SMA Awaz Junior - Online Singing Competition
₹2,00,000 Cash Prize
SMA Awaz Junior is a global online singing competition for young talents aged 5 to 14, organized by Shankar Mahadevan Academy. Showcase your vocal skills and get a chance to sing with Shankar Mahadevan.
Mode
Online
Fee
₹5,499
Participation format
Individual
Duration
Varies based on competition timeline, typically involves a single submission followed by potential live rounds.
Time needed
Depends on the time taken to make the entry
Eligibility
Open to singers and artists aged 5 to 14 from anywhere in the world. Students currently enrolled with Shankar Mahadevan Academy or its partner and affiliate academies are also eligible to participate.
- Age range
- 6 to 14 years
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Academic requirement
- None specified, but a passion for singing is essential.
- Prerequisites
- Basic vocal ability and a passion for singing.
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Award
₹2,00,000
Cash prizes for the top 3 finalists. Winner receives ₹2,00,000, second place receives ₹50,000, and third place receives ₹25,000. Prize money will be wired to accounts after statutory tax deductions, 30 days from receiving required documentation.
Opens doors to
Participation and achievements can enhance profiles for admissions to prestigious music schools and academies.
Career pathways
Significant exposure and recognition can lead to future opportunities in the music industry, including collaborations and professional singing engagements.
Recognition
Global Recognition & Exposure
Skills your child builds
Key dates
Last edition
- Registration opened
- 1 Jun 2025
- Registration closed
- 15 Jul 2025
- Competition
- 1 Nov 2025 to 30 Nov 2025
- Results
- 15 Dec 2025
How to apply
- 1Register online for SMA Awaz Junior.
- 2Submit one audio file (mp3, wav, wma, m4a, amr format) as your song submission.
- 3Ensure the audio file is a maximum of 2 minutes in length.
- 4No changes can be made to the audio file after submission.
Rules and guidelines
- Participants must be between 5 and 14 years of age.
- Each participant must submit one audio file for their song submission.
- Participants must sing in their natural voice; voice modification is not allowed.
- Karaoke tracks or Tanpura are acceptable as accompaniment.
- Multiple song submissions will be considered separate entries and require separate registrations.
- The decisions of the SMA Awaz Junior judges are final.
- No refunds will be issued on the registration fee, even if the participant withdraws.
Technology requirements
- Device for audio recording (e.g., smartphone, computer)
- Internet access for online registration and submission
- Audio file in mp3, wav, wma, m4a, or amr format
- Audio headset with microphone for optimal recording quality (recommended).
- Latest Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Firefox, or Safari browser for online access.
Fees and financial support
Fee details
The contest entry fee is ₹5499 for participants from India and USD 149 for overseas participants. This fee is non-refundable, even if the participant withdraws after registration.
Refund policy
No refunds will be issued on the registration fee, even if the participant decides not to proceed with the submission after registration. Shankar Mahadevan Academy reserves the right to cancel the competition and refund the entry fee in such an event.
About this opportunity
SMA Awaz Junior is a prestigious global online singing competition designed to discover and nurture young vocal talent. Organized by the renowned Shankar Mahadevan Academy, this competition provides a unique platform for aspiring singers to showcase their abilities to a wider audience and receive valuable feedback from experienced judges.
This competition is open to singers and artists between the ages of 5 and 14. Participants can be from anywhere in the world, making it a truly global event. Students currently enrolled with Shankar Mahadevan Academy or its partner and affiliate academies are also eligible to participate.
Winners of SMA Awaz Junior receive attractive cash prizes and the invaluable opportunity to sing a song with Shankar Mahadevan himself. All participants gain significant exposure and a chance to receive feedback on their performance, contributing to their musical growth and development.
The competition emphasizes natural singing, allowing participants to choose any song, genre, and language for their submission. It is an excellent opportunity for young artists to gain recognition and take a significant step forward in their musical journey.
Rounds and format
3 rounds, entry level, semifinal, and final. The entry level is online audio submission. The finale of SMA Awaz Junior will be a Live Show. The semi-final round may also be broadcast.
How entries are judged
Evaluation based on vocal performance, musicality, and expression. Natural voice is emphasized.
Selection process
Selection is based on the submitted audio file and performance in subsequent rounds.
How to prepare
- Participants can choose any song of their choice, including original compositions.
- Karaoke tracks or Tanpura can be used as accompaniment.
Academic details
Difficulty: Mixed Levels
What's covered
Participants can choose any song, genre, and language. The focus is on natural voice and musical expression. Accompaniments like karaoke tracks or Tanpura are allowed.
Frequently asked questions
How can participants best prepare their vocal performance for the competition?
Participants can enhance their performance by practicing regularly, focusing on pitch accuracy, rhythm, and emotional expression. Choosing a song that highlights their vocal strengths and practicing with a karaoke track or Tanpura can be beneficial. Consistent practice builds confidence and refines technique.
What are the key judging criteria for SMA Awaz Junior, and how are performances evaluated?
Performances are primarily evaluated on vocal quality, musicality, and expression. Judges look for natural voice, clear diction, and the ability to convey emotion through singing. Technical proficiency and stage presence are also considered in later live rounds. Authenticity and passion are highly valued.
How can young talents manage performance anxiety during the competition, especially in live rounds?
Managing performance anxiety involves deep breathing exercises, visualization, and thorough preparation. Focusing on the joy of singing rather than the outcome, and practicing in front of family or friends, can help build confidence for live performances. Adequate rest and hydration are also crucial.
What kind of feedback can participants expect from the judges, and how should it be utilized?
Participants can expect constructive feedback aimed at their musical growth. This feedback should be viewed as a learning opportunity, providing insights into areas for improvement in vocal technique, expression, and overall performance. Applying this feedback is crucial for development and future performances.
How does participation in SMA Awaz Junior benefit a young singer's long-term musical journey and career prospects?
Participation offers significant exposure, builds confidence, and refines performance skills. The opportunity to sing with Shankar Mahadevan and receive expert feedback can open doors to future collaborations, professional engagements, and enhance profiles for admissions to prestigious music academies. It's a stepping stone for aspiring artists.
What technical setup is recommended for optimal audio submission and live performance?
For optimal audio submission, participants should use a quiet environment, a good quality microphone (even a smartphone's can be sufficient if used correctly), and ensure stable internet for live rounds. Using headphones during recording can help monitor sound quality. Test equipment beforehand to avoid issues.
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