Frequently Asked
Questions

Any vocalist who meets the eligibility criteria, has a professional vocal standard, and is able to perform the designated Chinese repertoire may apply — regardless of nationality or ethnicity.

Age: 18 to 50.
Exception: contestants who have won a Gold Prize at a previous NTD vocal competition may not enter again.

Registration and video submission close on July 6, 2027. All materials must be submitted by that date; late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Yes. The fee is USD $120 and is non-refundable. Payment may be made online, by credit card, traveller’s cheque or money order. Cheques should be payable to NEW TANG DYNASTY, marked “Vocal Competition”. A USD $20 surcharge applies to approved deferred payment.

Preliminary, semi-final and final rounds. The preliminary requires one designated Chinese piece; the semi-final two pieces not repeating the preliminary; the final two designated pieces.

Both are held in person in New York City in 2027. Formats and times are announced on the official website. The video submitted with your application is used for eligibility review and does not constitute the live preliminary round.

Only the designated Chinese repertoire published on the official website. Contestants must choose from the designated list; self-selected or non-designated works are not accepted. The list has two categories: Chinese art songs, and original Shen Yun compositions authorised by Artistic Director Mr. D.F.

No. Perform each piece at the full length of the designated score. Cuts, extensions and structural changes are not permitted without written consent.

Gold, Silver, Bronze and Honorable Mention awards. Each division awards one Gold (USD $10,000), one Silver (USD $3,000) and two Bronze (USD $1,000). Winners also receive a formal certificate and subsequent performance and media opportunities.

All rounds take place in Manhattan, New York, USA; the final is held at a music hall in Manhattan. Preliminary on August 6, 2027; semi-final August 7; final August 8. The venue is announced once confirmed.

The organizer will recommend hotels for contestants and accompanying persons, but travel, accommodation, meals and transport are entirely at the contestant’s own expense.

After the Organizing Committee reviews your materials, qualified applicants receive a formal invitation by email, which may be used to apply for a visa and to register on the day. If you need a physical original, an international courier fee of USD $50 applies. An invitation letter does not guarantee a visa.

All audio and video rights during the competition belong to NTD Television. Responsibility for the copyright of music used in performance rests with the contestant.

Yes. All prize winners must attend in person; awards cannot be collected by proxy, and absence is treated as forfeiting the award.

Under U.S. tax regulations, if a winner is a foreign individual, up to 30% of the prize is subject to withholding. Filing returns and obtaining any refund is the contestant’s own responsibility.

Email vocal@ntd.com or call +1 855-561-0888. All competition details, rules and arrangements are ultimately governed by the official announcements and registration prospectus.