Tampa Teen Idol "So You Think You Can Sing" Contestant Application Logo
  • Tampa Teen Idol "So You Think You Can Sing" Contestant Application

    Tampa Teen Idol "So You Think You Can Sing" Contestant Application

  • OFFICIAL CONTEST RULES AND REGULATIONS

    DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC.

    Tampa Alumnae Chapter

    TAMPA TEEN IDOL 2025-2026

    OFFICIAL RULES AND REGULATIONS*

    OVERVIEW


    1. Tampa Teen Idol (TTI) is a solo singing competition for youth who are currently enrolled as Hillsborough County students (9th through 12th grade). The event is organized and sponsored by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the Tampa Alumnae Chapter 


    2. Interested vocalists are required to audition online by completing the online registration form and submitting a video recording of his or her vocal talent by 11:59 p.m. EST, Sunday, October 26, 2025. Once the online auditions have closed, the DSTTA TTI Committee will review online submissions.


    3. The competition will take place on Sunday, December 7, 2025 from 3:00pm-7:00pm, at Tampa Bay Technical High School, 6410 Orient Rd., Tampa, Florida, 33610


    4. There will be a first-place winner and a second-place winner. The first-place winner will receive a $1000 cash prize and a recording studio session, and the second-place winner will receive a $500 cash prize. 


    5. First and second place winners will be selected by fan vote.


    Eligibility 


    1. This competition is open to Hillsborough County high school youth who are in 9th – 12th grades for the 2025-2026 school year. 


    2. DSTTA has the right at any time to require proof of identity and/or eligibility. DSTTA reserves the right to disqualify any contestant from the competition or auditioning process at its sole discretion.


    3. By submitting an audition video each contestant thereby agrees to comply with the DSTTA TTI 2025/2026 Official Rules and Regulations. Failing to adhere to the deadlines set forth herein may result in immediate disqualification. 


    4. Contestants and their parents must also attend all mandatory meetings. The tentative date for the mandatory meeting is TBD.  The DSTTA TTI Committee will inform contestants and parents of any additional meeting dates and times. 


    5. DSTTA may disqualify any contestant who is late for the competition. 


    6. Each contestant participates in this competition voluntarily, at their own risk, and may withdraw from the competition at any time. Contestants should review the rules and regulations carefully. If at any point a contestant determines he/she cannot continue with the competition, the contestant should notify the DSTTA TTI Committee immediately via e-mail at tampateenidol@gmail.com 


    7. Past first and second place winners of the TTI singing competition are ineligible. 


    Audition & Selection 


    1. All contestants must complete and sign the online registration form (including all necessary consents and releases) AND audition.


    2. Auditions will occur via video submissions. Video submissions must be a solo act. Contestants may use one of the following methods: a musical instrument accompaniment; background music; or a cappella. No vocal duets, group performances, or any other form of audition will be permitted. 


    3. Video submissions will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. EST, Sunday, October 26, 2025. Should DSTTA deem it necessary, the deadline may be extended and will be communicated on the DSTTA website (www.dstta.com). 


    4. Contestants will be required to record a short video containing a singing performance of a song of their choice. To submit an audition video to qualify for DSTTA TTI, each contestant must: 


    a) Record a video performance lasting no longer than two (2) minutes. The DSTTA TTI Committee panel of judges will only judge the first two (2) minutes of each video submitted.  


    b) Complete the registration form.


    c) Attach an audition video to the registration form 


    d) If the contestant is unable to attach a video to the registration form s/he should send a link or attachment of his or her video to tampateenidol@gmail.com. In the subject line, state “Audition Video” along with the contestant’s full name and the email address associated with the registration. 


    e) Videos should not contain any profane, vulgar, or sexually suggestive language. The videos submitted should be private. DSTTA will not share the videos with the public unless it is to garner the public’s votes or participation in the TTI event(s).  The videos must be in one of the following formats: .MPG; .MOV; or .WMV.


    5. DSTTA TTI committee will review each audition and registration form submitted. The DSTTA TTI committee will determine whether the submitted audition is acceptable. By auditioning, each contestant thereby agrees to comply with the DSTTA TTI 2025/2026 Official Rules and Regulations. 


