After receiving more than 50 auditions from singers across Arkansas and the Mid-South, organizers of the 46th Annual Cave City Watermelon Festival have announced the 10 finalists for the 2026 Sweetest Voice competition.
Festival officials said this year’s competition attracted one of its strongest fields ever, making it difficult for judges to narrow the contestants to the final ten performers.
Organizers thanked everyone who auditioned and praised the outstanding talent showcased throughout the selection process.
The finalists will perform live on Thursday, July 23, during the Cave City Watermelon Festival as they compete for cash prizes and the opportunity to open for two nationally known country music acts.
2026 Sweetest Voice Finalists
Dustin Huckabee – Austin, Arkansas
Tiffany Wisecarver – Oxford, Arkansas
Nick Daniel – Conway, Arkansas
CJ Smith – Cherokee Village, Arkansas
Dylan Scribner – Batesville, Arkansas
Chloee Rae – Blue Ridge, Texas
Isabella Luttrell – Bixby, Oklahoma
Jeremy Johnson – Cave City, Arkansas
Lucy Conner – Alma, Arkansas
Shaylan Larae – Stilwell, Oklahoma
The competition winner will receive a $500 cash prize and earn the opportunity to open for country music star Sammy Kershaw during the festival’s Saturday night concert.
The runner-up will also take the stage, opening Friday night’s concert for Confederate Railroad.
Festival organizers are encouraging residents and visitors to attend Thursday night’s competition and support these talented performers as they compete for the title of 2026 Sweetest Voice Champion.
The 46th Annual Cave City Watermelon Festival features live entertainment, family activities, carnival rides, watermelon events, vendors and concerts throughout the multi-day celebration, making it one of Arkansas’ premier summer festivals.
