Karaoke singers and music enthusiasts are getting the show on the road this week, literally, as they compete to bring their voices to an international audience at the Karaoke World Championship (KWC) national finals.  

The nationals began on July 30 at the Chrome Showroom at the Deerfoot Inn and Casino as part of four days of fierce competition. The winners will be announced on Aug. 4.

Two soloists and one duet pair will get the chance to bring their talents to Finland to represent Canada in KWC worldwide competition, and so far competitors have been feeling both pressure and pure excitement of national competition.

“In the final moments backstage reminding them that they earned every right to be there as the next person, you see the nerves turn into excitement or adrenaline, and the worry leaves their face and you see the smile come out,” said KWC host Erin Marchetto Meyer. 

“It’s a very beautiful transition to see right before they step on stage,” 

A total of 65 finalists have been working towards this opportunity since earlier this year, qualifying for nationals after city and provincial finals in B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario.

“New people who are coming into the competition are more talented each year, and I think people are more interested in proving themselves,” said Dr. Suzanne Wright, KWC team Canada vocal coach.  

The judging rubric is comprised of 60 per cent vocal ability and 40 per cent stage presence and style. 

For some, the KWC journey is a stepping stone to reaching stages in other competitions across the country.  

“I feel like singing has always been therapeutic, and it helps me just, you know, be more confident in who I am and my abilities,” says KWC national competitor Gur Sodhi.

“One of the biggest reasons I’m doing KWC is because I want to be able to get on bigger stages after this. I’m aiming for Canada’s Got Talent. So, I think one of the other reasons that I’m doing KWC is because it gives me a lot of experience in terms of performing and critique.”

Building a karaoke community 

With high hopes for winning an international trip and proving themselves as one of the best singers across the country, the pressure has been intense and fellow participants have found solace in each other.

Laura Christensen-Cheffins, 2023 provincial winner and returning competitor says she found the competition on a whim after becoming a newcomer to Calgary. 

She stumbled across the KWC Facebook page and was surprised to have found such a great community. 

“It’s a very diverse crowd, and everybody is very kind and very supportive and that’s definitely what I needed,” said Christensen-Cheffins.  

Susan and Bernie Cook, directors for KWC Alberta and Saskatchewan, have played an outsized role in making the competition what it is, and building a sense of community around karaoke.

“Bernie and Sue are like the most awesome people ever, and they’ve really created an amazing and safe space for KWC singers, and I appreciate them for that,” said Christensen-Cheffins.  

While the growth of the competition since they began organizing it in 2015 has been exponential, Susan Cook said that she was most excited about seeing competitors grow in their skill and form lifelong bonds.  

“I love to see the camaraderie and friendships that grow from it, I love to see the growth of the competitors,” she said.

The competition runs from July 30 through Aug. 4 at the Deerfoot Inn and Casino. The World Championship will be held in Finland from Oct. 7 through 12.

More details can be found at the Karaoke World Championship Canada website at www.kwccanada.com.