More than a Music Competition

The competition

Open Mic is the biggest nation-wide search for unsigned talent. From singer-songwriters and solo performers, to rap artists and vocal groups – over 10,000 performers take to the stage every year for this prestigious competition, offering prizes, exposure and benefits to every artist that comes along for the ride. Entry is open to everyone no matter the artist, no matter the genre and no matter the experience. The competition runs across the UK with live shows and events up and down the country culminating in a massive Grand Final at the amazing Alexandra Palace Theatre in London.

The Prizes

This is more than just a music competition. Not only does every artist get the chance to perform and gain valuable feedback from industry professionals, but they also get the chance to compete for over £70,000 worth of prizes.

Learn more about the prizes

Apply now

Perform for record labels

Not only will you perform to thousands of people and fans, you will also be performing for leading industry experts and major record label A&R reps. The potential is unmeasurable.

Meet the Judges

Other benefits

All artists get access to marketing tools, exclusive promotional offers and resources to improve your career.

Learn More

Other benefits

All artists get access to marketing tools, exclusive promotional offers and resources to improve your career.

Learn More

The format

The competition runs from August 2021 to July 2022 and is a mixture of on-demand audition performances, online shows and live events in some of the most amazing venues in the country. No matter where you are in the UK, you wont have to travel far to find your next stage to perform on.

Learn more about the venues

Schedule and Tickets

the auditions

Every contestant submits an audition. This is a simple video that shows off what you can do to our judges and the public. During this stage it’s all about getting votes base on your performance.

Apply now for 2022

the regionals

Making it through to the next stage will put contestants head to head with local acts in online and physical shows throughout the UK as they perform directly for our judges and audience in an attempt to get them ever closer to the Grand Final.

The Grand Final

An all out musical event spectacular is held to crown the winner as regional finalists are invited to perform at the Alexandra Palace Theatre in London for some of the biggest names in the business.

It's your stage

It doesn't matter the genre or whether it's an original song. You can be a solo artist or perform as a group. This stage is yours.

Grand Finale at the Alexandra Palace Theatre, London.

Use Your Phone To Audition

Auditioning is easy. You can even use your phone. Simply record a personal performance and upload it to your Artist Showcase where judges, friends, family and fans can vote for their favourite.

Apply and submit your audition

Success Stories

Birdy

The singer songwriter began writing her own music as a young child. Birdy was discovered at Open Mic UK in 2008 and still to date is the youngest overall winner, having initially not made it through auditions the previous year. Signed her first record deal with Warner after completing her first album at River Studios at the age of 12 . Since then she’s become six-time platinum, multimillion album-seller.

Success Stories

Lola Young

Lola Young entered the competition in consecutive years, going from previous years running off stage in tears to winning Open Mic UK in 2015, joining an impressive list of previous winners. Since then, Young was signed to Universal Music (Island Records) and is now managed by Nick Shymansky (who also managed Amy Winehouse).

Success Stories

Courtney Hadwin

Courtney Hadwin had been a regular at our competitions for several years. She’s trained with singing coach Julie Miles from Vocal Ovation, one of our competition judges and ambassadors. She entered Open Mic UK in 2016, again reaching the Grand Final and impressing the judges with her unique style. In December 2018 Courtney signed a record deal with Syco Entertainment and Arista Records.

Success Stories

Lucy Spraggan

Lucy Spraggan was the guest act for Open Mic UK across the country and as a result of performing at these shows, she was scouted by several festival organisers to perform at their events, including London Summer Jam, Osfest and Strawberry Fields Festival. Lucy initially signed to Columbia Records and is now signed to UK Based Independent Record Label Cooking Vinyl who are also have signed acts The Prodigy and Billy Bragg amongst. Lucy said, “Open Mic UK is a great way to build your fan base to thousands of new fans, whether you are a guest act or as a competitor in the show.