OFFICIAL RULES

A complete copy of these rules can be obtained at the offices of Caddo Parish Parks and Recreation, Cumulus Media Shreveport, owner and operator of radio stations KMJJ FM, KVMA FM, KRMD FM, and KQHN FM, Millennia Digital Sound & Lighting, and KTBS (“Sponsors”), during normal business hours Monday through Friday or by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to any of the listed sponsor’s address. Caddo Parish will conduct the 2026 Caddo’s Rising Star: Be Caddo’s 12th Star (“Contest”) substantially as described in these rules, and by participating, each participant agrees as follows:

NO PURCHASE IS NECESSARY. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. ALL FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL REGULATIONS APPLY.

1. Eligibility. This Contest is open only to legal U.S. residents, who reside in Caddo Parish, age six (6) through age nineteen (19) years or older at the time of entry. Minors must have the consent of a parent or guardian to enter. Each contestant may have to provide a valid Social Security number, physical mailing address, and school identification if requested. Void where prohibited by law. Employees of all “Sponsors” - Caddo Parish Parks and Recreation, Cumulus Media Holdings Inc., its parent company, affiliates, related entities and subsidiaries, Millennia Digital Sound & Lighting, KTBS, the Parish of Caddo, the City of Shreveport, the Shreveport Convention Center, My Shining Stars, LLC, other promotional sponsors, prize providers, advertising agencies, and the immediate family members and household members of all such employees are not eligible to participate. The term “immediate family members” includes spouses, parents and step-parents, siblings and step-siblings, and children and stepchildren. The term “household members” refers to people who share the same residence at least three (3) months out of the year. The Contest is subject to all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations. Participation constitutes entrant’s full and unconditional agreement to these Official Rules and Sponsor’s decisions, which are final and binding in all matters related to the Contest. Winning a prize is contingent upon fulfilling all requirements set forth herein.

2. Contest Period; Registration Periods; Live Audition Dates; Qualifying Round; Finale Event. The Contest will begin at 12:01am CT on Monday, March 9, 2026 and will run through the Finale Event on Sunday, June 7, 2026. (the “Contest Period”). The period to register online for a live audition will begin at 12:01am CT on Monday, March 9, 2026 and will run through 11:59pm on Sunday, June 7, 2026 or when all live auditions spots have been taken, whichever is first to occur (“Live Audition Registration Period”). The period to register by video submission will begin at 12:01am CT on Monday, March 8, 2026 and will run through 11:59pm on Sunday, June 7, 2026 (“Video Submission Registration Period”). The live auditions will take place at different locations on the following dates:

(“Live Auditions)

Saturday, March 14th | 10:00am – 3:00pm
Saturday, March 28th | 10:00am – 3:00pm
Saturday, April 11th | 10:00am – 3:00pm
Saturday, April 25th | 10:00am – 3:00pm

(“Qualifying Round”)
Saturday, May 2nd | 12noon – 2:00pm

(“Qualifying Round Contingency”)
Saturday, May 9th | 12noon – 2:00pm

(“Finale Event”)
Sunday, June 7th | 5:00pm – 8:00pm

The Finale Event for finalists will take place at the Shreveport Convention Center, Sunday, June 7, 2026, from 5pm to 8pm (“Finale Event”). Sponsor’s computer is the official time-keeping device for this Contest.

