If you go to a solo singing competition are the judges always right?

Question

I participated in solo's last year and got a 2 (1 is best 5 is worst) this year I got a 3... did the judge last year make a mistake?

Answer 1

My grandmother always used to say:

"It's just one person's opinion about one event on one day."

And my other grandmother always used to say:

"Somebody has to win and somebody has to lose."

Singing in competitions is never really pleasant. Since there is almost never an obvious winner, it's really hard for the judges to decide who was the "best." It's not like math!!

Maybe last year's judge loved your facial expressions and phrasing, but this year's judge didn't think your technical skills were up to par.

I'm not trying to say "don't worry, you're the best" because I honestly don't think there is such a thing as the best. What I am trying to say is that it is totally possible that your one specific performance this year was not as good as your one specific performance last year.

But it's just as likely that the judge this year was looking for something different .... and you didn't have as much of it.

If you can, try getting into a competition where there are no grades, but more specific feedback given. I have no idea what you are supposed to do to improve your singing if you are just told "You get a 2." You'll learn more if you are told more.

Answer 2

Judges aren't always right, they are using their opinion to evaluate your technique, tone, etc. But to say the judge last year made a 'mistake' is not looking at it correctly, either. What mistake would the judge make? Write down the wrong number ("3" instead of "2")? Besides, most competitions like this have several jurors, and your score is a combination of their scores.

There are lots of factors that could have affected your better score, the most obvious being you have improved over a year (which one would hope is the case). Also, last year you may have been competing against singers who those judges thought had slightly better technique or what have you, if it is a case where there is only one second place, third, etc.

Answer 3

They are not always right, no. Judges are often highly educated in music and know alot about theory, performance and vocal technique. However, while their grades are general given on your technique and ability, they sometimes interject their opinions into your score. Remember that judges are humans - they make mistakes. So no, they are not ALWAYS correct, but it's good to take their critiques and work on what they say you need work on; a second opinion is always good.

Answer 4

Judges are definately not always right. Everybody has their own opinion.

Answer 5

generally the judges are fairly right from a technical point of view, but they tend to undervalue true musicality...

Answer 6

Nope, the judge is always right. You must have improved.