1. art and entertainment
2. music
3. music genres
4. country music

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The Country Showdown is the largest country music talent search
in America. The Country Showdown is celebrating its 33rd year and
we are very proud to have you participate.
This manual will assist you in sales and promotion/production. It
contains information specifically tailored to promoting the Country
Showdown both on and off the air with suggestions and tips for producing and staging your event, including:
• Program Overview
• Contractual Obligations
• Developing A Marketing Plan
• Rules / Regulations
• Staging / Back Up Band / Judges
• Press Releases
• Scripts/Website
• Ad Sales
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION GO TO
www.countryshowdown.com/promo
Please call us with any questions or help you may need. We want
to work with you to ensure a successful promotion for your station,
sponsors and fans.
GOOD LUCK!
Special Promotions, Inc. • 63 Music Square East • Nashville, TN 37203 • ph: 615.321.5130
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CONTRACT OBLIGATIONS
BILLY RAY CYRUS & MILEY CYRUS
Showdown Host For The 17th, 21st,
& 22nd National Final.
Miley peformed with her Dad at
Epcot in 2003
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HOW DOES THE
COUNTRY SHOWDOWN WORK?
Thousands of aspiring country music artists participate every year; more than
2,000,000 fans attend local versions of the Country Showdown; over 150
television stations air the one-hour final; and thousands of local sponsors are
already involved! The year-long promotion is conducted on 4 levels, as follows:
LOCAL: Country music radio stations across the nation run local contests in a
variety of venues beginning as early as March 2014.
STATE: Local winners compete for $1,000 at over 45 state level contests held at
fairs and major expositions beginning in July.
REGIONAL: State winners then compete at one of five regional contests to
determine who will win an all-expense paid trip to compete in the National Final.
NATIONAL FINAL: Regional winners compete for a $100,000 grand prize and the
title “Best New Act In Country Music”
Former Country Showdown contestant,
Billy Ray Cyus, returned to host the 22nd
Annual Country Showdown National Final
at Epcot. A young Miley Cyrus joined her
Dad for a song.
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CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
The official name of this promotion is the “Country Showdown” and must be used
in all Country Showdown advertising and promotion.
In the first verbal or on-air
announcement, the Country Showdown must be referred to as the “Country Showdown”
and, the title must be used in its entirety. You may refer to the event as “(radio station
name) presents the Country Showdown, sponsored by [local advertiser(s)].”
LOCAL SPONSOR/CO-SPONSOR
Country Showdown is designed to add non-competitive sponsors as well, in which
case the promotion would be titled “Country Showdown sponsored by [local
sponsor(s).” As part of your contract, you are obligated to provide the national sponsor’s retailers with a total of (20) twenty tickets to your show, if applicable.
PROMOTIONAL SPOTS
See sections 2.2 & 5 in the Radio Station Agreement. As a participating radio station, you are obligated to broadcast Country Showdown promotional announcements six
minutes per day for 40 consecutive days prior to your Country Showdown contest,
which must take place before July 31, 2014, or an extended date approved by SPI and
20 days prior to your state contest. These spots must be supported with Affidavits of
Performance to SPI.
A professionally-produced CD containing a series of Country Showdown promotional announcements for your local show will be included in your promotion kit or you
can go on-line to www.countryshowdown.com/promo/spots.php
These announce-
ments will encourage acts to enter and others will promote attendance. They must not
be altered except to add local contest information (show time/date, venue, sponsor’s).
You may write your own promotional announcements, but must use the required script
copy provided in the Scripts section of this manual.
Scripts to congraulate your winner and encourage attendance to your state show to
support your winner will consist of :60 and :30 announcements for your station personalities and will be sent to you approximately a month before your state show.
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AFFIDAVITS OF PERFORMANCE
Your station must submit to SPI Affidavits of Performance within 15 days
following the end of each month in which the promotional announcements have
been broadcast for both the local contest and state contest. These affidavits are
to be signed by the station manager or traffic director, certifying the dates and
times of when the required promotional announcements were broadcast. They
must also indicate the copy used. Both the local and the state promotional
announcements must air for the required amount of time or your contestant may
not be eligible for the next competition.
MINIMUM PROMOTIONAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
a) 6 daily Country Showdown local contest promotional announce-ments each
of :60 in duration, or
b) 12 daily Country Showdown local contest promotional announcements,
each of :30 in duration, or
c) some combination of (a) and (b) above, provided the total daily broadcast
time of the promotional announcements, whether if :30 or :60 in duration,
does not fall below six minutes during any day of the 45 days of promotion
as specified in the Station Agreement.
d) all promotional spots must air between 6:00am and 12 Midnight
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RUNNING YOUR CONTEST
CRYSTAL YATES
32nd Annual National Final
$100,000 Grand Prize Winner
with host LeAnn Rimes
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HOW TO RUN YOUR
COUNTRY SHOWDOWN
DEVELOPING YOUR MARKETING PLAN
1. Provide a link on your website to the Country Showdown website.
Instructions can be found in the Promotional Activities section.
2. Choose your location (nightclub, local fair, community event, etc.) and set a
date for your contest. Allow six weeks lead time. Since you will be providing entertainment, the venue normally provides the back-up band, shares
receipts, or invests in a schedule with you.
3. Take the first two weeks to organize your overall plan, create a prospect list
of co-sponsors and develop promotion ideas which will fit their advertising
objectives.
4. Send out the first press release immediately, announcing your station as the
official “Country Showdown Station” in your market. Have a complete mailing list of local news media, record and music stores, clubs, current advertisers, and potential advertisers (see Press Release section).
5. Announce your station’s involvement over the air to begin momentum to get
performers’ interest, public interest, and potential advertising and promotional interest.
6. Begin your 40-day minimum promotional schedule as soon as possible
after your marketing plan is developed. Seek out likely retailers and current advertisers to donate prizes.
7. Set up an “idea session” with your management, staff, sales people and perhaps your ad agency or public relations firm. Here are a few ideas:
ON-AIR IDEA - SEE PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES TAB
(a) Get the Country Showdown talked about by having your DJs mention the contest
often. Encourage live call-ins for questions, giveaways, etc.
(b) Consider the possibility of a regularly scheduled segment about the Country
Showdown, such as a “Country Showdown Spot, Hour, or Bulletin” with questions
and answers, bits of information, co-sponsors, etc.
(c) This “Country Showdown Segment” could provide an ideal platform for your promos, recognition of co-sponsors and background on competing artists.
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PREPARING FOR YOUR LOCAL CONTEST
1.
The location of your contest should be suitable for live music performance.
Preliminary events may lead up to your final Country Showdown. Allow
equal length of performance time for each act.
2.
Assemble a Country Showdown Prize Package by soliciting co-sponsors
and other retailers for prize items in exchange for on-air
announcements and/or live mentions.
3.
Send out press releases with local contest date, location,
and prize lists. (See Press Release section).
4.
IF SUPPLYING A BACK-UP BAND, SELECT ONE FOR THE
CONTEST THAT IS CAPABLE OF HANDLING THE ANTICIPATED RANGE OF PERFORMERS. A good source is the
local directory published by the Musicians’ Union.
Remember, the back-up band cannot have any business or
family relationship to any of the contestants. Check with
the local clubs to use their house band. Arrange for the
back-up band to receive music and tapes of solo contestants in advance of show. (See sample contract in Appendix)
5. If you are not using a back-up band, arrangement should be made for contestants to use musical tapes to support their performance. Minimal vocals
on tracks are allowed.
6. Ask your top DJ to act as emcee for the event.
7.
Develop an invitation list for local press, media people, VIPs, advertisers,
and prospective contestants.
8.
The pre-produced promos which you will be airing are designed to attract
contestants. You should determine where contestants can pick up an entry
form and how they will enter the Country Showdown so you can tag the
promos. Although many stations do preliminary contests, you have the
option of screening tapes to select who will perform at your one-time show.
9.
