Oct 11-13, 2024 | Seattle, WA

Grand Prix Song Contest

Calling all musicians! We're hosting the third annual Northwest IdolFest Grand Prix Song Contest to showcase your original idol-themed compositions, covers and remixes!

Fan Vote and Playlist

Want to listen to all the amazing submissions and vote for your favorites? Check out our fan vote here! The form has all the links for all the songs submitted, and after listening you can vote for up to three of your favorites!

The fan vote has closed. We will be announcing the winners at Closing Ceremonies and shortly after on social media!

Application

Following feedback from entrants and last year's judges, some rules have been clarified or changed from last year. Please make sure to read all of the rules below and then submit your song here!

Applications have closed for 2024!

General Guidelines

  • The general theme for this song contest is the same as our convention: idols! Please reflect the styles of music found in Japanese idols in your entry in some way. See the Judging section below for more details.
  • Entries must include a melody and lyrics. This year will not include a category for instrumental or acapella entries.
  • Entrant(s) do not have to be attending NWIF to enter.
  • With the exception of judges, all NWIF staff are also permitted to enter.
  • One entry per person or group. All people working on an entry must be credited with their role in the entry if working as a group.
  • All individuals who have worked on an entry must have given their consent for the song to be entered in the contest, understand they can only be credited for one entry, and that they will only be eligible for one award.

Song Guidelines

  • Songs must be between 1:30 and 5:00 long and can be in any language! They do not need to be able to be performed live.
  • Please keep song content "PG-13" and refrain from any kind of triggering, inappropriate, or offensive content.
  • Any content released prior to the time the contest was announced (May 1, 2024) will not be allowed.
  • Original song submissions must be an entirely original work, or will be judged as a remix/cover.
  • Remixes/covers must credit the original work in the entry form.
  • The entrant(s) retain 100% of any rights and ownership of submitted songs. By submitting a song to this contest, entrant(s) permit NWIF to use their song for purposes related to this year’s contest. This may include posting the song on social media or playing it at the event.
  • The entrant(s) may also choose to grant permission to NWIF to use their song in the future, with full credit.

Submission Guidelines

  • Entrant(s) must submit their work at https://idolfe.st/grandprixapp.
  • Entrant(s) must upload their song to YouTube, with “This work is a submission for the 2024 Northwest IdolFest Grand Prix Song Contest” included in the description.
  • Entrant(s) must also post their entry on at least one social media with the hashtag #NWIFGrandPrix2024, and include this post in the entry form. This will allow your work to be a part of the fan voting process.
  • Entry deadline is September 28, 2024 at 11:59pm PT.

Judging:

  • There are 3 categories available for judging:

    • Staff Pick: Original Song
    • Staff Pick: Original Cover/Remix
    • Fan Favorite

  • Entries should be reflective of the styles of music found in Japanese idol culture. We are looking for works that fall under a J-pop-like genre, and capture the spirit of idols shining brightly on a stage. We hope to see entries that we can point to as an example of idols as a whole!

  • Entries will be judged by the song alone. A choreographed music video, animation, or dance is not necessary for entries to be accepted, and will not factor into judging.

  • Staff Pick awards will be determined by a panel of NWIF staff and guest judges. All entrants will receive notes and feedback from our judges which will be released after the award winners have been announced.

  • The Fan Favorite award will be determined by a vote of the public.

  • There will be a YouTube playlist available of all entries so that everyone can listen and support the submissions.

  • The Fan Favorite vote will be opened October 7th, 2024 and will be open until October 12th, 2024 at 6:59pm PT.

  • The winners will be announced during Northwest IdolFest 2024, and announced to all people not in attendance at some point after Closing Ceremonies!

Awards:

  • Prizes will be awarded the in the form of Amazon gift cards or a cash equivalent. The value of the gift cards / cash equivalents are as follows:

    • Staff Pick: Original Song - $175
    • Staff Pick: Original Cover/Remix - $100
    • Fan Favorite - $50

If you have any questions about the song contest guidelines or application process, please join our Discord and ask in #visitors-center, or send an email to events@nwidolfest.com!