Can You Duet: Show FAQ

What kinds of singers are you looking for?

Although 'Can You Duet' Season 2 will be airing on CMT and will be primarily country music-based, we are looking for singers from all musical backgrounds to audition for the show. With the recent success of such crossover artists as Bon Jovi, Sheryl Crow, Kid Rock and Michelle Branch in the country genre, we highly encourage singers from all genres to give it their best shot.

What exactly constitutes a Duo?

A duo, first and foremost, is made up of two people. Both members of the duo must sing. However, each person's role in the duet will vary from duo to duo. For instance, both members can be singers and both can play instruments or one person can be the primary singer while the other provides musical accompaniment and harmonizing background vocals.

What kinds of duos are you looking for?

Duos can be made up any two people that perform music together. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but some examples would be:

  • Father/Daughter
  • Husband/Wife
  • Mother/Daughter
  • Father/Son
  • Best Friends
  • Boyfriend/Girlfriend
  • Co-workers
  • Two Siblings

What if I do not have a partner?

You WILL NEED to be a part of a duo to audition for the show. Solo participants will have the opportunity on March 7th to pair with another solo participant at the Wildhorse Saloon.

Additionally, SINGLES WHO PAIR UP ON MARCH 7TH WILL ALSO NEED TO BE AVAILABLE ON MARCH 8TH.

Producers strongly encourage everyone to arrive at the open call as a duo. If you are a solo singer, consider anyone you may have ever performed with (family, friends, co-workers, etc.) when thinking about who you could pair up with.

While producers and/or judges reserve the right to advance just one member of a duo in the competition, your performance is also being judged on the cohesiveness of your duo. Choose wisely!

If you are a solo singer who ABSOLUTELY cannot find a partner prior to the day of the audition, you will still be able to audition by pairing up with someone the day of the open audition in Nashville in a special "singles room." NO ONE WILL BE ALLOWED TO AUDITION IN FRONT OF PRODUCERS WITHOUT A PARTNER.

Should I send in a video submission if I plan to attend the open call in Nashville?

Definitely. There are several reasons why it is advantageous to send in a video submission even if you're still planning to audition in person:

  • Producers will be viewing video submissions prior to the open call and a select number of participants will be invited to bypass the open call line in Nashville.
  • Recording a video of yourself or your duo performing allows you to showcase your talent completely on your terms. You will be able to control the lighting, the sound, etc. All of these are things you will NOT be in control of at the open call in Nashville.
  • In the event that you have a bad day at the open call in Nashville (i.e. you have a cold, your instrument doesn't work, your voice is off, etc.), producers will still have your video submission as a reference point to consider you for the competition. Again, a video submission allows you to be in control of what the producers see.

When will I know if my video tape has been pre-selected by producers?

Again, producers will only be contacting a select number of participants from video tape submissions to bypass the open call line in Nashville. Those selected can expect to hear from producers by FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27th.

If I send in a video submission and do not hear from producers, should I still come to the open call?

Definitely! The best thing you can do is get yourself in front of the producers so you can perform live. If you are not selected from the multitude of video submissions we receive, you DO still have a chance to be selected to participate in the show by auditioning for the producers in Nashville. On the other hand, if you do NOT come to the open call in Nashville, you are giving yourself NO chance to be considered for the show.

Additionally, depending on the amount of video submissions we receive, producers may not be able to view EVERY tape. If you submit a video and do not hear from producers by Friday, February 27th, it does NOT mean we don't like you! You should still plan on coming to the Nashville open call, since that will be the ONLY shot you have at making it on the show. Can I bring a musical instrument with me to the open call in Nashville? Yes, you will be allowed to perform at your audition with a musical instrument but you WILL NOT be allowed to plug in, so MAKE SURE IT'S ACOUSTIC. How much time will I have to audition at the open call in Nashville?

There is no guaranteed amount of time for each performance in the audition phase, so we highly suggest you start off with a bang and show us how great you are right from the very first note! Producers reserve the right to modify allotted times for auditions at their sole discretion.

Do I need to fill out any forms before coming to the open call?

YES. Please download and complete the Participant Application/Consent and Release form and bring it with you to the open call.

If you are submitting a video, you will need to include a completed and signed Participant Application/Consent and Release with your video. Tapes submitted without a signed release will not be considered.

Is there an age limit for this show?

No. There is no age limit on "Can You Duet." All ages are welcome, but anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian (who must sign all applicable forms).

What can I sing for my audition?

You must select songs from the approved song list available on the Can You Duet website (www.canyouduet.com).

You may also sing an original song, but every writer/co-writer/publisher must fill out a separate ORIGINAL SONG RELEASE FORM in addition to the other required forms.

How do I submit a video?

PLEASE READ AND FOLLOW ALL OF THESE STEPS IN SUBMITTING YOUR VIDEO:

1. Make a 2-5 minute videotape of yourself or your duo performing. AFTER recording your performance, please spend a few minutes telling us about yourself/yourselves and what makes you great for the show. You CANNOT sing over a track for the audition tape. You must either sing a cappella or play instruments live (acoustic only, please!). We will accept VHS & DV tapes along with DVDs. (Please NO hi-8s or formats that need VHS adaptors.) Label the tape or disc with your name (both names if you're submitting a duo), address and phone number.

2. Download and complete the following forms: Participant Application/Consent and Release

(Adobe Reader is required to view the forms. Click here to download a free copy if you do not have it installed.)

Please take your time and answer all the questions. We will not view your tape, unless you have completed, signed, and enclosed the paperwork listed above. EVERY PERSON IN THE AUDITION VIDEO MUST SIGN EACH OF THE DOCUMENTS.

