We are looking for someone who is keen, versatile and prepared. A repetoire of 5 songs will be required by the Australian winner ready to perform in the Karaoke World Championships international finals so now is a good time to build up your repertoire with a variety of different songs. Our winner will be up against the best from around the world. Here are a few tips to get you started...

Song Choice
Song choice is very important. The judges want to see and hear what you do, not what you think they want you to do. Carefully select your song choices. What do you like to sing? Do you sing it well? Will the song be popular with the audience? Is someone else likely to choose the same song? Has the song been done a million times before?

Record yourself singing the songs. Quite often, singing slightly off key is the main thing that lets singers down in a competition. It may be so subtle that the audience doesn't hear it but the judges certainly will. Record yourself and listen back objectively. Are you singing in tune? This will give you the opportunity to correct any mistakes you may make that you weren't aware of. You may even find another key more suitable.

Learn The Words
Yes, it is karaoke and yes, the words will always be available on screen at each performance but by learning the words, you can confidently concentrate on other parts of your performance instead of looking for the screen.

Karaoke Discs - To Own, Or Not To Own
At competition level, it is worth considering owning your own discs. Have you ever been to a new karaoke show, put in your song request only to find that it was a different version to the one you are used to or like? This is the reason why you should consider having your own discs for a competition. You only get one chance! You want to have everything right! You can be sure that you will know the version back to front and exactly what key suits your voice. You will be more prepared and able to concentrate more on your performance. CDG & VCD are the most popular.

What To Wear
Think about what you're going to wear on stage. Think about what the competition is about and wear an outfit to suit both it and your song. Some competitions are themed whereas others aren't. Dress it up!!

Presentation
Presentation is just as much a part of your overall performance as your singing ability. You could be the best singer in the world but if you aren't visually entertaining as well, you won't score as well as someone who is. Take notice of what your face is up to. It is one of your most important features. Pretend you're singing at the Entertainment Centre! What you visualise in your mind is just as important as the rest of your performance. If you've chosen a song that has an instrumental break, think about what you can also do there.

Attendance At The Local
Karaoke is supported by a network of regular singers. Without that support, there would be no karaoke and not too many opportunities to get up and sing. Support the venues and karaoke operators who are supporting you! This doesn't mean that you have to be there from start to finish every week, but as often as you can throughout the competition. Besides, you can also suss out your opposition! Find out what they're singing and their style. Make sure you join in the karaoke show so that the host knows you were there and to get in as much practice as possible!

Practice Makes Perfect
Get out there and sing at every opportunity you can!

If You Don't Win?
It doesn't matter how much some jumps up and down, there can only be one winner. If today isn't your turn feel free to ask the judges for their opinion. Even if you don't agree with them, take their advice on board. They may have seen something that you haven't. By not listening, you could be holding yourself back. They will have watched all of the performances with a more critical eye than the audience. You can only learn from their advice. Besides, there's always next year!

Keep in mind that those who do win have probably entered many competitions that they haven't won. Today just happens to be their day. Learn from your experience and who knows, next time it could be you!

Remember that the judges are people, too. They deserve to be treated and respected the same way you wish to be. Keep in mind that you don't know who they know - you may cross paths again one day and they may have the memory of an elephant....

In the end, you have two choices. You can either jump up and down or you can look at the positive side of your experience as one to remember. The choice is yours....

At The End Of The Day...
You have to be in it to win it so why not give it a go? All experiences are there to learn from and karaoke is a lot of fun. Who knows, it could be you jetting off to the next Karaoke World Championships. Go out there and enjoy yourself!