Fanime Con 2010 Karaoke Contest Rules
The Fanime Con 2010 Karaoke Contest will take place on Friday, May 28. Up to 40 Individuals and Groups will vie for the right to be crowned the best singing act of Fanime Con!
The Preliminary round will start at 6PM, and those who qualify will sing in the finals which are at 10PM. Contestants do not need to be present for the entire Preliminary round.
The contest (as well as at-con signups and check-in) will be in the Karaoke room (Hall C in the San Jose Convention Center).
Eligibility
You must have a valid Fanime Con badge for Friday.
Fanime Con Karaoke staff, Guests of Honor, and Industry members are ineligible to compete in the contest.
If you compete as a group, all members of the group must sing during both songs, either as lead or as backup vocals. No backup dancers. You may not add or change group members between rounds.
Signing Up/Checking In
Online contest signups will start on Sunday, 5/2. Stay tuned to the Fanime Con Live Programming forum (http://forums.fanime.com/index.php/board,31.0.html) for exact time/details.
Online sign-ups close on 5/16, or when we receive 40 valid entries. Any remaining spots will be reserved for at-con sign-ups. Any at-con sign-ups in excess of 40 will be placed on a waiting list.
Contestants who pre-register for the convention must check in no later than one hour before the start of the qualifying round. To check-in for the contest, you will need your Fanime Con badge and your contest music (either on a CD, or the song numbers from our song library). Check-in starts when the Karaoke room opens on Friday.
If you don't check in, your spot will be given to any singers on the waiting list. Once the contest starts, the MC will only call the names of those who have checked in.
Selecting Your Songs
Songs must be from the following categories: Anime, video game, or J-rock/J-pop.
Songs limits: 2:30 (preliminary), 5:00 (finals). Songs longer than these limits will be faded out when the limit is reached.
You may not use the same song in both rounds of the contest.
English songs which were not originally created for an anime series or video game, or straight covers of such songs (for example, Fly Me To The Moon) are not allowed. Original songs created for the localized version of an anime series or game are okay (For example, songs from Robotech).
Songs must be in their original format as on the released CD and may not be edited by the contestant or other party in any way. Remixes which have appeared on an official released CD are okay.
No a cappella singing. a cappella singers are invited to join our Acoustikaraoke! Contest on Sunday afternoon.
You should follow the song's original lyrics- this is not a "filk" contest.
If contestants bring their own music, they must provide their own songs on an audio CD. No phones or mp3 players please. Unclaimed CDs will be disposed of at our discretion after the convention.
Contestants may choose songs from our open mic library (http://www.anime-karaoke.com/songLists.php). Just tell us the song ID number at check-in. We are not responsible if the song sounds different from what the contestant was expecting, and we do not guarantee the availability of any particular song. If you are unsure, you should try it out during the warmup period before the contest.
All contestants who do not use karaoke versions of their songs must perform with vocal dampening turned on. We want to hear you, not the original singer.
Note: Vocal dampening has been known to have unexpected effects with some songs, so if you plan to use vocal dampening, we strongly suggest that you test out your song at home before you sign up. No song changes are allowed once the contest starts.
Contestants should provide their own song lyrics, if needed. We will make a reasonable effort, but do not guarantee any lyrics will be available at con.
Scoring and Judging
Each contestant will be scored by each judge in the following categories:
• Vocal: musical quality of performance, breath control, pitch and tone (60%)
• Visual Performance: stage presence; overall entertainment value; style and poise (30%)
• Song selection (10%)
The top 10 scores advance to the Finals.
In the Finals, the winners will be determined by the sum of their preliminary round score and their final round score.
In case of a tie in the preliminary round, the tied acts will advance to the final round. In the event of a tie in the finals, the final round score is the tiebreaker. If the final round scores are the same between the tied contestants, then a vote of the judges will determine final placement.
All decisions made by the judges are final.
Conduct
As a convention for anime fans of all ages, Fanime Con has certain standards of behavior which all convention attendees should abide by at all times. Karaoke is no exception.
All aspects of the act, including, but not limited to: costume, conduct on stage, and song lyrics, are to abide by no worse than a PG-13 standard. If you are in doubt as to whether something is suitable, just ask yourself: Would you do this in front of your mother? If you're still in doubt, please email or post and tell us what you have in mind, and we'll make a decision.
