Register-for-contest

THE RULES, TERMS AND CONDITIONS

BOLD=VENUE RULING ONLY

HELPFUL HINT: START EARLY, THE ODDS AS THE COMPETITION GETS CLOSER TO THE STATE FAIR BECOME LESS AND LESS.

1-You are entering this competition upon your own free will.

2-You understand that the judges will be paid judges in the music industry and they will be judging you on your stage performance, in key, melody and timing, how well you know your song and audience reaction. It will be scored in points on a scale of 1-10 for a maximum total of 40 points per judge with a maximum total of 120 in all judges’ count. All scores are final and non-negotiable. The judges will not be of the karaoke community.

2.1-Costume Competition: Costume shall also be judged and added into the score. NOTICE: 5/12/15: The costume part of this competition has been removed

2.2-At The NM State Fair there shall be four judges so there can be 40 points per judge with a maximum total of 160 in all judges count.

2.1-Exception to the paid judges: during the five weeks of in house pre-qualifications at Dewar’s Pub, the judges are supplied by Dewar’s Pub and may or may not be outside the karaoke community; however the judges on the qualification will be the paid judges.

2.2-Unsportmanlike Conduct: The judge’s scores and decisions are final and not negotiable. Any unsportsmanlike conduct such as defiling the competition through social media and such may justify disqualification from any Call Me Ozz endorsed event, including, but not limited to the entire NM State Fair Karaoke Competitions.

3-The top scores from each night of each venue shall advance to the elimination nights at the N.M. State Fair.

4-Ties shall be broken by the judges.

5-Signed recording artists are not eligible.

6-KJs may participate in this contest, they may not attempt to qualify at their own venue, they may attempt to qualify at any other venue.

7-Only the singers may be permitted on stage. No additional persons such as backup singers, harmonizers or dancers. The focus is to be kept on the singer.

7.1-CLARIFICATION:

The key word here is STAGE. This rule was put into place for the Main Pavilion Stage at the NM State Fair. We did not want any singers, harmonizers or dancers on that stage, only the singer. If a singer in a qualification night brings a support team with him or her and they dance while they are singing it is acceptable. For example, a singer singing a country song, and people get up to dance, or any genre of music. It would also be acceptable at the NM State Fair for people to dance on the floor in front of the stage. The judges know how to decipher the quality of the vocals and crowd interaction.

7.2- Re: Rule Modification/Clarification-Props:

There are no props allowed on stage. This includes but not limited to chairs, air guitars, etc. The focus is to be kept on the singer, the vocals and the stage performance without additional propaganda.

8-By Pre-Registering you are signing up in advance. You must report in no later than 30 minutes before karaoke start time at that venue. If you are even one minute late, your spot is in jeopardy of being lost to someone who is on the premises, whom wishes to be in the contest. Any contestant not checked in by the time karaoke begins will be forfeited. (If you are running late, inform us and we will try to work with you.)

8.1-No shows or less than available to enter: If there are any no shows or if there are not the number of contestants permitted to sign up the qualification shall go on with those that are registered, and the same amount originally promised to qualify shall still occur. For example; if a venue is set up to qualify 8 out of 24, but only 20 shows up, the qualification will still occur but it will be 8 out of 20.

8.2-When you register you must provide a phone number we can contact you at for verification. Your registration is not confirmed until we have confirmed it with you via telephone.

8.3-MINORS: Anyone under the age of 18 will require parent or legal guardian consent and release. This form must be filled out and signed on the night of the qualification night and the parent or guardian must be present at all times that the minor is on any premise.

9-Qualification is limited to xx singers per night. If you sign up on line and it's already filled you will be notified and recommended to choose another venue. If you show up to a venue and it's full, you'll be recommended to another venue. You may only pre-register for one venue at a time. When you check in you will be offered a future available venue to have an automatic rollover if you do not qualify that night.

10-On line pre-registration will be available until six hours before the qualifying night/time to begin at a venue. If it starts at 9pm, pre-registration will close at 3pm, at that point you will just have to go to the venue, and sign up as long as there is space. If it is not filled up by 3pm, contestants may register until xx contestants are signed up or karaoke time, whichever comes first.