Be sure to study the entry form and use it properly.
10. Plan to invite co-sponsors to provide a display, or offer them a chance to
supply handouts (coupons, etc.) for the audience. Offer VIPs special seating at your Country Showdown and introduce them to the audience. Allow
a sponsor to announce the winner or present the prize, if applicable.
11. Make a list of the materials you will need to bring to the Country Showdown
including the following, which are provided to your station: stage banner,
brochures, judging forms, emcee script, posters, and backstage passes.
13. Explore the possibility of doing a remote broadcast of your Country
Showdown Final.
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SCREENING OF TAPES
To reduce the number of contestants performing at the local contest, a station may
require entrants to submit audio tapes to determine who shall be eligible to compete at
their local Country Showdown.
NATIONAL REGISTRATION
All contestants who perform live on stage, either at a preliminary or a one-time
show, must register and pay the entry fee of $20.00 US currency. This fee is to be collected only once, per radio station, regardless of the number of stage appearances the
act may have during the course of a station’s Country Showdown. Money order or cash
is preferred. Collect fees only from the acts chosen to perform live, including your preliminaries, if you hold them.
Stations are required to send Sections 1 and 2 of all entry forms, with fees, to SPI
prior to the first live performance. National registration forms must be received by SPI
approximately 2 weeks prior to each show, so that if you hold preliminaries or just one
show, all fees and forms are in SPI’s office prior to your final show. Your contestant
can face disqualification if the entry forms and fees are not received by SPI prior to your
Country Showdown.
ENTRY FORMS
1. All contestants must use the official Country Showdown Entry Form. Note: There
is a space on the front of the form for your station to imprint your return address to
receive entries. You may wish to include a deadline date with the imprint saying,
“Submit by_______________”.
2. Remember, keeping a constant supply of entry forms at the retail level is imperative. Plan ahead to:
(a) keep a supply on hand at the station and re-order early.
(b) check weekly with each sponsor about his supply.
3. Collect the $20.00 entry fee from each act. (Solo act is $20.00; 5 piece band is
$20.00). Send the fees to SPI with Parts One and Two of the
Entry Form as soon as possible BEFORE YOUR FIRST LIVE
SHOW.
Personal checks must have time to clear. Cash or
money orders are preferred; however, cash should be sent 2nd
day air, for tracking purposes.
4. All members in the act must be listed on Section 2 of the Entry Form.
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COUNTRY SHOWDOWN ELIGIBILITY
CONTEST ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
(a) The act is composed of no more than seven individuals.
(b) The act has not performed on a record charting in the Top 100 country format
of Billboard within eighteen months preceding local competition.
(c ) Each act has paid the $20.00 registration fee before performing live at the local
competition (preliminary or one-time show).
(d) No member of the act was part of the back-up band for monetary compensation
within the past year.
(e) No member of the act is an owner, controlling stockholder or employee (or a family member of any of the above) of the radio station sponsoring the local Country
Showdown contest, (or any national sponsor), or SPI.
(f) No member of the act is related by birth, marriage, or has any on-going business
relationship with any Country Showdown judge.
(g) Performers of any age may enter the local Country Showdown contest. However,
if the contest is to be held at a location where alcoholic beverages are served
(such as a local nightclub), then the eligibility to enter may be restricted by the
radio station to those who would be considered adults by the laws of its state.
Any contestant under 18 years of age must submit an entry form signed by the
contestant’s parent or legal guardian.
(h) Act has not been declared a local winner of a 2014 Country Showdown and is not
already eligible for state competition. (Contestants may re-enter the contest at
the local level in another state only after being eliminated at a state or regional
competition. They must complete a new Entry Form and pay another entry fee).
(i) The act, either as an individual or as a part of a group, has not been a National
Winner of the 2011, 2012, or 2013 Country Showdown.
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SUGGESTION FOR LOCAL PRODUCTIONS
■
If time is a factor, determine order of appearance prior to
the day of the show. Set it up alphabetically, with acts
using your back-up band performing first or last.
■
Allow acts using the back-up band a timed rehearsal (2030 minutes each).
■
Have band contestants use as much of the back-up band’s
equipment as possible, such as a drum kit, bass, and guitar amps. Arrange this with the back-up band in advance.
■
If you have a back-up band, have them open with one or
two songs and perform following the contest while scores
are being tallied.
■
Have a judges’ meeting before the show and give them
forms already filled in with contestants’ names in the
order of appearance. Confirm that they are not related to,
nor have had a business relationship with any of the acts.
Have them sign the judging forms.
■
Explain as much as you can to your contestants in advance
so questions and/or concerns can be handled before the
show.
■
Introduce judges between band contestants to allow extra
time for performers to take the stage.
■
Send thank-you letters to all acts and judges following
your show.
■
Reminders: A soloist appearing with his or her own band
must be judged as a band, not as a solo act and all band
members must be listed on the Entry Form. Soloists using
a back-up band provided by the station or venue or prerecorded music are judged on their performance only.
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JUDGES
Your station must supply at least three or more qualified persons to serve as
judges of the local Country Showdown contest. The following must apply to
ALL judges and must be certified to by each judge on the Official Judging Form:
JUDGE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
(a) Judges must not be related by birth or marriage to any contestant in the local
contest.
(b) Judges must not have any business relationship (employer, employee, contractor) with any contestant which could create a conflict of interest in the judging
of the event.
(c) Judges must not be owners, controlling stockholders, or employees or relatives
of any of the following: the local sponsors, the participating radio station, or
any subsidiary or affiliate thereof.
(d) Judges must not have competed as a contestant in 2014 against any of the contestants in the show nor be a local, state or regional winner in 2014.
(e) Judges must not have acted as judges of other Country Showdown contests in
which any of the contestants have competed in 2014.
(f) Judges must not be competing against any of these contestants at a later time.
The judges must be qualified to evaluate country music. Suggested sources
for judges include newspapers, television and radio stations, local and national
entertainers, local/regional record company representatives, music teachers,
etc. The judges should be people who are knowledgeable of (and listen regularly to) country music. Avoid appointing people who are just “country music
fans” or for honorary purposes such as politicians or major advertisers. Family
members or employees/ employers of the contestants (or this radio station) are
not eligible.
Give the judges appreciation through publicity. Their contribution should be
worth on-air mention and in your press release to the local news media.
Scores may be sent to your contestants, if requested, by sending copies of
the grid side of the Judging Form only.
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JUDGING CATEGORIES
Judging of the local Country Showdown contest must be done on the Official Judging Form
provided by SPI using the following categories and scoring systems; however confidential constructive discussions are encouraged at the judges meetings. Judges may change their scores
as a result of this discussion before finalizing the totals of their score sheets to determine the
winner.
(1)
Overall Talent (Does this act have natural ability and skill?)
(2)
(3)
Marketability in Country Music (Will country music fans come to see this act perform
and buy it’s records?)
Vocal/Instrumental Ability (Can the act sing? Can the act play? Are the lyrics clear?)
(4)
Originality (Is there creativity in the act’s performance?)
(5)
Stage Presence/Charisma (How well does the act captivate the audience?)
(6)
Songwriting (If the act has written its own music, is it appealing?)
SCORING
10 points
✔ Outstanding
✔ Excellent .................... 8-9 points
✔ Very Good ................ 6-7 points
✔ Good ........................ 4-5 points
✔ Average .................... 2-3 points
✔ Below Average .......... 0-1 points
(There is also a bonus
category of up to three
points for the act’s own
music)
✔
Songwriting . . .0-3 points
No audience ballots or applause meters are permitted. The Official Country Showdown
Judging Form and procedures must be used for all live shows.
In the event of a tie, the following tie-breaking procedures will be used:
TIE BREAKING PROCEDURE
(a) The act with the highest number of points in the “Talent” judging category will be
declared the winner.
(b) If the tie still has not been broken, then the act with the highest number of points
in the “Marketability” judging category will be declared the winner.