If any violations of this policy occur, Fanime Con Karaoke staff reserves the right to disqualify offenders from the contest and/or terminate the act in mid-song. In extreme cases, offenders may also be subject to convention penalties including loss of badge and removal from the convention.
During the contest, no interaction with the judges or the MC is allowed. Contestants may not touch or approach the judge's table. Contestants may not go into the audience or use an audience member in their act. Actions that encourage general audience participation as a whole (such as asking the crowd to sing along) are okay.
The only persons allowed in the performing area are Fanime Con staff, contestants.
what happens if all 40 spots get taken online? will u do the same thing as last year and reserve some for at-con sign up?
Quote from: princesskitty18 on April 19, 2010, 08:12:43 PM
what happens if all 40 spots get taken online? will u do the same thing as last year and reserve some for at-con sign up?
If all 40 spots are filled online, then we will take waiting list signups at the convention. Usually at least a few people are no shows so even if you are on the waiting list there's still a reasonable chance you'll get in.
You probably get this every year, but are songs from the various tokusatsu series (i.e. Ultraman, Kamen Rider, Super Sentai, Metal Heroes, Kikaider, etc.) also eligible to enter?
This also applies to songs from the various live-action Sakura Taisen musicals over the years (i.e. Sakura Taisen Kayou Show, Sakura Taisen Super Kayou Show, etc.)
Quote from: KusanagiShiro on April 20, 2010, 10:30:05 AM
You probably get this every year, but are songs from the various tokusatsu series (i.e. Ultraman, Kamen Rider, Super Sentai, Metal Heroes, Kikaider, etc.) also eligible to enter?
This also applies to songs from the various live-action Sakura Taisen musicals over the years (i.e. Sakura Taisen Kayou Show, Sakura Taisen Super Kayou Show, etc.)
If it has a clear anime/video game tie-in (such as Sakura Taisen, Sailor Moon, etc) then it should be fine.
-Hank
just to make sure.
dealer's badge is ineligible for the contest?
Quote from: GaleWolf on April 21, 2010, 01:30:41 AM
Quote from: KusanagiShiro on April 20, 2010, 10:30:05 AM
You probably get this every year, but are songs from the various tokusatsu series (i.e. Ultraman, Kamen Rider, Super Sentai, Metal Heroes, Kikaider, etc.) also eligible to enter?
This also applies to songs from the various live-action Sakura Taisen musicals over the years (i.e. Sakura Taisen Kayou Show, Sakura Taisen Super Kayou Show, etc.)
If it has a clear anime/video game tie-in (such as Sakura Taisen, Sailor Moon, etc) then it should be fine.
-Hank
OK, but as I said, what about tokusatsu songs, such as Samurai Sentai Shinkenger, or Let's Go!! Rider Kick?
Quote from: yumicchi88 on April 21, 2010, 12:11:24 PM
just to make sure.
dealer's badge is ineligible for the contest?
Dealers badges are okay for the contest.
Quote
Are songs from the various tokusatsu series (i.e. Ultraman, Kamen Rider, Super Sentai, Metal Heroes, Kikaider, etc.) also eligible to enter?
The rules state: "Songs must be from the following categories: Anime, video game, or J-rock/J-pop."
Therefore, no on "tokusatsu" songs that don't have an anime/video game tie-in.
Quote from: GaleWolf on April 19, 2010, 01:44:50 AM
Selecting Your Songs
Songs must be from the following categories: Anime, video game, or J-rock/J-pop.
Songs limits: 2:30 (preliminary), 5:00 (finals). Songs longer than these limits will be faded out when the limit is reached.
You may not use the same song in both rounds of the contest.
I seem to remember last year that the prelims song limit was 3:30 and not 2:30. shortening it to accomodate the contestants?
Possible to get a little more info on the warm-up pre-contest time? :)
There are two songs I've been unable to find a karaoke version of, and saw that they are in the library. However, I'm not sure if they're series length or full length, etc, so hearing them once through would help affirm if they're what I know or not. Especially since one of them has the first line pretty much a capella. That said, last year we were allowed to change our song, as long as it was done at sign-in. Still possible?
