StarRush: Global Music Competition

Every year during the third and fourth days of Golden Week, the world pauses to celebrate StarRush—a dazzling two-day global music festival and competition that showcases the best performers across the empire. Whether you're a solo artist, part of a rising band, or the face of a polished group, StarRush offers a rare chance to shine on one of the most prestigious stages in the music world.  

Overview

StarRush is an open-access competition, welcoming artists from any label, background, or country. It is always held on the same date each year, with the host city rotating annually, sparking fierce competition between nations for the prestige and tourism surge that follows. Cities that win hosting rights transform themselves into festival zones, adding unique flair to the show’s stage design, cultural side-events, and audience experiences.   Live broadcasts are streamed worldwide, with outdoor theaters, city parks, and public viewing plazas set up for fans to gather and watch together. Millions more tune in from home.  

Genres

StarRush currently features ten official music genres:  

• Pop
• Rock
• R&B
• Hip-Hop
• Alternative
• Electronic
• World Music

  Each genre allows five finalists:

• 1 Soloist
• 1 Band
• 1 Group Performance
• 2 Wildcards (soloist, band, or group)

 

Qualification Process

Applications open at the start of the year and are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. To qualify:  

• Artists must submit three performances completed in the same year as their application.
• Each show must include at least 50% of the group’s official members.
• Performances can be hosted in indoor or outdoor venues.
• Lineups must remain unchanged between qualifying shows and the final StarRush event.

  Qualifying ends six months before the festival. Once selected, participants must confirm attendance.  

Performance Guidelines

Each finalist has a maximum of 7 minutes for their live StarRush performance. Artists are judged not only on vocal or instrumental skill, but also stage presence, audience engagement, and cohesion.  

Voting & Judging

Fans vote for most award categories through the official StarRush website and mobile app. Voting opens several weeks before the show and closes at staggered times depending on the category.   A panel of industry experts determines technical awards. The panel includes:

• Legendary producers
• Former StarRush winners
• Renowned global cultural curators

 

Award Categories

• Best Soloist
• Best Band
• Best Group Performance
• Best Rookie
• Best Show
• Best in Genre
• Stardom Crown – Grand Prize Winner of the Festival

  All awards are announced on Day Two, closing the festival with a final encore by the Grand Prize Winner.  

Rewards

Winners receive the iconic Stellara Trophy, awarded for excellence and impact in music. While there is no cash prize, the trophy symbolizes prestige and unlocks significant career advantages—endorsement opportunities, global exposure, increased sales, and negotiation leverage in the entertainment industry.  

Fan Culture & Fashion

Fans treat StarRush as a yearly cultural celebration. They often dress in stardust-themed outfits, mimic their favorite artist's styles, and bring exclusive StarRush lightsticks to viewing events. Collectible merchandise, apparel drops, and fan campaigns dominate the weeks leading up to the show.  

Security & Logistics

Due to its global prominence, StarRush employs elite private security to ensure artist and guest safety throughout the event. Artists travel with regulated entourages and are granted protected access to venues and rehearsal spaces.  

Legacy

StarRush is more than just a music festival—it’s a rite of passage for many, a cultural mirror for the empire, and a rare chance for talent to rise above borders, language, or class. It is the place where voices become movements, and one song can change everything.