Frequently Asked Questions

What is Talent Quest Florida?
Talent Quest Florida is a regional karaoke contest that feeds into the national Talent Quest competition. The
contest is divided into three categories - Men and Women's Country, Men and Women's Contemporary and
Masters.
Winners receive passage into the national Talent Quest Finals in Laughlin, Nev., meaning their plane tickets, hotel
stay and entry fee into the national contest are paid in full. The only thing contestants are responsible for during
the trip is their food and any sight seeing they may want to enjoy.

What is considered "Contemporary?"
Contemporary music is really anything but Country Western music and Rap. It includes Broadway, pop, top 40,
Alternative...you name it. But if it's spoken or has a twang, it doesn't fit the contemporary category.

What are your judges looking for?
Contestants are judged on three major factors - vocal performance, appearance and stage presence. If you're
singing a love-lorn ballad, don't come up onto the stage in flip flops and ripped jeans. Judges are looking at
everything from if your outfit matches your song, if you have a powerful vocal performance and whether or not you
took time to iron that shirt that's been hanging in your closet for the past year.

What makes your judges so special?
Our judges come from many different aspects of the arts and entertainment world. We have former vocal coaches,
singers, writers and artists on our diverse panel. They are all professionals and they all know what sells.

Do I have to qualify in a local contest to participate in the Regional Contest in July?
No. However, by winning a local contest, you avoid the entry fee into the Regional Contest.

I ordered my tickets through your Web site but I still don't have them. Why not?
In order to avoid confusion and delays in mail time, we will hold your tickets in your name at Will Call at The
DoubleTree Westshore the day of the competition. Simply bring your e-mailed receipt or proper ID and we will
hand you your tickets.

Do contestants have to register in person?
Yes. All contestants must register in person. This verifies that you are available to perform in your slotted time. All
contestants have two times to register. You may register at the DoubleTree Westshore Hotel in Tampa any time
after 3 p.m. on Thursday, July 8 or you may register in lobby area of the hotel on Friday, July 9. All contestants
MUST register with Talent Quest Florida staff before competing.

Do I have to list all of my performance tracks before the contest begins?
No. When you register as a contestant you will receive a slip of paper with space for your three performances.
However, you do not have to fill out every song. You do, however, have to have the song listed when you hand
your slip to the KJ before each respective performance.

How many songs should I prepare for Talent Quest Florida?
Each contestant should have three songs prepared for Talent Quest Florida. Every contestant is guaranteed two
performances, one on Friday and one on Saturday, in his or her respective categories. The combined scores from
those two performances will determine the Top 10 in each category, which will perform on Sunday. You may not
repeat songs in the contest.

Should I bring my own music?
This is entirely up to you. Our KJ's 100,000-plus song selection will be available to you. However, if you bring your
own CD+G, you will know for sure that it is the right version. If you do use your own CD, please make sure it is a
genuine version and not a pirated copy. If you have burned a CD, please bring proof of purchase in case you are
asked to prove that the recording is used with permission. Using your own CD is fine, but make sure it is clear of
scratches and smudges and that it plays correctly. If your own CD skips or stops in the middle of a performance,
your time on stage will end and you will be judged up to that point. If, however, our KJ's track fails on stage, you will
get to begin the performance from the beginning. Either way you are not penalized.

When will I know if I made the Top 10?
You will not know if you are in the Top 10 of your category until Sunday, so please come to the Theater prepared
to sing. A sealed envelope will be provided to the emcee and will be opened on stage. Each of the 10 contestants'
names will be announced from the stage. Upon hearing their name, singers will hand in their music to the KJ and
then come on stage to perform.