1. To compete, you must register as a Music Act – there is no fee for registration. The registration form will collect information about the act, the performers. You may register and upload your Audition Video to the Musician Portal anytime between Wednesday, January 1, 2025 and Friday, July 8, 2025 at 11:59pm Central Time.
2. By registering you agree that:
   • Music Acts must submit a 10 to 20 minute performance video (original music only) for Prize Foundation to stream online. The streaming will occur from Friday, July 25th thru Friday, August 1st, 2025. The video file — which must be uploaded before July 8th, 2025 at 11:59pm Central Time — should be no higher resolution than 1920x1080p and no larger than 2GB. All framerates are accepted. The video should include no overlays or logos.
   • At least two members of the Music Act must be in Shreveport, Louisiana AND attend both days of MPCon on October 17-18, 2025 starting at 10:00 a.m. Central Time. Attendance at MPCon is required to compete. Each Music Act will receive two tickets to MPCon as a part of their acceptance into the Finals. Additional tickets will be available to more band members as space allows. Managers, agents, and professional affiliates of the Music Act may attend and solo acts may attend by themselves.
   • The Music Act is willing and able to play in Shreveport, Louisiana on either October 17th or 18th, 2025. Which night you perform is determined by lottery after the Finalists are announced. Musicians must be present for both nights.
3. Up to 30 Semi-Finalist Music Acts will be chosen by a Semi-Finalist Selection Committee comprised of music industry professionals. The 30 Semi-Finalists will be streamed online during the Music Prize Semi-Finals which runs from Friday, July 25, 2025 through Friday, August 1, 2025. The Semi-Finalists will be voted on by online viewers and music industry professionals. Nine Finalists will be chosen by a new group of music industry professionals. The audience will cast their votes online to choose three additional Finalists.
4. Finalist Music Acts will be announced August 2025. Selected Music Acts will advance to the Music Prize Finals to play live during Prize Fest 2025. All finalists will receive: a payment of $500 to perform and VIP Passes for each of the performing members of the Music Act. Acts which originate outside of one (1) hour driving distance from Shreveport, Louisiana will be eligible for a travel reimbursement of up to $250 and a lodging reimbursement of up to $500. Eligible travel expenditures include airfare, fuel, and lodging expenses. Receipts must be kept and submitted upon arrival at the festival. Payment for your performance, reimbursements, and winnings will all be paid at the Music Prize Awards Ceremony on Saturday, October 18th.
5. Music Prize will provide, on request, an unstaffed merch table for bands on the night of their performance during the Music Prize Finals. 110v power will be supplied — enough power for lights and sales devices. No large energy-consuming devices will be allowed. No generators are allowed. Requests for a table space must be received by Friday, August 29th.
6. Prize Winners will be determined by Music Prize Mentor Judge vote during the Music Prize Finals and will be announced after the final performance. $10,000 will be awarded to the Grand Prize Winner; $2,000 to the Second Place Winner; $1,000 to the Third Place Winner. An Audience Award winner of $1,000 will be determined by an audience vote at the Music Prize Finals.

If you have specific questions about the competition, rules, or requirements, please email Gregory Kallenberg at gregory@prize.foundation.