Vocal Competition

[fusilier23]

I think most of the singers here have been in vocal competitions, and I wonder what their thoughts are as to how to judge one. As a hypothetical, assume some organization runs a vocal competition for female singers ages 15-18, and from a field of 40 it is pared down to 10 and 5 and the winners is picked from that final five. In the first round the singers are graded by four judges on excercises and the same piece, then as they proceed they are allowed to choose their own pieces, and graded on technique, accuracy, poise, showmanship and one or two other categories. First prize is $5,000.00, second prize is $3,000.00 and third is $1,000.00.

Assume they reach the final five and two singers, we'll call them Kirsty (UK) and Lisa (USA), receive the highest score together, not a point's difference. Now comes the question of how to determine a winner. We could have them repeat their final piece and regrade it, or, assuming each has other pieces ready, we could have each do something new. For a real test, we could tell them they would have to sight-read a new song, and wouldn't know what it would be till it was handed to them. We could also let the audience vote on the winner. We could also just throw up our hands, split first prize, and award only third prize. So, what does everyone think?

[blue1]

Just one observation: I wouldn't go with the sight-reading test. It's possible to be good at that and still have bad habits (musically, I mean ). The real test is how thoroughly someone studies a piece, not how quickly they can patch together a performance.

I'd go for having them do something new, or else split first prize.