Contest Terms and Conditions — Ethio Vocal Stage

1. Who can enter

Entrants must be 16 years or older on the day of their audition. Entrants under 18 must provide written permission from a parent or legal guardian.
Entry is open to solo vocalists. Duos, groups and backing performers are not eligible unless the organisers announce a group category.
Members of the organising team, the judging panel and their immediate families may not enter.
Each person may submit one entry per season. Duplicate entries will be removed.

An entry is complete only when the consent form is submitted with accurate personal details and a signature.
Information given must be true and complete. False or misleading information may lead to disqualification at any stage, including after a result is announced.
The organisers may ask for identification to verify age and identity before an entrant performs.
Submitting an entry does not guarantee a place in the contest. Places are offered at the organisers' discretion after review.

The contest runs in rounds: auditions, semifinal and grand final. The organisers may add, merge or cancel a round and will announce any change in advance where possible.
Each performance is scored by the judging panel out of 100. Scores are recorded per round and published in the standings.
Where a round combines judge scores with listener votes, the weighting for that round is announced before voting opens.
The judges' decisions are final. Scores are not open to appeal or renegotiation.
In the event of a tie, the organisers may call a sing-off or apply the higher listener vote count, as announced for that round.

Contestants must confirm they hold or have cleared the rights to perform the material they present.
Song choices must be submitted by the deadline given for each round. Late changes may be refused.
Performances must fit the time limit set for the round. Overrunning performances may be stopped and may lose points.
Contestants are responsible for arriving on time for rehearsals, sound checks and the show itself.

Voting is free and open to the public through this website while a round's voting window is open.
One vote is allowed per listener per round. Automated voting, scripts, vote buying and multiple-device manipulation are prohibited.
The organisers may discard votes that appear fraudulent and may pause or close voting early if abuse is detected.
Vote counts and results are managed by the organisers and may be published in real time.

Rehearsals, performances and interviews may be recorded in audio, photo and video.
Where a contestant grants media permission on the consent form, the organisers may use that material to promote the contest across broadcast, print and online channels without further payment.
Contestants keep the rights to their own voice and likeness outside the promotion of this contest.
A contestant may withdraw media permission in writing; material already published may remain in circulation.

Contestants, guests and audience members must treat staff, crew, judges and fellow contestants with respect.
Harassment, discrimination, threats, damage to venue property, and arriving under the influence of alcohol or drugs are grounds for immediate removal and disqualification.
Public statements that knowingly misrepresent the contest or its results may lead to disqualification.

Prizes are announced per season and are not exchangeable for cash unless stated otherwise.
Prizes are awarded only after the organisers confirm the final results and the winner's eligibility.
Any tax or fee arising from a prize is the winner's responsibility.

A contestant may withdraw in writing at any time before their next performance.
The organisers may change dates, venues, formats or the running order, and will give notice as early as possible.
If the contest is cancelled for reasons outside the organisers' control, entrants are not entitled to compensation beyond a refund of any fee paid.

Details given on the consent form are used to run the contest, to contact entrants and to verify identity and age.
Signed consent forms are stored privately and are not published or shared with third parties except where required by law or by a broadcast partner named in advance.
An entrant may ask for a copy of their information or ask for it to be deleted after the season ends.

By signing the consent form, a contestant confirms they have read, understood and accepted these terms, and that they take part voluntarily and at their own risk.
These terms are governed by the laws applicable where the contest is held.