11-If at all possible; two to three non contestant singers will sing first to get any technical difficulties out and to get the sound set.

12-SONG SELECTIONS:

A-You will turn in your requested song at the time of registration. If the KJ does not have your song you will be notified, you may change your song, or you may contact your KJ and ask if you can download your preferred song or version into their computer. You may change your song up to one week prior to the qualification night, however only one change is permitted. We are not responsible for technical difficulties on your downloaded song, be prepared for a on the spot back up.

B-If you qualify for the Main Pavilion you must submit your song one week prior to your stage night and no changes will be accepted after that.

C-You may sing any song you like as long it falls within the rules, and may sing the same song throughout the entire contest.

D-Only one song per night is permitted between all of the singers. If your song has already been chosen by another singer before you, you must choose another song. Have at least three songs in your repertoire.

D.1-EXCEPTION: The Duel Competition at Fiesta’s shall permit multiple singers singing the same song. In this competition the highest score of the participating duelers will win an additional prize to be awarded at the Grand Finale. Although it is likely, it does not guarantee that person will advance to the Main Pavilion.

13-You may only sign up for one qualification venue at a time. This also includes if you pre-qualify at an in house venue. Once you try to qualify, and you do not advance to the main pavilion, you may then sign up for another qualifying venue, subject to availability. If you do not qualify by the time all options are exhausted, you may then try inside the NM State Fair (see rule 21).

14-There will not be a block out time for qualifying. You will be in the regular rotation. You must let the KJ know what song you are singing for the qualification.

15-Cussing is not permitted. If a cuss word is in the song, it must be omitted or changed.

15.1-CLARIFICATION:

In this day and age "Cuss" words are almost every day conversation, however for the sake of the NM State Fair, family atmosphere cussing will not be permitted at all on the Main Stage or Minors Permitted Venues. This rule is not so applicable at the "No Minors Allowed" venues for qualifications. If your song has ANY "cuss" words in it prepare yourself to change them. Listed below are some suggestions:

Damn-Dang

Ass-Butt

Hell-Heck

Fu***-Frick

Bi***-Broad

This is not a limited list.

16-Duplicate songs are not permitted. If someone else has sung or chosen the song you wish to sing you will have to choose another song. (Exception: See 12-C.1)

17-This contest is for individual singers only. No duets permitted.

17.1-EXCEPTION: Duets may be permitted at the COSTUME COMPETITION to be held at EFFINGBAR & GRILL. Each of the two singers shall be judged individually and means that their scores will be treated individually and sent individually to the Main Pavilion to sing solo. NOTICE: 5/12/15: The costume part of this competition has been removed.

18-Do not associate with the judges at the competitions. Doing so is immediate disqualification. (This is limited to the jurisdiction of the NM State Fair or at the venue at the time of the qualification round.) (See clarification below: April 1,2015)

19-You must be present at the time that the announcement is made as to who the qualifiers are. If you are one of the qualifiers, and not present, it will go to the next highest score. This also holds true for the elimination rounds at the NM State Fair.

20-There shall be eleven opportunities to qualify. The number of qualifiers each night varies. Eighty two total qualifiers for the elimination rounds.

20.1-An additional fourteen inside the NM State Fair Last Chance Karaoke. (This may be adjusted sue to the Valencia County Fair). (Update 9-1-15) This has had to be adjusted to accommodate the fulfilling of Villa Hispana Spanish Only. There shall be a total of 12 to qualify at last chance. Note: This number could change if someone drops out or disqualifies prior to the beginning of Last Chance to Qualify. We make every effort possible to have twelve competitors each night in the Elimination Rounds.

21-If you are one of the ones, chosen to advance to the elimination rounds, you will be required to submit the song title, artist, preferred version, and key adjustments one week prior to the night you are on stage. Song change requests after one week prior will not be accepted.

21.1-If you qualify to the elimination rounds you will have to choose your night at the fair that night, please be prepared for that when you come to the venue to qualify, you will not be able to change it. There will be one night of elimination rounds to be held at the Villa Hispana Stage of which only Spanish Karaoke Music can be sang. This night will be on Wednesday, September 16th. (NOTICE: This date was changed to Thursday, Sept 10th)

22-If for some reason a venue cancels out, the six highest scores from all of the other qualifying venues will replace that venues spot to get the six that would have come from that venue.