3. How to Enter and Qualify. There are two (2) ways to enter and qualify to win this Contest:
(a) Live Audition. Visit any of the Sponsor’s websites during the Live Audition Registration Period, click on the “2026 Caddo’s Rising Star: Be Caddo’s 12th Star” link, and complete an entry form, including scheduling a date and time for your live audition. All Live Audition registrations must be received by the close of the Live Audition Registration Period, and Live Audition dates and times are first-come, first-served. One (1) online registration/Live Audition per person. Multiple participants are not permitted to share the same email address. Any attempt by any participant to submit more than one (1) entry or register for more than one (1) Live Audition by using multiple/different email addresses, identities, registrations, and logins, or any other methods will void that entry, and the participant may be disqualified. Use of any automated system to participate is prohibited and will result in disqualification. All Live Audition participants must attend the Live Audition during their scheduled time and check-in with Sponsor representatives by showing valid picture identification, registration confirmation, and a headshot photograph (photograph will not be returned to participant). Failure to timely complete the check-in process and/or the Live Audition will result in disqualification from further participation in the Contest. After check-in, each participant will participate in the Round 1 Vocal Screening, during which the participant will sing a cappella (i.e. without any instrumental music) a song of their choice for approximately sixty (:60) seconds before a panel of Sponsor-selected judges. Judges will determine, in their sole and absolute discretion, which participants will receive the highest score based on the participant’s vocal ability, talent, stage presence, and charisma. Judges, in their sole and absolute discretion, will score each participant on a 100-point scale, awarding up to 25 points in each of the following four categories: (i) vocal ability, (ii) stage presence/charisma, (iii) marketability, and (iv) overall talent.

On or about Monday, April 27, 2026, Sponsor will review all participant scores and select up to twenty (20 participants with the highest overall scores as candidates to participate in the Qualifying Round. Participants not selected to advance to the Qualifying Round will be eliminated from further participation in the Contest. In the event of a tie, Sponsor will select the participant(s) first with the highest vocal-ability score, then (if necessary as a second tie-breaker) with the highest stage presence/charisma score, then (if necessary as a third tie-breaker) with the highest overall-talent score. All selected Live Audition qualifiers will be contacted by Sponsor by Wednesday, April 29, 2026 using the email address and/or telephone number provided with the qualifier’s registration form and invited to participate in the Qualifying Round on Saturday, May 2, 2026. Failure to respond to Sponsor’s invitation within twenty-four (24) hours may result in disqualification from further participation. In the event of disqualifications, Sponsor reserves the right to select the next highest scoring participant(s) as an alternate qualifier(s).

(b) Video Submission. Visit one of the Sponsor’s website during the Video Submission Registration Period, click on the “2026 Caddo’s Rising Star: Be Caddo’s 12th Star” Video Submission Registration” link, and complete an entry form, including uploading a sixty (:80) second video of yourself singing a cappella (i.e. without any instrumental music) a song of your choice. All Video Submission registrations must be received by the close of the Video Submission Registration Period. One (1) Video Submission per person. Multiple participants are not permitted to share the same email address. Any attempt by any participant to submit more than one (1) Video Submission by using multiple/different email addresses, identities, registrations and logins, or any other methods will void that entry and the participant may be disqualified. Use of any automated system to participate is prohibited and will result in disqualification. Each video entrant warrants and represents that they have full legal rights to submit the entered video for purposes of this Contest.

On or about Monday, April 27, 2026, Sponsor will review all Video Submissions and select, in its sole and absolute discretion, up to twenty (20) submissions with the best demonstrated vocal ability, stage presence and charisma, marketability, and overall talent to participate in the Qualifying Round. All selected Video Submission qualifiers will be contacted by Sponsor by Wednesday, April 29, 2026 using the email address and/or telephone number provided with the qualifier’s registration form and invited to participate in Qualifying Round on Saturday, May 2, 2026. Failure to respond to Sponsor’s invitation within twenty-four (24) hours may result in disqualification from further participation. In the event of disqualifications, Sponsor reserves the right to select the next best Video Submission as an alternate qualifier. Participants not selected to advance to Qualifying Round will be eliminated from further participation in the Contest.

4. Star Pass. A “Star Pass” is a ticket that will allow the contestant to automatically be advanced to the Qualifying Round. Contestants can receive a “Star Pass” by impressing the judges during the initial live audition phase, securing at least two "yes" votes to advance to the Qualifying Round. A “star pass” can only be provided to those who attend the live audition sessions and aren’t available for video submission contestants.