    Competition Song Selection 


    1. Contestants must prepare one song for the competition. Background music must be free of background vocals. 


    2. Contestants may use one musical instrument for accompaniment, which they are responsible for providing and setting up and breaking down for their performance.


    3. Contestants are permitted to sing an entire song for the competition. However, the song selected should not exceed four (4) minutes. Only one song may be sung within the performance. Contestants are responsible for editing their own music to meet this requirement. Fading of the track is highly recommended for smooth transition. 


    4. Contestants may sing the same song as another contestant. Contestants will be notified if there is duplication. 


    5. Contestants must submit song selections to the DSTTA TTI Committee by 11:59 p.m. EST, Thursday, October 30, 2025. 


    6. No changes in song choice may be made once the contestant has submitted the music to the DSTTA TTI Committee. 


    7. Songs containing vulgar, offensive, explicit, or sexually suggestive lyrics are not permitted. 


    Tampa Teen Idol Competition  


    1. The competition will start at 3:00 p.m. and run until approximately 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 7, 2025. * 


    2. Contestants must arrive at the venue by 1:00 p.m. on the day of the competition.* 


    3. Contestants are not permitted to leave the stage or stage area during their performance. This includes singing or performing within the audience. 


    4. Contestants must always be present or accessible throughout the show. If he or she is absent when called upon, DSTTA will disqualify the contestant from the competition. 


    5. Contestants may not utilize back-up singers, dancers, or any other props or bodies on the stage. Costumes and other accessories are permitted. 


    Judging Criteria

     

    Please review the judging criteria included below. 


    Winner Selection 


    1. Immediately after each performance, contestants will receive a critique from a panel of guest judges. The judges will provide comments and feedback. The DSTTA TTI Committee will select the judges. Judges will be professional, fair, and impartial and will be asked not to research contestants.


    2. There will be two winners - one (1) first place winner and one (1) second place winner (or runner up). 


    3. The audience will determine the winners of the competition. The audience will vote using their ticket stubs. Voting will take place after all contestants have performed. 


    4. The panel of judges will intervene in the event audience voting results in a tie. The winners will be announced at the end of the competition on the same day.


    5. The winners will be announced on the DSTTA website, Facebook pages, and through other public announcements. 


    6. The first-place winner will receive $1000 check and a recording session. The second-place winner will receive $500 in check. 


    Behavior Expectation 


    1. Contestants should dress appropriately for a family-friendly community event. The DSTTA TTI Committee may approve or reject wardrobe. Contestants are encouraged to submit wardrobe pictures along with their song selections.


    2. Contestants who use any obscene, offensive, sexual, or otherwise inappropriate behavior or gestures, including without limitation those referencing or depicting violence, nudity or explicit activity, or that are not in the spirit of the competition or do not meet DSTTA’s standards for any reason, will be disqualified from the competition. This includes before, after, or during the contestant’s performance or at any time during which the individual is participating in Tampa Teen Idol. 


    3. Illegal or controlled substances, alcohol, or weapons are not permitted at the competition. 


    4. Contestants are encouraged to invite supporters to the event. Negative comments or actions toward any contestant, audience member, judge or otherwise will not be tolerated. DSTTA holds the right to excuse guests from the event if behavior deemed inappropriate continues.

     

    Key Deadlines*

    Deadline to submit videos and registration forms: 10/26/25

    DSTTA TTI Committee notifies contestants: 10/27/25

    Mandatory Meetings: TBD

    Deadline to submit song for competition for DSTTA approval: 10/30/25

    Competition: 12/7/25


    *Please note dates and locations in the rules are subject to change. DSTTA may update the rules based on the number of participants. DSTTA will notify all contestants of any changes prior to the scheduled deadline or meeting date.

     

    Tampa Teen Idol

    “So You Think You Can Sing?”

    JUDGING CRITERIA

    To be successful in this competition, it is important for you to realize how you will be judged and scored. The important areas for you to focus on are as follows:

    Vocal Ability (30 points)

    Stage Presence (20 points)

    Timing (20 points)

    Articulation (20 points)

    Audience Impact (10 points)


    1. VOCAL ABILITY - [30 points of the Overall Score] This category has the most objective criteria of the four. It includes 6 fundamental qualifiers that are described below. You will not necessarily be rated on each individual qualifier, simply consider them as part of the performer’s overall singing ability.

