Sweet Adelines International competition


The Sweet Adelines International Competitions are the annual global championships for women's barbershop harmony a cappella singing – in quartets and choruses – for members of Sweet Adelines International and have been held annually between September and November since 1947. They are now the largest women's singing competition in the world with over 8000 participants at the 2014 convention. There are two competitions for choruses, and two competitions for quartets. Currently, the first three of these competitions are held together and form the Sweet Adelines International Convention. Over the course of competition history, the most successful chorus has been Melodeers Chorus from Chicago with seven championship titles, and the most successful quartet singer was Connie Noble who won with four separate quartets. Lustre Quartet from Baltimore holds the record for highest quartet score, and Rönninge Show Chorus from Stockholm for highest ever chorus score.

History

The first convention was held in Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1947 for quartets – two years after the foundation of the first Sweet Adelines Inc. chapter in the city. The competition was expanded to include choruses in 1973 and in 2000 the Harmony Classic competition for small and medium-sized choruses was introduced. Originally, Harmony Classic was held independently but since 2009 all three are now hosted together and run over the course of the convention week. A fourth event, the "Rising Star" competition, was introduced in 1999 for quartets whose members are under-25 years old. It was also held as part of convention from 2009 until 2012 but due to scheduling and cost constraints is now held independently again. Many non-competitive performances are also held during convention week, including by the previous year's chorus and quartet champions.
The convention is usually held in a city in the continental United States but has thrice been held internationally and four times in Hawaii. A "spectacular fifty-year anniversary celebration" was held in New Orleans during the 1995 convention and the competition was to be held there a decade later in 2005, but was moved due to Hurricane Katrina. From 2015 to 2017, the city of Las Vegas hosted the convention – the first time that the event has stayed in the same location for more than one year. The 2020 "75th Diamond Anniversary" convention is expected to be the first use of the newly renovated Kentucky International Convention Center in Louisville, Kentucky – expecting to draw 10,000 attendees. Since 2004, the competition has been livestreamed over the internet as a popular donation-funded webcast, operated by an in-house media production team.
In recent years, the formal events of convention week proceed as follows:
TuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturday
Harmony ClassicQuartet semi-finalsChorus semi-finalsQuartet FinalsChorus finals

Qualifying

The competitions held during international convention each have a different qualification processes:For choruses, the highest scoring chorus of each SAI regional competition qualifies directly for the following year's SAI international competition semi-final. For example, the winner of a regional competition in 2014 is granted entry as their region's representative to the 2015 competition. If that chorus cannot compete, the second-placed chorus is offered the place. There are 28 active regions numbered 1–35 although a region is not obliged to hold a regional competition every year. A chorus may not compete in a regional competition in the year that they are also qualified to compete in the international competition. This rule ensures that one chorus does not monopolise their region's attendance to the international competition. In addition to the direct-qualifying places, since 2002 "wildcard" places are awarded to the highest-scoring second-placed choruses across all regional competitions making it possible for a region to have two representatives at internationals in one year. Initially four wildcard places were made available, subsequently increased to 10. Wildcards ensures that a high scoring chorus is not unfairly excluded from international competition due to being in a highly competitive region.
having just become the "Mid-Size Chorus" [|Harmony Classic champions] in Houston, 2011|left
Qualification for the Harmony Classic competition happens as part of the regional chorus competition. The five highest-scoring small and midsize choruses across all regional competitions qualify directly for the Harmony Classic of the following year. With five choruses in each of the two divisions a total of 10 choruses compete in this competition each year. Only one chorus from a region may compete in each of the divisions and a chorus may not compete in the same division again two years in a row. Furthermore, a chorus may not compete in both the main competition and also the Harmony Classic at the same year. A chorus may potentially qualify for both the main chorus competition and the Harmony Classic, but are only permitted to compete in one, thereby making a space available for the next highest qualifier to take their place at the other competition.
'' performing in 2011, wearing their 2010 championship crowns. Note, past "queens" in the background with their own, different, crown styles
For quartets, qualification proceeds in much the same manner as for choruses – with regional winners and wildcard places. The regional qualification process happens in the same calendar year as the international competition. Furthermore, quartets that obtain a ranking of 2nd to 15th place at the previous year's international competition are considered to have pre-qualified for the following international competition and are offered a direct place in the semi-final if they wish without the requirement to compete in their regional competition. This means that the total number of competing quartets is higher than the chorus competition.
A chorus may win many international competitions or Harmony Classic competitions over the years, but may not compete at the international level two years in a row. In contrast, a quartet may compete at the international competition many times in succession, but must retire from all SAI quartet competitions if it wins, although the quartet may participate in a regional competition for evaluation. Quartets performing for evaluation receive a scoresheet with comments and grade, but are not awarded a score and are not eligible for awards.
There is no formal qualification process for the Rising Star competition; rather, an eligible quartet registers their interest. A quartet may compete at the Rising Star competition several years in succession, provided all its members remain under the 25-year age limit, but winning quartets may not compete in the Rising Star competition again.

