STAR90 EVENTS: COUNTRY KARAOKE CONTEST RULES

1. Age Requirement

All contestants must be 21 years or older as of the contest sign-up date.

2. Qualification

All participants must qualify in person during a designated Wednesday at Club 90 or through our website within the qualifying period.

3. Eligibility After Winning

• 1st Place winners are ineligible to compete for 2 years.

• 2nd and 3rd Place winners are ineligible for 1 year.

One overall winner will be declared per placement (1st–3rd). 

Top 3 winners advance to Solo Grand Finale contest in October 2026, and advance to semifinals round automatically bypassing quarterfinals. 

• Previous placement restrictions apply to one-night contests regardless of the theme.

4. Performer Eligibility

Entertainers (e.g., band members, actors) are eligible to compete.

5. Prop Restrictions

No off-stage props (e.g., drinks, audience members) are permitted. Clothing-related items (e.g., hats) are allowed. Instruments must remain on the performer’s person throughout the performance. Final approval is at the discretion of Contest Director.

6. Stage Conduct

Performers may not leave the stage or throw items into the crowd. Acrobatics, gymnastics, and mess-making (e.g., confetti) are prohibited for safety reasons. Shoes must be worn on and off stage at all times during event. 

7. Song Versions

Only legally licensed karaoke tracks provided by the KJ may be used. Fan-made or minus tracks are prohibited. YouTube tracks are permitted only if legally produced. Final approval is up to the Contest Director and KJ. It is the responsibility of a contestant to practice a song ahead of the contest to confirm that the preferred version is available. If another version isn't available, we will use a version we already have. 

8. Time Limit

Songs may not exceed 5 minutes. Overlength songs will be faded out, and the performance will end. 

9. Song Selection (Round-Specific)

Duplicate songs within the same round are not allowed. 

10. Song/Artist Repetition (Across Rounds)

Contestants may not repeat the same song or artist already performed across different rounds.

11. Content Restrictions

Explicit lyrics are allowed within reason. Material deemed vulgar, sexually explicit, or involving nudity is strictly prohibited.

12. Song Format Per Round

Either two songs per contestant or one song, with the top 10 singing a second, depending on final number of contestants signed up. Format is at the discretion of the Contest Director.

13. Genre & Language

Any genre or language is allowed. Genre must fit the specific one-night theme. Final approval is at the Contest Director’s discretion.

14. Judge Contact Prohibited

No contestant, family member, or associate may contact judges before or during the contest. Contact includes conversation, gestures, or handshakes. Judges will wear official “JUDGE” badges and are off-limits at all times.

15. Conduct and Disqualification

Poor sportsmanship, harassment, inappropriate social media posts, or any offensive behavior by a contestant, their family, or associates (before, during, or after the event) will result in disqualification, prohibiting future participation, and score nullification. In such cases, the next eligible contestant will advance. Failure to follow any contest rule may result in disqualification at the discretion of the contest host after careful review. 

16. Performance Order

Order of performance is determined by random draw.

17. Song Submission

Song changes or failures to submit by the deadline may result in disqualification, unless due to a verified technical issue determined by the Contest Director. A technical issue is defined as a loss of electricity to computer, internet connection, amplification system, or file failed to load properly.  

18. Punctuality

Contestants must be ready to perform. Arrive 30 minutes before contest starts to check in. Failure to take the stage within 30 seconds of being called results in disqualification.

19. Finality of Judging

All judging decisions are final. Arguments, disputes, or poor sportsmanship toward judges or staff will result in disqualification from future events.

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SCORING SYSTEM

Total: 100 Points

• Vocal Performance (75 Points)

Assessed on pitch, rhythm, breath control, diction, mic technique, vocal strength, range, and artistic interpretation. 

• Stage Presence (15 Points)

Evaluates confidence, movement, attire, command of the stage, and storytelling ability. 

• Crowd Response (10 Points)

Evaluates crowd reception based on audience engagement from overall performance. 

*Both songs added together determine top 3 placement. 

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CASH PRIZES

• 1st Place: $400

• 2nd Place: $200

• 3rd Place: $100

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Note: Rules and format are subject to change at the discretion of the Contest Director.

*Rules as of February 18, 2026.