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.