(c) If the tie still has not been broken, then the third tie-breaker shall be a secret ballot by the judges. The local contest cannot end in a tie.
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CONTEST STAGING
Venue and Banner
Your station must find a suitable and adequate place to hold the local Country
Showdown contest.
The official Country Showdown banner must be displayed prominently on the
stage during the competition. SPI will supply the banner to your station.
Contestant Performances
(a) Your station is responsible for scheduling the performances of the contestants.
Each contestant must be offered (but need not use) the same amount of performance time.
(b) Your station must review all entry forms to ensure the eligibility of all contestants. Each entry form must be signed by the contestant(s), or his/her parent or
legal guardian if the contestant is not an adult. Please retain a photocopy for
your files.
(c) An individual performer can enter your Country Showdown contest only once.
Consequently, a performer who enters as a part of an instrumental group, for
example, cannot also enter as a soloist.
(d) The act must perform with exactly the same personnel (or less) listed on the
Entry Form. All members of the act performing must be listed. No substitutions
of personnel will be permitted without prior written approval from SPI.
(e) An act may enter more than one local contest in 2014, provided the act has not
already won a local contest elsewhere in 2014. For example, an act could enter
the local Country Showdown contest in Community X, lose in this competition
and then enter the local Country Showdown contest in Community Y. The act,
however, must have been eliminated from competition in Community X in order
to be eligible to compete in Community Y. Once a contestant has won a local
contest, he/she may not enter another local Country Showdown during 2014
unless eliminated from the state or regional contest.
(f) A station cannot restrict entrants to only bands or only soloists. A Country
Showdown must not be promoted as a “Bands Only”, “Soloists Only” or Karaoke
contest.
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(g) Radio stations are not required to pay expenses of contestants in connection with performing in any Country Showdown competition.
(h) All contestants must be of good moral character. Any contestant involved
in any event which could adversely affect the reputation or public image of
the Country Showdown (or any person or sponsor affiliated
with it) may be disqualified. Your station must immediately
bring such situations to the attention of SPI.
(i) All performances during the local Country Showdown
contest must observe the norms of good taste; no song may
be used containing lyrics which are offensive in the opinion of
your station or SPI.
(j) Soloists may perform 1) acoustically 2) with pre-recorded
music, or 3) a live back-up band provided by the station. A station may
offer one format or the other and need not allow both. No special lighting,
props, or special effects (such as smoke machines) may be used. Articles
of clothing or unusual instruments are not considered props.
BACK-UP BAND
If a station provides a back-up band it should consist of a minimum of
three pieces. The back-up band cannot perform vocally with any contestant.
A contestant entering as a solo act cannot use his own back-up band. All
solo acts must use the same back-up band provided by the radio station, prerecorded music, perform acapella, or be considered a self-contained band contestant.
Any act with 3 or more individuals playing an instrument may not use the
back-up band, any part of the back-up band, or pre-recorded music.
BACK-UP BAND REQUIREMENTS
➊
Qualified to perform original country music;
➋
Not competing as a band or individual, in the contest; and
➌
Not financially, professionally, or family-related to any of the
contestants.
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PRIZES
LOCAL: . . . . . . . .Winner Certificate (enclosed in Country Showdown kit);
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .station prizes (optional); advancement to “State”.
STATE: . . . . . . . . .$1,000; advancement to “Regional”.
REGIONAL: . . . . .All-expense paid trip, by SPI,
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .to compete at National Final.
NATIONAL: . . . . .$100,000, and the National Title.
AFTER YOUR LOCAL CONTEST
1. Send out local press releases on the winners. (See Press Release Section.)
2. Send thank-you letters to all contestants, staff or contest facility, co-sponsors,
prize donors and all others involved.
3. You will receive further information, plans and suggestions from SPI regarding the
extending of Country Showdown activities through the state and regional finals.
4. Follow up by faxing the “Winner Information Sheet” complete with names and
addresses of winner and first runner-up immediately following your show. The first
runner-up need not be announced at your show, but must be listed on your
“Winner Information Sheet.” (Last page in section.) Send “Affidavits” to SPI within fifteen days of your contest - See “Sales & Reporting” Section.
QUESTIONS
Questions concerning the local Country Showdown contest should be directed to:
SPECIAL PROMOTIONS, INC.
63 Music Square East, Nashville, TN 37203
(615) 321-5130 . Fax (615) 320-1708
email - info@countryshowdown.com
w w w. c o u n t r y s h o w d o w n . c o m
Drew Davis Band - 2003
Nash Street - 2007
Heather Shelley - 2004
Michelle René - 2005
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SAMPLE BACKUP BAND AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT is entered into the ____ day of _______, 2014, by and between (contact name /
agent / etc.) for services of (Band Name) hereinafter referred to as BAND, and (Radio Station),
hereinafter referred to as STATION.
STATION desires BAND to support contestants in the local competition of the 2014 Country Showdown
upon the following terms and conditions:
I. LOCAL FINAL: DATE, TIME, VENUE
BAND’S services are engaged as per the following:
Date of Show:
Venue:
Venue Address:
Show Time:
Rehearsal Time:
Report to:
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
NOTICE
THIS CONTRACT MUST BE
SIGNED AND RETURNED TO
STATION BY _________, 2014,
OR STATION RESERVES THE
RIGHT TO ABANDON ALL
COMMITMENTS AND SEEK
ALTERNATIVE CONTRACTUAL
ARRANGEMENTS.
II. BAND’S OBLIGATIONS
1. BAND is to back solo contestants in the Texaco Country Showdown.
2. BAND will provide rehearsal time for each contestant at time designated by STATION representative.
3. BAND will be prepared, learning in advance, all contestants’ material required for backup. - no vocal
background is allowed
4. BAND is to provide back line gear (drums, amps, etc.)
5. BAND will perform as a group before and after show at times designated by STATION representative.
6. Other: ___________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________.
III. STATION’S OBLIGATIONS
1. STATION will provide tapes of contestants for BAND prior to show.
2. STATION will provide sound and lights adequate for show.
3. STATION agrees to pay BAND the sum of $________ to provide musical backup and perform at the
Country Showdown.
4. Other: ___________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
This writing constitutes the entire agreement and the complete understanding by and between STATION
and BAND. Any contractual amendments, modifications, or deletions shall not be effective unless in
writing and executed by both parties.
BAND
ADDRESS
BAND’S Federal ID or Social Security#
(Must have to issue check)
CONTACT NAME
PHONE
Signature
Station’s Authorized Signature
Date
Date
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WINNER
INFORMATION
SHEET
Complete both sides and fax to SPI at 615-320-1708 ASAP
Station Call Letters__________________________Contact________________________________
City___________________________________________ State_________________________
Phone__________________________________E-mail________________________________
WINNER
Name of Act__________________________________________________________________
Solo___Duo___# in Group___ Did act perform acapella, use back-up band or tracks? (circle one)
Name of Contact_______________________________________________________________
E-MAIL_(REQUIRED)____________________________________________________________
Home Phone______________________________Cell Phone___________________________
Address______________________________________________________________________
City___________________________________________State___________Zip_____________
1ST RUNNER-UP*
Name of Act__________________________________________________________________
Solo_____Duo_____# in Group____Did act perform acapella, use back-up band or tracks? (circle one)
Name of Contact______________________________________________________________
E-MAIL_(REQUIRED)___________________________________________________________
Home Phone______________________________Cell Phone___________________________
Address______________________________________________________________________
City___________________________________________State___________Zip_____________
STATION DECLARATION
This radio station has followed all rules & regulations of the Country Showdown to the best of its ability
& has aired all required promotional announcements as per the Radio Station Agreement.
________________________ ___________________________ _______________________
Signature
Title
Date
(*The first Runner-up need not be announced at your show but must be listed above.)