23-There shall be an additional fourteen qualifiers from inside the N.M. State Fair, during the N.M. State Fair. Dates will be September 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17th. If you do not qualify prior to the N.M. State Fair, you may try to qualify inside the N.M State Fair, however, minors will have priority. Time and locations to be announced later. (This may be adjusted due to the Valencia County Fair)

23.1:

QUALIFYING AT THE NM STATE FAIR-OPEN KARAOKE (Rule #23 Clarification and Modification):

Each night of the elimination rounds at the NM State Fair (September 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17th), before the elimination rounds there will be one hour of open karaoke. Up to twelve people may sing, and attempt to get into the elimination rounds, or just sing. The number of persons chosen on any day to advance to the elimination rounds will depend upon the night: Two each on September 10, 13, 14, 15, 16 & 17, one on September 11 & 12. If you attempt to qualify for the elimination rounds and you do qualify, you must compete that night. (Notice: The amount of contestants permitted to attempt to qualify each night has changed due to a NMSF change. Please see the bottom of the rule sheet, August 8 for details.) Clarification: Open Karaoke/Last Chance to Qualify will be responsible for their own Gate Fees and Parking Fees.

Rollover reservations: Once all of the venues are full from "Rollover Reservations" (When a person attempts to qualify at a venue but doesn't make it, if the person would like, they can have their reservation rolled over to the next available venue), up to eight (rollover reservations) per night at the NM State Fair will be accepted. The contestant is responsible to pay their gate fees and parking fees if applicable.

23.2-If the KJ or the sound engineer makes an error which is determined by the judges to negatively affect the singers score a re-do may be permitted on one of the other nights of the elimination rounds. If this is happens it will eliminate the possibility of qualifying a person on that nights “last chance to qualify”. Another option may be to allow the re-do on the same night if it feasible. This is not possible on the last elimination night.

23.3-If there is a problem on the stage, please calmly walk over to the KJ and explain the problem. The KJ will correct it or take it to Ozz’s assistant for correction. Avoid unsportsmanlike conduct.

24-Elimination rounds shall begin on September 10th, and be every night on September 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17th. There shall be twelve contestants each night. Nine will be eliminated; three will advance to the semi-finals each night. Times and locations to be announced later.

25-If you are eliminated in the elimination rounds at the N.M. State Fair, you may not try to re-qualify inside the N.M. State Fair.

26-Semi-Final round shall be held on Friday, September 18th. Twenty-Four contestants shall compete. Twelve shall be eliminated; twelve shall advance to the Final Round. Time and location to be announced later.

27-The Final Round shall be held on Saturday, September 19th. The twelve semi-finalists will be able to practice one song. Then the finals will begin. Nine will be eliminated; three will advance to the final sing off. Times and location to be announced later. (You must reserve your spot on the OPEN KARAOKE registration page, it is subject to availability and anyone wanting to sing open karaoke that night)

28-The Final Sing off and Grand Finale shall be held on Sunday, September 20th. The three finalists will each sing three songs in a row. After all three have performed, second place, and then first and third place shall be announced and they shall receive their prizes. Time and location shall be announced at a later date.

29-The qualifying venues are responsible for the prizes at their venues, however they are not required to do so.

30-Please check your calendar, if you are not able to attend one of elimination nights at N.M. State Fair, or the semi-final night, final night or the final sing off, please do not sign up! Let's let someone who can be there compete.

31-If you qualify for the elimination night, you will receive a pass for your night on the stage and another pass to return for the Grand Finale to support the three finalists and support the best venue and best KJ. If you qualify for the semi final, final, and final sing off, you will receive another entry pass to the N.M. State Fair, but only one for you. You are responsible for any parking or transportation fees.

32-If you qualify to the elimination rounds at the NM State Fair, you may participate in the NM State Fair Parade on the morning of Saturday, September 12th.

33-By entering this contest you are giving Call Me Ozz Dot Net, The N.M. State Fair and it's affiliates full copyrights to use your name and photos in any and all media and marketing opportunities and giving up any and future rights and royalties from this contest.

