Last updated: 30.12.2024
1. ELIGIBILITY
KWC is the largest and most prestigious international singing competition for unsigned talent. We have dropped the word “amateur” from our marketing texts and will refer to our contestants only as “unsigned talent”.
In KWC, artists are eligible to participate as long as they do not have a management or recording contract that would prevent them from competing. If you are unsure, consult the party with whom the contract has been made. KWC must have the right to use the artist’s name, likeness, and all recorded images and audio captured during and for the competition, without limitation and without an expiration date. If these rights can be guaranteed, having a recording or management contract does not disqualify an artist from participating.
The contestant must:
a) have a citizenship (i.e. a national passport and social security number) of the country he or she is representing or b) have lived in the country for the past 3 years.
All entrants must be over 18 years of age by the end of national finals.
The organizers reserve the right to make the final assessment regarding any entrant's eligibility over and above these conditions of entry. Entrants may be asked to sign a legal document and provide proof regarding their eligibility. All issues addressing eligibility of contestants must be addressed, clarified, and cleared 7 days prior to the National Finals. Proof of claim will be required.
KWC Country Partners and members of the Country Partner organization are not eligible to compete in any category.
2. TAKING PART IN KWC FINALS
Before taking part in the KWC World Finals Event, contestants must take part in their own country’s KWC country trials aka KWC National competitions. These competitions are organized by national license holders, the KWC Country Partners. Countries without a Country Partner may be run by so called Regional Partners or singers can participate through the Global Video Challenge.
3. CATEGORIES
The main competition (KWC Solo) is open to solo performers only.
The duet competition (KWC Duets) is open to duets only.
The new category introduced in 2025, KWC Song Contest, can have 1-6 performers on stage. All lead vocal parts must be sung live.
4. RESTRICTIONS
All singers who have represented their country at World finals, are allowed to return, except for the World Champions of the same category. A singer can win the World Championship only once in each category.
5. CODE OF CONDUCT FOR SONGS
The language used in singing may be chosen freely by the contestant and the use of own backing tracks is allowed. However, if the language used is not English, a translation of lyrics must be delivered at if KWC Organization asks for it.
The lyrics of the competition songs may not include messages that conflict with the values of the competition. KWC is as unpolitical as possible but stands for equality, human rights, peace, the LGBTQ+ community and mutual appreciation. We compete between countries for fun and fun only.
6. SINGER’S PERFORMANCES AND BEHAVIOR DURING THE EVENT
6.1 Props on stage
A chair or barstool and a mic stand are ok. We have those ready for you. If you really feel you need a prop for your song, it should be something the singer can carry on stage. We like to concentrate in singing, so no tables, sofas, washing machines or other things that need to be carried back and forth by a moving company. Instruments are allowed but they will not be plugged. You're free to play a harmonica, a flute or whatever through your singing mic. You can also have a guitar but of course it will only be a prop. If you can hold it in one hand, it's ok. (We're 99% sure you'd do better without it anyway!)
6.2 Performing at KWC
The singers are expected to sing the songs on the stage. Starting off stage may be possible depending on the stage and production. Going off stage during the song may or may not be possible.
Everything out of the ordinary must be discussed with the production before the performance.
It is strictly forbidden to carry out any kind or extra performance (showing banners with slogans, proposing, surprising the audience with something unusual) if it has not been discussed and approved by the KWC production in advance. Failing to do this may lead to the singer being disqualified from the competition.
Also using props that may cause us to stop the production while the stage is being cleaned (foam, flowers, confetti etc.) must be discussed with production in advance or may lead to disqualification.
6.3. Soundchecks and rehealsals
All soundchecks and group rehearsals during the KWC week are mandatory to all singers. Should a contestant not be present at their group’s soundcheck, they may be not allowed to perform in the competition.
6.4. Problems on stage
Should the contestant notice a problem while performing, such as wrong key, wrong version, wrong song or problems with monitoring, must they stop the song immediately and let the production know there was something wrong. If the contestant sings the whole song on stage, it is too late to complain about problems. Singing the whole song through means the competition round is done.
