FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

We’re publishing answers to parents’ most frequently asked questions.

Question:
Is it possible to change the song with which a participant applied to the festival?

Answer:
No, changing the song is not allowed. Each participant was evaluated during the audition based on the specific song they submitted. This process enabled the jury to assess the interpretation and suitability of the chosen song for the stage performance. Changing the song after the audition would be illogical and unfair, as it would disrupt the equal conditions established for all contestants.

Additionally, there is a risk of song duplication, which could negatively affect the structure of the event. If two participants applied with the same song, priority was given to the one who submitted it first. Allowing changes would therefore be unfair to the second applicant, who had to withdraw their choice.

It’s also important to emphasize that permitting song changes could compromise the integrity of the selection process — someone might have been rejected based on a particular song, which could then unjustly benefit another participant. In order to maintain fairness and transparency, changing the submitted song is not permitted.
Participants had four months, from February 1st to June 1st, 2025, to select and submit their song.


Question:
Can a participant be moved to the second semifinal date, because we have other obligations on the first one?

Answer:
Changing the scheduled semifinal performance date is generally not possible. When submitting your application, you agreed — by clicking the “Apply” button — that the participant would be available for all festival dates. This condition allows the organizers to fairly distribute participants based on scoring and age group, with the goal of creating balanced semifinal lineups.

Therefore, unfortunately, rescheduling is not possible, as it would affect the fairness of conditions for all participants and could lead to an unbalanced or unjust arrangement.


Question:
Is it possible to change the musical backing track after submitting the application?

Answer:
Yes, the backing track can be changed, but only within a specific timeframe. You may send a request to info@brezice.eu, no later than three days after receiving your so-called “Control Sheet.” This document is sent by the organizers so you can check the accuracy of your data, including the backing track.

If you don’t report any changes within that time, it is assumed that you fully agree with the content. After the three-day period has passed, changing the backing track will no longer be possible.


Question:
How can I listen to the backing track (playback) I received in the control sheet?

Answer:
The control sheet contains a Google Drive link to your personalized playback, stored in our music database. You can copy and paste this link into your internet browser, and the audio will play directly.

In most cases, PDF viewers automatically recognize these links, so you can simply click on them — and the browser will launch the playback immediately. We recommend that festival participants rehearse their performance using the link provided to ensure that everything with their track is in order and matches the version that will be used on stage.

Auditions for the 9th International Children’s singing Festival “Brežice” are over – what’s next?

This year, a record-breaking 187 young singers from six countries applied for the International Children’s Singing Festival “Brežice.” As a result, after the live auditions at the Brežice Cultural Hall, organizers arranged not one but two full-day online auditions. Some applications were invalid – a few participants were significantly older than 17, and others submitted the wrong files instead of backing tracks. Still, everyone was given a chance to correct their application.

The organizers emphasize that most singers met the criteria of the expert jury, consisting of Dubravka Jelušić, Brigita Šuler, Alen Jelušić, and technical juror Maks Žbogar. Even so, according to the festival’s structure, it was necessary to select only 50 participants for two semi-final evenings, 25 per show. Choosing just 50 out of 187 applicants was incredibly difficult due to the minimal differences between performances. In the end, the jury made an exception and selected 63 participants for the 9th International Children’s singing Festival “Brežice.”

Audition results – sent on 23rd June 2025

Dear applicants, parents, guardians, and young singers – by submitting your application, you accepted the terms of the festival. This includes being available for all festival days and reachable via the email and phone number provided upon registration.

Audition results were sent on 23rd June 2025 directly to each applicant via the email address used during registration. However, some parents still inquired about the results, not realizing that only parents or guardians should register using their personal Google accounts, not mentors or teachers through theirs.

Assignment to semi-final evenings (22 & 23 August 2025)

After the announcement, many parents contacted organizers requesting that their child perform on Saturday, 23rd August, instead of Friday, 22nd August. Yet, applicants confirmed availability for all festival days. Assigning participants is complex, as organizers must ensure an equal number of equally ranked contestants across all age groups per evening to ensure fairness.

Organizers urge parents to respect the agreed terms and accept their role in the process. Requests will only be considered if they don’t disrupt balance. Priority will be given to families traveling internationally, depending on flight availability.

Control sheets and consent forms

Within 14 days of receiving a positive audition result, each accepted participant will receive a PDF control sheet with registration details and links to their photo and music track. Applicants should check their email regularly and report any issues immediately. These forms are intended to help young performers feel more confident and supported before their big moment, so organizers ask parents to be proactive and responsible in communication.

A call for better awareness

Organizers kindly ask parents to read all announcements and terms of participation thoroughly, as many have not, even though they agreed to them when applying. Thank you for your understanding.

Why wasn’t my child accepted?

Organizers understand that some parents feel disappointed. Out of 187 applicants, only 63 were selected. The differences were very small, and the decisions difficult. Since applications, auditions, and participation are free, the festival remains accessible and child-friendly. It gives kids a unique chance to live their dream on a big stage, even for a day. Everyone who didn’t make it this year is encouraged to try again next year – let any frustration turn into motivation to improve and come back stronger.