It's A Hat Trick!

Australia has won the international Karaoke World Championships final in Finland for the third year in a row.

Michael Bates blitzed the crowd to claim the title after five elimination rounds at Finland's premier entertainment centre, Lahti Hall, this weekend.

Anthony Garcia from the UK placed a very close second with Medhanie Mezgebe from Sweden taking out third place. Juliet Gonnet from France won the womens title with Elaine O'Halloran from Ireland in second place & Jasmine Kara from Sweden in third. 33 singers from over 20 different countries competed in this year's event.

Reigning Womens Karaoke World Champion 2007, Australia's own, Julie Walter-Sgro, was onstage to present Michael with his trophy and her title to the new Womens Champion.

The celebrations continued into the night with a spectacular indoor fireworks display and concert by Finland's 2008 Eurovision Finalists, Teräsbetoni.

Michael has won thousands of dollars in cash and prizes including a recording deal.

www.kwcaustralia.com.au

After two nail biting rounds, the top 10 men & women of this year's Karaoke World Championships have been announced.

33 singers from over 20 different countries took to the stage at Lahti Hall, Finland's premier entertainment centre. They entertained the crowd with a mixture of rock, pop, country and opera. The judges had a tough time narrowing the talent pool down to just 20 singers (10 men & 10 women) who will progress through to the next round on Saturday.

While the majority of songs were being performed in English, several singers took the opportunity to perform songs in their own language. The crowd danced and partied in support of the singers.

As usual, the Irish lead the way with their 50+ strong contingent of supporters who not only cheer for their own but everyone else as well (any excuse to make lots of noise!)

The Austrians are giving the Irish a run for their money in the 'loud cheering' department. They're having a great time and cheering like they're Aussies, but unfortunately there are no kangaroos in Austria.....

Each entrant performed two songs of their choice over two rounds. The atmosphere was electric as each singer took to the stage in the experience of a lifetime - to sing infront of an international audience at an entertainment centre in another country.

Australia's Karaoke World Champion 2008, Michael Bates, is overseas for the first time in his life and is loving it. His first song, the Lonestar version of 'Walking In Memphis' was an instant hit with the crowd. His second song, 'The Prayer', showed versatility and secured his place in the top 10. Joining him in the next round are Ireland, UK, USA, France, Finland, Sweden, Japan & Austria.

The women's section was well taken care of with singers from Russia, France, Ireland, USA & Finland making in through to the next round, just to name a few.

Saturday will see these top 20 performers taking to the stage for the next round of the Karaoke World Championships 2008. After two more elimination rounds, the top 3 men and women will be left standing.

Prizes this year include a share in over AU$40,000 in cash & prizes including karaoke gear & a recording deal.

Photos -

Pictures (in order of appearance) - Michael Bates - Australia The Irish cheer squad Juliet Gonnet - France Sean Boland - Ireland Anthony Garcia - UK Cecilia NaaDensua Quarshie - Ghana Karol Kina - Poland

Michael Arrives In Finland

The time finally arrived for Australia's Karaoke World Champion 2008, Michael Bates, as he landed in Helsinki, Finland on Wednesday to represent Australia in the Karaoke World Championships international finals this weekend.

After the official welcoming cocktail party on Wednesday night, Michael hit the town with other competitors from around the world for karaoke at the local in the lead up to the finals (we think the Irish are trying to lead him astray....)

Thursday night saw the official opening ceremony featuring current reigning Karaoke World Champions, Australia's 2007 champ, Julie Walter-Sgro (pictured with Michael at the KWC welcoming cocktail party) & Malaysia's Lu Hee Wah. The competition begins on Friday with the first two rounds. Just before an entertaining performance by the Scandinavian Hunks Show, the top 10 men & women will be announced. These 20 singers will progress through to the next round on Saturday. After a further 3 elimination rounds, the Karaoke World Champions for 2008 will be announced and celebrated with an encore performance, a spectacular indoor fireworks display and a concert by Finland's Eurovision 2008 finalists, Teräsbetoni.