    A. Intonation – Are you singing "in key?" Or are you singing sharp (above the appropriate pitch), or flat (below the appropriate pitch)? If one or two notes are off pitch, you will be scored accordingly, but your overall performance will be the main consideration in scoring.  

    B. Range – Are you in command of a large range of pitches (low to high), or is the melody in a narrow range (one octave or less)? If you demonstrate a wide range, you should receive a higher score. But if you strain to sing the high notes or struggle to project the low notes, your score should be lower. A good vocal performance will simply sound natural.

    C. Vocal Quality – Does the vocal come off sounding strong or weak, and is it consistent with the song being sung? If your voice sounds gravelly, it may be appropriate for a rock song, but not for a ballad. If the song is soft and sweet, does the vocal match and project the same feeling? The song is the message and you should deliver the message with the appropriate feeling.

    D. Phrasing - Is there emotional expression that’s appropriate to the song? Does it "connect" with the audience?

    2. STAGE PRESENCE - [20 points of the Overall Score] Do you connect with your audience by appearing confident and relaxed, and singing directly to them?

    A high score would result from:

    Enjoying yourself

    Making good eye contact with the audience

    Using facial expressions and body gestures that help communicate the song’s message

    Gesturing or moving appropriately (“feeling the song”)

    The judges will consider your style and appearance, and whether it enhances your performance.

    A low score would result from:

    Not knowing the words to the song

    Looking up or down

    Expressions and gestures that “get in the way” or detract from the performance

    Stiffness or lack of expression.


    3. TIMING/RHYTHM [20 Points of the Overall Judged Score] – Are you "in tempo" with the underlying musical score? Or are you singing "out of rhythm" with the musical phrases early or late? A good performance will sound "locked in" and the judges will feel it.


    4. ARTICULATION [20 Points of the Overall Judged Score] – Can the audience clearly hear the words? Are you clearly enunciating? Even if you aren't familiar with the language, the judges can tell if the singer is stumbling through the song.

    5. AUDIENCE REACTION [20 Points of the Overall Judged Score] – How did the audience react to your performance? Length of intensity of applause should be noted. Overall, did the audience focus on the performance or were they paying attention elsewhere?

  • CONTESTANT INFORMATION

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  • PARENT/GUARDIAN INFORMATION

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  • School Information

  • TALENT INFORMATION

  • RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND HOLD HARMLESS AGREEMENT This agreement is entered into by and between the Tampa Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated the Tampa Teen Idol 2025/2026 Contestant (“Contestant”) and his or her Parent(s)/Guardian(s). This agreement is two pages long. Please read it in its entirety.Tampa Teen Idol 2025/2026 Tampa Teen Idol 2025/2026 (“TTI”) is a solo singing competition for youth who are currently enrolled as Hillsborough County students (9th through 12th grades). This event is organized and sponsored by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the Tampa Alumnae Chapter TTI is a scholarship fundraiser. It is a community activity focused on providing a culturally enriching experience for the contestants and members of the community, as well as on raising money for DSTTA’s scholarship initiatives. The contestants have agreed to take part in TTI and, by doing so, will be required to attend all rounds of competition for which he or she qualifies and all mandatory meetings. The mandatory meeting is scheduled for TBD. DSTTA will provide additional information about this meeting to the contestants selected to move forward in the competition.Competition details: The semi-final competition will take place on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at Tampa Bay Technical High School. The exact time will be communicated to all eligible contestants.AgreementParents/Legal Guardians are required to complete and sign this agreement. A contestant cannot participate in TTI and the scheduled activities without submitting signed releases and consents. Parent/Guardian approval will not be accepted by phone or any other means. The contestant and parent(s)/guardian(s) agree to hold harmless the Tampa Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. from any and all claims, actions, judgments, liability, and damages arising from and/or related to the contestant’s participation in TTI. I understand and agree, as the parent or guardian, forever release the Tampa Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. from any liability and medical responsibility related to the contestant’s participation, and I will be responsible for all of his/her actions while involved in scheduled activities and the competition. The Tampa Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. will not be liable for any injuries, incidents, or occurrences arising out of, related to, or occurring during the contestant’s participation in TTI. This release will exist in perpetuity and is binding on any descendants, heirs, ancestors, co-parents, spouses, and assigns. Parents or Legal Guardians should sign and date this form. Checking the box and typing your name is considered an electronic signature. The electronic signature of a contestant’s parent or legal guardian will also bind the contestant/student. By checking this box and typing your name, you confirm that you have read and agree to the terms of the Agreement above for the Tampa Teen Idol 2025/2026 event. ​ You understand and agree that this electronic signature will have the same legal force and effect as a handwritten signature.

