Contest Rules, Regulations & Prizes
Gateway Entertainment LLC, is proud to introduce you to American Country Showcase (ACS) Welcome to America's Premier Search for the next County Music Superstar. ACS knows how hard it is for today's young talent to break into the music industry. We hope the ACS and your venue allows young and old alike to make their musical dreams come true.
ACS is a singing competition where the winners are decided by the fans; well until the Nationals, then the professionals will evaluate you. Depending on your local venue it can be a Karaoke or Live Band competition.
REGISTRATION - How to enter to compete:
You can only enter American Country Showcase (ACS) via one of our local participating venues. Once your local venue appears on our ACS web-site (www.americancountryshowcase.com) you may register via our "Online Contest Registration Form". This is the only way we can assure we have your records on file and the only way we will recognize you as an official ACS contestant. Space is limited so registrations are taken on a first come first serve basis. Participation is also subject to the terms and conditions of our local venue partners. Upon registration with ACS, contestants are subject to all ACS rules, regulations, releases, disclaimers provided herein and within the ACS Website.
AGE REQUIREMENTS:
Because American Country Showcase (ACS) is held at America's premier Saloons, Bars, Taverns, Casino's, Theaters, State Fairs and County Fairs across the country; music contestants should be of the corresponding legal age for the venue the competition is being hosted. Our venue partners are responsible for assuring that all federal, state, and local laws are adhered to as it relates to participation of ACS contestants at their venue.
ELIGIBILITY:
Contestants cannot be related to anyone associated with Gateway Entertainment Group, LLC or its subsidiaries. Contestants cannot be currently on any Country Charts; Independent or National. Contestants can not have signed a major or independent record deal within the last 12 months. Contestants cannot be under a management contract.
ARRIVAL & PARTICIPATION:
If you are contacted by your local venue and identified as a registered ACS entrant and confirmed as an official ACS contestant, you should be prepared to arrive at the time and date communicated to you by the venue. Depending on how your local venue has been set-up; either karaoke and/or live band performance may be utilized. Your local venue will communicate this to you at time of contact. If live band performance is being utilized, prepare to arrive early in that rehersal time will be required.
In the event of a cancellation of an artist, the next registered artist will be called to compete. We encourage contestants to register early in that there are a limited number of performances allowed per night and spots fill very quickly. If registration becomes full at your local showcase, contestants are allowed to compete at other showcases across the country; you must however re-register to compete at the new venue, we will not redirect our registration. We also won't pay to get you there. If contestants register and do not show up, you will be barred from competing at other showcases across the country. It is important you contact your local venue for specific information concerning their competition. Numbers and information are contained on this website regarding venues.
SONG SELECTION & GENRE:
We recommend your song selection be carefully considered. Original songs are allowed but not always recommended. It is important your PERFORMANCE/SINGING talent shine through! Please consult with your venue for local contest structure. ACS is a Country Music Competition so it is our recommendation you stay as close to the Country Music Genre as possible. Don't let this scare you away from more Contemporary Country but make sure you're playing to YOUR LOCAL AUDIENCE; you want your performance to be the best it can be.
BANDS (if allowed at local venue):
Bands may be allowed to compete (subject to approval of local venue) however you should bring yoru own equipment, guitars, keyboards, etc, and be able to rapidly be ready to perform. Contact your local venue for availability confirmation and equipment requirements. Only 1 band per night is allowed.
VOTING PROCEDURE:
American Country Showcase does not use pre-selected judges (except for the National Final). The audience (the People) vote on who they want to advance to the Regional or National finals (contingent on local structure). ACS recommends the use of ballots or text votes over panels or audience 'Noise' as a method of voting. We want the competition as fair and equal as possible. In the event of a tie a 'sing off' should be held. Another vote should be held; if a tie again results the venue holder breaks the tie. This decision is final and non-negotiable.
ADDITIONAL RULES AND REGULATIONS:
- No member of the local 'house' band (for ACS contestants) may compete at any showcase nationally. (this rule has been amended if entering the contest the club owner or management has invited you to join a local house band after you have competed in a contest at that location, and your talent warrants interest by the club owner personally).
- Peformances must be done in good taste, no music, lyrics or clothing that are offensive will be allowed.
- No special lighting, props, or special effects may be used.
- The winner of the local Showcase is eligible to compete at the National Grand Finals if Regional is not designated on or before October 1st, 2010. It is the responsibilty of the local venue finalist to check in with ACS to see if a regional has been scheduled.
a) The Regional location, date and time will be communicated to finalist upon
scheduling - The National Final is scheduled to be held in TBA.
a) Expenses to the grand finals are the responsibility ofthe performer.
b) American Country Showcase may have special rates available to finalists at certain
hotels, motels, restaurants, etc. These will be forwarded to finalists before the
National Finals.
c) Admission to the National Finals is free to finalist.
RELEASES AND DISCLAIMER:
Constestants agree to hold harmless all parties associated with ACS, Gateway Entertainment Group, LLC, or any affiliates. Contestants also agree to allow ACS to use your photo, bio, and additional information for promotion of the competition or their companies in any way ACS deems appropriate without reimbursement or compensation to you. Rules, Regulations & Prizes are subject to change at ACS's sole discretion. The ACS website will be the final source for rules, regulations and prizes as it relates to the ACS; any updates will be posted and should be reviewd periodically. It is the repsonsibility of the contestant to check for updates.