This year's finalists stand to share in over AU$40,000 in cash & prizes including a recording contract and an exclusive single release. We wish Michael the best of luck and hope he can bring home the title for a third year in a row (no pressure, of course!)

Australia's New Karaoke World Champions

Michael Bates, 21, is Australia's newest Karaoke World Champion.

Michael, a customer service agent from Parafield Gardens, SA, narrowly secured the title in a karaoke showdown at Twin Towns Services Club last night with his personal renditions of Andrea Bocelli's 'The Prayer' & the Lonestar version of 'Walking In Memphis'. He will now follow in the footsteps of Australia's previous champions and represent Australia at the international finals of the Karaoke World Championships in Finland in October.

After a night of tough competition, Peter Jenkins, representing Victoria, placed second after his theatrical performances of 'Grace Kelly' by Mika & 'I Know Where I've Been' from Hairspray. Following closely in third place was Clinton Beacher, representing WA. Clinton personified the Phantom of the Opera with 'The Music Of The Night' & entertained the crowd with glowsticks and the 80's A-ha classic, 'Take On Me'.

After an exhaustive six month national search, Australia's top 10 karaoke singers battled it out for the title plus prizes from Club Crocodile Airlie Beach and Capital Karaoke.

As Australia's newest Karaoke World Champion, Michael has won a return flight to Finland with 5 nights accommodation and $2000.00 spending money compete against singers from around the world at Finland's premier entertainment centre, Lahti Hall. Now in its 6th year, the Karaoke World Championships features in nearly 30 different countries worldwide.

Over 40 singers from Queensland competed in the afternoon for the chance to represent their state in the National Grand Final. Jenna Locke, representing the Gold Coast Commerce Club, was crowned the Qld Champion after her performance of 'I Will Always Love You' and was immediately whisked backstage for her Grand Final performances. Second place went to Brett Hann, representing the Glen Hotel, Eight Mile Plains with Hayley Beard, representing the Royal Mail Hotel, Tewantin, in third.

Australia has claimed the international title for the past two years and is home to the current reigning international female Karaoke World Champion, Julie Walter-Sgro, who will be performing as a special guest artist in Finland. Michael is planning to secure a hat trick for Australia.

Central Coast NSW & Tasmanian Representatives Announced

Congratulations to Shane Edwards & Indi Quin for reaching the national Grand Final of the Karaoke World Championships Australian Trials 2008.

Shane Edwards was crowned Central Coast NSW State Final Champion at the Mayfield Ex-Services Club on Sunday, 13th July, 2008. He represented the Ettalong Beach Bowling Club.

Indi Quin stole the show at the Saloon Bar, Hotel Tasmania. Denise Harper was the runner up.

With only one more Grand Finalist to be announced & less than three weeks to go, the tension is mounting as we await the announcement of this year's Australian Karaoke World Champion! The Qld State Final will be held on Sat. 2nd August at Twin Towns Services Club on Australia's fabulous Gold Coast immediately before the Australian Grand Final. Tickets can be booked by phoning Twin Towns booking office - 1 800 014 014. Ticket price covers admission to both the Qld State Final & Australian Grand Final.

WA Singer Takes Title

Congratulations to the latest singer to reach the Australian National Grand Final of the Karaoke World Championships 2008 -

Clinton Beacher, representing the Fox 'n' Hound in Armadale, won over the crowd and the judges at the WA State Final on Sunday, 6th July, 2008 at the Hyde Park Hotel in Perth.

Clinton will now join Michael Bates (SA), Peter Jenkins (VIC), Alana Morgans (Nth Qld), Rachel Collins (ACT), Tegan Nelson (Reg. NSW), Jodie Geerin (NSW) along with the Tasmanian & Queensland State Final winners to battle it out for the title of Karaoke World Champion Australia 2008 on Sat. 2nd August at Twin Towns Services Club.

The winner of the Australian National Grand Final will travel to Finland in October to represent Australia at the international finals.

Tickets to attend the Australian National Grand Final are on sale now - ph: 1 800 014 014. Tickets will cover admission to both the Qld State Final and the National Grand Final.