  • AUTHORIZATION FOR USE OF PHOTOGRAPHS, VIDEOS, RECORDINGS OR LIKENESS

    I, do permit and authorize the Tampa Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and any personnel who are acting on behalf of Tampa Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. to interview, photograph, and/or videotape me/my child and use me/my child’s photograph/videos, or other likeness or image for program-related purposes including publicity, marketing, and promotion without compensation. I understand me/my child’s photograph/videos or likeness may be copied and distributed by means of various media including brochures, mailings, video presentations, television, newspapers, or signs. I understand that, if submitted, any performance recordings of original works may be copied or distributed. I understand that although the Tampa Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. will use me/my child’s photograph/videos/recordings or likeness in accordance with standards of good judgment, the Tampa Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. cannot warranty or guarantee that any further dissemination of me/my child’s photograph/video/recording or likeness will be subject to the Tampa Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.’s supervision or control. Accordingly, I release the Tampa Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. from any and all liability related to the use and dissemination of me/my child’s photograph/video/recording or likeness. I acknowledge that I have read this document, understand its contents, and agree to its terms. I waive any right to inspect or approve the finished product or material in which the Tampa Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. may eventually use me/my child’s photograph/video/recording or likeness.

  • CONTESTANT LETTER OF COMMITMENT/ INTENT FOR TAMPA TEEN IDOL 2025/2026 EVENT

    I as a contestant in the Tampa Teen Idol 2025/2026 program, agree to the following terms:● I will maintain good moral character and good standing within my school and my community as stated in the requirements for prospective participants.● If I withdraw from Tampa Teen Idol 2025/2026, I will advise the Tampa Teen Idol 2025/2026 chairperson in writing via tampateenidol@gmail.com.CODE OF CONDUCT FOR YOUTH PARTICIPATING IN YOUTH INITIATIVES PROGRAM Respect all participants (other youths and adult volunteers) by not using foul, hurtful or obscene language or engaging in physical violence, bullying (including cyber-bullying) or other aggressive behaviors that threaten the safety of others.Respect the property rights of others. This means do not damage or deface the building or property within the building where chapter activities are held; do not damage or take the personal property of any other participant or volunteer; and do not use Delta’s name or any symbol or logo (Delta’s intellectual property) on any clothing, books, bags, or other items.Return supplies to their proper place after using them.Clean up all work areas properly.Listen carefully to directions and when someone else is talking.Respect designated quiet areas, such as homework/reading area.Stay within the program’s designated areas within the building. Cooperate and participate in organized activities.Assume full responsibility for all personal belongings. Please leave valuables at home.Do not bring any weapons, cigarettes/drugs, alcohol, or anything illegal to any activity at any time. Sanctions for Violating Code of Conduct Bad Language/Abusive Teasing and Related Acts:1st Time: Verbal warning, parent or guardian notified from this point forward 2nd Time: Loss of privileges 3rd Time: 1-day suspension from program4th Time: 1-week suspension from programNext occurrence youth is removed from the program.Physical Violence and Other Misconduct: 1st Time: Removal from situation, loss of privileges, guardian notified from this point forward 2nd Time: 1-day suspension from program3rd Time: 1-week suspension from programNext occurrence youth is removed from the program.Illegal Substances or Dangerous Weapons 1st Time: Youth is removed from the program. If a youth is in possession of an illegal substance or dangerous weapon, the police will be notified as well. I have read and understand the Code of Conduct and sanctions for violating the Code of Conduct. I understand that my child’s compliance with the Code of Conduct is a condition of her/his participation in the Tampa Alumnae Educational Development Programs. I agree that the sanctions for violating the Code of Conduct are reasonable and will help my child comply.

  • Upload your video to by clicking the below Google drive link OR you may email your video to tampateenidol@gmail.com. Use the file naming convention of 'First Name Last Name'

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