About

TAKE THE MIC
Singing Competition

Audition for Australia's BIGGEST non-televised singing competition!

We are looking for singers of all experience levels ready to take the next step, and join us live on stage!

Over 13 years, Take the Mic has awarded over $250,000 value in prizes! Join the fun and perform in front our industry judges and live audience. Get seen by talent scouts from The Voice, Australian Idol, and Australia's top agents!

Auditions are currently available for Victorian residents only and successful applications will proceed to the live rounds between May 15 - May 17, 2026.

Follow our instagram @takethemic_au

HOW TO AUDITION

Audition Requirement: Submit a video recording showcasing your voice! Simple!

We are not expecting a professional video or polished performance. Don't over think it!

Take the Mic is open to all skill levels & vocal styles, and we want to make sure you’re placed with singers of similar experience.

You could record from your phone or computer, in your bedroom, during a singing lesson, or previous performance.

It does not have to be a full song, but you should include at least a verse/chorus, and must be accompanied by a backing track or instrument.

Your video must be uploaded to either YouTube or Vimeo with privacy setting to either Public or Unlisted.

Audition submissions close March 31, 10:00pm

APPLY HERE

Still deciding? Register interest here

KEY DATES & INFO
Submissions Close March 31

The competition is currently only open to Victorian residents

SHOW-FEE

On acceptance, the show-fee is $59 which includes competition entry, personal feedback from your judges, and professional video recording and photography of your performance(s).There are no additional fees if you proceed to the Grand Final.

VENUE

Chapel Off Chapel, Prahran.

PREVIOUS JUDGES

We work with professional singers who bring real world stage experience. Many have performed on national television, so they know exactly what it takes to thrive under competition pressure.

Including stars of the stage from Broadway, London's West End, and of course Australia's best Musical Theatre performers! They are here to support and guide you every step of the way.

FAQ

Terms and Conditions

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

DO I HAVE TO PERFORM LIVE?

Yes. All performances are live in front of an audience and panel of judges.

WHAT IS THE AGE LIMIT?
Junior Division 7 – 12
Teen Division 13 – 17

Adult Division 18 - 24

Open Division 25+

HOW MUCH IS THE COMPETITION?

The show fee is $59 which includes competition entry, personal feedback from your judges, and professional video recording and photography of your performance(s).

There are no additional fees if you proceed to the Grand Final.

WHO CAN APPLY?

Contestants must be unsigned, and do not making a living wage from performing.
Contestants must be a Victorian resident (we aim to bring back our National Competition soon...)

CAN I PERFORM IN BOTH CATEGORIES?

You can only perform in one category. Either Contemporary, or Musical Theatre.
Musical Theatre is only open to Junior & Teen Divisions.

WHAT SHOULD I SING?
You may sing any style within your category. It must not contain explicit language, and should be appropriate for the age range of your division. Most importantly, provide song options that will entertain your audience.

CAN I HAVE SOMEONE ACCOMPANY ME, OR PLAY MY OWN INSTRUMENT?
No. To keep the competition fair and to focus on vocals, live instruments are not permitted.All performances are to backing tracks only

CAN THE MUSIC HAVE BACKING VOCALS?
No. The backing track is NOT permitted to have any backing vocals.

CAN I SING AN ORIGINAL?
Yes. But you may be asked to submit the full song in advance for our team to consider.

CAN I SING ACAPELLA (without music)?

No. Must be with a backing track.

HOW MUCH ARE AUDIENCE TICKETS TO THE SHOW?

Tickets range from $25 - $35. + transaction fees
Contestants do not need to purchase a ticket.

DO I HAVE TO BRING PEOPLE TO WATCH THE SHOW?

We strongly encourage competitors to bring friends & family to watch the performance as the show is designed for a live audience, and is a lot more fun with someone cheering you on from the audience! This event is not on sale to the general public.

However, Adult and Open Division contestants must have a minimum 2 x Tickets booked under their name each performance.

WHAT IS THE SKILL LEVEL?
Take the Mic is open for all experience levels and vocal styles. We aim to group people of similar experience levels together.

I’VE WON A PREVIOUS TAKE THE MIC COMPETITION. CAN I ENTER?
Grand Final winners (1st place) are not permitted to re-enter unless they’ve moved into a new age division or category.

IS THERE A TIME LIMIT?

Under 4 minutes per song is our preference.

DO I GET TO SEE THE SCORES?
No. We do not find providing the scores constructive, but all Contestants will receive personal written feedback from the judges.

WHAT ARE THE JUDGES CRITERIA?

Vocals (scored out of 10): Including but not limited to; technique, tone, breath, timing, diction, vocal range.

Song Choice (scored out of 5): Arrangement, interpretation, and suitability.

Performance & Story Telling (scored out of 5): Nonverbal communication including stage presence, audience engagement, entertainment value, and truthful delivery of the lyrics.

IS THERE AUDIENCE VOTING?

Audience votes will not disrupt the fair nature of judges scores. Every ticket sold counts as an Audience Vote for the nominated competitor. These votes will be used for tiebreakers only.

WHAT ARE THE PRIZES?

Take the Mic have awarded over $250,000 of value in prizes over the last 13 years! Previous prizes have included professionally produced music videos, recording deals, musical recording equipment, and masterclasses (to name a few).

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Contestants under 18 years old must have a parent or guardian attend and watch the performance.
Contestants must be unsigned, and do not make a living wage from performing.
The show fee is non-refundable, however it may be transferred for entry in another season, at the sole discretion of Take the Mic.
Take the Mic reserves the right to add/reduce the number of contestants at any time.
Take the Mic reserves the right to change the dates and times of the Event for any reason.
All prizes are subject to availability, and may change at any time.

MEDIA RELEASE & CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT

1.1 MEDIA RELEASE: I give full permission to Take the Mic to use my name and image in any aspect in relation to the singing competition event or Take the Mic general use. I understand that any part of this production may be filmed and photographed, and I give full permission to Take the Mic to use these recordings in all media including print, broadcast, radio, and social media, at any stage during, or after the production has concluded.

1.2 CONFIDENTIALITY: I understand and agree to maintain this confidentiality agreement for anything in relation to the company of Take the Mic and its competition event. I agree to keep all aspects of the production confidential, including conversations in person or online, any contracts or documents, music materials, or intellectual property.