Scoring

Both choruses and quartets are judged according to four categories:
For all categories, judges are also scoring for whether "mastery of vocal skills demonstrated" and whether the "performance transcends technique".
In scoring both the semi-final and the final, penalties may be applied for a variety of rules including time-limits, not singing competition-songs in American English, the use of musical instruments, singing religious or patriotic songs and "misconduct".
In regional competitions, there is one round of competition and each category is scored by one judge. Therefore,:
Regional competition: 4 categories x 1 judge each x 2 songs, maximum 100 points per judge = maximum possible 800 points.
At international competition, the number of judges for each category is doubled. Consequently, the maximum possible score in each round of international competition is also doubled to 1600.
Until 1985, there were three rounds of competition for quartets and only one round of competition for choruses. Therefore, the perfect score was 4800 for a quartet and 1600 for a chorus. From 1985 the two competitions' structures were standardised to the semi-final/final format This set the new perfect score for both choruses and quartets at 3200. Two years later in 1987, a maximum of 80 "bonus points" were added in the final round for scoring the performance "package" in both the quartet and chorus competitions, raising the maximum score to 3280. Two years after that in 1989, the quartet competition re-introduced the quarter-final with a reduced score but retaining the bonus points system in the final. This increased the quartet perfect score to 3440 while the chorus competition continued without change. In 1998 the two systems were standardised again with the quartet competition returning to the format introduced in 1987, but with the size of the final round for choruses and quartets doubled to 10 contestants. Following a further rule change, from the 2015 competition the "bonus points" were removed, reducing the perfect score back to the 1985 standard of 3200.
In the regional and semi-final competitions, each contestant must performs two songs – normally an "up-tune" and a ballad – in the order of their choice. The combined times of both songs must be no longer than 7 minutes. In the final round of competition, choruses and quartets are allowed between 12 and 15 minutes to perform. Rather than a strict two-song performance, choruses must perform a "package" of approximately 4 songs with a narrative or theme tying the package together and spoken interludes. In the chorus competition props, costume changes, medley/mashup choral arrangements, and elaborate choreography moves are also common. As a consolation prize, the 11th ranked chorus or quartet is invited to perform their own package at the beginning of the final round as the "mic testers". As with the semi-finals, the final-round performance order of appearance is randomly allocated.
Within the finals package, from 1985 until 2014, quartets and choruses were still expected to perform two "competition songs" which would be scored in the same manner as the semi-finals as well as their package. From 2015, quartets and choruses are only required to perform one formally judged competition song in the finals, with the remainder of the score judging their finals package as a whole.
The score sheet itself contains lengthy hand written notes by each of the judges giving the contestant information on what the judges heard to justify their score and also ways to improve. The visual layout of the scorecards have changed from year to year, but an example of how of a performer's semi-final scorecard from international competition appears is as follows :
C# refers to "contestant number" i.e. the order of appearance.
# refers to "number " i.e. the size of the chorus, relevant for calculating the "harmony achievement" award.
Pty refers to "penalty" i.e. the number of points deducted, if any.
Place refers to the ranking of the chorus compared to all other competitors' total scores.
Note that because the semi-final and final scores are cumulative, it can occur that the highest scoring chorus in the final does not win the championship because another chorus had a higher cumulative score. Semi-final scores are given to all choruses after the performance except for the top-10 choruses who qualified for the final competition. Their semi-final are kept secret until after the end of the competition.
Because of the complexity of the scoring system, to more easily group competitive performances score ranges are often referred to by a "performance level" – starting at the perfect score and concluding at F. Due to the differing number of judges between regional and international competition the "level" system allows for easier comparison. These ranges are as follows:
Performance levelScore per categoryRegional scoreInternational score
A+188–200752–8001504–1600
A172–187688–7511376–1503
A-160–171640–6871280–1375
B+148–159592–6391184–1279
B132–147528–5911056–1183
B-120–131480–527960–1055
C+108–119432–479864–959
C92–107368–431736–863
C-80–91320–367640–735
D+68–79272–319544–639
D52–69208–271416–543
D-40–51160–207320–415
F0–390–1590–319

Awards

The singers of the top-10 placed choruses and quartets in the main competitions are awarded medals with a designated color. They are designated the International Champion Chorus/Quartet for the next calendar year. As the current title holders, the winners are permitted to wear these medals around their neck on a ribbon of the same color until the following year's competition. At this point they must be removed from the colored ribbon. Longstanding members of Sweet Adelines International may end up earning many awards at both regional and international competitions. Customarily these are worn as a group in a manner similar to military service ribbons, often attached to the chest with a brooch-like clasp.
In addition, international quartet champions are awarded a tiara or crown each – every year of a different design – and are proclaimed "Queens of Harmony", this title having been in use since at least 1960. They are entitled to wear their crown at any future SAI event, even when they are not the current champions. However, they are not allowed to compete as that quartet again. The association of past quartet winners is known as the "Coronet Club".
Competition1st2nd3rd4th5thAchievement
Chorus Finalsblueredwhiteyellowgreenviolet
Quartet Finalsblueredwhiteyellowgreen-
Rising Starblueredwhite---
Harmony Classic division Adeep purplemedium purplepale purple---
Harmony Classic division AAhot pinkmedium pinkpale pink---

In the chorus competition, in addition to the placings, the "Harmony Achievement award" has been presented since 1991. This recognises the chorus that achieved the highest score, despite having relatively fewer singers on stage. The formula for calculating the largest chorus eligible for the award is: "Total number of performers on stage at any time, including directors, divided by the number of contestants, multiplied by 80%".
Certified directors of any chorus which attains more than 600 points at regional competition are entitled to be called a "master director" or, for those whose chorus achieves more than 700, "master director 700".