6.5. Improper behaviour and infringement
Should the contestant act in an improper way; for example, act disgracefully towards the competition or other contestants, the jury or the KWC Organization has the right to immediately disqualify the contestant. KWC Organization reserves a full right to disqualify a contestant if any of the rules are infringed. We are committed to maintaining a safe and inclusive environment by following safe space principles at all of our events.
6.6. Background videos & photos
Video backings & photos for the screens are not possible. We use uniform backings for all songs.
6.7. The stage name
We always prefer real names. A stage name is ok only if the singer always uses it when performing. We do not allow a special name invented just for KWC. Should a singer want to use something else than their real name, KWC requires proof of the stage name being used in as an artist name prior to entering the competition.
7. SINGER’S OBLIGATIONS AFTER THE COMPETITION
All contestants must be ready to commit themselves to being a Karaoke World Champion. The tasks, rewards or obligations might include performances, recordings, promotion events and such. The winner of the World Champion title is expected to perform at next year's finals event. If the contestant is not able to commit him/herself to these requirements, the title may be handed to the first runner-up.
8. KWC JURY CODE OF CONDUCT
The different jury panels of the competition will consist of music, entertainment and media professionals and possible sponsor representatives. Singa Oy will oversee the jury’s work and approve its validity.
All jury members in the Karaoke World Championships must follow these rules:
- NO BIAS: A jury member cannot have a direct personal involvement with a contestant (child, parent, partner, close relative)
- AGE: Jury members need to be over 18 years old.
- PROFESSIONAL: Jury member needs to have a professional track record or a degree from the fields of music or entertainment business.
- SECRECY: Jury members are prohibited of discussing the judging procedure with anybody else than the other members of the jury or KWC Organization.
- NO PERSONAL OPINIONS: Jury members must judge the performances from the viewpoint of a music / entertainment professional, not according to what they personally think is good or bad music.
- NEUTRAL APPEARANCE: Jury members in traditional panels must show neutral conduct equally towards all performances. This includes for example remaining seated during the entire performance of each of the contestants and only leave the jury area during breaks. However, when a so-called live commentary jury panel is used, the judges are free to express all kinds of emotions during the songs.
- BEHAVIOUR: A jury member must behave in an exemplary manner during the competition.
9. KWC SCORING SYSTEM FOR SOLO & DUET CATEGORIES
(KWC SONG CONTEST, SEE BELOW)
All contestants in the Karaoke World Championships are to be judged according to the following criteria, free from any personal bias whatsoever.
- Voice & Technique
- Artistry & Stage Presence
What we are looking for in each these Four Criteria
- Voice & Technique
Quality and Mastery of Voice, development of the voice through practice. Use of proper vocal technique suitable for the style chosen, breathing, timing, pitch, and clarity in pronunciation - Artistry & Stage Presence
Expressiveness, showing emotion and passion, as appropriate for song, conveyed through the voice, body, and facial expression.
Musicality, feeling the songs and taking liberties in a tasteful manner. Appropriate interpretation and delivery of the lyrics.
Confidence and strength of delivery with a self-assured performance where all pieces fit together: costume, appearance and a connection with the audience, cameras, and judges.
The special X factor in the performance, the ability to cause emotions, to "move the listener".
Each one of these 2 criteria will be scored on a 10-point basis to equal up to 20 points total. Zero is not a score.
For each song, each performer shall be scored from 2 to 20 points, with 2 being the lowest, and 20 being the highest. Please note: no half points, but full points only!
19-20 - Exceptional, outstanding
17-18 - Excellent, almost perfect
15-16 - Very good, but a few imperfections
13-14 - Very good, but several imperfections
11-12 - Good, but imperfections throughout
9-10 – Average
6-8 – Mediocre
2-5 – Disappointing
10. RANKING-BASED MODIFIED MEAN
In each round, the lowest-ranked score and the highest-ranked score for each singer shall be discarded. After filtering out the extremes, the average (mean) can be calculated from the remaining scores. This method can be used when a panel has at least 5 members.
11. WEIGHTED CUMULATIVE SCORING
KWC uses the weighted cumulative system: 1st Round + 2nd Round + double 3rd Round.
13. WILD CARDS
Following the 2nd round, the jury may choose up to two (2) “Wild Card” contestants in each category, who will continue to the next round, regardless of scoring.
