Applications open September 15th, 2026 for CMM’s search for the next artist pushing the boundaries of classical crossover
Following the success of its first two competitions, CMM is excited to announce the return of Classical Crossover Star, with applications for the 2026 competition opening September 15, 2026.
The competition celebrates artists who take classical music beyond traditional boundaries by blending it with other genres, reimagining familiar traditions, or creating something entirely their own.
That idea has been at the heart of the competition since its 2023 launch. The inaugural winner, Stephanie Horowitz-Mulry, impressed the judging panel with her combination of vocal artistry, songwriting, and originality. In 2025, the title went to The Sparks Sisters, Melody and Violet, whose rendition of Erik Satie’s “Gymnopédie No 1” showed their ability to update the traditional instrumental piece into a worthy ballad for the 21st century.
A Competition Built Around Originality
While contestants may perform a range of crossover styles, classical music must be one of the genres represented. The other influence is entirely up to the artist. Opera and pop, classical and rock, orchestral and electronic music, classical songwriting, cinematic music, jazz, folk, and countless other combinations are possible.
CMM also strongly encourages contestants to submit original compositions or public-domain repertoire. This allows artists greater creative freedom while helping the competition share performances across CMM’s digital and broadcast platforms.
Meet the 2026 Judges
The judging panel announced brings together performers, educators, and music-industry professionals with experience across different areas of the crossover world.
Cameron Mills
Recording Artist | Founder & Director, Cameron Mills Group
Joanna Forest
Best-Selling Classical Soprano | Broadcaster
Dr. Olga Thomas
Pianist | Composer | Educator
Lorna Harris
PR & Communications Specialist | Founder, Lorna Harris PR
Stephanie Horowitz-Mulry
Classical Crossover Star 2023 Winner | Vocal Coach | Recording Artist
Additional judges may be announced as the competition progresses.
Having previous winner Stephanie Horowitz-Mulry return to the panel also gives this year’s competition an interesting full-circle connection to its beginnings.
More Than a Competition
The Star competition is part of Crossover Music Magazine’s wider mission to support artists working outside traditional musical boundaries.
As a nonprofit digital music publication, CMM aims to provide artists with opportunities for exposure, education, and connection within the crossover community. The Star competition brings those goals together, giving artists a platform while introducing audiences to musicians they might not otherwise discover.
The 2026 winner will receive a $500 USD cash prize, along with a featured interview in Crossover Music Magazine. But perhaps the most important part of the competition is the opportunity to be heard.
“We know there are so many artists creating interesting music who don’t necessarily fit neatly into one category,” says Natasha Barbieri, Editor of Crossover Music Magazine. “That’s exactly who we want to hear from. You don’t have to sound like anyone else. In fact, we’d rather you didn’t.”
How to Enter
Applications for Classical Crossover Star 2026 open September 15, 2026, and close November 1, 2026.
After the submission period, CMM will feature eligible performances across its platforms and open them to audience engagement before the competition moves into the judging stages.