Chorus competition

Champions

Until 1984, there was only one round of competition; from 1985, there are two round which increases the total score. Equally, from 2015 no "bonus points" are awarded in the final round, reducing the total score. The % column accounts for this change in maximum score to allow for comparison between years with different scoring systems. The Harmony Achievement award was introduced in 1991.
The list of champion choruses and related information is as follows. Note, some choruses have changed region in the years after their winning the competition. The region listed is the region that the chorus represented that year.
YearCompetition locationChampionDirectorRegionScore%Second placeThird placeHarmony AchievementCompetition summary
1973Washington, D.C.RacineJarmela Speta22132883.0%DundalkCedar Rhapsodymissing
1974Milwaukee, WisconsinGem CityJean Pyles4132682.9%ScottsdaleMission Valleymissing
1975Seattle, WashingtonSan DiegoMarvin Yerkey21124978.1%St. JosephDundalkmissing
1976Cincinnati, OhioMission ValleyGloria Sandstrom12126879.3%Seven HillsMelodeersmissing
1977London, EnglandGem CityJean Barford4135984.9%RacineScottsdalemissing
1978Los Angeles, CaliforniaIsland HillsEstelle Grau15129881.1%San DiegoVerdugo Hillsmissing
1979St. Louis, MissouriRamapo ValleyRenee Craig15125478.4%St. JosephScottsdale
1980Atlanta, GeorgiaHigh CountrySylvia Alsbury8139587.2%Gem CityVerdugo Hillsmissing
1981Phoenix, ArizonaSeven HillsTom Gentil4124477.8%Valley ForgeMission Viejo
1982Minneapolis, MinnesotaGem CityJean Barford4134283.9%Ramapo ValleyScottsdale
1983Detroit, MichiganValley ForgeJan Muck15127979.9%City of LakesHigh Country
1984Las Vegas, NevadaScottsdaleBev Sellers21130981.8%Ramapo ValleyLakeside
1985Kansas City, MissouriGem CityJean Barford4269884.3%City of LakesHigh Country
1986Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaRamapo ValleyRenee Craig15270184.4%Vienna-FallsGreater Dallas
1987Honolulu, HawaiiHigh CountrySharon Babb
& Julie Haller
8264680.7%ScottsdaleRich-Tone
1988Houston, TexasVienna-FallsBetty Tracy14267581.6%Gem CityValley Forge
1989Miami Beach, FloridaScottsdaleBev Sellers21271582.8%Rich-ToneCity of Lakes
1990Salt Lake City, UtahRamapo ValleyRenee Craig15267688.6%Seven HillsKansas City
1991San Antonio, TexasGem CityJean Barford4267981.6%San DiegoLakesideCedar Rhapsody
1992Baltimore, MarylandRich-ToneDale Syverson25288487.9%City of LakesMelodeersSong of Atlanta
1993Indianapolis, IndianaToast of Tampa ShowRandy Loos9271482.7%Kansas CityScottsdalePearls of the Sound
1994Reno, NevadaMelodeersJim Arns3283486.4%Gem CityHouston HorizonSt. Joseph
1995New Orleans, LouisianaRich-ToneDale Syverson25280985.6%Rönninge ShowScottsdalePerth Harmony
1996Ft. Lauderdale, FloridaNorth MetroJune Dale16282286.0%Gem CityHouston HorizonMidwest Crossroads
1997Salt Lake City, UtahMelodeersJim Arns3283386.4%San DiegoKansas CityGeorgia Harmony
1998Nashville, TennesseeRich-ToneDale Syverson25280585.5%City of LakesScottsdaleLions Gate
1999Atlanta, GeorgiaNorth MetroJune Dale16290488.5%SunlightSan DiegoPride of Baltimore
2000Orlando, FloridaMelodeersJim Arns3293189.4%ScottsdalePacific SoundTop of the Rock
2001Portland, OregonSan DiegoKim Hulbert21290788.6%Rich-TonePride of BaltimoreRönninge Show
2002Nashville, TennesseeNorth MetroJune Dale16298691.0%Gem CityScottsdaleRamapo Valley
2003Phoenix, ArizonaMelodeersJim Arns3296990.5%Pride of BaltimoreRich-ToneRoyal River
2004Indianapolis, IndianaHarborlitesPam Pieson21291989.0%SkylineGem CitySt. Louis Harmony
2005Detroit, MichiganScottsdaleLori Lyford21289988.4%Pride of BaltimoreKansas CityGreater Nassau
2006Las Vegas, NevadaRich-ToneDale Syverson25294289.7%MelodeersNorth MetroOK City
2007Calgary, Alberta, CanadaHarborlitesPam Pieson21298591.0%Pride of BaltimoreLions GateSpirit of Detroit
2008Honolulu, HawaiiMelodeersJim Arns3302392.2%ScottsdaleSkylineSt. Louis Harmony
2009Nashville, TennesseeRich-ToneDale Syverson25305493.1%Lions GatePride Of KentuckyHarbor City Music Company
2010Seattle, WashingtonScottsdaleLori Lyford21307793.8%HarborlitesNorth MetroStockholm City Voices
2011Houston, TexasMelodeersJim Arns3309194.2%Rönninge ShowLions GateHarbor City Music Company
2012Denver, ColoradoNorth MetroJune Dale16305893.2%Rich-ToneHarborlitesMetro Nashville
2013Honolulu, HawaiiRönninge ShowAnna Alvring
& Britt-Heléne Bonnedahl
32313895.7%ScottsdaleToast of Tampa ShowGreater Nassau
2014Baltimore, MarylandMelodeersJim Arns3312995.4%Rich-ToneHarborlitesMetro Nashville
2015Las Vegas, NevadaScottsdaleLori Lyford21304495.1%North MetroToast of Tampa ShowStockholm City Voices
2016Las Vegas, NevadaRönninge ShowAnna Alvring
& Britt-Heléne Bonnedahl
32309896.8%Rich-ToneHarborlitesMetro Nashville
2017Las Vegas, NevadaNorth MetroErin Howden16295992.5%Lions GateMelodeersStockholm City Voices
2018St. Louis, MissouriScottsdaleLori Lyford21298293.2%HarborlitesRich-ToneMetro Nashville
2019New Orleans, LouisianaRönninge ShowAnna Alvring
& Britt-Heléne Bonnedahl
32306195.7%Lion's GateMelodeersStockholm City Voices

