Language - English)

  3. The performer may use a high-quality backing track (Karaoke) or a single acoustic instrument (e.g., Guitar, Keyboard) to enhance their performance (both not mandatory). There will be no instrumental support from KANE.

  4. Backing tracks must be instrumental only. The track must not contain any lead vocals, guide vocals, or pre-recorded singing that carries the main melody or lyrics. Subtle background harmonies, chorus effects, or vocal textures that do not assist or replace the participant’s live singing are permitted, at the discretion of the judges. Any track containing lead vocals or "guide" vocals will result in a penalty. The instrument, if being used has to be played by the participant itself.

  5. The karaoke for the performance must be sent to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. at least 10 days prior to the event date, and it should not contain lead vocals.

  6. The performer must know the lyrics and may not use any aids (paper, digital devices, external audio, etc.) on stage.

  7. The performance should be limited to the maximum allotted time of 5 minutes.

  8. We will not permit any form of prompting during the performance.

  9. The contestant's age must fall within the specified age category as of January 1 of the current year. The participant must register online prior to the registration deadline and receive an email confirmation number from KANE. KANE maintains the right to seek a participant's birth certificate for age verification (if required).

  10. KANE reserves the right to photograph and/or video record the performances. We may publish such photos/videos post-event.

  11. The Judges' decision will be final.

  12. Any violation of the aforementioned rules may result in disqualification of the contestant.

Judging Guidelines

Total Score: 100

1. Vocal Technique and Pitch (30 Points):

  • Accuracy of pitch and the ability to stay in key with the accompaniment.

  • Tone Quality - The clarity, resonance, and consistency of the voice across different registers (Chest, Mix, and Head voice).

  • Breath Support - Proper phrasing and the ability to hold notes without straining.

2. Rhythm and Timing (20 Points):

  • Tempo - Staying in sync with the backing track or instrumental accompaniment.

  • How well the singer handles the rhythmic "groove" or specific timing nuances of the genre.

3. Diction and Articulation (15 Points):

  • Clear pronunciation of lyrics so the audience can follow the story.

4. Interpretation and Expression (25 Points):

  • Dynamic Range - Use of volume (soft vs. loud) and texture to create a musical "arc."

  • Emotional Connection - Does the singer convey the meaning of the lyrics and feel of the song? 

  • Proper use of genre-specific techniques (e.g., vibrato, runs, riffs, or growls) where appropriate.

5. Stage Presence (10 Points):

  • Confidence - Comfort on stage, posture, and eye contact with the audience.

  • Microphone Technique - Proper use of the microphone (not holding it too close or too far) to maintain balanced sound levels.

PENALTY APPLIED:

  1. a) 10 Points - if not ready when the name/chest number is called for performance

  2. b) 10 Points - if time limit exceeds the maximum allotted time of 6 minutes.

  3. c) 10 Points: If the backing track contains lead vocals of the singers or original artists.

  4. d) 10 - Points - if the participant uses lyric sheets, mobile devices, cue cards, or any other visual aids during the performance.

 

All participants must register before the registration ends. It is important to obtain a registration confirmation email back from KANE. Click the "REGISTER NOW" button on the top. Once you register, you will get an auto-reply from KANE. However, we will review your registration and will confirm it by replying to you via email. This confirmation is mandatory to participate in the event.

Prizes

Winners are chosen as follows:

  • If only one participant is registered for this event, a participation certificate/award will be given.

  • If more than one participant, then first, second and third prize winners are declared based on scoring and the total number of participants.

  • Prizes, certificates, trophies/medals will be awarded to all the winners on the same day/Finale.

Note:

Official judges feedback and comments shall not be publicly disclosed or distributed by the organization. Participants may approach the judges for personal feedback following the event; however, providing such feedback is entirely at the judges’ discretion.