Do you know that there is a Karaoke World Championships (KWC)? The singing competition has been taking place annually since 2003 and has been attracting singers from all over the world. Interested yet? Let's dive a little bit deeper into the super-duper fun KWC, its history, current events, as well as tips to rock the stage and how you can get involved.
Why should I compete in singing?
Of course singing should be mostly for entertainment and expressing ones feelings, but sometimes it can be fun to compare yourself to others or hit the bigger stage. Competitive singing is a hobby for thousands and thousands of singers around the world, and it can also be a wonderful way to meet people who share the same passion. Some competitions offer great prizes, but most singers join these events mostly for the sizzling feeling of being judged among others and being part of an exciting event.
There has always been talent contests, and since the early days of karaoke, bars have given prizes to their champions of the block. Karaoke is for everyone and this means karaoke competitions are also accessible to everyone. There are different levels in karaoke competitions from "Best crooner of the venue" all the way to national competitions with qualifiers, semifinal stages and a huge national finals event.
Karaoke World Championships (KWC)
Since 2003, there has been a global karaoke competition called Karaoke World Championships (KWC). It is the world’s biggest and most prestigious global talent competition and karaoke event. Karaoke World Championships is the opportunity for aspiring singers all around the globe to show their amazing talents to the world and to give the crowd an unforgettable experience.
The annual world finals have been held in various countries around the world, from the vibrant Singapore (2015) to the karaoke birth place Tokyo (2019) to the northern land of Helsinki (2017 & 2018). During the Covid pandemic, the 2020 and 2021 finals were turned into buzzing online events. But in 2022 the event made an in-person comeback in Norway. This year Keke Adiba from Indonesia took home gold in the solo event. The 2023 event will be held in Panama!
KWC represents a for passion for music and global friendships through singing. If you are over 18 years of age and unsigned from major label record deals or similar contracts, you are eligible to participate. The first step is participating in your national KWC competitions. If your country does not have a national competition, you are eligible to participate in the KWC Global Video Challenge (on-going currently!). You will find all the needed information on the KWC's website.
Fun fact: The USA has won the most prizes in KWCs, and the winner of KWC 2020 is also from the States. Check his performance out below!
Tips to do well in KWC competition
In karaoke competitions the performance is everything. Choose a song that works well for your vocal range and represent your style/best resonate with the artist in you. But then, remember that you shouldn't try to imitate the original performer. It’s you who everyone wants to see and hear. Just be yourself and sing your heart out. That’s the best way to start.
Competitors will be judge on voice and technique: quality, range, dynamics, skill, timing, breathing, pitch etc. Usually you will get feedback either from judges or other contestants. Feedback is something that is supposed to make you better, so don’t get offended by it. We don’t often hear ourselves the same way others do or we may have a gesture or a mannerism we’re not even aware of. Or we may lack some technique. Or we are not all born stage-ready. That requires practice too: how to “take the audience” and be natural on stage when everybody is watching you. But you shouldn’t worry about people watching you. KWC competitors are very supportive and everyone shares the same excitement for the competition!
How can I start?
1) Log into Singa and pick 3 songs that you love a lot and think are good at delivering your sound and character. Again, remember to choose songs that are suitable for you.
Are you a rocker? Rock it out! Do you love ballads? Well, there you go. Nothing is off-limit! Singa has over 80 000 karaoke songs of all genres and time that you can choose from.
2) Practice your competition songs. Try to stop reading the lyrics. You need to know your songs by heart in order to improve your performance. Film yourself singing the songs and analyze your performances. Practice is the key, all your favourite performers have practiced a lot.
3) Enter any karaoke competition. Go to your local bar competition and find out how different judges value your singing. And...
4) When you’re ready: ENTER KARAOKE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS! We’re all here waiting for you. You can find local KWC karaoke competitions near you by going to your local countries page here.
And remember to follow KWC's social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube) to keep up-to-date with its event, enjoy some wonderful singings, show support to your favorite singers, and maybe we'll see you in the competition soon!