Chorus is now defunct, has merged with another chorus, or has changed name.
Until 1985, only round of competition was held. As a result, the grand-total score of the winner for earlier years is lower than competitions from 1985-onwards where two rounds of scores make up the grand total. For full details of scoring changes see the [|scoring section] above. Direct comparisons of scores in different eras are possible using the % column.
Until 2015, 10 bonus points were available in the final round per-song per-judge. Removing these reduced the possible grand total from 3280 to 3200. Direct comparisons of scores in different eras are possible using the % column.

Results by year

The results of the most recent chorus competition are included below.

Chorus records

Most successful choruses

The most successful choruses over time are as follows. Choruses are ranked according to the "gold first system" but can be sorted to rank according to total number of top-three appearances. Some choruses have changed region over time, the chorus' current region is listed here.
ChorusRegionWebsiteBioChampionSecond placeThird placeTotal top-three
Melodeers37 1 3 11
Scottsdale216 4 8 18
Rich-Tone255 5 3 13
Gem City45 5 1 11
North Metro165 2 2 9
Ramapo Valley153 2 5
Rönninge Show323 2 5
San Diego212 3 1 6
Harborlites212 2 3 7
High Country82 2 4
Seven Hills41 2 3
Valley Forge151 1 1 3
Racine31 1 2
Vienna-Falls141 1 2
Mission Valley121 1 2
Toast of Tampa Show91 2 3
Island Hills151 1
City of Lakes63 1 4
Pride of Baltimore193 1 4
Lions Gate262 2 4
Kansas City51 3 4
Dundalk191 1 2
Skyline81 1
St Joseph Show52 2
Sunlight321 1
Houston Horizon102 2
Lakeside132 2
Verdugo Hills112 2
Cedar Rhapsody51 1
Greater Dallas101 1
Mission Viejo211 1
Pacific Sound131 1
Pride of Kentucky41 1

Highest ever regional scores

The highest 30 scores ever achieved at any regional competition as of 2018 competitions are as follows.
RankScoreChorusRegionYearCompetition summary
1759Melodeers32016
2755Rönninge Show322018
3751Melodeers32010
3751North Metro162014
3751Toast of Tampa Show92014
6749Rönninge Show322012
7748Melodeers32013
7748Rich-Tone252013
9744Rönninge Show322015
9744Scottsdale212017
11741Melodeers32007
11741Rich-Tone252011
13736Harborlites212009
13736Scottsdale212012
15737Harbor City Music Company192018
16732Scottsdale212014
16732Scioto Valley42016
18731North Metro162007
18731Haborlites212017
20729Haborlites212006
21728North Metro162001
22727North Metro162016
23726Rich-Tone252015
23726Toast of Tampa Show92016
25725Pride of Baltimore192006
25725Rich-Tone252008
27724Scottsdale212007
27724Skyline82017
29723North Metro12009
30721Pride of Portland132015

Highest regional score by region

The highest score ever achieved in each individual region's competition as of 2018 is as follows:

Harmony Classic

Champions

Before 2009 the Harmony Classic competition was hosted independently from the other SAI competitions, but since 2009 it has been held in parallel, and at the same location.
Eligibility for Division AA is for choruses with between 31 and 60 singers on stage, while Division A is for those with between 15 and 30 singers. The list of Harmony Classic competition winners is as follows:
YearCompetition locationDivision AA championRegionScoreCompetition summaryDivision A championRegionScoreCompetition summary
2000San Antonio, TexasRoyal River11275Prairie Echoes31274
2001San Antonio, Texas'91305'321237
2002Greenville, South Carolina'11276'31264
2003Greenville, South Carolina'151284'11169
2004Greenville, South Carolina'41235'251206
2005Greenville, South Carolina'41262'141204
2006San Antonio, Texas'191310'41289
2007San Antonio, Texas'351312'321293
2008San Antonio, Texas'41303'321328
2009Nashville, Tennessee'41350'11268
2010Seattle, Washington'191344'251189
2011Houston, Texas'41325'321337
2012Denver, Colorado'261319'141228
2013Honolulu, Hawaii'261381'321303
2014Baltimore, Maryland'261238'251274
2015Las Vegas, Nevada'51250'141231
2016Las Vegas, Nevada'321399'111296
2017Las Vegas, Nevada341267'321284
2018St. Louis, Missouri'351229'151232
2019New Orleans, Louisiana'12131111271

Results by year

The results of the most recent Harmony Classic competition are:

Quartet competition

Champions

From the competition's inception to the 1992 edition, the winning quartet was named champion of the year that they competed in. From the 1993 competition onwards the designation was changed to the following year – the one in which they primarily held their position. Thus, the winners of the competition held in November 2014 were proclaimed the "2015 queens of harmony".
As with the Chorus competition, all competitors compete in the "semi-final" round from which the top 10 compete a few days later in the final round. The scores for the top 10 are added together to make the grand total which determines the winner. Until 1984 all competitors began at the "quarter-final" stage, the top 20 progress to the semi-final, and the top 10 progressing to the final. From 1985 this three-level system was dropped back to simply semi-final and final. However, because the earlier winners competed in three rounds, their grand total scores are correspondingly larger. The % column accounts for this change in maximum score to allow for comparison between years with different scoring systems.
The international champion quartet, performers names, and score for each year of competition are as follows.
Replacement quartet members must participate with a quartet for at least three years. They may earn a gold medal after that time if the quartet makes the request on her behalf for one and the Coronet Club and International Board approve it." The replaced quartet member is marked with an asterisk *
Note, some sources differ as to the inclusion of the definite article in many of the earlier quartets' names.
YearLocationChampionScore%BioMembersSecond placeThird placeCompetition summary
1947Tulsa, OklahomaThe DecaturettesVi Phillips, Mary Minton, Myrtle Vest, Eva AdamsThe Johnson SistersKeystone Barberettesmissing
1948Topeka, KansasThe Johnson SistersRuby Johnson, Irene Bergman, Stella Berg, Harriet St. LegerFloradora GirlsHarmony Honeysmissing
1949St. Louis, MissouriThe Tune TwistersPearl Borg, Sue Pranno, Nancy Konsbruck, Marian MooreTreble TonesGibson Girlsmissing
1950Chicago, IllinoisThe Harmony BellesDixie Rae Chapman, Betty Robinson, Jeanette McLaughlin*, Harriet Fizone, Shirley RiceTreble TonesMinorettesmissing
1951Santa Monica, CaliforniaThe QuarternotesVirginia Clausen, Phyllis Odders, Lois Dominick*, Jewel King, Kaye Poulsen JensenRhythm Wrens Denim Fourmissing
1952St. Petersburg, FloridaThe Pitch PipersBetty Oliver, Jo Ligtvoet, Jane Linden Aman, Mary Ann OllerHi-LitesPearly 'Gatorsmissing
1953Milwaukee, WisconsinThe Big FourLucille Bradley*, Inez "Junior" Thompson, Sarah LeMaster, Bertha Bradley, Mary WatersThe Mississippi MissesDecker Sistersmissing
1954Buffalo, New YorkThe Mississippi MissesNancy Bergman, Darlene Kraus, Marcy Paul, Rose RumpThe Nota-BellesTru-Shadesmissing
1955Grand Rapids, MichiganThe Nota-BellesJarmela Speta, Ruth Geils, Jan Kastens, Phyllis HaegerThe Junior MissesCracker Jillsmissing
1956Wichita, KansasThe Junior MissesSue Lucas, Katie Durbin, Helen Peters, Chris HoheCracker JillsDotted Quartersmissing
1957Miami Beach, FloridaCracker JillsBobbie Bostick, Renee Craig, Judy Rowell, Jan SaundryNorthwest Hi-FlyersThe Sweet And Lowsmissing
1958Peoria, IllinoisThe Sweet And LowsFlorence Anderson, Joyce Cunningham, Mary Gilbert, Delores GodwinPleasantairesThe Caper Cuttersmissing
1959Tucson, ArizonaThe Yankee MissesSue Arabian, Marilyn Conlan, Alice Kennedy, Marcia MajorPleasantairesNightingalsmissing
1960Detroit, MichiganThe Gibson GirlsIrene Blazed*, Gladys Carlysle, Naomi Haberlein, Anne McKay, Joyce RankinNightingalsHappy Harmonizersmissing
1961Colorado Springs, ColoradoThe LyricsLiz Speer, Lorene Roberts, Diane Pauley*, Sue McCoy, Marge AxelsonNightingalsThe Sea-Adelinesmissing
1962Toronto, Ontario, CanadaThe Sea-AdelinesShirley Humann, Jamel Barden, Katie Schwarzhans, Zoe ThompsonThe HeathertonesRelated Fourmissing
1963Berkeley, CaliforniaThe HeathertonesLorida Harvey, Betty Pettibon, Norma Jones, Bette CarothersThe Piper-EttesThe Aqua-Tonesmissing
1964Minneapolis, MinnesotaThe Note-Cracker SweetsMary Ellen Erickson, Mary Lois Dick, Beverly Schroeder, Nancy PaulRelated FourThe Shalimarsmissing
1965Denver, ColoradoThe ShalimarsRuby Rhea, Patti Staffen, Anita Gohl*, Jan Wyckoff, Ferne HoganThe Aqua-TonesChi-Larksmissing
1966Houston, TexasThe Piper-EttesCarolyn Sexton, Ruth Doll, Kitty Bawtenheimer, Carol SimonsChi-LarksEmbersmissing
1967New York, New YorkThe Hurricane HoneysNancy Calay*, Iris Cokeroft, Ruth Ann Parker, Marge Grau, Toni MillerChi-LarksEmbersmissing
1968Oklahoma City, OklahomaThe GalatonesMargaret DeJaynes, Jean Shook, Sharri Mertens, Anna Lee Scott*, Lynn EllsworthThe RaritiesAfter-Five 4missing
1969Honolulu, HawaiiThe MetropolitansMarie Disher, Hilma Mortell,* Pat Gibson James, Mona Warren, Lori Fodor ReinerThe RaritiesEmbersmissing
1970Boston, MassachusettsThe RaritiesJarmela Speta, Connie Milestone, Chris Huebschen, Carol SchoenningEmbersBron’s Tonesmissing
1971Kansas City, MissouriBron’s TonesJudy Wallis, Portia Little, Betty Meinholz, Bron DixonEmbersDebutonesmissing
1972Salt Lake City, UtahThe 4th EditionConnie Noble, Lee Davison, Jacquelyn Belshaw,* Sally Whitledge, Nancy BelleEmbersThe Tiffanysmissing
1973Washington, D.C.The TiffanysJane Coleman, Joan Melling, Dale Syverson, Louise MaslaPrioritiesDouble Imagemissing
1974Milwaukee, WisconsinThe Sounds Of MusicJean Barford, Gloria Laquaglia, Edie Moorehead, Judy St. JohnDouble ImageLatest Newsmissing
1975Seattle, WashingtonThe Front Office FourDixie Dahlke, Carol Nash, Chari Pernert, Vicki GibsonChansonniersThe Tetrachordsmissing