SPECIAL PROMOTIONS, INC. - 63 MUSIC SQUARE EAST- NASHVILLE, TN 37203 - FAX (615) 320-1708
➡
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BACK-UP BAND
Name of Band____________________________________ Contact ________________________
Phone Numbers __________________________________________________________________
Name of Contest Venue ____________________________Attendance ______________________
Venue Address ____________________________________________________________________
Telephone ______________________________________Date of Contest __________________
LIST LOCAL SPONSOR
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Other:
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
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PROMO SCRIPTS
2012 NATIONAL FINALISTS
Kassie and Ben - WKUL in Cullman, AL
Deidre Thornell - KPXI in Henderson, TX
Kate and Corey - WZKZ in Olean, NY
Host & Singer - Jewel
The Brothers Roberson - KCLQ in Lebanon, MO
Poor Man’s Poison - KHTS in Santa Clarita, CA
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PROMOTIONAL CD
As part of your Country Showdown material, we are providing promos recorded by
celebrity spokespersons. You can find these scripts on
www.countryshowdown.com/promo/spots.php It is to be used
only to solicit entrys and support your local show.
Themes: Enter / Attend
The spots are of varying lengths and some will require a
voice-over tag on the music bed to finish off the spot. The two
numbers (:15/:15. etc.) designate timings of the dialogue and
the music bed. Most of the spots are designed to encourage
contestants to enter the Country Showdown and are entitled
“Enter”. The others are designed to bring listeners to the
Country Showdown event and are entitled “Attend”. These
spots are to be run in accordance with Section 2.2 of your
“2014 Participating Radio Station Agreement”, 6 minutes per
day for 40 days for local promotion or 6 minutes per day for
20 days for state promotion. Remember these spots must air in accordance with
the contract and supported with affidavits or your winner may not be eligible to
advance.
Generic Local Spots
The following section also contains suggested, generic promos with
appropriate copy for your use. They are designated as “Enter” spots
and “Attend” spots.
Music Beds
:60 and :30 Country Showdown music bed themes are provided. This
music may be used in producing Country Showdown commercials for
retailers.
Sponsor Tags
You may tag the promos with local sponsors i.e. “pick up an entry form
at _______” or proof of purchase, or sponsored by_______.
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GENERIC RADIO SPOTS
TO ENCOURAGE:
Artists to ENTER & the public to ATTEND the Country Showdown
ENTER :30
Hi everyone, this is (local personality) for the Country Showdown - America’s largest
country music talent search - where stars like Garth Brooks, Billy Ray Cyrus, and Sara Evans
got their start. Now the Country Showdown is back and it’s your chance at stardom and to
win our $100,000 grand prize.
AVO: (INSERT CALL LETTERS) IS HOSTING THE COUNTRY SHOWDOWN AND YOUR
CHANCE TO BECOME THIS YEAR’S GRAND PRIZE WINNER.
TO ENTER:
__________________________________.
ENTER :60
Hi everyone, the Country Showdown - America’s largest country music talent search is
where stars like Garth Brooks, Billy Ray Cyrus, and Sara Evans got their start on the road
to stardom. If you’re a country performer, this is your chance to win our $100,000 grand
prize. It all starts here.
AVO: (INSERT CALL LETTERS) IS HOSTING THE COUNTRY SHOWDOWN AND YOUR
CHANCE TO BECOME THIS YEAR’S GRAND PRIZE WINNER.
TO ENTER:
__________________________________.
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ATTEND LOCAL SHOW WITH AVO
ATTEND :30
Hi everyone, this is (local personality) the Country Showdown - America’s largest country
music talent search is where stars like Garth Brooks, Billy Ray Cyrus, and Sara Evans got
their start. So come to the show and see the talented performers from your town compete
to be country music’s next new star.
AVO: The local competition for the Country Showdown will be held in (INSERT
VENUE, INSERT NAME OF TOWN on INSERT DATE). For more details visit
CountryShowdown.com
ATTEND :60
Hi everyone, the Country Showdown - America’s largest country music talent search - is
coming to your town. The Country Showdown is where stars like Garth Brooks, Billy Ray
Cyrus, Sara Evans got their start on the road to stardom. Texaco is all about performance
on the road and also on stage, so don’t miss this great show and see the talented performers
from your town compete to be country music’s next new star and get a chance to win our
$100,000 grand prize.
AVO: The local competition for the Country Showdown will be held in (INSERT
VENUE, INSERT NAME OF TOWN on INSERT DATE). For more details visit
CountryShowdown.com
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ATTEND LOCAL SHOW WITHOUT AVO
ATTEND :30
Hi everyone, this is (local personality), here to tell you the Country Showdown - America’s
largest country music talent search - is coming to your town. The Country Showdown is
where stars like Garth Brooks, Billy Ray Cyrus, Sara Evans got their start on the road to
stardom. Texaco is all about performance on the road and also on stage, so don’t miss
this great show and see the talented performers from your town compete to be country
music’s next new star. Visit CountryShowdown.com for details.
ATTEND :60
Hi everyone, this is (local personality), here to tell you the Country Showdown - America’s
largest country music talent search - is coming to your town. The Country Showdown is
where stars like Garth Brooks, Billy Ray Cyrus, Sara Evans got their start on the road to
stardom. So don’t miss this great show and see the talented performers from your town
compete to be country music’s next new star and get a chance to win our $100,000 grand
prize. Visit us online at CountryShowdown.com for more details about the show.
2012 National Final Host Jewel
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ATTEND STATE SHOW WITH AVO
ATTEND :30
Hi everyone, this is (local personality), here to tell you it’s time for the State Finals of the
Country Showdown - America’s largest country music talent search. The Country
Showdown is where stars like Garth Brooks, Billy Ray Cyrus, Sara Evans and many more
got their start on the road to stardom. So don’t miss the Country Showdown State Finals
and see who gets one step closer to the National Final.
AVO: The State Final for the Country Showdown will be held in (INSERT VENUE,
INSERT NAME OF TOWN on INSERT DATE). For more details visit
CountryShowdown.com
ATTEND :60
Hi everyone, this is (local personality), here to tell you it’s time for the State Finals of the
Country Showdown - America’s largest country music talent search. The Country
Showdown is where stars like Garth Brooks, Billy Ray Cyrus, Sara Evans and many more got
their start on the road to stardom. So don’t miss the Country Showdown State Finals and
see who gets one step closer to the National Final.
AVO: The State Final for the Country Showdown will be held in (INSERT VENUE,
INSERT NAME OF TOWN on INSERT DATE). For more details visit
CountryShowdown.com
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ATTEND STATE SHOW WITHOUT AVO
ATTEND :30
Hi everyone, this is (local personality), here to tell you it’s time for the State Finals of the
Country Showdown - America’s largest country music talent search. The Country
Showdown is where stars like Garth Brooks, Billy Ray Cyrus, Sara Evans and many more
got their start on the road to stardom. So don’t miss the Country Showdown State Finals
and see who gets one step closer to the National Final. Visit CountryShowdown.com for
more details.
ATTEND :60
Hi everyone, this is (local personality), here to tell you it’s time for the State Finals of the
Country Showdown - America’s largest country music talent search. The Country
Showdown is where stars like Garth Brooks, Billy Ray Cyrus, Sara Evans and many more
got their start on the road to stardom. So don’t miss the Country Showdown State Finals
and see who gets one step closer to the National Final with a chance to win the $100,000
grand prize. Visit online at CountryShowdown.com for more details about the show.
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PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES
LeAnn Rimes surprised the audience at the 2009
National Final with a taped message from former
contestant Garth Brooks
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The Country Showdown promotional activities should
emphasize awareness of your local sponsors by having
consistent on-air and web messaging.
Promotional Guidelines for 2014 Participation:
In order to help provide a measurable scale for sponsorship please provide affidavits or air checks of live read
and/or recorded customized spots along with web captures during your promotion.
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FACTS & IDEAS - D.J. CHATTER:
Celebrating its 33rd Anniversary the Country Showdown is the nation’s largest and oldest country music talent search.