34-Call Me Ozz Dot Net is contracted by the N.M. State Fair to manage this contest. Any special instructions, questions, comments or complaints should be directed to: awards@callmeozz.net

35-Entry Fee: None, however we do ask that you financially support the participating venues, by spending at least $10 every time you visit a venue to qualify.

36- SCORES:

You may request to know what your scores are for any one qualification night. You may only know YOUR scores; no other scores shall be disclosed. As stated in the rules all scores are final and non-negotiable. We will not show you what each individual judge has scored you on, we will only show you your score for each category and then a total, and your placement. (See adjustment below: July 3, 2015)

37-Any violation of these Rules, Terms and Conditions could result in being disqualified from the contest. If a person is disqualified, his or her spot may be given to the next person with the next highest score.

38-These rules may change or be modified up until day one of the first qualification night.

39-Force Majeure shall go into effect for any unforeseen circumstance of these rules.

40-Call Me Ozz, the NM State Fair and the Participating Venues cannot be held liable for any physical injuries during the competitions.

Clarification of Rule #18:

During the competition season (April 17-September 21) it is strictly prohibited to “hang out with”, “intermingle with”, “associate with”, “fraternize with”, in or out of any venue or State Fair premises. We understand that chance encounters may occur, and in those circumstances the conversation should be very limited and should not include anything that has to do with the competitions. The judges are also informed not to associate with any of the contestants at any time and if so they will be relieved of their position. If a contestant would like to know how they were judged, refer to rule #36.

COMMUNICATION WITH CALL ME OZZ:

Because of the size of this competition, all communication concerning reservations must be communicated through the website. No verbal or texting changes will be accepted. For your convenience simple buttons for changes are below:

1-TO CHANGE YOUR SONG: Click on the "TO CHANGE YOUR SONG-CLICK HERE" button.

2-TO CHANGE YOUR VENUE: Click on the 'TO CHANGE MY VENUE-CLICK HERE" button.

3-FOR ALL OTHER COMMUNICATION: Click on the "CONTACT US" button.

NOTICE: Only two changes shall be permitted during the entire competition season. No shows will not be permitted to reschedule for the remaining competition season.

June 1, 2015: Concerning who may compete from previous competitions:

Only First Place winners are prohibited from competing in the future of the same annual or repetitive Competition.For example, any first place winners from any previous NM State Fair Competitions may not compete again.

All runner ups may compete in future competitions. For example, anyone who competed in previous NM State Fair Competitions may compete again.

First place winners may compete in other competitions. For example, if the first place winner from the NM State Fair Karaoke Competition would like to compete in the Karaoke Vacation 2016-Cruise and Competition, they may do so.

July 3, 2015: Change is score disclosure:

Placement will no longer be disclosed.

July 3, 2015: Additional Communication Clarification:

As stated in Rule #18, communication with the Judges is strictly prohibited for ANY reason during the entire season.

Additionally it is prohibited to contact the KJ, the venue or any Call Me Ozz associate for any reason such as placement or song changes (but not limited to these reasons.) As stated in Rule #34, all communication is to go through awards@callmeozz.net

August 8, 2015: Change in the number of applicants accepted for Last Chance/Open/Warm Up Karaoke at the NMSF:

When the original competition was designed we were under the impression we would have one hour of stage time which would have allowed up to twelve to sing. The NMSF has reduced that stage time to forty five minutes, and added more time to the elimination rounds. Therefore, only ten songs may be sung. One will be the KJ, one will be the Special Guest singer to work out the sound, then seven will be permitted to register and attempt to qualify,and/or just sing, or be a qualifier to warm up, then closed by Ozz to announce the qualifiers for the night.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2015:

So today we were posed with a very realistic question…at the Fair, we are scheduled to have four judges. What happens if one doesn’t show up?

Under Force Major, we would have to allow the competition to go on. As the saying goes, The Show Must Go On……We would try to find a back up judge to take their place, however, if time did not permit, we would have to use the judges we have on hand.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9.2015:

Do I have to sing different songs throughout the Fair?

No, you can sing any song you want, as many times as you want, as long as it falls in the guidelines of the rules. The judges do not dock you necessarily for singing the same song over and over.