RULES
Rules and Regulations for
Talent Quest Sunshine State 2011


I        All contestants must be 21 years of age or older by the date of the national contest. Any person
may enter the national contest who is 20 years of age, but will become 21 years of age on or before
September 20, 2011. Local, State and Federal laws supersede these rules where persons under the
age of 21 are prohibited to enter businesses or locations governed by Local, State or Federal laws.

II.        Persons who entertain are allowed to compete as long as it is part-time income and that person
does not belong to any professional organization connected with the entertainment industry that would
cause TALENT QUEST or any of TALENT QUEST'S representative's to pay such contestant a fee or
any other benefit for taking part in any TALENT QUEST event.

III.        Any person may enter the contest that belongs to an Organized Labor Union connected with the
entertainment industry, as long as that person is not disqualified by rule number 2.

IV.        Contestants MAY NOT utilize live props. This will include back-up singers, dancers or animals.
Non-human props such as costumes and other accessories are permitted. Musical instruments may be
used as props, but are not allowed as an accompaniment to the contestants' performance. Such
musical instruments must be hand carried. Larger instruments that utilize the aid of others to bring them
on stage, or are difficult to handle are NOT be permitted. An example of this type of instrument is a
piano, harp, etc... Any prop used by a contestant must be carried on stage or into the stage area by the
contestant, and must be completed in one trip onto or into the stage area. The non-use of live props will
include the passing of flowers or other items to anyone, touching hands of an audience member or any
other similar act.

V.        Contestants are not allowed to leave the stage or stage area during their performance. This
includes singing or performing within the audience.

VI.        Contestants may sing the same song as another contestant.

VII.        Songs containing vulgar or explicit sex lyrics will not be allowed. Contestants who, during their
performance, use vulgar lyrics or perform in an obscene manner will be disqualified from any
TALENT QUEST SUNSHINE STATE competition.

VIII.        Contests are divided into three music categories: 1. Country/Western 2. Top 40 (Pop, Rock,
R&B or Soul) 3. 50 and older.

IX.        Contestants, their family or associates are not allowed to have contact with a contest judge
before or during any contest connected with TALENT QUEST SUNSHINE STATE. Contact includes verbal
conversations and handshakes

X.        Contestants, their family or associates who exhibit offensive behavior during any portion of the
contest will disqualify that contestant from further competition. If the contestant, their family or
associates exhibit offensive behavior after the contestant has competed, and such behavior is in the
host establishment, even after the winners are announced, that contestants score will be nullified. If the
contestant whose score has been nullified is a winning contestant, the next contestant in scoring
position for that particular category shall be the winner. If there is a tie for the next in line, the winner
shall be decided by a toss of a coin.

XI.        The order in which each contestant competes shall be determined by random drawing.

XII.        Contestants will be scored using a 50 point system:
Vocal Ability (rhythm/pitch/phrasing) 1-30 points
Stage Presence (movement/confidence/command) 1-10 points
Appearance (costume/attire) 1-10 points

XIII.        Decisions of the judges are final. No arguing with judges is allowed. Any contestant, their
family or associates who argue with a judge may be deemed to be using offensive behavior and the
contestant may be disqualified from competition.

XIV.        Song time limits:  Songs are not to exceed 4 minutes in regional contest first and second
rounds. Judges will be instructed to not deduct points because of a song being cut off. Time limit will
increase to 4:30 minutes for the Finals.