REGULATIONS – POP SINGING
1. Introduction to the discipline
The Singing Competition involves the live performance of Italian or international songs, both published and unpublished.
The aim is to enhance the natural quality of the voice and the stage presence of the participants, through authentic performances, strictly live.
The competition is divided into two sections:
MODERN SECTION – Pop • Rock • Metal • Rap • related genres
CLASSIC SECTION – Crossover • Jazz
2. Structure of the rounds (valid for both sections)
First round – Selections
Candidates perform the first song of their programme. This round determines access to the following rounds.
Second round – Final
The best-ranked competitors perform a second song (different from the first), which determines the final ranking.
Grand Final – Montecatini Terme
A group of finalists, selected by the Jury among the highest scores, will access the Grand Final in Montecatini Terme. There the competition will also be open to singer-songwriters, and live accompaniment with guitar or keyboard will be allowed.
Allowed categories
SOLOISTS:
Mini/Promotional: 7–10 years (max 2’30” per performance)
Youth: 11–17 years (max 3’30” per performance)
Junior: 18–30 years (max 3’30” per performance)
Adults: 31–45 years (max 3’30” per performance)
Senior: 46+ (max 3’30” per performance)
Age calculation: age is calculated as of the start date of the event (this applies to both the Final and the Selections).
DUETS:
Mini/Promotional: 7–10 (max 2’30” per performance)
Youth – Junior – Adults – Senior: (max 3’30” per performance)
CHOIR GROUPS
Categories:
Children’s Voices: up to 14 years old.
Adults: 14 years and older.
Small choir groups: min 3 – max 6 participants (max 4’00” per performance)
Large choir groups: min 7 – max 12 participants (max 4’00” per performance)
General technical requirements
Soloists:
- Live singing is mandatory, using the handheld microphone(s) provided by the organization.
- Playback is not allowed, not even partially (e.g. backing track with pre-recorded voice).
- The use of autotune or other voice-altering software is forbidden.
- The Artistic Direction may apply a light reverb if deemed necessary.
- During the selection stages, live instrumental accompaniment is not allowed (it will be allowed at the Grand Final in Montecatini Terme).
- A high-quality instrumental backing track is mandatory.
- Pre-recorded backing vocals are allowed within the backing track.
Choir groups:
- Songs may belong to any repertoire (rock, pop, folk, jazz, etc.).
- A maximum of 2 soloists is allowed, accompanied by the choir.
- Songs not originally written for choir may be presented, provided they are rearranged for choir.
- Performances may be a cappella or with a pre-recorded backing track.
- Backing tracks must be of good audio quality and must not contain pre-recorded choirs, not even as reinforcement.
