Please Don’t EVER Do These Things at Your Vocal Competition…

I just had several of my singers do a local vocal competition, and I gotta say- everyone did very very well. MY singers (of course!) and everyone else’s. I was so impressed by the professionalism of the young singers, and the knowledge and support of the adjudicators!

The singers, though: talented, but also ON IT!

But….this is not always the case.

Sometimes I have adjudicated a vocal contest, or been in the audience at one, and I made mental notes of what singers shouldn’t do!

You see, a vocal competition is not just about singing like a boss and getting rewarded for it. 

It is about walking in prepared, professional, and not giving the judges reasons to mentally write “nope” before you even get to the chorus. 

Want to nail your next one? Well, here’s what you have to know….

1. Do not pick the hardest song you know just to prove you can

This is the big one. Competitions reward control, artistry, and consistency. Not “watch me wrestle this Sondheim beast in front of strangers.” It doesn’t work that way. Trust me. A lot of singers don’t believe me when it comes to this, but I see it with my own eyes ..just like I did at the most recent competition. 

The singer who performs a Verdi aria as a teenager is not going to place . Her peer that chose the simple art song that fits her voice and level WILL! 

Sing the piece that shows you off, not the piece that intimidates you. 

2. Do not choose a song that is wildly inappropriate for your age

A 14-year-old singing “I’m Still Here” is usually not the flex people think it is (especially on the televised competitions. For some reason they love it when 8 year olds sing arias or old broad songs) 

Same with a young singer doing something too adult, too sexual, too emotionally mature, or too world-weary. Judges notice when the song and singer do not match. Well, the good judges, anyway. 

Don’t choose it just because it “sounds good”. Songs have lyrics and stories. Some of you are too young to be telling certain stories. Case. Closed. 

3. Do not ignore the rules

Time limits, cuts, required repertoire categories, sheet music rules, accompaniment format, dress code, number of copies, memorization requirements.

Boring? Yes.

Important? Also yes. A huge yes. 

Ignoring the rules screams, “I am talented but a big time flake”. 

4. Do not hand the accompanist a mess 

Your sheet music should be clean, copied correctly, hole-punched or in a binder, clearly marked, and in the right key.

No wrinkled ancient scroll from 2004.
No “just follow me.”
No “I usually slow down here but I didn’t mark it.”

The accompanist is not a psychic. Or a magician. They are a human with limits. They are there to partner with you, so do your part! 

5. Do not over-choreograph

This is a vocal competition, not the national tour of Fosse.

A few purposeful gestures? Great.
Random arm choreography? No.
Walking six miles during a 90-second cut? Also no.

Move because the character needs to move, not because you feel you have to, ‘cause there is an instrumental break. 

6. Do not stare into the judges’ souls

Notice what and who is in front of you.  NOT looking at everyone is not going to work, either. But do not lock eyes with Judge #2 during your most emotionally unstable lyric. 

Because that’s weird. Sorry. 

7. Do not apologize before you sing

“I’m a little sick.”
“This isn’t my best song.”
“I just changed this yesterday.”
“My voice is weird today.”

Nope. Do not pre-load excuses. Walk in like you belong there.  Be confident and own this moment. Truth bomb: even if you think you “sound a little off today”, they’re not going to know that. 

8. Do not perform your insecurity

Nervous is normal. SO normal! 

But nervous energy does not need to become the whole performance.

No fidgeting, shrugging, giggling, eye-rolling, or “sorry!” after a small mistake. If something goes wrong, keep going like a pro. 

True story- when I was adjudicating adults in the classical category for a big vocal competition years back, a soprano simply stopped mid aria and said “ this note is not going to happen today”. Yikes!

9. Do not imitate the original cast recording

The judges already know Sutton Foster exists. They know Jeremy Jordan exists. And Idina, and Lin-Manuel…you get the idea. 

They are not looking for your tribute act.

Use the song as material, not karaoke cosplay. For the love of all things, sing with your voice. 

Judges want to see and hear YOU.  There’s only one Audra, so we gotta accept that. 

10. Do not pick a song just because it has a money note

A big note is nice. A full performance is better.

If the whole song is just a waiting room for one high belt, that is not simply not enough. 

11. Do not dress like you are going to prom, clubbing, or spin class

Wear something polished, comfortable, age-appropriate, and aligned with the style of the event.

You should look like yourself on a very good day. You, enhanced!  

Please make an effort, but don’t go overboard! Leave the tulle spectaculars for your Vegas debut. 

Another thing: do a dress rehearsal . Make sure you can move comfortably in your contest attire. T-rex arms in a tight jacket are a thing.

…Among other unfortunate scenarios,

12. Do not be weirdly competitive in the hallway

Do not loudly warm up over other people.
Do not brag.
Do not compare repertoire.
Do not announce how many competitions you have won.
Do not side-eye the singer next to you. 

Be nice. People remember . You never know whose eyes are on you! 

13. Do not fall apart if you do not win

Competitions are subjective. You might sing beautifully and still not place. 

That does not mean you failed.

The win is feedback, experience, exposure, and learning how to perform under pressure . 

That’s it. 

Experience!

My Final Thoughts 

At a vocal competition, your job is not to prove you are the best singer who has ever lived. Your job is to show up prepared, sing something that fits you, tell the truth, and leave the judges thinking, “I want to hear more from that one.”

Winning is nice, absolutely! But! Keep in mind that many,many outstanding singers never win competitions…and many competition winners end up in fields like law!

As cliche as it may sound, you have already “won” if you can show up, do your best, be gracious…and enjoy yourself!

Are you preparing for a vocal competition and needing guidance? I’d love to help. Let’s get you sounding like a winner!