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Rising Stars Challenge

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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, with eight of nine finalists being chosen by a panel of judges. The remaining finalist will be chosen by online voting as the “People’s Choice.”

The finalists will be announced at noon on September 15, 2025.

All finalists will participate in the elimination rounds to take place on Thursday, October 9th in Big Stone Gap on the Downtown Stage.

The final judging will be completed during our late afternoon break starting at 6:00 p.m.

The winner will be announced at the beginning of the evening jam headlined by Ralph Stanley II and the Clinch Mountain Boys at 9:45 p.m.

Deadline for applications with video links is midnight September 1st, 2025.  

 

The winner of Blue Highway Fest 2025 – Rising Stars Challenge will receive an amazing prize pack including:

  • Performance on main stage at Blue Highway Fest 2026

  • 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

  • National release by Turnberry Records of single recorded at Maggard Recording Studio

  • Plus more opportunities to launch your music career.

  • Don’t miss your chance to be our next Rising Star!

Application Deadline

September 1st, 2025
(No application fee required)

Festival Dates

October 8 – 12, 2025

Location

Blue Highway Fest Youtube and
Blue Highway Fest 2025 in Big Stone Gap, VA

Thank you for participating in the Blue Highway Fest 2025 “Rising Stars Challenge”! We are excited to have you showcase your musical talent at our festival.

Please complete the following application to be considered for this opportunity.

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:

All participants must be available for a live remote rehearsal before Blue Highway Fest if you are one of the finalists chosen to perform live at Blue Highway Fest.

Hotel accommodations and/or RV camping with tickets for Blue Highway Fest 2025 will be made available to the finalists chosen to perform at Blue Highway Fest 2025.

If you are selected to perform at Blue Highway Fest 2025, 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!