Coyote Country Music Showdown

24 Years of the Coyote Country Music Showdown

Presented by

Local Live Show

Thursday, September 17, 2026

Norris Alley on Norris Ave in Downtown McCook

4:00-5:00 pm - Contestant Open Sound check

6:00pm Pre-Show Entertainment

6:30pm Contest begins

All entries must include an entry form and a recorded audio or video demo of the ONE song you wish to perform. You will be notified by Friday, September 11, if you are selected to perform at the live show on Thursday, Spetember 17

$1,500 in Cash Prizes

Top three scores win $500

Some winning contestants may be invited to compete at the The Next Galaxy of Stars Final

Registration

Register online
Print Registration Form

Past Winners

Rules & Regulations

1. ENTRY PROCEDURE: You must complete the registration before the entry deadline date listed above.
2. REGISTRATION FEE: Free
3. PERFORMANCE:
   1. Individuals may perform with only one act during the Showdown.
   2. Performances must be done in good taste without offensive music or lyrics.
   3. Original music may be performed as any piece written or co-written by the contestant.
   4. Contest Performance order will be pre-set and available during soundcheck.
   5. A selection committee will screen demo material & choose the best to compete.
   6. Tie-Breaker Place Determination:
      1. Highest score in Talent
      2. Highest score in Marketability
      3. Secret vote by judges
   7. All judging and rule interpretation is final.
   8. Performances will be awarded 0-10 points in each of the following categories:
      1. Marketability
      2. Vocal/instrumental ability
      3. Originality
      4. Stage presence/charisma
      5. Talent **Talent accounts for 40% of the overall score.**
4. PROMOTIONAL AUTHORIZATION: By submitting an Entry Form, the act (and each member thereof) grants to Hometown Family Radio the right to utilize the act’s (and each members thereof) name, likeness, image, voice, appearance, and performance in perpetuity worldwide for advertising, trade or any other lawful promotional purposes whatsoever, in any media now known or hereafter developed, without compensation. I/we also grant Hometown Family Radio the right to broadcast, market, sell and otherwise distribute my name, image, likeness, voice, appearance, and performance, either in whole or in parts for commercial, non-commercial television, close-circuit exhibition, home video distribution, internet or any other purpose Hometown Family Radio, in their sole discretion may determine. I/we hereby give all clearance, copyright or otherwise, for using my name, likeness, image, voice, appearance, and performance embodied in my/our performance/stage presentation. If under 18 years of age, a parent or guardian must sign the entry form.
5. ASSUMPTION OF RISK: By submitting this Entry Form, the act (and each member thereof) assumes all risks of property damage or bodily injury (including death) that might occur during the event and agrees not to bring against Hometown Family Radio any claim for property damage or bodily injury (including death) that might occur during the event.
6. GOOD CHARACTER: The act agrees that it may be disqualified immediately from the competition if the act (or any member thereof) commits any act or becomes involved in any situation that would adversely reflect on Hometown Family Radio or sponsors or bring it or any party into public disrepute.
7. ELIGIBILITY: Submit any questions regarding eligibility to Hometown Family Radio.

*This information is subject to change without notice.