5. Qualifying Round. All Live-Audition and Video-Submission qualifiers must attend the Qualifying Round on Saturday, May 2, 2026 from 12pm to 2pm. Failure to timely attend or complete the Qualifying Round will result in disqualification from further participation in the Contest. For the Qualifying Round, each qualifier will sing a cappella (i.e. without any instrumental music) a song of their choice for approximately sixty (:60) seconds before a panel of Sponsor-selected judges. Judges, in their sole and absolute discretion, will score each participant on a 100-point scale, awarding up to 25 points in each of the following four categories: (i) vocal ability, (ii) stage presence/charisma, (iii) marketability, and (iv) overall talent.

On or about Monday, May 4, 2026, Sponsor will review all Qualifying Round scores and select only twelve (12) qualifiers with the highest overall scores as candidates to participate in the Finale Event. Participants not selected to advance to Finale Event will be eliminated from further participation in the Contest. In the event of a tie, Sponsor will select the qualifier (s) first with the highest vocal-ability score, then (if necessary as a second tie-breaker) with the highest stage presence/charisma score, then (if necessary as a third tie-breaker) with the highest overall-talent score. All selected finalists will be contacted by Sponsor by Monday, May 11, 2026 using the email address and/or telephone number provided with the finalist’s registration form and invited to participate in Rehearsals for Saturday, May 23, 2026. Finale Event on Sunday, June 7, 2026. Failure to respond to Sponsor’s invitation within twenty-four (24) hours may result in disqualification from further participation. In the event of disqualifications, Sponsor reserves the right to select the next highest scoring qualifier(s) as an alternate finalist(s).

6. Finale Event Rehearsal. All finalists must attend the Finale Event Rehearsal on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at the Shreveport Convention Center from 10am to 2pm. At the Finale Event Rehearsal, each finalist will have forty-five (45) minutes to rehearse two (2) songs of their choice with the house band in preparation for the Finale Event. Each song must be no longer than three (3) minutes. Failure to timely attend the Finale Event Rehearsal may result in disqualification from further participation in the Contest. In the event of disqualifications, Sponsor reserves the right to select the next highest scoring qualifier(s) as an alternate finalist(s).

7. Finale Event. All finalists must attend the Finale Event on Sunday, June 7, 2026 at the Shreveport Convention Center from 7pm to 10pm, which will be televised live by KTBS Channel 3. Failure to timely attend or complete the Finale Event will result in disqualification from further participation in the Contest. For the Finale Event, each qualifier will sing a song of their choice accompanied by the house band before a panel of Sponsor-selected judges. Judges, in their sole and absolute discretion, will score each participant on a 100-point scale, awarding up to 25 points in each of the following four categories: (i) vocal ability, (ii) stage presence/charisma, (iii) marketability, and (iv) overall talent.

After the twelve (12) finalists perform, the judges will determine the finalist with the three (3) highest overall scores to compete in the final round of competition. In the event of a tie, Sponsor will select the finalist first with the highest vocal-ability score, then (if necessary as a second tie-breaker) with the highest stage presence/charisma score, then (if necessary as a third tie-breaker) with the highest overall-talent score.

The top three (3) finalists will be announced at the Finale Event and immediately proceed to the final round of competition, during which each of the three finalists will sing a second song of their choice accompanied by the house band, before a panel of Sponsor-selected judges. Judges, in their sole and absolute discretion, will score each participant on a 100-point scale, awarding up to 25 points in each of the following four categories: (i) vocal ability, (ii) stage presence/charisma, (iii) marketability, and (iv) overall talent. After the top three finalists perform, the judges will determine the finalist with the highest overall score as a candidate for the grand prize (subject to verification of eligibility and compliance with the terms of these rules). In the event of a tie, Sponsor will select the finalist first with the highest vocal-ability score, then (if necessary as a second tie-breaker) with the highest stage presence/charisma score, then (if necessary as a third tie-breaker) with the highest overall-talent score. Sponsor’s decisions as to the administration and operation of the Contest and the selection of the potential winner are final and binding in all matters related to the Contest.

