I agree that a picture would be helpful. I also agree that you should definitely read the notes from the judges. They may have good feedback that will explain what they liked or didn't like about your quilt.
I have seen many, many quilts at quilt shows and online that are irregular in shape, and that have tons of embellishment. It is important to read the rules for the category you are entering, and those can vary widely from one show to another. Small shows, like those put on by guilds or by many fairs, don't usually have professional judges, and personal taste may enter into the awarding of prizes. Just remember that not every quilt is going to win an award, and a quilt that wins a blue ribbon at one show may not even place at another. There will always be people who think the judges were wrong. I don't mean this in a mean-spirited way, but if you are going to feel bad when you don't win, then perhaps you shouldn't enter. Making your art is its own reward.