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As is it just at the audition process, you may sing any song you like - without music. As the contest progresses, the song choices may be more specific or themed and singers will be asked to provide their own backing music or even have a band play for them... People will have the opportunity to do covers or present their own original music later on in the next stages of the contest.

You might want to lay all of that out here in the beginning. Most people don't just have access to have bands play for them for free, and most people can't afford to pay one to play for them.

I meant IF they have a band

IF people have the ability to have a band play their backing music then that's that's up to them. LATER ON. Others will play their own instruments, some will have a recording to sing to. It will be fairly laid back.

People will be encouraged to go to as much effort as they can to present their live performances to the best of their ability as the contest gets more serious in later rounds..