The Feast of the Flowering Moon “Ohio Creates: The Voice of Southern Ohio Singing Competition” is designed to showcase local and regional vocal talent as part of the community celebration during the festival. This competition highlights creativity, artistry, and performance excellence in honor of the “Ohio Creates” theme of America 250-Ross County, Ohio.
Eligibility
Contestants must be at least 13-18 years of age by May 22, 2026.
Contestants under 18 must have written parental/guardian consent.
Solo performers only (no duets or groups).
Employees, board members, and immediate family members of the organizing committee are not eligible to compete.
Contestants must be available to perform on:
Friday, May 22, 2026 between 5:00pm – 8:00pm
Saturday, May 23, 2026 between 5:00pm – 8:00pm
Sunday, May 24, 2026 between 3:00pm – 5:00pm
(Advancement dependent on competition results)
Application & Audition Process
Step 1: Application Submission
Applicants must submit an official entry form.
Submit payment for the $10.00 entry fee.
Step 2: Video Audition
Applicants must submit a video audition that:
Contestants should state their name, age, and song choice
Perform A cappella
Recording should be no longer than 2-3 minutes (does not have to be a full song)
Video clearly shows the contestant’s face and full vocal performance
VIDEO IS UNEDITED (NO AUTO-TUNE, FILTERS, OR STUDIO ENHANCEMENTS)
Upload the Audition to YouTube, Vimeo, Google Drive, or other video sharing platform. Include the link on the application for judges to review. This audition video does not have to be made public, but the judges must be able to access the video.
All applications and video submissions must be received by April 30, 2026, by 5:00pm.
Selection Process
A panel of judges will review all submitted applications and video auditions. Selected performers will be contacted by email.
Top 15 contestants will be selected to perform live on:
Friday, May 22 – Preliminary Round
15 contestants perform
Judges will eliminate 5 contestants
10 contestants advance
Saturday, May 23 – Semi-Final Round
10 contestants perform
Judges will eliminate 5 contestants
Judges will eliminate 5 contestants
Top 5 finalists advance
Sunday, May 24 – Final Round
5 finalists perform
Judges select:
1st Place
2nd Place
3rd Place
Winners will be announced live on Sunday.
Judging Criteria
Contestants will be evaluated on:
Vocal ability and control
Stage presence and confidence
Song interpretation and emotional connection
Audience engagement
Overall performance quality
Judges’ decisions are final.
Song Selection Guidelines
Songs must be appropriate for a family-friendly festival audience.
No explicit language or inappropriate content.
No explicit language or inappropriate content.
Contestants may not perform the same song more than once during the competition.
Backing tracks must be downloaded onto a device that requires no internet connection to play. Contestants must have a designated individual to handle the device during the performance. The festival is not responsible for devices during the festival or competition.
Live accompaniment must be approved in advance.
Performance Requirements
Contestants must provide their own accompaniment materials.
Failure to appear on time may result in disqualification.
Conduct & Disqualification
Contestants may be disqualified for:
Unsportsmanlike conduct
Failure to comply with rules
Inappropriate behavior toward judges, staff, or other contestants
Use of prohibited performance enhancements
The organizing committee reserves the right to remove any contestant for behavior deemed disruptive or inappropriate.
Prizes
Prize money will be awarded as follows:
🥇 1st Place: $750 + a professional song recording session with RecW
🥈 2nd Place: $500
🥉 3rd Place: $250
Prizes will be awarded on Sunday, May 24, immediately following the final round.
Media Release
By entering, contestants grant the Feast of the Flowering Moon, organizers, and sponsors the right to:
Photograph and record performances
Use contestant name, likeness, and performance footage
Use contestant name, likeness, and performance footage
Promote future events and marketing initiatives
No compensation will be provided beyond awarded prize money.
Liability
Contestants participate at their own risk. The organizers, festival committee, and affiliated partners are not responsible for injury, loss, or damage.
General Conditions
Organizers reserve the right to modify rules if necessary.
If weather or emergency conditions arise, schedule adjustments may occur.
Submission of an application constitutes full agreement with these rules.
Questions may be directed to Gene Betts at gene@visitchillicotheohio.com.