WORLD OPEN Online Competition: Pop-Jazz Singing

Next edition: Winter Edition 2026
Applications until: December 1
Entry fee: €37
Format: online, video

Rules for participants in «Pop – jazz singing» nomination 2026

Pop-jazz singing competition online: who can enter and how it works

This international online singing competition for kids, teenagers and adults covers popular music: pop, rock, blues, jazz, folk, punk and world music. Soloists, vocal duos, singer-songwriters (author’s song), vocal ensembles and vocal-instrumental ensembles of 3 to 15 members can take part. The WORLD OPEN Online Music Competition runs entirely over the internet in three editions a year – Spring, Summer and Winter – and applications are accepted all year. You record two songs on video, and the international jury scores the recording within your age category.

General terms

1.1. Competition takes place entirely over the Internet.

1.2. European Association of Music Educators and Performers & Producer Agency MIR Production (hereinafter refer to as organizer), organizes WORLD OPEN Online Music Competition (hereinafter refer to as competition).

1.3. Competition in order to support young talents in the field of popular music (Pop, Rock, Blues, Jazz, Folk, Punks, World music…), encouraging the spirit of international competitions for young performers.

Period of Competition

7.1. Тhe competition is held annually. Applications are accepted 365 days a year.

SPRING EDITION
Application deadline is March 15th. Announcement of the results on April 05.

SUMMER EDITION
Acceptance of applications until June 1. Announcement of the results on June 15.

WINTER EDITION
Application deadline is December 1th. Announcement of the results on December 15th.

Contestants

3.1. Contestants from all over the world are invited to participate. Contestants compete in age categories.

3.2. The competition program includes two songs by participant’s choice and run by heart (at least two couplets).

3.3. Duration of video recording is up to 9 minutes.

Vocal soloist

JUNIOR

Category I: born in 2020 – maximum 5 minutes
Category II: born in 2019 – maximum 5 minutes
Category III: born in 2018 – maximum 6 minutes

MIDDLE JUNIOR

Category IV: born in 2017 – maximum 6 minutes
Category V: born in 2016 – maximum 7 minutes
Category VI: born in 2015 – maximum 7 minutes
Category VII: born in 2014 – maximum 8 minutes
Category VIII: born in 2013 – maximum 8 minutes

JUNIOR ARTIST

Category IX: born in 2012 – maximum 10 minutes
Category X: born in 2011 – maximum 12 minutes
Category XI: born in 2009 and younger – up to 12 minutes

SENIOR ACADEMIC

Category XII: born in 2007 and younger – maximum 13 minutes
Category XIII: born in 2005 and younger – maximum 13 minutes
Category XIV: born in 2003 and younger – maximum 13 minutes
Category XV: born in 2001 and younger – maximum 13 minutes

SENIOR ARTIST

Category XVI: born in 1999 and younger – maximum 15 minutes
Category XVII: born in 1998 and older – maximum 15 minutes

Vocal duo

Category XVIII: born in 2018 and younger – maximum 5 minutes
Category XIX: born in 2016 and younger – maximum 5 minutes
Category XX: born in 2014 and younger – maximum 7 minutes
Category XXI: born in 2012 and younger – maximum 10 minutes
Category XXII: born in 2010 and younger – maximum 10 minutes
Category XXIII: born in 2008 and younger – maximum 12 minutes
Category XXIV: born in 2006 and younger – maximum 12 minutes
Category XXV: born in 2003 and younger – maximum 13 minutes
Category XXVI: born in 2000 and younger – maximum 13 minutes
Category XXVII: born in 1999 and older – maximum 15 minutes

Author’s song

The participant performs at least one author’s song, and another song of his choice.

Soloist:

Category XXVIII: born from 2015 and younger
Category XXIX: born in 2009 and younger
Category XXX: born in 2001 and younger
Category XXXI: born in 2000 and older

3.4. Contestants (soloist, duo and author’s song) have several options to perform their competition program:

a) Singing both songs accompanied by a recorded instrumental track (playback)
b) Singing both songs with instrumental accompaniment (a musical instrument or group of instruments).
c) One of the songs is singing with a playback, and the second one with instrumental accompaniment.