Did you know that every year over 50,000 new artists enter the Country Showdown and have the opportunity to perform at more than 400 live shows.
Past participants include Garth Brooks, Martina McBride, Brad Paisley, Miley Cyrus, Miranda Lambert, Billy Ray Cyrus,
& Sara Evans. The Showdown helped jumpstart their dreams.
Local winners can upload an mp3 recording of their music and be given exposure to a national audience. Winners are
automatically entered into the “Winners’ Circle”.
The Winners’ Circle is an exclusive online club whose members are limited to those who have won either a local, state
or regional Showdown competition.
Click on the Winners’ Circle link and view information and musical recordings from these winners. Keep track of their
progress as they advance to their next level of the Showdown.
The winners of the Regional competitions receive an all-expense paid trip to compete in the National Final for the grand
prize of $100,000.
Last year’s National Final was held at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN.
Log on to CountryShowdown.com for Showdown information, participating radio stations and state show venues.
Miley Cyrus, Disney’s Hannah Montana, performed at the 22nd Annual Country Showdown with her country star dad,
Billy Ray, at Epcot in Orlando, FL.
Congratulations to your winner.
Thank your judges by name.
Thank your local sponsors.
Support (winner’s name), our Showdown winner, at the State Final in (City, State) at (Venue) on (Date) where our own
(DJ) will emcee the event).
Be the 10th caller and win a pair of tickets to the State Final in (City, State) at (Venue) on (Date).
If any listeners out there are interested in chartering a bus or forming a convoy to go to (venue), in (city), on (date) to
support our local winner, (name), in the Country Showdown, call me at (number) and we’ll co-ordinate the trip. (This
might also be a good tie-in with the local motel that is offering room discounts at the state show).
To become a part of the national Showdown database, register on countryshowdown.com.
We are committed to making the Country Showdown bigger and better than it’s ever been.
The Country Showdown is about - pride, competition, optimism and the spirit of the American dream.
We continue to support and believe in the spirit of our local communities.
For the last 33 years the Showdown has helped put hard working local musicians on the road to stardom.
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MONTGOMERY GENTRY
RYMAN AUDITORIUM
Showdown Host for the 24th
Annual National Final
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SUGGESTED PRESS RELEASE #1
FIRST ANNOUNCEMENT
(call letters) to host the 33rd Annual
Country Showdown
The “33rd Annual Country Showdown” is coming to (market). (Call letters)
will host America’s largest country music talent search and radio promotion.
Approximately $200,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded nationwide including the Grand Prize of $100,000 cash to the National Winner, presented at the
National Final televised special.
Designed to find the most promising country music talent in the United
States for the past thirty years, the Country Showdown gives aspiring artists a
chance to launch their professional careers. Thousands of performers compete
annually for the Country Showdown title.
Each spring hometown talent contests sponsored by over five hundred local
radio stations across the country pave the road to stardom. Local winners
advance to over forty state contests where the prizes include $1,000 in cash and
the opportunity to compete at one of five regional contests in the fall. The five
regional winners receive an expense-paid trip to the National Final to compete
for $100,000 and the coveted National Title.
“We consider the Country Showdown one of the most anticipated events in
country music each year,” said (contact/title). “It is an exciting community
event that provides aspiring artists in our area an opportunity for state, regional, and national exposure while promoting a greater appreciation of country
music. We are pleased and proud to join (sponsor list) as local sponsors in the
33rd Annual Country Showdown.”
Open to vocal and/or instrumental performers, the Country Showdown
welcomes individual acts or groups with up to seven members to compete. Acts
also must not have performed on a record charted in the top 100 country format of Billboard within eighteen months preceding local competition. A $20.00
entry fee is required of all acts entering the Country Showdown competitions
produced by participating country music radio stations. To ensure fairness, a
uniform judging system is used on all levels of competition. Entry forms are
available at (retailer) or by calling (call letters) at (telephone).
###
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SUGGESTED PRESS RELEASE #2
ANNOUNCE SHOW DATE & VENUE
33rd Annual
Country Showdown
(date) at (venue)
Anticipation and excitement is higher than ever as aspiring country music
artists prepare for the 33rd Annual Country Showdown at (venue) on (date).
(Call letters) will host America’s largest country music talent search and radio
promotion, sponsored by (sponsor list).
(Venue), located at (address), will provide the perfect atmosphere to feature
the best and most entertaining talent in our area. Judges for this year’s competition will be (judges’ names).
Acts will compete for wonderful prizes, including (prizes) and the opportunity to perform at the (Specific) State Country Showdown. State winners vie for
a $1,000 cash prize and will advance to a regional competition in the fall. The
five regional winners are awarded an all-expense paid trip to the National Final
where they will compete for the $100,000 Grand Prize and the National Title.
The Country Showdown gives aspiring country music artists in America a
chance to launch their professional careers. Audiences may be seeing, hearing,
and applauding the next country music star.
Open to vocal and/or instrumental performers, the Country Showdown
welcomes individual acts or groups with up to seven members to compete. Acts
also must not have performed on a record charted in the top 100 country format of Billboard within eighteen months preceding the local competition. To
ensure fairness, a uniforim judging system is used on all levels of competition.
A $20.00 entry fee is required of all acts entering the Country Showdown competitions produced by participating country music radio stations.
Entry forms are available at (retailer) or by calling (call letters) at
(telephone #). Entries must be received no later than (date).
###
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SUGGESTED PRESS RELEASE #3
ANNOUNCE CONTEST WINNER
(Name) wins (call letters)
Country Showdown
The 33rd Annual Country Showdown local competition concluded on
(date), naming (Winner’s name) as the winner. America’s largest country music
talent search and radio promotion was held at (venue). This win marks completion of the first step in the prestigious national contest.
(Winner’s name’s) combination of musical talent, stage presence, charisma,
musicianship and originality caught the attention of judges including, (judges
names).
On (date) at (venue), (Winner’s Name) will advance to the state final of the
Country Showdown vying for $1,000, and the opportunity to perform at one of
five regional competitions in the fall. Regional winners receive an all- expense
paid trip to the National Final, exuding talent and energy in their performances
to compete for the $100,000 Grand Prize and the National Title.
* (Insert short bio of winner here; include names of all band members.)
The Country Showdown also featured (names of acts) in this year’s local
competition.
Now in its 33rd year, the Country Showdown finds the most promising
country music talent in America, giving these performers a chance to launch a
professional career. Nearly $200,000 in cash and prizes is awarded to the thousands of aspiring artists who compete each year. Nationwide, two million fans
will experience the Country Showdown via hundreds of live shows and nationally syndicated television and radio broadcasts.
###
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SUGGESTED EMCEE SCRIPT
FOR LOCAL COUNTRY SHOWDOWN
On behalf of (call letters), welcome to the 33rd Annual Country
Showdown, America’s largest country music talent search and radio promotion.
The Country Showdown is designed to find the most promising country
music talent in America and give these aspiring artists a chance to launch their
professional careers. Thousands of performers compete as solo acts, duos
and groups. Over five hundred radio stations nationwide hold a local Country
Showdown like this, providing a platform for hometown talent for the past
thirty years.
The winner of (today’s/tonight’s) show will advance to the state contest to be held at (venue) in (city) on (date) to compete for (specific) state title,
one thousand dollars in prize money and the opportunity to advance to one of
five regional level competitions this fall. Regional winners will receive an
expense-paid trip to the thirty-third nationally televised final where the grand
prize of one hundred thousand dollars and the coveted National Title are at
stake.
From the local to the national level, the entire contest uses a uniform
judging system with five categories and a 10-point scoring system. The
Country Showdown encourages the use of original music, allotting optional
bonus points for contestants performing their own musical compositions. A
copy of the official judging form can be found in your souvenir program.
(I/We) invite you to follow along as our panel of judges rates
(today’s/tonight’s) acts. A key to the Country Showdown’s success the past
thirty-three years is the careful selection of judges who are knowledgeable of
country music. Let me introduce them to you now:
... (introduce judges) ...