Also, for the library songs: I assume if there's a "K" in the karaoke section, it means it has a karaoke track, and if it is devoid of anything, it does not. So, are we safe in assuming vocal dampening works for any song in the library? If not, do ya'll mind informing us of the program you use so we can test it at home? :)
Quote from: stormsworder on April 22, 2010, 08:52:43 AM
Quote from: GaleWolf on April 19, 2010, 01:44:50 AM
Selecting Your Songs
Songs must be from the following categories: Anime, video game, or J-rock/J-pop.
Songs limits: 2:30 (preliminary), 5:00 (finals). Songs longer than these limits will be faded out when the limit is reached.
You may not use the same song in both rounds of the contest.
I seem to remember last year that the prelims song limit was 3:30 and not 2:30. shortening it to accomodate the contestants?
I remember it's always been 2:30.
Quote from: arcadiapandora on April 23, 2010, 03:39:12 AM
Possible to get a little more info on the warm-up pre-contest time? :)
The warm-up time will be from 2PM to 5PM on Friday. More info closer to convention time.
QuoteThere are two songs I've been unable to find a karaoke version of, and saw that they are in the library. However, I'm not sure if they're series length or full length, etc, so hearing them once through would help affirm if they're what I know or not. Especially since one of them has the first line pretty much a capella. That said, last year we were allowed to change our song, as long as it was done at sign-in. Still possible?
Yes.
QuoteAlso, for the library songs: I assume if there's a "K" in the karaoke section, it means it has a karaoke track, and if it is devoid of anything, it does not. So, are we safe in assuming vocal dampening works for any song in the library? If not, do ya'll mind informing us of the program you use so we can test it at home? :)
Vocal dampening works for any song, but it's not perfect. On some songs, it can also remove some or most of the music itself. This is why we urge you to try it out at home first.
The software we use is called Audio Hijack Pro, which runs on Mac OS X. For those on Windows or Linux, DeFx is a rough equivalent.
-Hank
p.s. Yes the limit was 2:30 last year.
Quote from: GaleWolf on April 21, 2010, 10:27:08 PM
Quote from: yumicchi88 on April 21, 2010, 12:11:24 PM
just to make sure.
dealer's badge is ineligible for the contest?
Dealers badges are okay for the contest.
Quote
Are songs from the various tokusatsu series (i.e. Ultraman, Kamen Rider, Super Sentai, Metal Heroes, Kikaider, etc.) also eligible to enter?
The rules state: "Songs must be from the following categories: Anime, video game, or J-rock/J-pop."
Therefore, no on "tokusatsu" songs that don't have an anime/video game tie-in.
Well, I know that iDOLM@STER's covered "Let's Go!! Rider Kick" from Kamen Rider on one of their radio shows...seeing as I 've followed that series regularly. This is kind of off-topic, but have people performed any iM@S songs in the karaoke contest before yet?
Quote from: KusanagiShiro on April 24, 2010, 01:11:13 PM
Quote from: GaleWolf on April 21, 2010, 10:27:08 PM
Quote from: yumicchi88 on April 21, 2010, 12:11:24 PM
just to make sure.
dealer's badge is ineligible for the contest?
Dealers badges are okay for the contest.
Quote
Are songs from the various tokusatsu series (i.e. Ultraman, Kamen Rider, Super Sentai, Metal Heroes, Kikaider, etc.) also eligible to enter?
The rules state: "Songs must be from the following categories: Anime, video game, or J-rock/J-pop."
Therefore, no on "tokusatsu" songs that don't have an anime/video game tie-in.
Well, I know that iDOLM@STER's covered "Let's Go!! Rider Kick" from Kamen Rider on one of their radio shows...seeing as I 've followed that series regularly. This is kind of off-topic, but have people performed any iM@S songs in the karaoke contest before yet?
im@s is a game, so I'd think so. I sang "Go My Way!!" in 2008.
/rolls away
Hi. Just wondering if we're allowed to edit our song so it fits the 2:30 rule for prelim round. ie: make the song start from the middle instead of the beginning.
Quote from: palmnut on April 25, 2010, 10:04:41 AM
Hi. Just wondering if we're allowed to edit our song so it fits the 2:30 rule for prelim round. ie: make the song start from the middle instead of the beginning.
