What makes a world-class karaoke singer? The super talented Shabrina Leonita knows a thing or two about it! The TV presenter from Indonesia won the 2021 Karaoke World Championships organized by Singa in November 🎤
Before the KWC win, Shabrina had won several prestigious singing competitions in Indonesia, including the Bintang Radio Nasional organized by Radio Republik Indonesia in 2018. She also appeared in the TV show I Can See Your Voice Indonesia during season 4.
We had a little chat with Shabrina and asked the gifted singer to tell us more about her background in singing and future plans.
Q: Tell us about your background in singing.
A: I’ve been singing since I was four years old. After I was in elementary school I regularly participated in singing competitions. Since a young age, I have been doing shows to help the family’s economy while I am still studying in my small village in Belitung Island. I learned to sing from Michael Jackson’s tapes which my father always bought for me every time my birthday came around. I love him so much!! I often sing karaoke – I feel that the best way for my healing is also through karaoke. I’ve been singing for almost half of my life.
Q: What were your first thoughts when you realized you had won the 2021 Karaoke World Championships?
A: My interesting experience: two years ago I joined KWC and auditioned for KWC Indonesia. I remember that at that time the international KWC would be held in Japan in 2019 – but fate spoke differently, I lost the semifinal round, and cried until I got back home. Thank God, this year I was back fighting for KWC and God allowed me to be where I am now. When the jury announced that I was the winner, my whole body trembled watching how God worked in my life. I can’t say anything, this is the best experience of my life and will be a long history for me.
Q: This year KWC was held online. How was it to compete compared to competitions where you shared the stage with other singers?
A: To be honest, I was very sad because I couldn’t compete live and meet many talented singers from other countries. However, due to these challenging conditions, I try to understand and keep in touch with other participants so that the warm atmosphere of the competition can still be felt. I think competing online is more difficult than competing in person. I hope next year the world will improve, and KWC can be held offline.
Q: The Karaoke World Championships is the world’s biggest karaoke event. What are your tips for next year's contestants?
You must be confident in your talents.
A: You must be confident in your talents. If you guys have the same problem as I did, where I can’t sing songs with high notes, it’s not a problem. Develop your potential and explore the other side of things. Besides that, the selection of songs is very important in helping you to show who you really are. Choose the best song according to your character. Lastly, if KWC 2022 is online again, I hope you can continue to present your best work and do as much as you can.
Q: What are your future plans in music and singing?
A: This is my first time competing in an international singing competition. In the future I hope to be able to participate in similar events, meet and collaborate with singers from all over the world and do shows in several countries. I hope it will actually come true. Last but not least, I hope I can finish my university studies in Communications as soon as possible and enter the professional world as soon as possible.
Q: Any greetings to the KWC family?
A: Hello my KWC family, I’m Shabrina from Indonesia. I want to thank you very much for your kindness in making KWC events continue to this day. You are very extraordinary and talented people. For all the participants who will take part in KWC 2022, keep up the spirit, show your true self, and shine. I’m waiting for your performance at KWC Norway 2022!
Check out the Karaoke World Championships: a singing competition for everyone!
The Karaoke World Championships is organized by Singa, a streaming service for karaoke singers. The Singa consumer karaoke app is available on computer, mobile, and smart TV. As a friend of the Karaoke World Championships, you’ll get Singa Premium free for 2 months. Activate your free Singa Premium here and sing as much as you'd like!
In addition to the consumer app for song lovers, Singa offers cost-effective and professional karaoke software for hospitality venues. More about different karaoke solutions for businesses here.