The stakes are high - let’s begin our show! The first contestant is:
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... (introduce first and subsequent contestants) ...
Before we announce the judges’ selection, we would like to thank our
local sponsors (list). Without their appreciation of country music, the artists,
their fans and this contest would not be possible. We would like to thank all
of our contestants and assure them that there are no losers here
(today/tonight).
With (me/us) to announce the winner of our contest (today/tonight) is
(name of representative). Would you please give us the judges’ decision?
(Sponsor’s line:)
“The winner of the (call letters) Country Showdown is
(Winner’s Name)!”
Before the winner is announced the 2007 National Finalists wish each other luck!
(l-r) Eldon Johnson, Christy Suggett, Trevor Panczak, Carrie Joy, Nash Street
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WILLIE NELSON
GRAND OLE OPRY HOUSE
Host of the 10th and 13th
Annual National Final
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CONTESTANT ENTRY FORM
(For station use only)
Section 1
Submit by: ____________________________
2014
customize your profile page & register* online at
(DATE)
CountryShowdown.com/registration.php
place your registration ID Number below:
SEND TO RADIO STATION: ____________
___________
(CALL LETTERS)
___________________________________
(PHONE)
(STREET)
___________________________________
(CITY)
* online registration is not required for entrance into contest
(STATE)
(ZIP)
To enter the Country Showdown you must complete Sections 1 and 2 of this form and submit it to your sponsoring radio station who will
register your act by sending this Entry Form with your registration fee to the National Showdown Headquarters. Be sure to sign Section 2.
1. NAME OF ACT __________________________________NUMBER OF PERFORMERS IN ACT ________(Sign Section 2).
2. DO YOU REQUIRE BACKGROUND MUSIC? (circle one) YES NO (if YES see Section 4C in the Rules and Regulations)
_____________________________________________________________________________
3. CONTACT:
NAME (Parent or Guardian signature for minor under age of 18 years)
_________________________________ ___________________________________________
ry
E nt
Fe e
$20
E MAIL ADDRESS
O N L I N E S I T E S (WEBSITE, TWITTER, FACEBOOK, YOUTUBE, ETC.)
_____________________________________________________________________________
ADDRESS OR STATE ROUTE
_____________________________________________________________________________
CITY
STATE
ZIP
_(____)________________________(_____)__________________(_____)_________________
TELEPHONE (HOME)
BUSINESS
CELL
Contestants Detach here: Keep Rules and Regulations portion and submit Entry Form
RULES AND REGULATIONS
1. ENTRY PROCEDURE: You must complete this form and return it to the sponsoring radio station with your registration fee before their deadline date.
2. REGISTRATION FEE: TO ENTER THE COUNTRY SHOWDOWN A ONETIME REGISTRATION FEE OF $20.00 PER ACT IS REQUIRED - U.S. CURRENCY. THIS FEE IS TO BE COLLECTED
ONLY ONCE, PER STATION, REGARDLESS OF THE NUMBER OF PERFORMANCES DURING THE COURSE OF COMPETITION. A CONTESTANT MUST PAY THE REGISTRATION FEE AND COMPLETE
AN ENTRY FORM FOR EACH DIFFERENT RADIO STATION. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
3. DISPUTES: The sponsoring radio station is authorized to resolve all disputes at their Showdown. SPI is the sole authority in resolving all disputes at the state, regional
and national level competitions and to disqualify any contestant at any level of the contest for failure to comply with the rules and regulations including errors and omissions.
SPI’s decisions are final.
4. PERFORMANCE: The following applies to any Showdown contest:
a. Each act entered in the Showdown must perform only with the personnel listed on Sections 1 and 2 of the Entry Form. No personnel changes or substitutions will be
permitted once local competition has been produced. Once an individual withdraws from an act at any level of the Showdown, he/she cannot perform at the next level.
b. Individuals may perform with only one act during any local Showdown.
c. A Radio Station may, at it’s discretion, provide a backup band for acts requiring instrumental support or allow contestants’ pre-recorded music.
d. No live “backup band” vocals are allowed. Neither the backup band nor any of its members is permitted to compete in the Showdown in which they are the backup band.
e. Each act must perform live, vocally and/or instrumentally. No special lighting, props or special effects may be used.
f. Any act with three or more individuals playing an instrument may not use the backup band or any part of the backup band, or pre-recorded music.
g. The amount of performance time given to each local Showdown contestant will be determined by the local radio station.
h. All performances must be done in good taste: no music or lyrics that the radio station or SPI considers to be offensive may be performed.
i. Age restrictions will be at the discretion of the radio station and/or its venue.
j. Contestants may perform their own music and receive extra bonus points from the judges. Music eligible for bonus points will be defined as any piece of music written or
co-written by the contestant (either individual or member of group). Any contestant (either individual or member of group) who claims to be using his own music may be
disqualified at any level of the contest at the discretion of SPI if a musical copyright for the music exists which does not name the contestant as author or co-author.
k. Acceptable documentation to prove ownership of your music shall include either a certificate of copyright, proof of song registration with BMI, ASCAP, etc., or a notarized copy
of the music.
l. Performances will be awarded 0-10 points in each of the following categories: 1) Marketability in country music; 2) Vocal/instrumental ability; 3) Originality; 4) Stage presence/
charisma; 5) Talent. An optional bonus of up to three points may be awarded for acts performing their own music.
m. In the event of a tie, the first tie-breaker shall be the highest number of points given in the Talent category. The second tie-breaker shall be the highest number of points
awarded in the Marketability category. The third tie-breaker shall be by secret vote of the judges based on overall performance style and impact.
5. LOCAL CONTEST PRIZES: The only official prize offered at the local Showdown level is the opportunity for the winner to advance to the state Showdown competition. Local
Showdown contestants must pay their own expenses during the competition at the local, state and regional levels. In signing this Entry Form, the Showdown contestant acknowledges
that neither SPI nor any national sponsor is responsible for any prizes promised or offered at the local Showdown contest level (except for the local Showdown winner’s chance to
compete in the state Showdown competition).
(over)
www.CountryShowdown.com
SPECIAL PROMOTIONS, INC., 63 MUSIC SQUARE EAST, NASHVILLE, TN 37203
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Section 2
A one-time entry fee of $20.00 is required from each act and must be submitted with this section to your sponsoring radio station prior to your first live
competition. The following have read the Showdown Rules and Regulations and by signing below that the terms of eligibility and all the contest rules
are understood and accepted.
NAME OF ACT: _______________________________________________
1._________________________________________
Name (print)
__________________________________________
Name (signature) (parent or guardian, if under 18)
__________________________________________
Street
__________________________________________
City
State
Zip
Age____ Sex____ Vocal____ Instrument_____________
4._________________________________________
Name (print)
__________________________________________
Name (signature) (parent or guardian, if under 18)
__________________________________________
Street
__________________________________________
City
State
Zip
Age____ Sex____ Vocal____ Instrument_____________
6._________________________________________
Name (print)
__________________________________________
Name (signature) (parent or guardian, if under 18)
__________________________________________
Street
__________________________________________
City
State
Zip
Age____ Sex____ Vocal____ Instrument____________
2._________________________________________
Name (print)
__________________________________________
Name (signature) (parent or guardian, if under 18)
__________________________________________
Street
__________________________________________
City
State
Zip
Age____ Sex____ Vocal____ Instrument_____________
5._________________________________________
Name (print)
__________________________________________
Name (signature) (parent or guardian, if under 18)
__________________________________________
Street
__________________________________________
City
State
Zip
Age____ Sex____ Vocal____ Instrument_____________
7._________________________________________
Name (print)
__________________________________________
Name (signature) (parent or guardian, if under 18)
__________________________________________
Street
__________________________________________
City
State
Zip
Age____ Sex____ Vocal____ Instrument_____________
3._________________________________________
Name (print)
__________________________________________
Name (signature) (parent or guardian, if under 18)
__________________________________________
Street
__________________________________________
City
State
Zip
Age____ Sex____ Vocal____ Instrument____________
Enclosed is cash or a money order in the amount of $___________
$20.00 (US currency) per act
MONEY ORDER MUST BE PAYABLE TO
SPECIAL PROMOTIONS, INC. (SPI)
Station will send Fees and Entry Forms to:
SPI, 63 MUSIC SQUARE EAST, NASHVILLE, TN 37203
Radio Stations should detach this section and mail entry fees to SPI
Contestants Detach Here: Keep Rules and Regulations portion and submit Entry Form
6. STATE, REGIONAL AND NATIONAL FINAL:
a. The winner of the Local Showdown is eligible to compete in the State Showdown. Contestants may enter as many local competitions as they wish until winning. Local winners
may reenter the contest at the Local level only after being eliminated at a State or Regional Final. They must complete a new Entry Form and pay the entry fee again when
entering at another station. Each contestant will have seven minutes to perform at the State Showdown. No pre-recorded music, including loops, is allowed at a State,
Regional, or National Final. The winner of each State Showdown will receive $1,000 and the opportunity to compete at one of the five Regional showdowns. Prizes won by
minors will be awarded to a parent or legal guardian if requested.