3. Send it to our producers:

Can You Duet Tape Submission
C/O FILMHOUSE
810 Dominican Drive
Nashville, TN 37228

4. Packages MUST BE RECEIVED by February 20th, 2009 in order to be considered!

After the open call on March 7th, when will I know if I'm moving on to the second round?

Duos selected for callbacks will be contacted the week of March 9th, 2009 and must make themselves available in Nashville March 14th and 15th.

If you are selected to be on the show you must be available to travel and stay in Nashville, TN for a minimum of 6 weeks during the months of March, April & May 2009, depending on how far you advance.

Will I have to live in a house with someone if I'm chosen for the show?

No, those participants selected for the show will not be living in a house with all of the other contestants. Specifics on living arrangements will be provided to those who are selected to be a part of the show.

Will my duo partner be with me throughout the competition?

Not necessarily. The producers/judges reserve the right to advance or eliminate either member of any duo at any point during the competition. Similarly, duos may be split up and paired with other partners at any point during the competition at the sole discretion of the producers/judges.

What should I wear to the open call in Nashville?

You can wear anything you like as long it doesn't have a distinctive logo, artwork, or a product brand name.

When and where will the auditions in Nashville be held?

MARCH 7th 2009

WILDHORSE SALOON 120 2nd AVE NORTH NASHVILLE, TN 37201

Doors open at 8am

Please keep checking www.canyouduet.com for up-to-date casting information or call the casting hotline: 1-800-813-5077

What is the registration process?

If you have a duet partner, you will line up in the DUO line, check in, present your completed and signed participant agreement/releases and be given wristbands. If you do not have a partner, you will line up in the SINGLES line where you will be sent to a separate area where you will have the opportunity to find a partner to audition with. A casting representative will then direct you and your new partner to the appropriate registration/audition area.

What do we need to bring to registration and what will happen?

When you arrive at the venue, you MUST have your completed and signed Participant Application & Release and two forms of ID (one must be a valid, government-issued photo ID which includes your date of birth. For example, a birth certificate and driver's license or a birth certificate and a passport or a birth certificate and a school ID card). If you are under 18 years of age, you MUST bring your parent or legal guardian. If you bring a legal guardian, your legal guardian MUST bring proof of guardianship.

How long do the open auditions last?

Open auditions are currently scheduled for one day, March 7th, 2009. Audition schedule may change at the Producer's discretion. Keep checking our website at www.canyouduet.com for details.

Will everyone in line have the opportunity to audition on the audition day?

We would love to audition everyone that shows up, however, this may not be possible due to the tight production schedule. We cannot guarantee that everyone will be given the opportunity to audition, but we will make every effort to see everyone that shows up before 12pm.

What happens if I am late for the auditions?

We will give you complete instructions at the time we pass out the wristbands. Everyone MUST show up for the audition on the scheduled day no later than 12pm. If you are late, you may not have a chance to audition. Unfortunately, because we are expecting a large turnout, even if you do show up when the venue opens, we cannot guarantee that you will be seen. You should arrive at the auditions as early as allowed at the audition venue you choose to attend. Our advice: BE ON TIME ALL THE TIME.

Do you charge for the auditions?

No. Auditions are free. Wristbands are free. You just have to be physically present to get one and you cannot audition without them.

Is there a charge for parking at the venue(s)?

There may be a charge for parking at the venue. The parking fees are set and collected by the venue manager. We have nothing to do with the parking fees or facilities. It is highly likely that you will have to pay for parking each time you come in and out of the parking structure. For example, if you leave the parking structure to go out and purchase food and then return, you will probably have to pay again.

Will there be anywhere to purchase food and drinks while in line at the audition venue?

We are hoping that food and drinks will be available for purchase at the venue during the line-up. Keep checking our website at www.canyouduet.com for further details. Please be sure to eat something prior to coming to the registration and audition. While concessions may be available inside the venue, it is important to eat before you get in line in order to keep your energy level up. Remember, breakfast is the most important meal of the day and this could be the most important audition of your life!

I'm under 18. If my parent signs the release form, does he or she have to come with me to the audition?

Yes. If you are under 18 years of age, you MUST bring your parent or legal guardian to accompany you for the entire process. If you bring a legal guardian, your legal guardian MUST bring proof of guardianship.

What can I bring with me to the auditions?

The list below is not exhaustive and even if an item is listed below, the producers and security reserve the right to ask you to remove any such items from the venue. Any items you bring are your responsibility and all bags are subject to search:

  • Banners
  • Blankets
  • Bottled water
  • Cell phones
  • Digital or still cameras (no video cameras)
  • Hats
  • Small bags
  • Small umbrellas
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen

What should I NOT bring with me to the auditions?

The list of prohibited items below is not exhaustive and even if an item is not listed below, the producers and security reserve the right to ask you to remove any such item from the venue. People in possession of prohibited items will be denied admission to the line and to the venue, and may be subject to immediate disqualification. All bags are subject to search.

  • Air mattresses
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Animals
  • Candles
  • Cans or bottles
  • Chairs that do not fold (i.e. lawn chairs, chaise lounges, molded plastic chairs)
  • Coolers of any kind unless for medical reasons (yes, you'll have to prove it)
  • Fireworks
  • Hair dryers
  • Illegal drugs
  • Luggage / suitcases
  • Tents
  • Video cameras or camcorders of any kind
  • Weapons of any kind (including pocket knives, "army knives" or Swiss Armytype knives, and all swords)
  • No children under the age of 5 years are allowed at the audition venues.

Please note that the audition day will be a very long day with a lot of standing/waiting and it is not a suitable place for young children. Please do yourselves a favor and arrange for childcare if you are coming to the audition. For child welfare reasons, people accompanied by young children may be asked to leave the audition venue.