Latest Australian Grand Finalists Announced

Three new Grand Finalists were announced this weekend for the Australian National Grand Final in August -


KWC 2008 ACT State Final
Canberra Irish Club, Weston
Fri. 27th June, 2008
Congratulations to -
Champion - Rachel Collins, representing the Canberra Irish Club, Weston
Runner Up - Brooke Bason





KWC 2008 Reg. NSW State Final
Central Hotel, Tamworth
Sat. 28th June, 2008
Congratulations to -
Champion - Tegan Nelson, representing the Gunnedah Services & Bowling Club, Gunnedah
Runner Up - Julie Palmer




KWC 2008 NSW State Final - One World Sport, Parramatta - Sun. 29th June, 2008
Congratulations to Jodie Geerin, representing One World Sport, Parramatta
Runner Up - Christopher Booth

The girls will now travel to the Gold Coast in August to compete in the Australian National Grand Final for the chance to represent Australia at the international finals of the Karaoke World Championships in Finland in October. They have also won prizes from Club Crocodile Airlie Beach & Capital Karaoke plus their respective KWC Australia State Final Champion 2008 trophy.

Nth Qld Talent Shines At State Final

Congratulations to Alana Morgans, the KWC Australia Nth Qld State Final Champion for 2008.

The competition was tough as Alana competed against singers from Rockhampton, Gladstone, Charters Towers, Proserpine, Bowen & Mackay at Club Crocodile Airlie Beach resort last night. Alana represented the Denison Hotel in Bowen.

Alana will now travel to the Gold Coast in August to compete in the Australian National Grand Final for the chance to represent Australia at the international finals of the Karaoke World Championships in Finland in October. Alana has also won prizes from Club Crocodile Airlie Beach & Capital Karaoke plus the KWC Australia Nth Qld State Final Champion 2008 trophy.

Erle Louk, representing the Enterprise Hotel in Charters Towers, was runner up.

Is There A Triple J Doctor In The House?

After endless hours of singing to his deaf cat, Triple J's Lindsay 'The Doctor' McDougall headed on down to One World Sport in Parramatta to enter the Karaoke World Championships Australian Trials 2008 in his quest to sing karaoke for Australia.

Dressed to the nines in his favourite pin stripe suit, 'The Doctor' took to the stage to perform Robbie Williams', 'Angels'. He later dazzled the crowd with the INXS classic, 'I Need You Tonight'. He was truly in excess....

Did Lindsay 'The Doctor' McDougall win in his quest to sing karaoke for Australia? Find out next Saturday morning on JTV - 9am on ABC 1.

Victorious Victorian Vocalist Wins State Title

Peter Jenkins, representing the Mountain View Hotel in Glen Waverley, has won the Victorian State Final of the Karaoke World Championships Australian Trials 2008.

The event was held on Sun. 8th June at the Matthew Flinders Hotel in Chadstone. 19 singers took to the stage to battle it out for the chance to represent their state in the Australian Grand Final.

Peter has won a trip to the Gold Coast including 2 nights accommodation to attend the Australian Grand Final, 2 nights at Club Crocodile Airlie Beach, a DVD player, discs & a $100.00 voucher from Capital Karaoke plus the KWC Australian Trials Victorian State Final Winner 2008 Trophy. He will compete in the Australian Grand Final in the showroom at Twin Towns Services Club, Gold Coast on Sat. 2nd August, 2008. Peter is now in the running for the trip to Finland.

Runner up was Penny Karanicolas from the Matthew Flinders Hotel.

South Australian Winner Announced

Michael Bates, representing the Slug N Lettuce in Parafield Gardens, has won the South Australian State Final of the Karaoke World Championships Australian Trials 2008.

The event was held on Sat. 17th May at the Links Hotel in Seaton to a full house. 21 competitors took to the stage for the chance to represent their state in the Australian Grand Final.