No song editing is allowed. However, if your song has a long instrumental introduction, you may request that we start it part of the way through. You cannot skip over any vocal part though.
Several Tokusatsu, Kamen Rider, and Ultraman series have been featured in games by Banpresto like Super Hero Sakusen, so there's that tie-in. I know for certain that the classic Kamen Rider, Kamen Rider V3 and Kamen Rider Black have been in several videogames, but beyond that I can't help much.
Could we possibly sing Vocaloid Songs for the Karaoke Contest?
It would be really cool if we get to use it.
Quote from: FScarlettHenry on April 26, 2010, 07:19:10 PM
Could we possibly sing Vocaloid Songs for the Karaoke Contest?
It would be really cool if we get to use it.
Yes, as long as they are well-known songs and not just something you made yourself using the Vocaloid software.
Quote from: GaleWolf on April 26, 2010, 12:28:51 AM
Quote from: palmnut on April 25, 2010, 10:04:41 AM
Hi. Just wondering if we're allowed to edit our song so it fits the 2:30 rule for prelim round. ie: make the song start from the middle instead of the beginning.
No song editing is allowed. However, if your song has a long instrumental introduction, you may request that we start it part of the way through. You cannot skip over any vocal part though.
The song I am preparing has about 25 second short intro, and the whole vocal part ends alittle over 5 minutes, so I want to cut just few seconds of it so I can finish it off. It's possible, right?
What's the mic situation like? Will they be mics on stands or just a mic we hold? My partner and I need to know as far ahead of time as possible so we can plan our choreography accordingly. :)
Quote from: Michi on April 27, 2010, 03:01:16 PM
What's the mic situation like? Will they be mics on stands or just a mic we hold? My partner and I need to know as far ahead of time as possible so we can plan our choreography accordingly. :)
We have requested three mics on stands.
Oh, nice! Thanks for the quick response! Will they be wired?
Quote from: GaleWolf on April 27, 2010, 02:23:57 AM
Quote from: FScarlettHenry on April 26, 2010, 07:19:10 PM
Could we possibly sing Vocaloid Songs for the Karaoke Contest?
It would be really cool if we get to use it.
Yes, as long as they are well-known songs and not just something you made yourself using the Vocaloid software.
Mrs. Pumpkin's Comical Dream
Dear
When Love Ends for the First Time
Meltdown
Romeo and Cinderella
Are those eligible?
Quick question: Would I be able to play the song on a keyboard of my own as I sing it?
Quote from: Maki_Jaganshi on April 27, 2010, 08:10:01 PM
Quick question: Would I be able to play the song on a keyboard of my own as I sing it?
Not in this contest- but you can do it in the Acoustikaraoke contest, which is on Sunday afternoon. See the Acoustikaraoke Rules topic (http://forums.fanime.com/index.php/topic,13962.0.html) for more info.
Quote from: Michi
Will they be wired?
Most of the time they are wired, but we have been known to receive wireless mics every so often. For now, you should assume wired.
We'll look over that list of Vocaloid songs in the next day or two.
-Hank
Mrs. Pumpkin's Comical Dream
Dear
When Love Ends for the First Time
Meltdown
Romeo and Cinderella
Are these songs eligible to be sung at the contest?
I'm trying to go for Mrs. Pumpkin no Kokkei na Yume.
If we do sing it, can we put in our own things as long as it doesn't mess up the original lyrics? Like add in some narration?
Quote from: Maki_Jaganshi on April 27, 2010, 08:10:01 PM
Quick question: Would I be able to play the song on a keyboard of my own as I sing it?
so no instruments allowed for the main Karaoke contest? how bout if we win? (i dunno about me winning but just wondering)
Quote from: GaleWolf on April 27, 2010, 02:23:57 AM
Quote from: FScarlettHenry on April 26, 2010, 07:19:10 PM
Could we possibly sing Vocaloid Songs for the Karaoke Contest?
It would be really cool if we get to use it.
Yes, as long as they are well-known songs and not just something you made yourself using the Vocaloid software.
inb4 Black Rock Shooter as the #1 most request song
Quote from: stormsworder on April 28, 2010, 10:34:50 PM
so no instruments allowed for the main Karaoke contest? how bout if we win? (i dunno about me winning but just wondering)
For the main contest, you can only have an instrument on stage as a prop. But it cannot be your source of music.