1976Cincinnati, OhioHigh SocietyBette Gorton*, Kim Bone, Sandy Shelver, Pat Vozza, Connie NobleChansonniersStar Spangled Soundmissing
1977London, EnglandThe ShondellsMelodee Wright, Virginia Fitzpatrick, Theresa Reed, Donna GrahamThe HallmarksSun Lassesmissing
1978Los Angeles, CaliforniaThe TetrachordsTerry D'Amato, Patti Frei, Sandi Wright, Nancee ReinholdThe HallmarksS. Van Ander Mac Singersmissing
1979St. Louis, MissouriThe Hallmarks379979.15%JoAnn Karaff, Liz Robertson, Helen Shores, Jackie HarrisonAll-Star JubileeMidnight Music Co.
1980Atlanta, GeorgiaPenna-Fores363475.71%Linda Showers, Shirleyann Quigg, Roberta Combs, Betty ClipmanAll-Star JubileeMidnight Music Co.
1981Phoenix, ArizonaAll-Star Jubilee391081.46%Susie Russell, Julie Fernstrum, Judy Gordon, Linda JohnsonMelo-EdgeMusic Gallery
1982Minneapolis, MinnesotaMusic Gallery389281.08%Julie Whelan, Julie Moser Bergman, Lou Ann Dykstra, Marcia StarnesMelo-EdgeJubilation
1983Detroit, MichiganMelo-Edge382379.65%Donna Bates, Maureen Brzinski, Debra Peters, Janell PaviolitisJubilation4 For The Show
1984Las Vegas, Nevada4 For The Show382179.60%Joni Bescos, Robin Beers, Sally Briner, Susan MinskerJubilationTop Priority
1985Kansas City, MissouriJubilation251578.59%Sharon Alterman, Carol Ann Bagley, Karen Breidert, Pat RotunnoTop PrioritySound Celebration
1986Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaAmbiance259481.06%Shelly Sweet-Rubenic, Elizabeth Hardcastle, Sandi Wright, Diane HuberStarshineGinger 'N' Jazz
1987Honolulu, HawaiiGinger ‘N’Jazz255177.77%Patty Friedemann, Debbie Hogan, Sally Beck, Judy Clancy*, Peggy BarnesSavvyShowtime
1988Houston, TexasSavvy261979.85%Connie Noble, Kim Hulbert, Sandy Trombly, Tippi SandersCross-Town CelebrationShowtime
1989Miami Beach, FloridaGrowing Girls278680.99%Malin Palmqvist, Suzanne Harrington, Anna Ohman, Naima MeyerCross-Town CelebrationPanache
1990Salt Lake City, UtahPanache281081.69%Gerry Papageorge, Pam Pieson, Sally Briner, Bonnie McKibbenSwing StreetShowcase
1991San Antonio, TexasSwing Street276380.32%Sylvia Karpinsky, LeAnn Hazlett, Sue Snow, Sharon CassellShowtimeCity Lights
1992Baltimore, MarylandCity Lights284182.59%Nancy Cloeter, Jo Lund, Sharon Vitkovsky, Jeannie FroelichShowtimeBlue Razzberry Rhythm
1993Indianapolis, IndianaShowtime283282.33%Gina Ogden*, Debbie Connelly, Cindy LeMasters, Dana Hitt, Donna VollertsonChicago FireBlue Razzberry Rhythm
1994Reno, NevadaChicago Fire281281.74%Amy Brinkman, Dani Prigge, Bon Pressley, Bonnie FedyskiWeekend Edition4-Star Collection
1995New Orleans, LouisianaWeekend Edition281081.69%Penny Mensik, Susan Martin, Donna Kleinschmidt, Nancy Shumard4-Star CollectionRumors
1996Ft. Lauderdale, Florida4-Star Collection292785.09%Connie Miller, Pat Rygg, Denise Baber, Marcia StarnesClassic EditionRumors
1997Salt Lake City, UtahClassic Edition278480.93%Jana Brown, Susan Ives, Sheila Martinez, Donna KreadyRumorsNight Magic
1998Nashville, TennesseeRumors279985.34%Charla Esser, Judy Baxter, Dale Syverson, Peggy GramSignature SoundSwinglish Mix
1999Atlanta, GeorgiaSignature Sound275884.09%Christine Cook, Leslie Taylor, Janet Ashford, Lloyd-Ellen ThomasSwinglish Mixa cappella Gold
2000Orlando, Floridaa cappella Gold275383.93%Bette Gorton, Kim Vaughn, Tomi McEvoy, Susan Lamb KegleySwinglish MixNight Magic
2001Portland, OregonFanatix269982.29%Connie Noble, Darcy Newell, Sandy Shelver, Gerry Papageorge*, Bonnie FedyskiBrava!Swinglish Mix
2002Nashville, TennesseeSwinglish Mix272683.11%Eleanor Hawkins, Suzanne Harrington, Patty Hawley Pennycook, Naima MeyerBrava!Spotlight
2003Phoenix, ArizonaBrava!265480.91%Sandy Robinson Marron, Lynn Gerard, Elaine Cotton, Shannon HarrisSpotlightSALT
2004Indianapolis, IndianaThe BUZZ279685.24%Nancy Cloeter, Debbie Cleveland, Karen Breidert, Jeannie FroelichRazzcalsSALT
2005Detroit, MichiganSpotlight281085.67%Kendra LaPointe, LeAnn Hazlett, Kerry Denino, Patti BritzSALTFour Bettys
2006Las Vegas, NevadaSALT282085.98%Anna Ohman, Annika Andersson, Anna-Stina Gerdin*, Susanna Berndts, Karin SjoblomFour BettysRazzcals
2007Calgary, Alberta, CanadaFour Bettys273683.41%Joan Boutilier, Lynda Keever, Heather Mears Brooks, Cori AlbrechtJackpot!Razzcals
2008Honolulu, HawaiiMoxie Ladies275483.96%Stacey St. John, Jennifer Edwards, Amy Leacock, Gretchen HollowayJackpot!Razzcals
2009Nashville, TennesseeZing!282186.01%Michelle Hunget, Susan Ives, Mary Rhea, Melynnie WilliamsJackpot!MAXX Factor
2010Seattle, WashingtonMAXX Factor289388.20%Molly Dalton Plummer, Leslie Wodday, Kim Hudson*, Valerie Hadfield-Rasnake, Dawn Adams CliffordJourneyCapri
2011Houston, TexasMartini286387.29%Corinna Garriock, Michelle Shoemaker, DeAnne Haugen, Shannon HarrisTouchéa.k.a.
2012Denver, ColoradoTouché283086.28%Patty Cobb-Baker, Gina Baker, Kim McCormick, Jan AntonBling!LoveNotes
2013Honolulu, HawaiiLoveNotes287187.53%Brittany Gilmore, Mia Dessenberger, Stephanie Lawson, Caitlin SmithBling!a.k.a.
2014Baltimore, MarylandBling!281785.88%Dayve Gabbard, Angie Love-Callahan, Kim Griffin, Deanna KastlerSpeed of Sound Finesse
2015Las Vegas, NevadaSpeed of Sound282288.19%Debbie Landers, Ashley Wright, Carter Maysilles, Peggy Jones*, Kim McCormickFrenzyLustre
2016Las Vegas, NevadaFrenzy279984.47%Melissa Pope, Nikki Blackmer, Anne Marteniuk, Judy PozsgayWindsorLustre
2017Las Vegas, NevadaLustre293591.71%Kate Morrical, Lori Crouter, Lori Dreyer, Jenny HarrisClassRingWindsor
2018St. Louis, MissouriClassRing276986.53%Mary Duncan, Heather Havens, Hailey Parks, Michaela Slamka-JohnstonViva!TITANIUM
2019New Orleans, LouisianaViva!286289.44Patty Cobb Baker, Gina Baker, Chris DeRosa, Peggy JonesTITANIUMGQ

