Crossover Music Magazine is excited to announce the return of the Classical Crossover Star Competition for its second year. Launched in 2023, the competition was created to inspire emerging artists in the classical crossover genre to create music that blends tradition with innovation. This genre is close to our hearts, and we are eager to showcase the incredible talent we know is out there. The Classical Crossover Star Competition aims to celebrate artists who craft music that resonates, transcending boundaries and connecting with listeners across genres.

Eligibility

Genre: Contestants must be crossover artists blending genres, and one of the styles must be classical. This includes but is not limited to opera, orchestral, choral, or classical instrumental music combined with genres like pop, rock, jazz, etc.

Age: There are no age restrictions. Contestants under 18 must provide parental or guardian consent.

Location: The competition is open to all contestants, regardless of nationality, except those currently residing in Russia due to the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Unfortunately, we cannot accept applications or send prizes to contestants residing in Russia.

Material: Contestants must be prepared to perform either original compositions or public domain material during their audition. Contestants are responsible for securing the rights to perform and submit their chosen material.

Submission Format: All submissions must be in video format, with clear audio quality, and landscape orientation. Videos must be submitted via the official competition platform by the deadline.

Multiple Entries: Each contestant is limited to one submission. Multiple entries will not be considered.

Conduct: Contestants are expected to maintain respectful conduct throughout the competition. Any form of misconduct, including copyright violation will result in immediate disqualification.

Use of Performances: By entering, contestants agree to allow the competition organizers to use their submitted performances for promotional and marketing purposes, including on social media, websites, or other related platforms.

Video Performance: Each contestant must submit a new video created specifically for the Crossover Star 2024 competition. Make this your moment to shine and showcase your talent authentically.

Performance Integrity: Performances should not include any auto-pitch correction technology (e.g., Auto-Tune). We want to hear your natural sound, which is key to a fair and authentic competition.

Preferred Performance Style: While not mandatory, a cappella or live vocal accompaniment is preferred, as it allows us to better assess the quality of your performance.  Exceptions apply to composers, electronic musicians, and performers who use layering to create their sound. In these cases, pre-recorded pads or layers are permitted.

Live Performance Integrity: All performances must be authentic and not mimed. If you use multiple layers, the primary instrument or voice must be performed live during the recording. We want to feel the energy of a genuine performance.

Original or Public Domain Material: Contestants must perform either original music or works in the public domain. Due to copyright restrictions, we will not be able to feature performances using copyrighted material on Channel 10. Make this an opportunity to showcase your unique artistry!

Video Specifications: Videos should be recorded in landscape mode, using the highest-quality audio and video settings available to you. Select a quiet location with minimal background noise and a clear, uncluttered background to help your performance stand out.

Ownership and Usage Rights: By submitting your video, you are granting Crossover Music Magazine and the Crossover Star 2024 competition the perpetual right to share, distribute, and promote your performance across all platforms, including YouTube, social media, and broadcast channels. This is a wonderful opportunity to gain visibility and expand your audience!

Submission Deadline: All video submissions must be uploaded via the official competition platform by April 1st. Late entries will not be accepted.

Submission Period: Submissions are open from October 1st to April 1st. Be sure to submit by the deadline to secure your place in the competition.

December – Audience Voting:
In December, all video entries will be uploaded to our YouTube Channel, where music lovers from around the world can watch, comment, and like their favorite performances.
Audience voting will be open throughout December. Make sure to rally your friends, family, and fans to support your performance!

    • How Votes Are Counted: Votes will be determined by the number of likes and genuine comments on your video. Please note that spam comments will be filtered and won’t count towards your total.

Editors’ Choice: Even if you don’t have the highest number of votes, there’s still hope! The editor of Crossover Music Magazine will select one standout contestant to move forward to the semi-finalist round. So, focus on delivering your best performance—there’s more than one way to shine!

January – Semi-Finalists Announced:
In January, the 6 semi-finalists will be revealed. Our panel of expert judges will then review and deliberate on these top performers.

February – Winner Announcement:
The competition winners will be announced in February, and the prize money will be sent via PayPal within the month.

Classical Crossover 2024 Winner (1)

$500 USD Cash Prize
The winner will receive a $500 USD cash prize, sent via PayPal.

Featured Interview in Spring 2025 Issue
The winner will be featured in an exclusive interview in our Spring 2025 issue of Crossover Music Magazine.

  • In-Person Option: If you are able to travel to our studio in Seymour, CT, the interview will be recorded and photos will be taken. You will also receive your award in person.
  • Note: Travel expenses will not be covered by Crossover Music Magazine.

Online/Print Advertisement
The winner will receive a featured ad (online or print) in Crossover Music Magazine, which must be redeemed during the 2025 calendar year.

Invitation to Perform in Virtual Concert Series
The winner will be invited to perform in our Crossover Music Magazine Virtual Concert Series, gaining additional exposure to our global audience.

Note: Please do not publicly share your audition video at this time. Once we’ve shared it on our official channels, you’ll want all views and comments to be tracked through our platforms to maximize your visibility.

If you have trouble viewing the form, try this direct link or use our contact page

With Much Gratitude to our Sponsor ​Tuomo Rinta-Opas​

Crossover Music Magazine would like to extend a huge thank you to Tuomo for not only being a consistent supporter of the magazine and crossover artists as a whole but for being the main sponsor of this competition. His belief in giving artists a platform, and enabling them to participate without paying a fee, is deeply appreciated. Moreover, he is doing this in a personal capacity, not as a company seeking promotion, and for that, we are sincerely grateful.

Meet Our Judges

Jannie Rawlinson

Radio Presenter and Podcast Host

Joanna Forest

Best Selling Classical Soprano & Broadcaster

Joshua Goines

Director of Music, Composer

Natasha Hardy

Recording/Performing Artist and Songwriter

Natasha Barbieri

Creator & Editor of Crossover Music Magazine

Paul Ettore Tabone

West End Performer and Recording Artist

A look back at our 2023 Winner

Classical Crossover Magazine was proud to crown Stephanie Horowitz-Mulry as the winner of our inaugural competition. 

Watch her interview and performances below.