Rising Stars Challenge

The winner of Blue Highway Fest 2026 – Rising Stars Challenge will receive an amazing prize pack including:

  • Performance on main stage at Blue Highway Fest 2027
  • Opportunity to perform at the 2027 Earl Scruggs Festival on the Foggy Mountain Stage.
  • Coaching by Wayne Taylor: Virginia Country Music Hall of Fame member and founding member of multiple IBMA award winning group Blue Highway
  • Recording session at renowned Maggard Recording Studio in Big Stone Gap, Va (4 hours of studio time) *Any additional time will be at artists expense.
  • Turnberry Records will mix, master and cultivate a national release of a single recorded at Maggard Recording Studio
  • Passes to Blue Highway Fest 2026
  • Plus more opportunities to launch your music career.
  • Don’t miss your chance to be our next Rising Star!

 Blue Highway Fest is excited to announce a the return of the
Rising Stars Challenge!

Artists and bands of all genres are invited to be a part of Blue Highway Fest – Rising Stars Challenge by submitting an online application that includes 2 video performances (YouTube links) of your songs (1 cover and 1 original).

Blue Highway Fest will showcase your videos on our website, finalists will be chosen by a panel of judges. Winner will be determined by online voting. 

The finalists will be announced on September 1, 2026. Online voting will begin September 4, 2026.

Deadline for applications with video links is midnight August 28, 2026.  

 

Application Deadline

August 28, 2026
(No application fee required)

Festival Dates

October 8 – 11, 2026

Location

Blue Highway Fest Youtube and
Blue Highway Fest 2026 in Big Stone Gap, VA

Thank you for participating in the Blue Highway Fest 2026 “Rising Stars Challenge”! We are excited to have you showcase your musical talent at our festival.

Name of Person Submitting Application:(Required)
Address:(Required)
Provide Youtube links to 2 videos featuring 2 songs (1 cover and 1 original) of your performance. Links must be to Youtube.
Must be a Youtube link
Must be a Youtube link
If any artist/band member is under 18, please provide the parent/guardian's name and contact information:

Terms and Conditions:

By submitting this application, you agree to the terms and conditions of the Blue Highway Fest “Rising Stars Challenge”, including availability for rehearsal(s) and performance(s) on the specified date(s). You also agree that any/all photos and/or videos taken during the Blue Highway Fest “Rising Stars Challenge” and/or Blue Highway Fest may be used by applicant(s) and Blue Highway Fest for promotional purposes.

You will be contacted via email, text and/or phone call to the telephone number and/or email address you have provided, if you are selected to participate.

Important Notes:

If you are selected to perform at Blue Highway Fest 2027, you will receive further information regarding your performance time and other details.

Blue Highway Fest and Big Stone Gap, VA reserve the right to: (1) exclude any applicant from participation at any stage of the Blue Highway Fest “Rising Stars Challenge”; and, (2) make changes to the lineup, schedule, or any other part of Blue Highway Fest “Rising Stars Challenge” at any time.

We look forward to reviewing your application, video links and hope to see you at the Blue Highway Fest “Rising Stars Challenge”!

Thank you for your application!

See this years applicants and vote for the People’s Choice Award!

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