The Soloist Competition
Ireland’s Most Exciting Talent Search
The Soloist is Ireland’s most exciting talent search and is open to singers in all music genres between the ages of 12 and 30 years.
Established in 2013, the competition continues to attract the highest standard of talent from right across the country and provide them with exceptional performance opportunities. The Soloist is open to vocal soloists, duos and small vocal groups of no more than 6 people.
The Soloist is only open to amateurs (amateurs being defined as contestants who are not currently under any binding performance or managerial contracts, as well as any recording contract or other entertainment-based legal agreement).
The cost to register/apply is €20. Applicants must upload a video of a performance to be entered in the competition and be in with a chance to win €1,000 and an opportunity to perform with the Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland (CBOI) to over 60,000 people in major arena concerts across Ireland and the UK. Arena venues include the RDS Arena, Dublin; the SSE Arena, Belfast; Echo Arena, Liverpool and more, with performances directed by internationally acclaimed professional conductors.
When To Apply
The Soloist Competition registration/application process is launched in March each year with the competition taking place in August. Join our mailing list to receive email alerts about the opening of applications and news updates from CBOI.
Join Mailing List
How To Apply
Click on Register Now and e-sign the Competition Application and Agreement form. Attach a link to a video clip/YouTube clip of you singing (no voice enhancements may be used) and pay the entry fee of €20 using our online payment gateway.
Successful Entrants will be notified shortly after the closing date.
Contestants under 18 years of age must inform their parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of their entry into the competition.
A parent must be present at all events if an entrant is under 18 years of age.
The Live Heats – Your Performance
Contestants who make it through to the semi-finals will be notified about the venue and time of their competition in advance. If you cannot attend at the appointed time, please notify us and we will try to facilitate your performance at an alternative time. Audience tickets will be on sale via this website for the semi-final and final.
Each Contestant will have a maximum of four minutes to perform in the competition. Contestants must be prepared ahead of the performance. If you are using backing tracks, they must be emailed in advance. If you are using an accompanist, they should bring everything they need e.g. guitar; keyboard; music stand etc. If you require stage props other than these, they must be approved by us three weeks prior to the competition heats taking place.
There will be no special lighting. White lighting only will be used. If a contestant is found to be unsporting, exhibit poor behaviour, cause disruption to the competition in any way, or cause damage to surrounding property, then these actions will result in the contestant’s immediate disqualification.
The order of performance will be determined by a random selection process. The contestant will be given their performance order no later than 30 minutes prior to the start of the competition. The winning contestant/s of each semi-final will automatically qualify for the final. The CBOI will decide the performance programme for all concerts, and for any other events that may arise as a result of this competition.
The winning contestant must perform material as directed by the CBOI.
Judging Criteria
Contestants will be judged based on their performance. The following factors will be taken into account:
• Presentation and performance
• Personality
• Suitability of chosen material
• Suitability of the competitor to perform with the CBOI and represent Ireland nationally and Internationally
• Potential for development
• Talent
Testimonials
From Our Soloists
“Touring with CBOI was an absolute dream come true! Thank you for this incredible opportunity! Still thinking of this tour on a daily basis! The experience of this tour has helped me greatly in terms of where I fit musically, what kind of artist I wish to become. Loved the repertoire! Feeling the audiences’ connection for ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ for every concert was truly magical! Working with Greg was a joy and honour, he’s amazing! And the Orchestra! I have made lots of friends from this tour. Never thought I’d see myself performing in all those arenas. I was living the dream! I will definitely keep in touch Sharon and would be delighted to perform with CBOI again. Thank you once again and to all at CBOI. Wishing you all the best.
Eoin
“Just a quick message to say THANK YOU for everything over the last few months. I’ve had an absolute ball and will cherish the memories for years to come. I got a lump in my throat Singing Nella Fantasia for the last time last night and nearly had to stop! Let’s hope the Irish rugby team latch on to that video and we get to sing in the Aviva! Lol! Thanks again, I had the best time ever, and hopefully it’s not too long before we see each other again.”
Ross
“As grandparents, we are very proud of him. It is wonderful that he had this opportunity. We are buying him his own violin to practice at home.”
Anonymous
From Our Parents
“It is hard to believe it’s over. I said to Katie at the beginning to enjoy every minute because it will fly by. All of us as a family enjoyed it as much as Katie. We are so proud of her. Her grandparents went to every venue and were beaming with pride at the last concert on Monday night. As I mentioned, we cannot thank you enough for believing in Katie at the competition last August as she had worked so hard. Everyone welcomed us and it was so enjoyable to be part of the experience. We will never forget it. The talent on stage was outstanding. Thank you so much for everything.”
Jenny
“Well I never saw Zena as sad as she was when the tour was finishing. She had an absolute ball and loved the pals she made. As for the experience, opportunity and encouragement you and all have given her, she will never forget this. We too had a ball! She is only praying you’ll have her back at some stage . . . maybe Dublin next year if an opportunity [arises] there as sadly [she] missed this year. You are one incredible lady Sharon . . . absolutely brilliant at what you are doing and have achieved. Greg Beardsell is something else too. All involved were just wonderful.”
Darina
