Cyclone Voice 2025!
Cyclone Voice is ISU's premier, annual singing competition that highlights the vocal talents of Iowa State students. This year’s event will be hosted by acclaimed pop-rock band American Authors!
Since releasing their debut album Oh, What a Life in 2014, New York-based pop-rock outfit American Authors have experienced milestones most bands only dream about. They’ve watched their music climb to the top of the charts, and seen singles go multi-platinum. They’ve played awards shows, hit the stages of legendary venues all over the world, and toured the world with bands such as Andy Grammar, OAR, OneRepublic, The Revivalists, and The Fray. Their anthemic hit single “Best Day of My Life” has been featured in over 600 movie trailers, TV shows, commercials, and as a theme song for the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Prelims will take place on Monday, April 21 at 6PM in the Maintenance Shop. ISU student contestants will be required to sing one song in front of a panel of judges. The song must be a karaoke or instrumental track, with no background or pre-recorded vocals. Contestants may choose to play an MP3 file, their own instrument, or be accompanied by one person playing an instrument (must provide own instrument). Registration is open until Friday, April 18 at 11:59PM for ISU students interested in performing/competing.
Contestants chosen to move on at prelims will perform at Cyclone Voice on Saturday, May 3 at 7PM in the Memorial Union Great Hall. Cyclone Voice is FREE and open to all ISU students for participation, and FREE and open to everyone to watch the performances, including a performance by American Authors while the judges deliberate at Cyclone Voice itself on Saturday, May 3. (seating in both the M-Shop and Great Hall is limited - patrons are encouraged to arrive early!)
Before registering, please read the rules below.
Cyclone Voice Contestant Rules:
- Solo singers only - duos or backing vocals, etc. are not allowed.
- Must be appropriate material and suitable for all ages (the event is open to the public).
- Contestants may sing a capella, from a track, or with one simple instrument (keyboard, guitar, etc.). Contestants may accompany themselves or have an accompanist, but are responsible for their own instruments and cables, etc.
- MP3 tracks (if applicable) must be uploaded at: https://iastate.app.box.com/f/d82815a80f84464da3e8eb5dfdae7788. Contestants must name their files in the format "LastnameFirstname_SongTitle."
- Must be an active ISU student in good standing to perform. Contestants will need to scan their ISU student ID when checking in.
- Contestants will be assigned an individual time to perform at prelims, as well as at the main event, should they be selected to move on. They will additionally be assigned a time for sound check if advancing to Cyclone Voice on Saturday, May 3. This information will be emailed in advance.
- Contestants will be judged on music ability, use of backing music, and overall presentation. This includes singing ability, enthusiasm, stage presence, crowd response (at main event), and attire.
- Contestants must be respectful to those working the event, judges volunteering their time, and all other performers.
If you have questions, please email subse@iastate.edu