Animaga Uta Taikai Singing Competition
Get Ready for the Animaga Uta Taikai 2026!
Get your vocal warm-ups started and prep your setlists! The annual Animaga singing competition is officially back for Melbourne 2026, and it returns with a brand-new name: Welcome to the Animaga Uta Taikai (formerly known as Animaga Idol)!
While the name is fresh, the spirit of the competition remains unchanged. This is the ultimate platform for vocalists to step up to the microphone, take over the main stage at the MCEC this August 29 and 30, and show Melbourne what they’ve got.
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Let Your Voice Take the Stage
Every iconic anime scene has a rhythm—whether it’s a fast-paced battle opener, a quiet, moving finale, or a high-energy J-pop hit. At the Uta Taikai, contestants take those tracks and make them entirely their own.
As one of the most high-energy, supportive events of the entire weekend, the Uta Taikai brings the unforgettable sounds of anisong anthems and gaming themes to life in front of a massive live audience.
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🛑 Applications Are Now Closed
Thank you to everyone who submitted an audition! Applications for this year’s Uta Taikai are officially closed while our judges review all entries. Successful finalists will be contacted soon with further details.
We can’t wait to see you in the crowd—and hear you cheer on our finalists—at MCEC this August!
- Where: Main Stage
- Date: Saturday, 29th August
- Time: 14:30-15:30
- Date: Sunday, 30th August
- Time: 15:00-16:00
Mello
Instagram: @mello.n_melon
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With a Bachelor’s degree in Music Performance, Mello brings distinct vocal expertise to Melbourne’s idol scene. As an idol herself, she expresses a deep love for Japanese idol culture both on-stage and off. Outside of idol performances, Mello has recently taken to busking in Melbourne and independent artist alley events. More than anything, she loves good music and looks forward to hearing what each competitor brings to the Uta Taikai stage!Â
Peiyi (ep.12 / Hoka no Tea Time)
Instagram: @peiyi_hokanoteatime
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Peiyi is the vocalist for 2 anime cover bands, Hoka no Tea Time (Melbourne’s longest running anime cover band) and the newly formed ep.12. She has performed at various conventions and festivals and was an opening act for BabyBeard’s 2024 Australian tour. In addition to performing, she is also a producer for Anime Music Festival Melbourne.
Penthea Snowe
Instagram: @pentheaa
A strong-willed and passionate performer, Penthea lights up every stage she’s on! She loves all kinds of music, but has an especially soft spot for ballads. She has been a frequent entrant for Animaga Uta Taikai, placing in the top two many times, and is now excited to be on the other side watching everyone perform their hardest from the judging table!
