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!)