14. VIEWER’S CHOICE
Instead of Wild cards, following the 2nd round, the audience may choose a certain amount of “Viewer’s Choice” performers to proceed to the following round, regardless of scoring. The Viewer's Choice award will be presented to the contestant who received most public votes in total.
15. SCORES WILL BE PUBLISHED
All scores will be published after the competition. However, judges' names shall not be associated with those scores.
16. KWC SONG CONTEST
First introduced in 2025 the KWC SONG CONTEST is a global competition for all songwriters and producers, open to all genres and languages. Which country will bring the Song of the Year to a worldwide audience?
16.1 Eligibility
- Who can participate? Anyone from KWC participating countries. Entries must come through the national KWC competitions, with each country allowed to send only one song to the final.
- Like in Solo & Duet categories, the national KWC Country Partners are not eligible as performers. However, the Country Partners and the national KWC teams are allowed to participate in writing and producing their competition songs.
- Artists representing countries without a national KWC competition can not enter on the first year.
16.2 Competition Rules
- Originality: Only previously unpublished and unreleased songs are eligible.
- Usage Rights: KWC reserves the right to use all submitted materials for promotional purposes across all media platforms, including social media, marketing, and event-related broadcasts or publications, with no regional or time restrictions.
All Entrants, and their publishers if applicable, will retain all copyrights and all other rights controlled by them regarding any song entered in the Contest. The songwriter will not lose any rights to their song. - Exclusive Submission: Songs submitted to the KWC Song Contest may not be entered into other competitions prior to the KWC event, nor at all if selected for the KWC final.
- Nationality Requirement: At least one of the songwriters and the lead performer(s) must either be a citizen of the country they represent or have resided there for the past three years.
- Performer Age Requirement: The minimum age for performers is 18 years, but there is no age restriction for songwriters.
- Song Length: The maximum song length is 3 minutes and 30 seconds.
- Lyrics Content: Strong language is allowed as part of artistic expression. However, lyrics that promote discrimination, racism, sexism, or incite hatred against any group are strictly prohibited. We also do not accept deeply religious or extreme political content. The production team reserves the right to review and disqualify any lyrics deemed inappropriate on a case-by-case basis.
- Public Performance: Songs, lyrics, or compositions submitted to the competition must not be performed or published in any form (sheet music, recording, social media, etc.) before the contest.
- License Agreement: Rights holders of the selected songs must agree to the KWC License Agreement, which governs the use of the song in commercial KWC releases. Royalties will be paid based on a pro rata sales model.
- No Conflicting Agreements: Songwriters and their representatives must confirm they have no conflicting agreements that would violate KWC rules.
- Acceptance of Rules: All performers, composers, lyricists, arrangers, and producers must agree to the competition’s rules and commit to adhering to them.
16.3 Final Round and Performances
- Separate juries will evaluate the KWC Song Contest entries, distinct from the traditional KWC rounds.
- Song Performances: Songs will be heard three times:
- They will be published on the KWC website / social media / music services one month before the final.
- They will be performed during the first days of the competition.
- They will be performed again (or at least partially) on the final days.
- Country Representation: Only one song per country will be allowed in the contest.
16.4 Additional Rules for the Final
- The songwriter(s) do not need to attend in person, but the performer(s) must be present.
- Currently, KWC allows only singback (no live instruments).
- Maximum of 4 microphones allowed.
- Dancers are permitted.
- The maximum number of people on stage is 6.
- Props: Props are allowed as long as they are managed by the participants, do not cause delays, and do not require cleanup.
16.5 Judging and Voting
The winner will be determined by a combination of jury and audience votes.
16.6 Publishing
The winning song, along with other top-performing entries, will be released on streaming platforms by KWC or its partners. Any existing contracts of the performers or songwriters must not interfere with this.
16.7 What is KWC Song Contest about?
The KWC Song Contest is designed to find new music in all genres. It is not a singer-songwriter competition, like many songwriter contests, and it is also not limited to modern pop genres. We encourage countries to bring personal music with a lot of variety.
All songs will also receive reviews from several music professionals with careers including songwriting, publishing, producing, song plugging, artist management, promotions, A&R, radio and television.
Whether you are an established songwriter or an upcoming songwriter ambitious to take your career to the next level, the KWC Song Contest offers you a unique opportunity.