Those who want to play an instrument during their performance should sign up for the Acoustikaraoke contest.
So...
Are we allowed to add our own material in the song as long as it doesn't screw up the original lyrics?
Because, I can't help but do some narration!
At what time are the sign ups going to open because it says that will be updated by is in 2 days!!!
Quote from: FScarlettHenry on April 30, 2010, 04:48:12 PM
So...
Are we allowed to add our own material in the song as long as it doesn't screw up the original lyrics?
Because, I can't help but do some narration!
I guess, but can't guarantee the judges will like it!
Ok. If I wanted to enter, could I use a song by an artist like "Gackt", in which the song doesn't tie into an anime or video game, but still falls into the category of j-pop/j-rock?
Question about some songs!
"Way to Fall" from metal Gear Solid 3 by Star Sailor and
"The Messenger" from Final Fantasy Dissidia I'm having trouble telling if those are appropriate for the contest or not. I mean "Way to Fall" I can understand but the other song was specially made for Dissidia. Anyways just trying to clear this up before I decide on my song selection for Fanime >_<
Quote from: God91125 on May 01, 2010, 10:49:09 PM
Question about some songs!
"Way to Fall" from metal Gear Solid 3 by Star Sailor and
"The Messenger" from Final Fantasy Dissidia I'm having trouble telling if those are appropriate for the contest or not. I mean "Way to Fall" I can understand but the other song was specially made for Dissidia. Anyways just trying to clear this up before I decide on my song selection for Fanime >_<
"Way to Fall" would not be okay as it was not created originally for the game.
Mrs. Pumpkin's Comical Dream is okay as a song.
We frown on songs by Gackt.
Alright thank you for the Clarification.
Would this song be alright?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJt-b-NE3Pw
One question:
Are English covers for animes, such as the ones dubbed by Funimation, allowed at all?
Quote from: Touya no Miko on May 05, 2010, 10:18:03 PM
One question:
Are English covers for animes, such as the ones dubbed by Funimation, allowed at all?
Yes
Quote
Would this song be alright?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJt-b-NE3Pw
Looks like it's from Final Fantasy IX, should be fine.
I know sign-ups are over, but you're saying no to j-pop/j-rock songs that don't have ties to video games or anime, correct?
I got a question, since we I can't use DeDx on my computer, is there any other way to find out what vocal dampening does to my music?
Quote from: FScarlettHenry on May 06, 2010, 10:43:33 PM
I got a question, since we I can't use DeDx on my computer, is there any other way to find out what vocal dampening does to my music?
Try it out during the warm-up period before the contest on Friday afternoon. 2PM to 5PM.
Quote
I know sign-ups are over, but you're saying no to j-pop/j-rock songs that don't have ties to video games or anime, correct?
Straight j-pop/j-rock is allowed. From the rules:
"Songs must be from the following categories: Anime, video game, or J-rock/J-pop."
Quote from: FScarlettHenry on May 06, 2010, 10:43:33 PM
I got a question, since we I can't use DeDx on my computer, is there any other way to find out what vocal dampening does to my music?
If you just can't find DeFx for Windows XP, try googling for a DeFx Winamp plug-in. I found it without too much trouble and have been using it to test my own dampening.
Thanks for that by the way, Galewolf.
Quote from: GaleWolf on April 19, 2010, 01:44:50 AM
Fanime Con 2010 Karaoke Contest Rules
No a cappella singing. a cappella singers are invited to join our Acoustikaraoke! Contest on Sunday afternoon.
It is no longer on Saturday for the Acoustic Karaoke?
Quote from: LOVE.SAE on May 08, 2010, 03:42:42 PM
Quote from: GaleWolf on April 19, 2010, 01:44:50 AM
Fanime Con 2010 Karaoke Contest Rules
No a cappella singing. a cappella singers are invited to join our Acoustikaraoke! Contest on Sunday afternoon.
It is no longer on Saturday for the Acoustic Karaoke?
Correct- Acoustikaraoke is on Sunday afternoon this year. Saturday will be just open mic all day.
-Hank
What time Friday will you be opening at-con registration?
Quote from: oc3anofdr3ams on May 09, 2010, 08:15:04 PM
What time Friday will you be opening at-con registration?
