Key to the City – Terms of Service
Last Updated: September 2025

1. Eligibility

• Contestants of all ages may audition and participate.

• Contestants must be able to attend and perform at the live event in San Antonio, Texas, if selected.

• Proof of identity and age may be required.
   

2. Audition Submissions & Fees

• All auditions must be submitted through the official audition form.

• A non-refundable audition fee is required for submission.

• Audition fees are non-refundable under all circumstances, including but not limited to:

  • If the contestant is not selected to advance to live rounds.

  • If the contestant withdraws voluntarily.

  • If the contestant is disqualified for rule violations.

• Submission of an audition does not guarantee advancement or any prize
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3. Media Consent

By submitting an audition, you grant Key to the City the right to:

• Record, photograph, and capture the contestant’s participation in all stages of the Competition.

• Use images, audio, and video for promotion, marketing, advertising, and media coverage, including websites, social media, streaming platforms, press releases, and printed materials.

• Use of such materials will be without additional compensation.

• Contestants waive any right to inspect or approve final materials.
   

4. Liability Waiver

• Participation may involve risks, including travel, stage performance, and studio recording.

• Contestants assume full responsibility for their participation.

• Key to the City organizers, affiliates, sponsors, venues, staff, contractors, and partners are released from liabilityfor any injury, claim, illness, accident, or damages arising from participation.

• Event organizers are not responsible for lost or stolen property.
   

5. Prizes

• First Place: $1,000 cash prize, one-week professional studio experience (write, record, mix, and master an original song with an award-winning producer/engineer), ceremonial Key to the City, and song release on digital streaming platforms.

• Second Place: $500 cash prize.

• Third Place: $250 cash prize.

• All prizes are non-transferable and must be accepted as awarded.

• Winning the Competition does not guarantee a recording contract, label deal, management contract, publishing deal, or any future employment in the music industry.
   

6. Rules & Conduct

• Contestants must follow all competition rules, schedules, and rehearsal requirements.

• Disruptive, unsafe, or inappropriate behavior may result in disqualification without refund.

• Decisions of the judges and organizers are final and binding.

• Organizers reserve the right to remove any contestant for misconduct.
   

7. Recording Agreement

• The First Place winner must sign a separate recording agreement covering studio sessions, distribution, crediting, and rights ownership before production begins.

• Song ownership and royalty rights will be determined in the separate recording agreement.

• Organizers reserve the right to promote and share the winning song in connection with the Competition.
   

8. Privacy & Data Collection

• Contestants provide consent for the collection and use of personal information for Competition purposes.

• Information will not be sold or shared beyond Competition operations, sponsors, and partners.

• All audition submissions and payment information must be provided directly by the contestant (or, if under 18, with parental/guardian assistance).
   

9. Event Changes & Cancellation

• Organizers reserve the right to modify event dates, venues, judges, prizes, or schedules at their sole discretion.

• If the Competition is canceled, organizers may refund audition fees at their discretion but are not required to do so if cancellation is caused by events beyond their control (including natural disasters, government restrictions, pandemics, or force majeure).
   

10. Acceptance of Terms
By checking the box during audition submission and/or signing electronically, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to these Terms of Service, including the non-refundable audition fee, liability waiver, media release, and the understanding that winning does not guarantee a recording contract.