CDM2026
CDM 2026 Auditions
Open Auditions

Get on
the 2026
lineup.

Meet the Judge

You got what it takes?

Make the cut and you'll showcase your talent live in front of one of CDM's headliners, Sunny Malton — the official judge of the 2026 auditions. Win him over, and the lineup slot is yours.

Official Judge
Sunny Malton
You'll perform live — in front of him.

The largest Punjabi music festival in the U.S. returns to Sacramento on Oct 17, 2026. One winner earns a real slot on the CDM lineup. Lock in your audition below.

20+Major artists on the CDM 2026 bill
1Chance
1Slot on the 2026 lineup
NAVPrem DhillonSunny MaltonJassa DhillonBK DhaliwalChinnaManpreet ToorFateh DoeBig Boi DeepJassi GosalYou're next
Cali Da Mela 2026
Audition Pass
0/5
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Audition Entry · CDM2026.INFO
Official Lineup

The bill you're
joining

Win the audition and your name goes on the CDM 2026 poster.

CDM 2026 lineup — NAV, Prem Dhillon, Sunny Malton, Jassa Dhillon, BK Dhaliwal, Chinna and more. Oct 17, 2026, Sacramento. CDM 2026 · 10.17.26
Audition Stops

Two cities left

Register online, then come to your city on its date. Show-up time is 10:00 AM everywhere — plan to be there all day, until 9 PM if needed.

New York, NY
Date
Saturday, August 22, 2026
Show up
10:00 AM
Plan for
All day, until 9:00 PM if needed
Location
Shared with confirmed applicants
Sacramento, CA
Date
Sunday, August 30, 2026
Show up
10:00 AM
Plan for
All day, until 9:00 PM if needed
Location
Shared with confirmed applicants
The Fine Print

Audition Rules

  1. Bring photo ID. A valid government photo ID is required to audition.
  2. Register first. Complete your audition file online before you come. Walk-ins aren't guaranteed a slot.
  3. Showcase your talent. Bring your best — vocals, rap, a production set, dance, whatever your craft is.
  4. Show up at 10:00 AM. Doors open at 10:00 AM in every city. Plan to stay all day, until 9 PM if needed — latecomers may forfeit their slot.
  5. Bring your track. Have any backing track ready on your phone. A mic and PA are provided.
  6. Originals or covers. Both are welcome — bring your strongest material.
  7. One entry per person. Pick one city. You can audition in a city you don't live in.
  8. The judge decides. Sunny Malton and the CDM team have final say on all results. Decisions are final.
  9. Conduct. Bad behavior will not be tolerated. CDM may void any audition for any reason, including safety concerns.
  10. We'll reach out. Finalists and the winner are contacted directly through the email and Instagram you provide.
  11. Filming consent. By auditioning, you allow CDM to film and photograph your performance for promotional use.
Questions

FAQ

Who can audition?
Singers, rappers, producers, dancers — Punjabi music is our world, but bring whatever you do best.
Who's the judge?
CDM 2026 headliner Sunny Malton is the official judge. You perform live, in person, for him.
What does the winner get?
One winner earns a real performance slot on the CDM 2026 lineup — Oct 17 in Sacramento, on the same bill as NAV, Prem Dhillon, Sunny Malton and more.
How do I enter?
Hit Apply Now, fill out your audition file — name, contact, Instagram, and city — then show up at your city at 10:00 AM.
Is there a fee?
Yes — a one-time $49 USD application fee (limited time; normally $99) confirms your spot. It's collected after you submit your details.
What should I bring?
Photo ID and your backing track on your phone. We provide the mic and sound system.
Can I audition in a city I don't live in?
Yes. Pick either remaining city — New York or Sacramento — whichever works for you.
When will I hear back?
Finalists are contacted directly by DM and email after the auditions wrap. Keep both open.