The Sing-in Contest
Introducing a new way into the BHS 2026 International Quartet Contest! The Sing-in Contest offers quartets on the bubble one more shot at making it to the Big Show!
Tuesday, June 30 • Marriott St. Louis Grand, Majestic Ballroom
We've never done a contest like THIS before!
- Exciting new format: think modern TV singing competitions like "The Voice" and "American Idol."
- Score as you go: live display of each quartet’s aggregate score during the contest, so the audience can follow the front-runners in real time, like "Dancing With the Stars!"
- Instant reactions: Following their final chord, the quartets will immediately join hosts on stage for webcast-style interviews, sharing the raw emotion and thrill of their performance live with the audience!
- GOTTA BE THERE! You'll only see this if you're in the room where it happens. Not offered on the Livestream.
Who & How
Contest Overview and Advancement
Open to all quartets who achieved a 78.0 average or higher in a preliminary contest but did not receive a direct invitation to the Quartet Quarterfinals [see qualifying scores announcement]. This event provides a new, exciting contest and convention experience! Beyond the classic two-song competition to qualify the top two quartets, prepare for an event packed with unique, thrilling elements reminiscent of TV singing competitions such as “American Idol” and “The Voice”.
Contest Eligibility, Judging, and Scoring
Quartets will perform two songs for the official competition, scored by a BHS triple panel. The top two groups will move onto the Quarterfinals round on Wednesday into pre-drawn slots. Since this will be a different panel and a different location from the International Quartet Quarterfinals, groups can bring their best two songs and the two quartets moving on could sing them again the next day.
More fun for entrants: an extended convention experience
For quartets who do not advance to the International Quartet Quarterfinals, the end of the "Sing-in Contest" is just the beginning! These groups will be invited to serve as barbershop ambassadors for the remainder of the convention week.
This role provides an exceptional opportunity for groups to:
Continue performing: Enjoy additional performance slots as part of the convention's official schedule.
Represent barbershop: Participate in afterglows and other local performances if they present themselves
Engage with fans: Connect with convention attendees and the public in a meaningful way, embodying the spirit of barbershop harmony.
This initiative ensures that every participating quartet has a vibrant and memorable experience at the International Convention, celebrating their talent and passion for the art form.