The Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz is taking its International Jazz Competition to Paris for the first time in its nearly four-decade history, and the 2026 edition has a focused, powerful theme: jazz vocals. In partnership with the Fondation Louis Vuitton, the competition will bring together exceptional young vocalists from around the world, all 30 and under, competing for more than $100,000 in scholarships and prizes. First place takes home $50,000.
The competition weekend lands October 10-11 at the Fondation’s Frank Gehry-designed Auditorium. Semifinals run Saturday, October 10, with the Finals and an All-Star Gala Concert closing things out Sunday evening. Acclaimed vocalist and Institute Trustee Dee Dee Bridgewater leads the jury. The whole event streams globally on Medici.tv, FLV Play, and YouTube.
The Institute’s track record speaks for itself. Past vocal competition winners include Cécile McLorin Salvant, Jazzmeia Horn, Gretchen Parlato, Jane Monheit, and Veronica Swift, artists who now shape the international jazz conversation at the highest level. “The human voice is the very first instrument,” Herbie Hancock said. “A great vocalist brings language and music together in a way that feels deeply human.”
Applications are open now at hancockinstitute.org/competition, with a submission deadline of July 15, 2026.