After the excitement of our first national champion placing in the top five at the international finals and her following invitation to Thailand in 2005, the search began to find our next Australian representative for 2006.

After branching away from the Wintersun theme, the Karaoke World Championships would now stand alone, allowing singers to perform songs from any genre they preferred. The talent that this brought in itself was phenomenal.

Finalising in the showroom at Twin Towns Services Club on Saturday, 8th July, 2006 the announcement of our new champion left everyone on the edge of their seat. After an awe-inspiring Grand Final, Mark Wilson from Hervey Bay in Qld was finally announced as the winner after his winning performance of ‘My Heart Will Go On’ in the original key! Within four weeks, Mark, a father of four and a swimming instructor, was making his way on his first trip overseas to beautiful Finland.

After a stopover in Holland, Mark made his way to the M/S Galaxy, a brand new ship that was to set sail from Helsinki to Estonia return. The international finals took place in the show lounge of the cruise liner over two nights with a stopover in Estonia on the way. After five rounds and a very close finish, Mark was announced as the new Karaoke World Champion just beating David September from South Africa. After only two years of participation, Australia had their very first Karaoke World Champion. Malaysia’s Vicky Tham Hui Chyi took out the womens section.

Mark believes that having enough self belief was really the key to winning. Putting aside self doubt and using your nerves as a positive force to drive you is really something as a performer he feels you need to be able to do.

He felt that the whole process was fantastic as he learned so much about himself and he had a great team of people behind him. It is something that he will never forget.

Mark prepared himself for the competition by never losing sight of his goal, which was to win. Deep down that’s what he wanted. He prepared himself by listening to others and by being able to accept constructive criticism.

When Mark arrived back home, the airport was full of well wishers, with banners and balloons. Interviews on the radio, in newspapers and television interviews followed, including a guest performance on Australia’s leading breakfast show, ‘Sunrise’.

As the reigning champion, Mark flew to Thailand in September, 2007 to perform as a special guest artist before handing over his crown.

Mark’s advice to the future KWC Champions and competitors

Be yourself, don’t blink because before you realise it, it has passed and you find yourself wanting it again. Enjoy the moment, stay focused and believe in yourself. Don’t for once think that you are unbeatable regardless of how good you are. Be confident but not cocky. Listen to others that are helping you and make sure you join in the conversations. They are just getting to know you so it’s important that you give them as much of yourself as possible. Embrace it all and don’t stop smiling. It is the best time and you will love it. It is your moment – One Moment in Time…