b. There will be five Regional showdowns where State winners will compete for seven minutes to win an all expense paid trip to compete at the National Final. Contestants under
18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who must execute releases of liability and publicity. National Final expenses paid by SPI are listed below.
All other expenses not specified shall be the responsibility of the contestants.
1. Hotel accommodation (double occupancy).
2. Round-trip coach airfare on the airline designated by SPI from a continental USA airport closest to contestant’s home served by that airline.
3. Reasonable meal expenses.
c. The National Final will be held by January 31, 2015. The winner will receive $100,000. The winner or winner’s parent or legal guardian (if winner is a minor) must execute
an affidavit of eligibility within 30 days of the National Final. Failure to comply may result in forfeiture of the prizes. Prizes are non-transferable. Winners shall be solely
responsible for all taxes in connection with their prizes.
7. PROMOTIONAL AUTHORIZATION: By submitting an Entry Form, the act (and each individual member thereof) grants to SPI and any national sponsor the right to utilize the act’s (and
each individual member’s thereof) name, likeness, image, voice, appearance, and performance in perpetuity worldwide for advertising, trade or any other lawful promotional purposes
whatsoever, in any and all media now known or thereafter developed, without compensation. I/we also grant SPI and any national sponsor the right to broadcast, market, sell and
otherwise distribute my name, image, likeness, voice, appearance and performance, either in whole or in parts for commercial, non-commercial television, close-circuit exhibition, home
video distribution, internet or any other purpose SPI or other national sponsor, in their sole discretion may determine. I/we hereby give all clearance, copyright or otherwise, for the
use of my name, likeness, image, voice, appearance and performance embodied in my/our performance/stage presentation. If under 18 years of age, parent or guardian must sign
the entry form.
8. ASSUMPTION OF RISK: By submitting this Entry Form, the act (and each individual member thereof) assumes all risks of property damage or bodily injury (including death) that might
occur during the Local, State, Regional and National Showdown events. The act (and each individual member thereof) agrees not to bring against the national
sponsors any claim for property damage or bodily injury (including death) that might occur during Local, State, Regional, or National Showdown events.
9. GOOD CHARACTER: The act agrees that it may be disqualified immediately from any level of Showdown competition if the act (or any member thereof) commits any act or becomes
involved in any situation that would adversely reflect on the Showdown or any party furnishing a prize, or tend to bring it or that party into public disrepute.
10. ELIGIBILITY: Submit any questions regarding eligibility to SPI.
a. I am/we are not an act with over seven individuals.
b. I/we have not performed on a record listed in Billboard within eighteen months preceding local competition.
c. I/we have paid the $20.00 registration fee before performing live at the local Showdown.
d. I am/we are not part of the local backup band nor am I/are we related to any member of the local backup band by birth or marriage nor have I/we performed with the
local back-up band or any member of the local backup band for monetary compensation within the past year.
e. I am/we are not an owner, controlling stockholder or employee of and I am/we are not related by birth or marriage, nor do I/we live in the same household as the local
Showdown judge, the radio station sponsoring the local Showdown contest, any national sponsor, SPI, or any employee, controlling stockholder, owner, officer or agent of any of
the foregoing parties.
f. I/we have not already been declared a Local winner of a 2014 Country Showdown and eligible for State competition.
g. I/we have never been a National Winner, either as an individual or as part of a group of the 2011, 2012, or 2013 Country Showdown.
facebook.com/countryshowdown
twitter.com/countryshowdown
youtube.com/countryshowdown
33 prod manual_32 prod manual 2013.qxd 4/8/2014 1:01 PM Page 50
2014 OFFICIAL JUDGING FORM
Local -- State -- Regional -- National
(please print or type)
Judge’s Name: __________________________________________________
Address:
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
Phone:
______________________________
Check One:
Preliminary
Lo c a l
State
Re g i o n a l
National
There must be a minimum of three judges who will adhere to the following rules:
1. The following are not permitted to judge:
a. Sponsoring radio station personnel and relatives;
b. Texaco employees;
c. Relatives or employer/employee of contestants;
d. Must not have competed as a contestant in 2014 against any of the contestants in the show, nor be a local, state or
regional winner in 2014;
e. Judges of other Country Showdown contests in which any one of these contestants has competed this year;
f. Judges who will be competing against any act in the competition
g. Anyone who has a felony conviction.
2. No audience ballots or applause meters shall be used.
3. This judging form must be used with the point/rating system and cannot be altered. Judges may change their scores as a
result of discussions before finalizing the totals on their score sheets to determine the winner.
4. Judges are not to be served alcoholic beverages during any portion of the actual contest performance.
5. Back-up bands or any part thereof are not allowed to participate as contestants. Contestants utilizing these bands are to be
judged solely on their individual performance.
6. Contestants are not allowed to utilize recorded music as part of their performance at the State, Regional or National level.
7. Songwriting category is defined as material being written by the individual or member of the contestant group performing
the song. You may award up to three (3) bonus points for Song Writing depending on the quality of the material.
8. In the event of a tie, the first tie-breaker shall be the highest number of points given in the “Talent” category. The second
tie-breaker shall be the highest number of points awarded in the “Marketability” category. The third tie-breaker shall be a
secret ballot by the judges.
I have read and understand the above Rules and Regulations.
I have reviewed the Order of Appearance sheet which names the contestants and hereby state that I have no business or
family relationship with any of the said contestants and have not judged any other 2014 Country Showdown in which any of
these contestants have competed.
Signature:_____________________________________________________ Date: ________________
33 prod manual_32 prod manual 2013.qxd 4/8/2014 1:01 PM Page 51
Scoring System
verifi
c
(SPI ation
use o
nly)
10 points Outstanding
8-9 points Excellent
6-7 points Very Good
4-5 points Good
2-3 points Average
0-1 point Below Average
Original Music
0-3 points can be awarded for songwriting
Mark
e
Coun tability In
try M
usic
Voca
l/
Abilit Instrume
ntal
y
Origi
n
Perfo ality of
rman
ce
Stage
Char Presence
/
isma
Song
Bonu Writing: O
s (0-3
p
point tional
s ma
x.)
TOTA
L
all Ta
lent
C O N T E S TA N T S
Over
Perfo
rmin
g Ow
n Mu
sic?
Using
Back
-up B
and?
Please read
carefully
before judging.
(Back-up Band not to be judged.)