8. Verification of Potential Winner. POTENTIAL CONTEST WINNER IS SUBJECT TO VERIFICATION BY SPONSOR WHOSE DECISIONS ARE FINAL AND BINDING IN ALL MATTERS RELATED TO THE CONTEST. The potential winner must continue to comply with all terms and conditions of these Official Rules, and winning is contingent upon fulfilling all requirements. The potential winner will be required to sign and return to Sponsor, within three (3) days of winning, an affidavit of eligibility and a liability/publicity release (except where prohibited) in order to claim his/her prize, if applicable. A winner who returns the affidavit of eligibility and liability/publicity release will be deemed to have accepted the Contest Prize and thereafter will not be permitted to rescind their acceptance of the prize and/or return the prize. If a potential winner fails to sign and return the affidavit of eligibility and/or the liability/publicity release within the required time period (if applicable), the potential winner forfeits prize. In the event that the potential winner of a prize is disqualified for any reason, Sponsor may award the prize to the finalist with the next highest overall score.

9. Grand Prize. One (1) Grand Prize will be awarded in this Contest. The Grand Prize will be a cash prize of $5,000, trophy to the winner, up to five (5) hours studio recording time with Millennia Digital Sound & Lighting, television interview with KTBS, radio interview with Cumulus Media, special performance and appearance at the following: 2026, Let the Good Times Roll Festival (June), 2026 KTBS July 4th Freedom Fest (July), 2026 Highland Jazz & Blues Festival (September), 2026 Red River Revel Arts Festival (October), and 2026 State Fair of Louisiana (October/November). Winner is responsible for all taxes associated with prize receipt and/or use. Odds of winning the Grand Prize depend on a number of factors including the number of eligible entries received during the Contest Period. Sponsors reserve the right to substitute any listed prize for one of equal or greater value for any reason.

10. Entry Conditions and Release. By entering, each participant agrees to: (a) comply with and be bound by these Official Rules and the decisions of the Sponsors, which are binding and final in all matters relating to this Contest; (b) release and hold harmless Caddo Parish Parks and Recreation, Cumulus Media Holdings Inc., its parent company, affiliates, related entities and subsidiaries, Millennia Digital Sound & Lighting, the Parish of Caddo, City of Shreveport, the Shreveport Convention Center, other promotional sponsors, prize providers, advertising agencies, related and affiliated companies, other participating sponsors, the prize suppliers and any other organizations responsible for sponsoring, fulfilling, administering, advertising or promoting the Contest, and each of their respective past and present officers, directors, employees, agents and representatives (collectively, the “Released Parties”) from and against any and all claims, expenses, and liability, including but not limited to negligence and damages of any kind to persons and property, including but not limited to invasion of privacy (under appropriation, intrusion, public disclosure of private facts, false light in the public eye or other legal theory), defamation, slander, libel, violation of right of publicity, infringement of trademark, copyright or other intellectual property rights, property damage, or death or personal injury arising out of or relating to a participant’s entry, creation of an entry or submission of an entry, participation in the Contest, acceptance or use or misuse of prize (including any travel or activity related thereto) and/or the broadcast, exploitation or use of entry; and (c) indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Released Parties from and against any and all claims, expenses, and liabilities (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising out of or relating to an entrant's participation in the Contest and/or entrant’s acceptance, use, non-use or misuse of the prize.

11. Publicity. Except where prohibited, participation in the Contest constitutes winner’s consent to Sponsors and its agents use of winner’s name, likeness, photograph, voice, opinions and/or hometown and state for promotional purposes in any media, worldwide, without further payment or consideration, unless otherwise prohibited by law.

12. Taxes. All State, Local, Federal, and or other taxes, duties, tariffs, title fees, licensing fees, or other fees for prizes awarded become the sole responsibility of the winner. Winner will be issued an IRS Form 1099 to report their winnings.

