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.