FAQ
Open Mic UK Frequently Asked Questions
AUDITIONS
How do I sign up to Open Mic UK?
To enter Open Mic UK you have to fill out an online application form that can be found here. To enter, fill out your act details, contact details and state where you would like to audition.
Is there a fee to enter?
Yes, the entry cost just £5 per act, this covers administration plus your audition.
Why is there a charge for auditions?
The fee covers costs such as administration, venue hire, traveling costs and staff to run the audition event. Running a competition as large as Open Mic UK costs a considerable amount of money and the competition wouldn’t run without this small charge.
How long should I allow for auditions?
We advise you give yourself plenty of time to arrive. Once you have arrived, you should ideally aim to register in with the Open Mic team 15-30 minutes before your allocated time. In most cases you will audition in your allocated time, but if it is extremely busy this may over-run, so in extreme circumstances it may take up to around an hour and a half. Results are generally given within 30 minutes of auditioning. So please be patient, the whole process for most cases normally takes around 2 hours.
Where can I enter from?
Registrations are accepted from all over the UK.
Is there an age limit?
No. However if you are under 16 years old you must inform your parents or guardian that you are entering the competition.
What kinds of music can enter?
We are open to all genres! Singers, singer/songwriters, rappers and vocalists of all genres are welcome so whether you’re into Pop, R’n’B, Opera or Acoustic, anyone can enter.
Can I sing a cover?
Entrants can sing either covers or their own material. About half the acts entering will sing covers, but this is not essential. Whether acts write their own material or wish to perform a cover either is fine.
Is there a deadline for entries?
Over 9,000 acts enter every year, so we advise you enter the competition as early as possible. Auditions each year begin in August so we strongly advise you enter as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
What’s the audition format?
After you complete and send your registration form, you will be sent an email confirming your audition details, so please ensure this is firmly in your diaries! All acts are auditioned in front of an industry judging panel.
What is expected of you if you enter?
Open Mic UK provides a platform to help singers and acts get professional and get noticed. You are expected to make the most of this by working hard to; get press and publicity to support your participation in the competition, galvanise fans and friends to support you, practice hard and take onboard feedback were applicable.
If you are a singer or act that just wants to turn up and see what happens, then this competition isn’t for you. We are looking for serious acts and singers with talent and a strong work ethic, both of which are essential for being successful.
How long should my audition piece be?
Prepare a song of your choice up to 2 minutes in length and no longer. On the day of the audition, you will be asked to perform up to 2 minutes and no longer. It’s all about first impressions at auditions, so ensure you pay attention to your image and always put the best of your song in the intro for maximum impact and get the chorus in early! The auditions are closed to the public and will be in front of a professional judging panel. If you are stopped during your audition this simply means the judges have seen enough of the performance to make a decision.
Who judges the auditions?
Judges are made up of industry experts, media representatives, A&R and celebrities. For a full list of judges please click here.
Which venues are you using?
We use the best venues in the UK including the Birmingham NEC, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Sheffield City Hall and The 02 in London. For a full list of venues click here.
What happens if I am successful at the auditions?
If you are successful at the auditions you will go on to perform at the live Regional Final showcase. The Regional Final showcase will be in the best venue in your region and you will be performing in front of a live audience and industry judging panel.
How many acts get through at auditions?
This amount varies as each audition has differing number of acts attending. Judges will select the best acts to go through to the showcase final on the day. The general rule is – if you’re talented enough to make it, you’ll go through, we NEVER turn away talent.
I have applied to enter but haven’t heard back?
Please check your junk folder and spam emails before contacting us. If you are still unable to find your confirmation please contact us.
To audition for Open Mic click here.
Illness or unforeseen circumstances:
In the event you are ill or unable to make your audition, you are able to audition at one of the remaining auditions taking place please advise us by email. Then, if you are successful and make it to the next round we will try to place you in your nearest live show.
LIVE SHOWS
Why is there a deposit to pay for Regional Final shows?
Open Mic want to ensure that the acts who take part in the competition are as dedicated to their music as we are. The £30 deposit ensures that acts turn up to play for their live show and try their best. Experience has shown that if we do not charge a deposit some singers and acts will drop out on the day of their showcase, leaving us with an empty slot, which could have been given to another act.
Will I get my deposit back?
All acts will receive their deposits back and this will be returned on the day of the Live show subject to them satisfactorily turning up to perform, making an effort and competing as asked.
Do I have to sell tickets?
All acts that make it successfully past the auditions will be given 25 tickets to sell for their live Regional Final show. Open Mic has been designed to help acts progress and provide a platform to gain as much exposure as possible, this means that you are expected to demonstrate a fan base. Acts are asked to try their best.
How much are tickets to the live shows?
Tickets to Regional and area Finals are £8. The show will last approximately 90 minutes and will also include a special guest performance, plus all the best singers and acts in your area. Alongside this line-up Judges from the music industry including National Radio, BBC Introducing, Regional Press and celebrity Judges will be present.
Is there an age restriction on fans coming to watch my show?
There are no audience age restrictions. Under 18’s may need to be accompanied by an adult. Children under three are free of charge and may share a seat with an adult, proof of age will be required, we would like to advise that the shows are not a suitable environment for any persons under three. All venues are seated and have disabled access.
How does the voting system work?
In order to progress to the National Final at the Indigo at The O2 you must be in the top Judges’ scores. Only the winner and best runners-up in each Final will progress to the next round. Those acts not in the highest Judges’ scores will be eliminated before counting of the audience vote.
From the top Judges acts; their scores will be ranked and added to the audience voting, (audience get to cast two votes using their tickets by stating who they think should progress) which will also be ranked. The acts with the combined highest ranking from audience and Judges’ votes will progress to the Final.
Is there text voting?
There is no text voting at the Regional and Area finals. The only time text voting comes into play is for the Wildcard and Grand Final, where it is simply not practical to receive and count votes in any other way.
What is a wildcard?
If you are unsuccessful at the Regional live finals, there is still an opportunity for one or two acts in each region to progress in the competition, as you will be thrown a wildcard in the form of a public vote. Each act is handed an individual wildcard number and fans can vote for the act of their choice via a text vote. The person with the most votes after the voting period has ended will progress through to the next round of the competition.
How many rounds are there?
After being successful at auditions you will play at the Regional final showcase. If successful there you will make the Area Final and compete for a place at The O2.
What prizes are in store?
Prizes include a recording and management contract, tour, studio time and much more! For more information visit the prizes page of the website.
If your question is not answered above, please feel free to contact us here.
