The Search for the World’s Next Great Jazz Singer

On a Wednesday night in 1942, Newark teenager Sarah Vaughan went to the Apollo Theater to compete in an amateur singing contest. It was the chance to win $10 and a weeklong engagement performing on the Apollo stage. Instead, Vaughan’s win launched a career that would transform America’s original art form and an icon who elevated the craft of jazz vocal music and garnered the respect and adoration of millions. Now, it’s time for history to repeat itself.

The Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition is open to solo vocalists of all nationalities who are not signed to a major record label. Singers are judged on vocal quality, musicality, technique, performance, individuality, artistic interpretation, and ability to swing.

THE 2026 COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED.

Producers are currently reviewing all valid entries for the 2026 Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition.
The top 5 selected for the live portion of the competition will be notified no later than October 12, 2026.
The top 5 selected will be posted on this website on October 13, 2026.

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