Vocal ensembles

Category XXXII: born from 2015 and younger
Category XXXIII: born in 2009 and younger
Category XXXIV: born in 2001 and younger
Category XXXV: born in 2000 and older

3.5. In the vocal ensemble can participate from 3 to 15 contestants.

3.6. Vocal Ensembles have several options to perform their competition program:

a) Singing both songs without any accompaniment (a cappella)
b) One of the songs is singing a cappella, and the second one with instrumental accompaniment (playback, a musical instrument or group of instruments)

с) Singing both songs accompanied by a recorded instrumental track (playback)

d) Singing both songs with instrumental accompaniment (a musical instrument or group of instruments).
e) One of the songs is singing with a playback, and the second one with instrumental accompaniment.

Vocal and instrumental ensembles

Category XXXVI: born from 2015 and younger
Category XXXVII: born in 2009 and younger
Category XXXVIII: born in 2001 and younger
Category XXXIX: born in 2000 and older

3.7. In the vocal instrumental ensemble can participate from 3 to 15 contestants and at least one of them is a singer.

3.8. Singing both songs with instrumental accompaniment without any recorded instrumental track (playback), back-vocal, and any kinds of vocal and instrumental imitation of the human voice.

Ethical rules

8.1. Words and/or performance of song should not harm the reputation of the competition.

8.2. In the course of the competition video recording are not permitted texts, replica, gestures of a political or similar nature.

8.3. Avoid rough or obscene words in texts or in the course of the song.

8.4. There shall be no commercial information.

8.5. Violation of this rule may result in disqualification.

8.6. Appearance and clothing of contestant and vocal or musical accompaniment of contestant must not have a frank and/or vulgar form and must match the age of the contestant.

Repertoire for pop-jazz singing: what to choose

The program is two songs of your choice, sung by heart, each with at least two couplets. Soloists, duos and singer-songwriters may use a backing track, live accompaniment or one of each; vocal ensembles may also sing a cappella. Vocal-instrumental ensembles play everything live, without a backing track or recorded backing vocals. In the author’s song section at least one song must be your own.

The jury assesses whether the songs match the singer’s abilities and age, so choose a key that sits well in your voice and lyrics suitable for your age; the ethical rules above apply to every song. Time both songs together before recording. Examples – recommendations, not requirements:

Younger singers: «Over the Rainbow» or «A Million Dreams».
Teenagers: «Fly Me to the Moon», «Feeling Good» or «Rolling in the Deep».
Senior singers: a jazz standard such as «Summertime» or «Autumn Leaves» with a soul or contemporary pop song.
Vocal ensembles: an a cappella arrangement of a pop hit or a close-harmony jazz standard.

Recording the video: tips for pop and jazz singers

Film one continuous take without editing or pauses; the singer or the whole group must be clearly visible. Pop singers move, so frame from head to knees with space around you and fix the camera on a tripod in landscape format. Play the backing track from a separate speaker and keep it below the voice – the jury needs to hear the vocal line. With a hand-held microphone, keep a steady distance and check a test take for distortion. A plain background works better than a busy room. Start with oral identification or an A4 sheet on a music stand. See the video recording tips and the rules.

Application, fee and certificates

Send the video, proof of identity and payment confirmation through the online application. The fee is 37 euros for a soloist and 37 euros for a duo or ensemble as a whole (how to pay). In the JUNIOR and MIDDLE JUNIOR sections, singers with 90–100 points receive the Gold award; JUNIOR ARTIST (32.50–50 points) and the SENIOR sections (16.25–25 points) use their own scales, described in the rules. All participants get an electronic certificate; teachers can download a letter of appreciation. Full rules – video requirements and identification, documents, fee and scoring – are on the rules page.

Frequently asked questions

Which styles are accepted in pop-jazz singing?

Popular music in a broad sense: pop, rock, blues, jazz, folk, punk and world music. For classical repertoire the competition has a separate nomination, classical singing.

Can I use a backing track?

Yes, for soloists, duos, author’s song and vocal ensembles – for both songs or for one of them. The rules describe a recorded instrumental track. Vocal-instrumental ensembles must accompany themselves live.

What are the ethical rules of the competition?

No political texts or gestures, no rough or obscene words, no commercial information, and appearance and costume must suit the singer’s age. A violation may lead to disqualification.

How are singers judged by age?

Each singer competes in a category by year of birth. The jury looks at musicality, intonation, timbre and power of voice, stage culture, complexity of the repertoire and whether it suits the singer’s abilities and age. If soloists in one category have equal points, the younger singer is placed higher.

What is the entry fee?

37 euros per soloist and 37 euros per duo or ensemble, paid by the methods on the payment page.