There are two big contests in Maryland targeted toward aspiring teen singers. One is held in Crownsville for singers ages 13 to 17 at the Spring Craft Festival. There is an entry fee, and cash prizes are awarded to the first- and second-place finishers. Another Teen Idol contest is held in Ellicott City, sponsored by the Howard County Library, for all middle school and high school students. There is a cash prize for first, second and third place. The winner of the contest, in addition to a cash prize, will get a chance to sing at a Bowie Baysox baseball game.
The Maryland Opera Society has an annual Marie E. Crump Vocal Competition at the Bowie Center for the Performing Arts in early summer to encourage young, aspiring operatic singers and promote opera appreciation. It is open to all singers ages 18 to 35. Prospective applicants should register online to be considered in the competition. Another opera competition is held in Annapolis at the Annapolis Performing Arts Center to benefit arts in Anne Arundel County. Finalists compete for thousands of dollars in cash prizes and study awards.
The youths of Maryland aren't the only ones competing in vocal competitions. Anne Arundel County seniors age 60 and older, who have never sung for a living, are eligible to compete for "Maryland Senior Idol." Singers must audition, and if selected they go on to compete in the state competition. The competition benefits the Maryland Food Bank. Everyone who participates in the contest receives a small gift with first and second prize winners receiving gift baskets and cash prizes. This contest is held in the spring.
This is a competition put together by the Prince George's County Parks and Recreation Department for teens ages 10 to 17. In this competition, however, soloists and musical groups are welcome to perform for cash prizes. Competitors must be a residents of Prince George's County, prepare two songs and bring music on a CD to the audition. Prizes are awarded in three categories: preteen (ages 10 to 13), groups (ages 10 to 17), and teens (ages 14 to 17). This contest is held in the spring.
The Billie Holiday Tribute Concert includes a vocal competition. Jazz legend Billie Holiday spent a lot of her career in Baltimore, and this contest invites talented singers to honor her legendary status with their vocal talents. In past competitions it has been held at the Meyerhoff Theater in Baltimore and is part of Artscape, a huge summer arts and cultural festival in Baltimore.