After a tumultuous weekend in Southern show choir, the initial 2026 rankings have many storylines baked in.

Four regional experts were surveyed on 20 of Ohio's top show choirs. The results, plus some news and notes, give insight on where the Ohio scene currently stands.

Three heavy-hitting competitions headlined Nebraska action last weekend, with Gretna, Elkhorn North and Lincoln East hitting the win column for the first time this year.

Stock photo: Derrick Knight | A total of 11 choirs from Ohio and West Virginia will be competing in one of West Virginia’s largest competitions both in size and quality of groups.

The HomeRoom National Show Choir Rankings are an attempt to do the impossible - quantify a subjective art form. This week's rankings are the first of the 2026 season, with Iowa leading the way

As the Indiana competition season enters full gear, every division sees a top three shakeup

Stock image: Derrick Knight | Carthage took their first win since 2019, and out-of-state groups Broken Arrow and Mt. Zion outpaced great Missouri ensembles.

Stock image: Derrick Knight | In what was the only show in the state on Saturday, Emerald Elegance and Rhythm in Red put on performances that landed both on the podium.

Stock image: Derrick Knight | Familiar powerhouses Cosby, Manchester, Thomas Dale and Amherst County will be joined by up-and-comers Kecoughtan, Poquoson, MidBROthian and more.

West Jones and Tupelo scored incredible victories over large fields, Brandon took care of business at NEJ, and more.