2PM, tentatively.
Quote from: GaleWolf on May 09, 2010, 08:51:14 PM
Quote from: oc3anofdr3ams on May 09, 2010, 08:15:04 PM
What time Friday will you be opening at-con registration?
2PM, tentatively.
By tentatively I assume you mean it could/probably will start a little later than that? Thank you! :D
So there's no way to hold a spot if someone's flying in at 7 pm on Friday?
Quote from: oc3anofdr3ams on May 09, 2010, 09:11:39 PM
Quote from: GaleWolf on May 09, 2010, 08:51:14 PM
Quote from: oc3anofdr3ams on May 09, 2010, 08:15:04 PM
What time Friday will you be opening at-con registration?
2PM, tentatively.
By tentatively I assume you mean it could/probably will start a little later than that? Thank you! :D
By tentatively, I meant the time had not been officially confirmed in the convention schedule. It now has been confirmed, so everyone should plan as if signups and check-in will start at 2.
QuoteSo there's no way to hold a spot if someone's flying in at 7 pm on Friday?
The contest starts at 6, so that would not be possible.
I can't quite remember how the stage was set up but are we allowed to move around the stage?
Quote from: Lexy on May 20, 2010, 02:58:34 PM
I can't quite remember how the stage was set up but are we allowed to move around the stage?
Yes but you must stay on the stage during your performance.
Are we allowed to sit on the edge of the stage if for Performance technique?
And also the song I want to perform, you don't have the Karaoke version available. I did however find one on Youtube, it's just that it doesn't sound exactly the same as the anime. To be specific the song is Fields of Hope by Rie Tanaka.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxYRFP7et8g&fmt=18
Here's the link to the karaoke version that I found. Is it alright to use this?
Quote from: oc3anofdr3ams on May 25, 2010, 12:50:52 AM
Are we allowed to sit on the edge of the stage if for Performance technique?
Yes that's fine.
Quote
And also the song I want to perform, you don't have the Karaoke version available. I did however find one on Youtube, it's just that it doesn't sound exactly the same as the anime. To be specific the song is Fields of Hope by Rie Tanaka.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxYRFP7et8g&fmt=18
Here's the link to the karaoke version that I found. Is it alright to use this?[/color][/font][/size]
We won't have reliable internet in the karaoke room, so if you wish to use the karaoke version, you would need to provide it on a CD.
Sweet! :D And for clarification, there are 3 open slots for at-con sign up correct?
And I can put it on a CD no problem. :D Just wanted to see if I was allowed to use it.
Quote from: GaleWolf on May 17, 2010, 03:33:59 AM
By tentatively, I meant the time had not been officially confirmed in the convention schedule. It now has been confirmed, so everyone should plan as if signups and check-in will start at 2.
Thank you for clarifying for me! :3
Quote from: oc3anofdr3ams on May 25, 2010, 04:51:09 PM
Sweet! :D And for clarification, there are 3 open slots for at-con sign up correct?
that's correct!
For the karaoke contest, are you allowed to request lyrics? How does it work?
If the song we have is not in your song library, is there some effort into finding the lyrics? Or no?
Thank you!
Quote from: anime_freakx1000 on May 27, 2010, 01:48:02 PM
For the karaoke contest, are you allowed to request lyrics? How does it work?
If the song we have is not in your song library, is there some effort into finding the lyrics? Or no?
Thank you!
You can request them if they are listed in our library, but we make no guarantees as to their availability, format, or correctness.
If they're not listed in our library, then you will have to provide them yourself.
For best results, you should always provide your own lyrics. As the level of the contest has increased over the years, many contestants now just memorize them, but this is by no means required.
Ok... So I was thinking, in case I wanted to change one of songs, could I do it up front when at-con sign-ups are open, or is there no possible way to change the song?
im pretty positive that u can change it at at-con when you check in
dont quote me on it..but im pretty damn positive
Quote from: SleetArashi on May 27, 2010, 04:19:21 PM
Ok... So I was thinking, in case I wanted to change one of songs, could I do it up front when at-con sign-ups are open, or is there no possible way to change the song?
Yes you can change your song at check-in. So make your decision, then just tell us at check in. Once you have checked in, no more song changes.