33 prod manual_32 prod manual 2013.qxd 4/8/2014 1:01 PM Page 52
COUNTRY SHOWDOWN JUDGE TALLY SHEET
ORDER OF APPEARANCE
Judge
1
Judge
2
Judge
3
Judge
4
Judge
5
Judge
6
Judge
7
T O TA L
33 prod manual_32 prod manual 2013.qxd 4/8/2014 1:01 PM Page 54
SAMPLE JUDGE INVITATION LETTER
(DATE)
(NAME)
(ADDRESS)
Dear (Name):
This is an invitation to be a voluntary judge at the (call letters) local competition
of the 33rd Annual Country Showdown on (date). The event will take place at
(location) [and features (optional information regarding acts, etc.)].
The Country Showdown is America’s country music talent search with more
than 400 participating radio stations, 200 television stations, and hundreds of
live events. Aspiring artists compete to win $100,000 and the title of “Best New
Country Music Act of 2014.”
Judges are an integral part of the Country Showdown. It is important that each
competition be judged by competent, professional persons in the music industry.
Please give us a call at (phone #) and let us know if you are interested in participating. Since we can have only (#) judges, we would appreciate hearing from
you as soon as possible. Once we confirm your participation, we will send a
sample judging form, backstage passes for you and a guest, report times, and
other pertinent facts. (Additional information is listed below.)
We would also welcome your recommendation of someone you think is qualified who would be interested in judging. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to give me a call.
Sincerely,
SHOW DATE: (DAY, DATE)
SHOW TIME: (00:00 PM)
JUDGE MEETING REPORT TIME: (00:00 PM)
33 prod manual_32 prod manual 2013.qxd 4/8/2014 1:01 PM Page 56
SAWYER BROWN
GRAND OLE OPRY HOUSE
Showdown Host For The 18th
Annual National Final
33 prod manual_32 prod manual 2013.qxd 4/8/2014 1:01 PM Page 58
SUPPLY ORDER FORM
An initial shipment of 50 ENTRY FORMS, 5 JUDGING FORMS, 50 BROCHURES, a
BANNER, and WINNER CERTIFICATES will be shipped to you automatically upon
receiving your signed agreement. Additional materials may be re-ordered on a need
basis by returning this form. Allow at least two weeks delivery. Orders for overnight
or 2nd day deliveries will be sent COD.
Contact SPI for a Country Showdown Vector Logo
or check our website under “Media Downloads”
SEND Order Form To:
Special Promotions, Inc.
63 Music Square East
Nashville, TN 37203
Fax to: (615) 320-1708
E m a i l t o : info@countryshowdown.com
QUANTITY
Contestant Entry Forms . . . . ________________ packages (50 per package)
Information Brochures . . . . . ________________ packages (50 per package)
Additional Banners are not available
Name ______________________________________ Call Letters ____________
Street Address (NOT P.O. BOX)______________________________________________
City ________________________________________State ______Zip __________
Telephone____________________________________________________________
Copyright Office fees are subject to change.
For current fees, check the Copyright Office
website at www.copyright.gov, write the Copy­
right Office, or call (202) 707-3000.
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33 prod manual_32 prod manual 2013.qxd 4/8/2014 1:01 PM Page 62
SARA EVANS
EPCOT / WALT DISNEY WORLD
23rd Annual National Final Host
33 prod manual_32 prod manual 2013.qxd 4/8/2014 1:01 PM Page 64
AD SALES
Although many stations use the Country Showdown only as an
on-air promotion, the program is designed to be sold to local advertisers. Over the years, the combination of advertising and promotion
tying in to a community event has proved to be highly successful and
attractive to local sponsors.
Your sales pitch should include tagging sponsors on the promotional announcements, traffic building activities such as, “check
out our link to the Country Showdown website”, “pick up an entry
form”, “proof of purchase”, “discount tickets to the show”, etc.
Posters and banners are designed to be localized for your sponsors.
Further, your local show should accommodate sponsors with introductions, signage, VIP treatment, etc.
Please don’t hesitate to call for assistance. Good luck in your
efforts.
33 prod manual_32 prod manual 2013.qxd 4/8/2014 1:01 PM Page 66
STEP ONE:
PREPARE A SALES PRESENTATION
1. Review the date and promotional schedule for your show.
2. Organize your Country Showdown so that promotion will build customer traffic, pick up
entry forms at participating retailers, discount tickets with proof of purchase, etc.
3. Be sure your proposed advertising schedule runs simultaneously and retailers are tagged
with the promotion for maximum impact.
4. View the Country Showdown promotional DVD provided to all stations to familiarize yourself with the history of the Country Showdown.
STEP TWO:
INTRODUCTORY VISIT
1. Deliver posters, entry forms, brochures to retailers and explain their use.
2. Invite managers/owners to event as VIP to be recognized.
3. Present complimentary tickets.
4. Use the Country Showdown promotional DVD and website.
STEP THREE:
MAKE A SPECIFIC AD PROPOSAL
1. Emphasize that you are the exclusive Country Showdown station in your market
2. Outline the existing promotional commitments of your station.
3. Explain increased value of advertising during promotion.
4. Suggest schedule of ads with tie-in to promotional announcements.
5. Outline an organizational plan to coordinate with other stores and local sponsors for
maximum community exposure.
33 prod manual_32 prod manual 2013.qxd 4/8/2014 1:01 PM Page 67
STEP FOUR:
PROPOSE ADDITIONAL IDEAS/PROMOTION
1. Radio Remote broadcasts from retailers, with giveaways.
2. Proof of Purchase
3. Donate Prize(s) for Country Showdown winner
4. Ticket Discounts
5. Parking Lot Shows
6. On-air giveaways (tickets, etc.)
7. Cross promotions with other local sponsors
8. Website Link/Promotion
33 prod manual_32 prod manual 2013.qxd 4/8/2014 1:01 PM Page 68
WHY THE LOCAL RETAILERS WILL PARTICIPATE
Local Tie-in:
Retailers are invited to join the Country Showdown by radio stations and to join other
sponsors. It’s not just an ad campaign; but a community event, providing entertainment
and giving local talent an opportunity to perform and be recognized.
Turn-key:
Everything is provided and done for the retailer by the radio station and entertainment
venue.
Free Materials:
Advertising and promotional materials are provided and delivered to local sponsors at
no cost: posters, brochures, entry forms, etc.
VIP Treatment:
Retailer’s local image is enhanced to other sponsors and to the community with VIP treatment and free tickets to events.
Traffic Builder:
Each step of the Country Showdown offers traffic-building activities- “pick up entry
forms,” discount tickets, website, proof of purchase, etc.
Spinoff Promotions:
Additional interest and traffic can be generated with live remote radio broadcasts from
stores, parking lot shows, personal appearances of contestants, artists etc.
Cross Promotions:
The Country Showdown provides many cross promotional opportunities with other local,
non-competitive, sponsors.
Structured Program:
The Country Showdown sustains interest, building from Local to State to Regional to
National Final.
33 prod manual_32 prod manual 2013.qxd 4/8/2014 1:01 PM Page 69
Country Showdown Affidavit Reporting Forms
Per section 2.2 of the Local Station Agreement, each radio station is required to:
“Promote its local and state contest by broadcasting promotional spots without
alteration from a broadcast quality CD provided by SPI between the hours of
6:00 a.m. and 12:00 midnight for a minimum of 6 minutes per day for at least
40 consecutive days prior to the local even and 20 consecutive days prior to the
state event. Execute affidavits of performance and mail such affidavits to SPI
within 15 days following the broadcast as a condition of eligibility for their local
winner.”
SPI will accept either a standard traffic log print-out or the following TCS Local
and State Log Forms as execution of affidavits. You can also find the digital
Excel spreadsheet on www.countryshowdown.com/radio/forms.php
or by calling SPI at 615-321-5130.
For the digital version, once you type the date into “local date” or “state date”
the form will automatically fill in the preceding promo days. Please put in the
closest times for each promo spot aired.
Submit either station print-outs or TCS Logs to:
Special Promotions, Inc.
63 Music Square East
Nashville, TN 37203
Fax: 615-320-1708
Email: mike@countryshowdown.com