2025 OSMF Youth Talent Competition

In partnership with Band Aid School of Music

This exciting opportunity is open to contestants 18 years old and younger. The winner receives a $300 cash prize and a coveted showcase slot during the 2026 festival.

STEP 1: Musicians submit videos of one or two songs. All videos must be submitted by March 21st.

STEP 2: Six musicians will get a chance to compete with live performances on the Buda Amphitheater Stage during the Buda's Birthday Event April 5, 2025. See event details here. This event draws thousands of people to see the concerts and attend the celebration activities. The competition opens the show and will be followed by performances from Bob Schneider, James McMurtry and others.

STEP 3: The top three finalists will get the opportunity to perform at the Old Settler’s Music Festival on Sunday, April 27th. This will open the show that day. The winner will get the opportunity to do a full set at the 2026 Old Settler's Music Festival.

THE DETAILS:

Eligibility

The Youth Talent Competition is limited to contestants 18 years old and younger. Most contestants perform solo on a single instrument; however, a contestant may have up to 2 supporting musicians.

Fees

There is no fee to apply for either the preliminary or final contests.

How to Apply

Fill in the youth talent competition form and submit your entry video. Entries will be reviewed by music industry insiders and members of the OSMF community. Entries will be chosen to compete Buda's birthday with finalists going on to compete at the festival.

Video Submission

To submit your entry provide a link (YouTube, Vimeo, etc) to your video or upload (Max size 250MB) a video using the provided form.

Video Submission Guidelines

- One to two-song performances, covers and/or originals

- American roots music – bluegrass, country, blues, gospel, or traditional

- Acoustic instruments only – no amplifiers, electronics, or drum sets

The Final Contest Winner Will Receive:

- 1st place $300

- 45-minute showcase during the festival the following year

- Professional feedback on contest performance

- Special mention from the main stage

- Special mention on the OSMF website

- 2nd place $150

- Professional feedback on contest performance

- 3rd place $75

- Professional feedback on contest performance

What to Expect at the Finals at the Festival

In-person finalists will be contacted prior to the event. If a finalist is unavailable to appear, they will be replaced by the next contestant in line. Each finalist must be accompanied by one adult chaperone. Only the youth contestant (including no more than two backing musicians) and one adult chaperone will receive a Sunday General Admission Pass to Old Settler's Music Festival. Parking fees and upgrades are not covered. Additional accompanying children and adults must purchase passes. Festival/venue rules apply to all contestants and chaperones for all contests.

Performance Guidelines for Final In-person Contest

15-20-minute performance max, covers and/or originals

- American roots music – bluegrass, country, blues, gospel, or traditional

- Acoustic instruments only – no amplifiers, electronics, or drum sets

- Arrive at the event 2 hrs prior to your appearance

- Check-in with the stage manager 1 hour prior to your appearance

All guidelines are subject to change without prior notice.

Past Winners

2023 – Audrey Bryant

2022 – Charlotte Hills

2021 – Elle Townley

2019 – Elijah Delgado

2018 – Sarah Grace and The Soul

2017 – Sophie Scott

2016 – Griffin Carter

2015 – Joelton Mayfield

2014 – Alexander Nobles

2013 – Katy Kirby

2012 – Kimberly Zielnicki

2011 – Grace London

2010 – Minnie & Ella Jordan

2009 – Sara Mueller

2008 – The Fireants

2007 – Emily Elbert

2006 – Samantha Miller

2005 – Justine Blakely & Charlie Pomroy

2004 – Ashlee Rose

2003 – Isaac-Bryant Kids

2002 – Spurs of the Moment, featuring Sarah Jarosz

By submitting an entry to the Old Settler's Music Festival Talent Competition, you agree to the following terms and conditions:

1. Eligibility: You confirm that you are 18 yrs or younger and have obtained parental/guardian consent.

2. Personal Information: You consent to the collection, use, and processing of your personal information for the purposes of administering the competition and contacting you if necessary.

3. Judging: You understand that all judging decisions are final and not subject to appeal.

4. Liability: You release Old Settler's Music Festival, its organizers, sponsors, and affiliates from any liability related to your participation in the competition or the use of your submission.

5. Rules Compliance: You agree to comply with all competition rules and acknowledge that failure to do so may result in disqualification.

6. Prize Acceptance: If selected as a winner, you agree to accept the prize as offered, with no substitutions or alternatives.

7. Publicity: You grant permission to use your name, likeness, and competition entry for promotional purposes without additional compensation.

8. Modifications: You acknowledge that Old Settler's Music Festival reserves the right to modify or cancel the competition at any time.

By submitting your entry, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to these terms and conditions.