The Search for the World’s Next Great Jazz Singer

On a Wednesday night in 1942, Newark teenager Sarah Vaughan went to the Apollo Theater to compete in an amateur singing contest. It was the chance to win $10 and a weeklong engagement performing on the Apollo stage. Instead, Vaughan’s win launched a career that would transform America’s original art form and an icon who elevated the craft of jazz vocal music and garnered the respect and adoration of millions. Now, it’s time for history to repeat itself.

The Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition is open to solo vocalists of all nationalities who are not signed to a major record label. Singers are judged on vocal quality, musicality, technique, performance, individuality, artistic interpretation, and ability to swing. Details for the 2024 Competition will be announced in April 2024.  Please check back later.

2023 winner!

Tyreek McDole

Sassy Award winner
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The Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition is rightfully one of the most anticipated events in jazz

Christian McBride
Multi-GRAMMY™ winning bassist

Past Winners

Gabrielle Cavassa

June 2021 Winner - 1st place tie
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Tawanda Suessbrich-Joaquim

June 2021 Winner - 1st place tie
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