Venues, Karaoke Hosts (KJS), and Singers join our Email Lists. We will keep you posted on what is happening. KJS--we need kjs that we can refer to new venues that have not had karaoke before. We want the best KJS so please be prepared to have references. Please join email list for further information.
Wired Magazine Article written by Brian Raftery
"HI, EVERYBODY! I DON'T LIKE boats, and I haven't slept in 37 hours!" With that introduction, Jay Stolk - a gangly Canadian with a Fu Manchu mustache and a fluffy mullet - launches into Otis Redding's "Try a Little Tenderness." For the next three minutes he slides, struts, and gyrates his way across the stage of the Starlight Palace, a faux art deco, 1,200-capacity concert arena that's currently cruising across the Gulf of Finland. more
Meeting of the mics:
'Idol's' effect on karaoke Article on MSNBC
KWCUSA Competition Rules
Please find below the rules and judging criteria that applies to the Karaoke World Championships.
These rules also apply for all our heats and competitions throughout U.S.A., and must be adhered to.
1. The competition is open to amateurs (not professionals, see below) who are interested in karaoke-singing and are over 18 years of age. Men and women will have their own categories (solo performers only, no duets). No one that can possibly be considered a professional will be allowed to participate. KWCUSA has complete authority to disqualify any competitor in violation of this rule.
What Is/Isn't an Amateur
Does not have a regular income or a steady secondary income as a vocalist -
a regular income is defined as someone making a living from singing;
a steady secondary income is defined as someone who has a day job and sings
more than ONCE a week;
May perform occasionally, provided it is no more than 52 paid performances in one
year, regardless of the amount of payment. This includes, but is not limited to, freelance
singers, wedding singers, band singers, etc. and is subject to the other rules within these
conditions of entry;
Does not have a signed contract as a singer for an establishment or production, even if
it is only part time and less than 52 performances a year;
Does not have a management contract;
Does not have, nor has ever had, a recording distribution agreement;
Does not have, nor has ever had, a recording contract;
Does not have online profile promoting them as a professional singer/performer including,
but not limited to, personal websites and professional websites, regardless of
their interpretation of their professionalism with the exception of occasional newspaper
articles.
An entrant who may have had a previous entertainment history may enter after a 5 year break provided they:
Have never been signed to a recording deal as a solo artist or a band member;
Did not attain a national profile by way of a solo career or as a member of a band
An entrant may have a CD recording available to the public provided:
They have paid for the entire production themselves;
They are only selling it via their own means;
it is not being sold through any outlet including, but not limited to, iTunes, online stores, physical stores, etc. regardless of whether or not they have paid for the full production
themselves;
Is not the result of a recording contract
The competitor must be a citizen (has lived in the country for over than 3 years) or have a
citizenship (i.e. a national passport and social security number) of the country he or she is representing.
National Final winners of all previous Karaoke World Championships National Trials, i.e. those
who have gone on to represent their country, can enter Karaoke World Championships World
final two (2) times.
Reigning or previous KWC World Champions are not allowed to take part in the future KWC
Events as competitors.
The organizers reserve the right to make the final assessment regarding any entrant's eligibility
over and above these conditions of entry. Entrants may be asked to sign a legal document and
provide proof regarding their eligibility.
All issues addressing eligibility of contestants must be addressed clarified and cleared 7 days
prior to State Finals. Proof of claim will be required.
2. To represent the U.S.A. in the Karaoke World Championships International Competition, participants must hold a current U.S.A. passport. Every winner and everyone qualified from regionals to compete in the nationals should be prepared to provide proof of current passport and amateur status before entering the national competition. Should the competitor act in an improper way; for example compete or perform (at any point
or place during the KWC Event) being intoxicated or act disgracefully towards other competitors
or singers, any KWC country partner, any member of the crew of the KWC Event, any
member of the jury or any of the organizers of the KWC Event, KWC Organization has the
right to immediately disqualify the competitor. All competitors must be ready to commit themselves to the tasks, rewards and obligations of
being a Karaoke World Champion. The tasks, rewards or obligations might include tours, recording
deals, promotion events and such. If the competitor is not able to commit him/herself
to these requirements, the title may be handed to the first runner-up by KWC Organization’s
executive decision.
How to Prove Amateur Status
Provide current year's tax return.
Signed and notarized affidavit stating current employment is not as professional singer/vocalist.
W2 or recent paystub.
3. Competitors can use their own karaoke discs (manufacturers CD's only, not copies!) of their songs. Maximum length of one song is 5 minutes. Absolutely no profanity in either the backing vocal tracks or the main vocals will be tolerated.
4. Singers MUST pre register online at www.kwcusa.net/invsinger.htm--click on "registration" in order to compete in any local, state, regional, or national competition. Invoice serves as proof of registration and must be shown prior to entering any KWCUSA contest.
SUMMARY OF THE FIVE MAIN JUDGING CRITERIA
1. VOICE SOUND QUALITY
- The quality and individual characteristics of the voice
2. RHYTHM & TEMPO
- The voice in relation to the music
3. VOCAL EXPRESSION
- How well the performer is able to express the meaning and mood of the song
4. STAGE PRESENCE
- The physical expression of the song in terms of the overall visual presentation of the performance on stage
5. ENTERTAINMENT VALUE
- The audience's and judges' reaction to the overall performance
INFRINGEMENT
KWCUSA reserves a full right to disqualify a competitor if any of the rules above are
infringed.
The KWC Event Rules have been approved and updated by KWCUSA on March 2nd, 2011.
KWCUSA sponsored by:Chartbuster Karaoke
Just announced (4/16/08), Chartbuster Karaoke has joined KWCUSA as a major sponsor. They have offered several prize packages for our regional and national competitions.
Karaoke World Championships: Karaoke Kings written by Rodger Cambria
I arrive in Helsinki around noon, still reeling from a brutal 15-hour transatlantic flight. Jet-lagged, and nearly twisted on Lorazepam, I hop a taxi to the harbor and board the M/S Galaxy, a luxury liner offering weekend cruises to Estonia. I drop my bags in the windowless cabin that will be my home for the next three days and make my way downstairs to the Starlight Show Lounge. more