Until 1985 a quarter-final round was held as well as a semi-final and final. The winner's scores for these three rounds were added together, making for a higher grand total than later years when only two rounds of scores make up the grand total. In 1987 "bonus points" were introduced in the final round. From 1989 to 1997 the quarter-final was reintroduced at a lower score value. For full details of scoring changes see the scoring section above. Direct comparisons of scores in different eras are possible using the % column.
From 1989 to 1997 the official scoresheet includes bonus points in the final and grand total but does not account for them in the official %. The % marked here does account for the bonus points for the sake of consistency.
From 1993 onwards the Queens’ official year designation was changed to reflect the year following their win rather than the year in which the competition was held.
Until 2015 bonus points were available in the final round. Removing these reduced the possible grand total. Direct comparisons of scores in different eras are possible using the % column.
UnderAge, the 2005 winners of the Rising Star competition, won the 2013 international quartet competition performing as LoveNotes.

Results by year

The results of the most recent competition are included below.

Quartet records

Most international championships

Although a quartet is not allowed to win more than one international competition, individuals from winning quartets are permitted to join a new quartet and compete again. As of 2016, 21 people have won "dual crowns" by singing in two champion quartets, one person has won three crowns, and one person has won four times. Several winners have changed their surname by marriage in between wins; this table lists their current name followed by the name they had in their championship year. The "international champions" table, above, lists the competitor's name at that time.
NumberNamePartQuartet
4Connie NobleTenor
  • The 4th edition
  • Savvy
  • High Society
  • Fanatix
3Kim VaughnLead
  • High Society
  • Savvy
  • a cappella Gold
2Anna OhmanBaritone, TenorGrowing Girls, SALT
2Bette GortonTenorHigh Society, a cappella Gold
2Bonnie FedyskiBassChicago Fire, Fanatix
2Dale SyversonLeadTiffanys, Rumors
2Debbie Cleveland LeadShowtime, The BUZZ
2Gerry PapageorgeTenor, BassPanache, Fanatix
2Jarmela SpetaTenorThe Nota-Belles, The Rarities
2Jeannie FroelichBassCity Lights, The BUZZ
2Karen BreidertBaritoneJubilation, The BUZZ
2LeAnn HazlettLeadSwing Street, Spotlight
2Leslie Shoenhard LeadSignature Sound, MAXX Factor
2Marcia StarnesBassMusic Gallery, 4-Star Collection
2Naima MeyerBassGrowing Girls, Swinglish Mix
2Nancy CloeterTenorCity Lights, The BUZZ
2Peggy Gram BassGinger 'n Jazz , Rumors
2Sally BrinerBaritone4 For The Show, Panache
2Sandi WrightBaritoneThe Tetrachords, Ambiance
2Sandy ShelverBaritoneHigh Society, Fanatix
2Shannon HarrisBassBrava!, Martini
2Susan IvesLeadClassic Edition, Zing!
2Suzanne HarringtonLeadGrowing Girls, Swinglish Mix
2Patty Cobb-BakerTenorTouche, Viva!

Highest ever regional scores

Quartets can contain members who are registered in different regions, in which case all their regions are listed. The regional competition in which they achieved their high score is marked in bold. The highest 30 scores ever achieved at any regional competition as of 2019 are as follows:
RankScoreQuartetRegionYearCompetition summary
1715Viva!92018
2669GQ192016
3668GQ192019
4666All Fired Up192019
5665The BUZZ9, 152004
6664Milli Blink322018
7662Glamour42016
7662Ambush322019
9660Legacy52015
9660Windsor92015
9660Neon Lights192016
12659Bling!92010
12659Tenacious42016
12659Famous Janes192017
15656Fortuity312013
15656PrimeTime132017
15656Enchant342019
18655Touché9, 21, 242011
18655TITANIUM22017
20654ROXY32011
20654Milli Blink322014
20654Monarch92015
20654Pepper132015
24652PrimeTime132015
25650Gig-a-bite322018
25650RetroActive122019
27649Take Note242005
28647VOCE12019
29646The Ladies12018
30645ClassRing52015
30645Harmony152017

Highest regional score by region

The highest score ever achieved in each individual region's competition as of 2019 are as follows:

Rising Star

This quartet competition, also known as the Young Women in Harmony competition, is open to women under 25 years old.
Initially run as part of SAI's annual "International Education Symposium", from 2009 the competition was held as part of the international convention week. However, in 2013 it was decided to return to operating the competition separately due to the expense and scheduling difficulty of fitting in with the other convention events. The event was not run that year and from 2014 is held in conjunction with a regional competition.
Though it follows a simplified version of the main quartet competition scoring system, the YWIH the scoring system has changed several times – both in the potential maximum score and the strictness of the grading:
The list of Rising Star champions is as follows: