COUNTRY BAND CONTEST
In conjunction with the Hodag Country Festival, country music radio stations around the state of Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan sponsor regional country band contests. The first place winners of each region advance to the Hodag Country Festival to compete on Friday, July 11th, 2025, for cash prizes and the title of Wisconsin State Country Band Champion!
Winners of each region will receive a cash prize paid on a sliding scale for competing at the Hodag Country Festival.
If you’re interested in competing in a regional country band contest, contact the appropriate radio station for entry forms and information.
Make plans to attend the Pick-Off contest located nearest you. There is something in store for everyone. Come as a contestant – the exposure is great! You may generate bookings, plus you will have an opportunity to hear other bands from your area. Not to mention, the winner will advance to the Hodag Country Festival to compete for cash prizes and the title of Wisconsin State Champion. Come as a spectator – you couldn’t ask for a better time listening to live entertainment performed by those who enjoy playing and singing for folks like you, the country music fan.
Congratulations to the 2024
Country Band Contest Finalists
Champion
The Ramble
2nd Place
Outlaw’D
3rd Place
Kylar Kuzio & The Stag
Contest Locations
March 2nd, 2025
Anchor Bar & Grill
Newville, WI
12 Noon
WJVL & WGEZ
Janesville, WI
608-758-9025
TBD
Cabaret Cove
Rhinelander, WI
–
WHDG
Rhinelander, WI
715-362-1975
TBD
Central WI Convention
& Expo Center
Rothschild, WI
–
WDEZ
Wausau, WI
715-842-1672
May 18th, 2025
The Four Seasons
Island Resort
Pembine, WI
12 Noon
WJNR
Iron Mountain, MI
906-774-5731
Country Band Contest Rules
- Contestants must be of legal age in the state in which they enter the contest. If the contestant is a minor child they must provide a legally signed waiver by parent or guardian.
- Contestants must be of good moral character.
- Contestants will be responsible for their own expense to and from the local and state contest.
- Contestants must perform Country Music in the local and state competition.
- All local contest winners agree to appear at the State Finals. If for some reason a local winner should be unable to appear, the Radio Station or the Hodag Country Festival has the right but not the obligation to replace the local winner not appearing with the 1st runner-up from the local area which would not otherwise be represented. The winner on the State level is expected to attend the opening ceremonies for the Country Band Contest and the Hodag Country Festival the following year.
- Contestants will be judged by 5 qualified judges on appearance, professionalism, preparedness, material, audience interaction, stage ability and vocal ability.
- All regional winners will receive at least $250.00 cash prize money upon competing at the finals July 11th, 2025 at the Hodag Country Festival.
- The Hodag Country Festival will provide cash prizes at the State Championship contest held in Rhinelander, Wisconsin: 1st Place – $2,500.00, 2nd Place – $1,250.00, 3rd Place – $750.00, 4th through last place – $250.00.
- The winner will be titled “Wisconsin State Champion Performer(s)” for 1 year from date of winning.
- 1st, 2nd, 3rd place winners of Regionals will receive free weekend passes to the Hodag Country Festival – July 10, 11, 12, 13, 2025 (Band Members Only – Performers).
- Any regional winner of the Wisconsin State Championship Contest 2025 may not compete in another region for prizes or awards. Contestants who do not win in a region may compete in any of the other regional events with the permission of the radio station sponsor.
- All regional winner band members must be the same members that compete at the State contest. Any changes must be approved by the Hodag Country Festival Committee.
- Solo contestants must provide own back-up band if needed.
- State winner at Hodag Country Festival cannot enter contests for 2 years after reign. (example: 2025 winner cannot compete until Spring of 2027)