Foley Ranch is tuning up the mic and calling every Arizona vocalist with a little country in their bones.
For the third year running, the locally owned Phoenix restaurant and live music spot is bringing back its Rising Star Vocal Competition, an all-ages summer showdown for singers ready to trade shower acoustics for a real audience. The competition kicks off May 16 and leads up to the championship event on July 11.
Consider it part talent search, part country music hangout, and part “bring your entire group chat because they get to vote” moment.
Soloists and duos are invited to compete across eight weeks of preliminary rounds, semi-finals, and the grand finale. The winner takes home a $500 cash prize, paid bookings at Foley Ranch, and the 2026 Rising Star Award.
The first five weeks will feature preliminary rounds with 10 artists each week, followed by two weeks of semi-finals before the final round. Performances begin at noon, with contestants singing two country songs using either a guitar or music tracks provided by Foley Ranch.
And yes, the crowd matters. Judges and audience members both help decide who advances, so friends, family, fans, and that one cousin with very strong country music opinions are encouraged to show up and vote.
“There were so many incredible artists who participated in the first two competitions and we can’t wait to showcase all the amazing singers yet to hit the Foley Ranch stage,” Don Talbot, owner of Foley Ranch, says. “Live music is an important part of the Foley Ranch experience, and we are so excited to be a part of finding the next generation of talent.”
Hopeful performers can enter by uploading a video through the Foley Ranch website. Selected contestants will be notified at least five days before their scheduled performance date, giving them time to rehearse, rally their people, and maybe perfect that stage walk.
Foley Ranch is known for its welcoming atmosphere, live country music, smokehouse barbecue, and community-minded spirit. This summer, it is also doubling as a launchpad for Arizona singers looking for their next big moment.
Boots optional. Big vocals required.
Insider Takeaways
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Foley Ranch’s Rising Star Vocal Competition returns for its third year with an all-ages country music search. The competition kicks off May 16 and leads up to the championship event on July 11.
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Soloists and duos can compete, with performers preparing two country songs for their assigned date.
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The winner receives a $500 cash prize, paid bookings at Foley Ranch, and the 2026 Rising Star Award.
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Judges and the audience both help decide who advances, making this a full community-powered music moment.
To learn more, visit foleyranch.com.
