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 2023 COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED.

Producers are currently reviewing all valid entries for the 2023 Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition.
The top 5 selected for the live portion of the competition will be notified no later than October 11, 2023.
The top 5 selected will be posted on this website on October 12, 2023.

 

 

The Application

The Application

Are you ready for the competition?

Review the list of requirements below to be sure you’re set.

  • At least 1 headshot
  • A short biography, approximately 200 to 300 words
  • At least 3 audio or video samples of your work (YouTube and Vimeo are perfect!)
  • A portfolio or any social media you’d like us to review
  • Listen to our Sarah Vaughan playlist to get inspired!

The Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition is rightfully one of the most anticipated events in jazz

Christian McBride
Multi-GRAMMY™ winning bassist

Past Winners

 

Gabrielle Cavassa

June 2021 Winner - 1st place tie
View Bio

Tawanda Suessbrich-Joaquim

June 2021 Winner - 1st place tie
View Bio

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