Michael has won a trip to the Gold Coast including 2 nights accommodation to attend the Australian Grand Final, 2 nights at Club Crocodile Airlie Beach, a DVD player, discs & a $100.00 voucher from Capital Karaoke plus the KWC Australian Trials South Australian State Final Winner 2008 Trophy. He will compete in the Australian Grand Final in the showroom at Twin Towns Services Club, Gold Coast on Sat. 2nd August, 2008. Michael is now in the running for the trip to Finland.

Runner up was Samantha Bertossa from the Links Hotel.

Who Will Represent South Australia?

Tension is mounting as South Australia prepares to discover who will represent their state at the Australian National Grand Final of the Karaoke World Championships 2008.

The winner will be announced on Sat. 17th May, 2008 at the Links Hotel, 346 Tapley Road, Seaton Adelaide SA. The final starts at 8.30pm

21 lucky finalists are now in the running -

Bridgeport Hotel, Murray Bridge - Amanda Stroh, Darren Gurney & Natassia Morrison
Federal Hotel, Mt Gambier - Tammy Clare, Shannon Ryan & Maddie Karklins
Hotel Enfield, Clearview - Keri Phipps, Jackie Ramsay & Margaret Thompson
Hotel Eyre, Whyalla - Stuart Campbell, James Gilbert & Heather Maas
Links Hotel, Seaton - Rowena Rundle, Samantha Bertossa & Kahleah Mutch
Slug N Lettuce, Parafield Gardens - Donna Gabbusch, Kylie Burford & Michael Bates
Victoria Hotel, O'Halloran Hill - Amanda Woodlands, Rob Leaney & Kristy Saunders

The winner will win a return trip to the Gold Coast including two nights accommodation to compete in the Australian National Grand Final in August PLUS two nights at Club Crocodile Airlie Beach, a DVD player, discs & $100.00 voucher from Capital Karaoke PLUS the Karaoke World Championships South Australian State Final Winner 2008 trophy!

Entry to the State Final will be by donation to the Womens & Childrens Hospital Foundation.

For more information on KWC, please visit http://www.kwcaustralia.com.au/

Watch KWC Videos Online

Check out our new KWC video page on YouTube!

You can now watch videos of all three Australian champions - Kelee Buswell (2005), Mark Wilson (2006) & Julie Walter-Sgro (2007) along with more KWC videos from around the world.

Playlists include our Aussie champions, KWC official videos and videos from previous international finalists who have gone on to professional recording careers.

Our page will be updated with more videos soon, so make sure you subscribe to be kept up to date!

http://www.youtube.com/kwcaustralia

KWC Finalist in Eurovision Selection

Word is that KWC 2006 3rd place women's champion, Veronika Konnova (Russia), has just received an invitation from the Russian Eurovision forum to submit a song for consideration to represent Russia in the annual song contest.

In 2007, Veronika shortened her name to 'Verona' and released her single 'Shag za Shagom' ('Step by Step').

Previous Eurovision performers include Olivia Newton-John, Celine Dion, Cliff Richard and, of course, the infamous launch of Abba with their hit song, 'Waterloo' onto the world stage in 1974.

The Russian national selection will take place 9th March, 2008. The semi finals and final of Eurovision will take place in May in Belgrade.

Watch Verona's video clip 'Shag za Shagom' on You Tube - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xfTCjJQk_s

News Source:

http://www.oikotimes.com/v2/index.php?file=articles&id=2294

http://www.eurovision.tv

KWC 2008 Official Australian Launch Party

We're ready to party and YOU'RE INVITED!!

Come & join us as we officially launch the Australian Trials of the Karaoke World Championships for 2008! Meet current reigning female Karaoke World Champion, Julie Walter-Sgro, Australia's own 2007 champion & watch her perform!

The Oz Karaoke Show will party from 7pm - 11pm so you can also strut your stuff!

FREE ENTRY!!

When: Wednesday, 30th January, 2008
Where: The Glen Hotel
Cnr Logan Rd & Gaskell St
Eight Mile Plains - Brisbane, Australia
Time: Karaoke from 7pm - Official Launch @ 8pm

See YOU There!!

www.kwcaustralia.com.au/kwc2008launch.html