Terms & Conditions

1. Registration & Payment

By registering for the Heat Karaoke Championship 2026, you agree to pay the registration fee of $20.00 USD per competition type. Singers eliminated in Qualifier Night 1 may register for Qualifier Night 2 at a reduced rate of $10.00 USD (half-price retry).

ALL SALES ARE FINAL. NO REFUNDS WILL BE ISSUED FOR ANY REASON.

This includes, but is not limited to: inability to attend, schedule conflicts, disqualification, voluntary withdrawal, or dissatisfaction with results. By completing payment, you acknowledge and accept this no-refund policy.

Registration fees are split 50/50: half contributes to the prize pool and half covers hosting and operational costs of the competition.

2. Prize Structure

Heat Entertainment Group is sponsoring $1,000 USD in cash prizes for the Grand Finals. Additional prize money is generated from 50% of all singer registration fees collected throughout the competition season.

Finals prize distribution: 1st place receives 75% of the cash prize pool, 2nd place receives 25%. 3rd place receives a $100 Dugout gift card, 4th place a $50 gift card. Qualifier nights award $30 and $20 Dugout gift cards to the top 2 scorers. Semifinal top scorer per style wins a $50 gift card. Gift cards sponsored by The Dugout Tri-Cities.

Winners are responsible for any applicable taxes on prize winnings. Heat Entertainment Group and its affiliates are not responsible for tax reporting on behalf of winners.

3. Competition Rules

Eligibility: The competition is open to individuals 21 years of age or older. Participants must register through the official website (heatkaraoke.com) and complete payment to be eligible to compete.

Competition Types: Four styles of karaoke are offered: Showtunes, Pop/Hip-Hop/R&B/Gospel, Rock & Metal, and Country. Singers may register for multiple types at full price each.

Song Selection: Singers are required to submit their song choice, artist, and preferred karaoke version during the registration and payment process. Registration cannot be completed without providing song details. Songs must be appropriate for a public performance venue. The organizers reserve the right to request a song change if a selection is deemed inappropriate.

Song Submissions: All song submissions are final once submitted. No song changes will be permitted after registration. If the organizers are unable to acquire your requested karaoke version, they will work with you to find an alternative. If no suitable alternative is found, the organizers reserve the right to cancel your registration and issue a refund.

Registration Deadline: Online registration closes 2 hours before each event. No onsite registrations will be accepted under any circumstances. All registrations must be completed through heatkaraoke.com.

Solo Performances Only: All performances must be solo. There is no duet category this year. Backup singers, accompanists, or additional performers on stage are not permitted. Any performer who brings additional singers on stage will be disqualified without refund.

Performance: Singers perform one song per competition night. Performance order is determined by the organizers (via random draw or assigned order). Singers must be present and ready to perform when called. Failure to appear forfeits your registration.

Second Qualifier (Retry): Each competition type has two qualifier nights. Singers who did not compete in Qualifier Night 1 may register for Qualifier Night 2 at full price ($20 + tax). Singers who competed in Qualifier Night 1 but were not in the top 4 may register for Qualifier Night 2 at a reduced retry price of $10 + tax for a second chance to improve their score. Your best score across both qualifier nights will be used for advancement rankings. Competing in both nights is optional — you only need to compete in one to be eligible for advancement.

Advancement: The top 4 scorers from each type (pooled across both qualifier nights) advance to Semifinals. The top 2 from each type in Semifinals advance to the Grand Finals. Semifinalists and finalists are not required to pay additional fees.

4. Judging & Scoring

Performances are evaluated by a panel of judges on four criteria totaling 50 points:

• • Vocal Ability (15 points)
• • Song Choice / Difficulty (10 points)
• • Creativity & Originality (10 points)
• • Overall Performance (15 points)

A singer's score for a given night is the average of all judges' total scores, rounded up to two decimal places. Scores are final once locked by the Judging Administrator.

All judging decisions are final and not subject to appeal.

Judges are instructed to score independently and objectively. Any attempt by a contestant to influence, intimidate, or communicate with judges regarding scores will result in immediate disqualification.

5. Judge-Singer Boundaries

All performance feedback is provided exclusively through the official scoring system. Singers are prohibited from approaching, engaging, or communicating with judges before, during, or after the event regarding scores, performances, or judging criteria. Judges will not discuss scores, provide verbal feedback, or engage in conversation with contestants on competition nights. This policy exists to protect the integrity and impartiality of the competition. Any attempt to interact with judges regarding the competition — including casual introductions intended to influence familiarity — may result in disqualification without refund.

6. Code of Conduct

All participants, judges, and audience members are expected to conduct themselves in a respectful and sportsmanlike manner. The following behaviors will not be tolerated and may result in disqualification and/or removal from the venue:

• • Harassment, bullying, or intimidation of any kind
• • Excessive intoxication that impairs performance or behavior
• • Profane, discriminatory, or offensive conduct
• • Interference with other performers' preparations or performances
• • Damage to venue property or equipment
• • Attempting to influence judges or contest results

Disqualified participants forfeit their registration fee and any claim to prizes. The organizers' decision on matters of conduct is final.

7. Media Release

By participating in the Heat Karaoke Championship, you grant Heat Entertainment Group and its affiliates the right to photograph, record, and use audio/video of your performance for promotional purposes, including but not limited to: social media, website content, advertisements, and future event marketing.

Participants will not receive compensation for the use of their likeness or performance recordings. If you do not wish to be filmed, you must notify the organizers in writing prior to your performance; however, this may not be feasible in all venue configurations.

8. Liability Waiver

By registering for the Heat Karaoke Championship, you voluntarily assume all risks associated with participation, including but not limited to: personal injury, property damage, or loss. You agree to hold harmless Heat Entertainment Group, its organizers, staff, judges, venue owners, and sponsors from any claims, damages, or liabilities arising from your participation.

The organizers are not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal property at the venue.

9. Schedule & Modifications

The competition schedule, venue, rules, prize structure, and any other aspect of the Heat Karaoke Championship may be modified at the sole discretion of the organizers. Participants will be notified of material changes via email or through the official website.

The organizers reserve the right to cancel any competition night due to insufficient registrations or other operational reasons. In the event of an organizer-initiated cancellation, registered participants will receive a full refund. In the event a competition night is cancelled due to circumstances beyond the organizers' control (severe weather, venue emergency, etc.), the organizers will make reasonable efforts to reschedule. Cancellation of an event does not entitle participants to a refund.

10. Privacy

Your personal information (name, email, phone) is collected for the purpose of managing the competition. We will not sell or share your personal information with third parties unrelated to the competition. Performance scores and placements may be displayed publicly on the website and at events.

11. Agreement

By creating an account and registering for any competition night, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms & Conditions in their entirety. You confirm that you are at least 21 years of age and legally able to enter into this agreement.

Your registration and payment constitutes acceptance of all terms above, including the no-refund policy.