The National Women’s Action Committee (NWAC) has announced significant updates to the 2026 National Calypso Queen competition, aiming to foster greater artistic development and inclusivity. In a press release issued on November 12, NWAC revealed that the competition will introduce a semi-final round and welcome back past winners, thanks to a revision of the entry rules. Previously, winners were barred from re-entering the competition, but this restriction has now been lifted. Starting in 2026, a winner can participate again until she secures a second title, effectively allowing her to exit the competition only after two victories. This rule change has been made retroactive, enabling any past winner to re-enter, provided she has not won titles in other major competitions such as the calypso monarch, road march, soca monarch, or chutney monarch. The final is scheduled for January 25 at Queen’s Hall in Port of Spain, while auditions will commence on December 13 at Scarborough Secondary School in Tobago. These updates aim to enhance the competition’s dynamism and provide more opportunities for female calypsonians to showcase their talent.