CANADIAN STAR / OFFICIAL INFORMATION
Competition Rules
A plain-language overview of how artists are considered through the five-show Canadian country music competition.
Who can apply
The competition is intended for emerging and unsigned country artists based in Ontario. Solo artists, duos, and bands may apply, subject to the eligibility questions and requirements in the application.
Application and review
Artists submit a profile, biography, contact details, photographs, social links, at least one performance video, and at least two recorded music links, together with availability and the required confirmations. Submitted songs must be original country music written or co-written by the contestant; AI-generated music is forbidden. The review team may assess vocal ability, musicianship, stage presence, originality, commercial readiness, and the quality of submitted material.
Competition path
Approved artist profiles may take part in verified public voting. The strongest candidates move to industry review, with up to 16 artists selected for four qualifying shows. One artist from each qualifying show advances to the Grand Final.
Availability and conduct
Contestants must be available for all five competition dates and follow venue, production, and conduct requirements. The competition team may remove an entry that is ineligible, misleading, uses forbidden AI-generated music, is unsafe, or is otherwise inconsistent with these rules.
Changes to an approved profile
Artists may update their information after approval. Each update is reviewed before it replaces the public profile.