The Karaoke World Championships originated in Finland in 2003 with seven countries. Now in its 9th year, the competition features nearly 30 countries worldwide. 2011 is Australia’s seventh year of participation.

National trials are conducted in each participating country each year with the winners competing in the world finals. Finland was originally the host country for the world finals with Thailand being the first to host the finals outside of Finland in 2007. In 2006, the finals were held aboard the M/S Galaxy sailing from Helsinki to Estonia return with the competition returning to Finland in 2008 & 2009. Moscow proudly hosted the event in 2010 with Ireland taking over the reigns in 2011.

Australia has proudly reached the Top 5 every year, including three gold medals and one silver.

Australian Champions

2011 Aden Billy (NQLD) KWC Ireland 8-10 Sept.

2010 Luke Kelly (NSW) KWC Moscow Top 5

2009 Dina David (NSW) KWC Finland Runner Up

2008 Michael Bates (SA) KWC Finland 1st Place

2007 Julie Walter-Sgro (QLD) KWC Thailand 1st Place

2006 Mark Wilson (QLD) KWC Finland 1st Place

2005 Kelee Buswell (WA) KWC Finland Top 5

World Champions

2011 Cassandra Jopp, USA Marc Hatem, Lebanon	2010 Maria Saarimaa-Ylitalo, Fin. Sam Moudden, Finland	2009 Natalia Pilyutina, Russia Adrian Kenny, Ireland
2008 Juliet Gonnet, France Michael Bates, Australia	2007 Julie Walter-Sgro, Australia Lu Hee Wah, Malaysia	2006 Tham Hui Chyi, Malaysia Mark Wilson, Australia
2005 Rachel Browne, Ireland Iyad Sfeir, Lebanon	2004 Samantha Sayegh, Lebanon Thomas Strubler, Austria	2003 Danni Cadby, England Uche Eke, England