Can you believe it’s been 24 years since we saw Kelly Clarkson sing her heart out on American Idol? Before that, we had Star Search, and going WAY back there was the Gong Show in the 70s. As time goes on and talents start to change into …weird, for lack of better terms…talents, we continue to engage in the vocal aspect of competition shows.
Enter into the chat: social media platforms; specifically, Tik Tok. How many artists have been discovered on Tik Tok? While there isn’t a specific number, research shows in 2020 alone over 70 artists who went viral on the platform signed deals with major record labels. That was one year! In the 5 years since there have been loads more.
Knowing this, iHeartRadio capitalized on the staggering amount of talent on Tik Tok and hosted their own competition by teaming up with the social media conglomerate. This can be done anywhere!
You don’t have to team up with Tik Tok to find local talent on Tik Tok. You don’t even need to use Tik Tok! The norm now is to do everything online, so why don’t you! Your station can host its own competition by having contestants send in videos of themselves singing. Obviously, rules will need to be outlined and everywhere before you start taking submissions.
Suggested Rules:
- Age requirement. If you plan on hosting finals in a bar; obviously it has to be over 21. However, if you are going to have the competition in a public space like a park, make it all ages!
- Performance length
- One entry per round
- Song choice: will originals be allowed?
- No backing tracks allowed.
- No effects allowed. Remind them if they make it to the finals they will have to sing live in front of a crowd.
- No offensive lyrics, no hate speech, be respectful.
- The contestant has to live in the area your station is in. Proof of residency may be needed.
These are just a few of the rules you may want to consider.
The grand prize is up to you. It can be as big as a weekend trip to Vegas (hotel and airfare), or as simple as a gift card to the local music store. And don’t make it a $25 GC. This gift card should be in the hundreds AT LEAST. Make it worth the contestants’ while.
Doing the major portion of the competition online will alleviate some of the headache of finding spots every weekend to hold a singing contest. This can also be sponsored and sold like crazy!