Contest Rules and Regulations...
	Who can participate? Where are competitions (auditions) held? How does a contestant participate in the audition? How do you win? Instruction to the Judges. Elimination Round rule changes.

1. Who can participate?

1. Only undergraduate students registered at the University of Western Ontario for the fall term, 2010 may participate.
   
   
2. Contestants who competed last year, 2009-2010 Western Idol, are allowed to compete again with the following exception:  those who competed in the final round (top five) are not allowed to compete again.

2. Where are the competitions (auditions) held?

1. Auditions for students living in residence are held at The Spoke in the University Community Centre. Students are asked to only attend the audition that is scheduled for their specific residence.
    
2. Auditions for off-campus undergraduate students are held in The Spoke in the University Community Centre.
    
3. Students can only audition once.

3. How does a contestant participate in the audition?

1. A contestant should visit www.westernidol.ca and select from the music library the song she/he wishes to perform.
    
2. At the audition, the contestant will be required to fill out a questionnaire that will provide to the judges and master of ceremonies some basic personal contact information and song selection.
    
3. At some point in the evening, the contestant will be introduced by the host and allowed to sing their song selection using a “karaoke” machine providing musical support.
    
4. Contestants should not bring CD’s, tapes, musical instruments, and should not perform as part of a group or without music.
    
5. Contestants cannot perform original music; they must select a song from the list provided at the www.westernidol.ca web site.
    
6. The results of the judge’s scores will be announced at the end of the night. The names of the contestants who the judges have selected to move onto the next round will be posted on the www.westernidol.ca web site the next day.
   
   
   

4. How do you win?

1. At each audition the panel of judges will score contestants according to preset criterion (see 4b). This criterion provides a basis for discussion between the judges and helps judges track and compare contestants. A winner will be declared at each audition based on the highest points awarded BUT the judges will not limit to only the winner the number of contestants moving to the next round. Based on the talent level exhibited, the Judges may select several contestants to move onto the next round of auditions.
    
2. Judges will base their decisions on the following scoring criterion:
   

    1. Vocal Skill                    Scored from 1 – 10, 10 being best.
    2. Stage Presence                 Scored from 1 -  5,  5 being best.
    3. Originality of Presentation    Scored from 1 -  5,  5 being best.
    4. Personality                    Scored from 1 -  5,  5 being best.
   

5. Instruction to the Judges.

Judges are to consider contestants solely on the basis of their performance. In providing an assessment of each contestant, judges are to focus on the positive aspect of each performance.

6. Elimination Round rule changes.

1. Contestants may not sing the same song they sang in the preliminary round.
    
2. The songs listed below CANNOT be performed in the Elimination Rounds.
   (TBA)
    
3. ALL elements of the performance will be strictly judged. While vocal elements are heavily weighted, stage presence, and presentation will have significant impact on the judges’ decision.
    
4. Because of time constraints, some performances may be terminated by the judges before the performance has run its full course.
    
5. Judges’ decisions are final and not subject to review or reversal.