13. General Conditions. Sponsor reserves the right to cancel, suspend and/or modify the Contest, or any part of it, if any fraud, technical failures or any other factor beyond Sponsor’s reasonable control impairs the integrity or proper functioning of the Contest, as determined by Sponsor in its sole discretion. Sponsor reserves the right in its sole discretion to disqualify any individual it finds to be tampering with the entry process or the operation of the Contest or to be acting in violation of these Official Rules or any other promotion or in an unsportsmanlike or disruptive manner. Any attempt by any person to deliberately undermine the legitimate operation of the Contest may be a violation of criminal and civil law, and, should such an attempt be made, Sponsor reserves the right to seek damages from any such person to the fullest extent permitted by law. Sponsor’s failure to enforce any term of these Official Rules shall not constitute a waiver of that provision.

14. Limitations of Liability. The Released Parties are not responsible for: (1) any incorrect or inaccurate information, whether caused by entrants, printing errors or by any of the equipment or programming associated with or utilized in the Contest; (2) technical failures of any kind, including but not limited to malfunctions, interruptions, or disconnections in phone lines or network hardware or software; (3) unauthorized human intervention in any part of the entry process or the Contest; (4) technical or human error which may occur in the administration of the Contest or the processing of entries; or (5) any injury or damage to persons or property which may be caused, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, from entrant’s participation in the Contest or receipt or use, non-use or misuse of any prize. If for any reason an entrant’s entry is confirmed to have been erroneously deleted, lost, or otherwise destroyed or corrupted, entrant’s sole remedy is another entry in the Contest, provided that if it is not possible to award another entry due to discontinuance or completion of the Contest, or any part of it, for any reason, Sponsor, at its discretion, may elect to hold a random drawing from among all eligible entries received up to the date of discontinuance for any or all of the prizes offered herein. No more than the stated number of prizes will be awarded. In event that production, technical, programming or any other reason causes more than stated number of prizes as set forth in these Official Rules to be available or claimed, Sponsor reserves the right to award only the stated number of prizes by a random drawing among all legitimate, un-awarded, eligible prize claims.

15. Disputes. Entrant agrees that: (i) any and all disputes, claims and causes of action arising out of or connected with this Contest, or any prizes awarded, other than those concerning the administration of the Contest or the determination of the winner, shall be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action; (ii) any and all disputes, claims and causes of action arising out of or connected with this Contest, or any prizes awarded, for the Western District of Louisiana in Shreveport, LA First Judicial District Court located Shreveport, LA; (iii) any and all claims, judgments and awards shall be limited to actual out-of-pocket costs incurred, including costs associated with entering this Contest, but in no event attorneys’ fees; and (iv) under no circumstances will entrant be permitted to obtain awards for, and entrant hereby waives all rights to claim punitive, incidental and consequential damages and any other damages, other than for actual out-of-pocket expenses, and any and all rights to have damages multiplied or otherwise increased. All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation and enforce-ability of these Official Rules, or the rights and obligations of entrant and Sponsor in connection with the Contest, shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of Louisiana, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules, which would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other the State of Louisiana.

16. Entrant’s Personal Information. Information collected from entrants is subject to Sponsor’s Privacy Policy, which is available on a Station’s website under the “Privacy Policy” link. All entry blanks, forms, devices, and materials gathered during the course of entry, as well as all information contained on or within, shall become the sole property of Sponsor to be used, disposed of or destroyed in its sole discretion. Sponsor is not responsible for any incorrect or inaccurate information entered by website users, and assumes no responsibility for any error, omission, interruption, deletion, defect, delay in operation or transmission, communications line failure, theft, destruction or unauthorized access to a Station website.

17. Contest Results. A winners list may be obtained after Monday, June 8, 2026 by sending a self-addressed stamped envelope to the Sponsor identified below.

CONTEST SPONSORS:

Caddo Parish
Caddo Parks and Recreation
Cumulus Radio Corporation
KTBS
Millennia Digital Sound & Lighting

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