After originally going along to support his friend when she entered the heats of the Karaoke World Championships at the Souths Leagues Club in Mackay, Aden Billy found himself on the journey of a lifetime as he prepared to represent Australia at the world finals of the Karaoke World Championships in Killarney, Ireland in September.

Aden had some tough competition in the Australian National Grand Final at the Coolangatta Tweed Heads Golf Club with nine strong competitors all competing with one thing in mind – to represent Australia at the world finals.

Aden charmed the audience and the judges, walking away with the trophy and securing his place in KWC history.

Within six weeks, Aden found himself on the Emerald Isle, performing on the world stage at the Ireland National Entertainment Centre in Killarney, Ireland and meeting people with the same passion for music and singing from over 30 different countries.

After a night out on the town in Dublin and a few Guinnesses to settle into the new time zone, the Australian team boarded the train to Killarney, affectionately dubbed the KWC train as they joined other KWC parties from around the world.

The Backstage Bar was host to the official launch party where Aden had the chance to meet and socialise with other contestants from around the world. After the official draw, the party was on with karaoke into the night.

The walk from the hotel to venue was short and sweet with the accommodation and venue all featured within the one complex. Thursday morning saw rehearsals for the first round to help calm the nerves of each competitor before their big debut on the world stage.

Local Killarney legend, Liam O’Connor, opened the show with a true Irish spectacular.

Listed in the Guinness Book Of World Records as having the fastest fingers in the world and having toured the world as an original cast member of ‘Lord Of The Dance’, Liam O’Connor entranced the audience with his vibrant and energetic show featuring irish dancers, musicians and, of course, Liam’s fast accordian playing.

Aden drew a place within the first round of the night and won over the audience with his opening number, Cee Lo Green’s, ‘Forget You’. With 43 singers competing in this year’s event, the competition was red hot and tough.

Day two and all contestants returned for their second round performances. Drawing the final spot in the second round meant that Aden had the chance to leave a lasting impression. His second round performance of Jason Mraz’s, ‘I’m Yours’, gained an appreciative cheer and support from the audience with many joining in and singing along.

At the end of the night, the top ten male and female singers were announced in preparation for the third round on day three. After the nail biting annoucement finally saw him through to the third round, Aden made his way back to the hotel for a well earned rest to prepare for the following day.

It was time to pull out the big guns. Opting for a more emotionally intense number, Aden performed ‘Little Lion Man’ by Mumford and Sons. The audience loved it and now the decision was up to the judges.

Finally, after a nerve wracking wait, the top five male and female singers were announced to go through to the fourth and final round. With such a talented top ten competing for just five places in the final round, several very talented and deserving finalists were going to miss out. Unfortunately for Aden, a place in the top five wasn’t to be, but the experience of his first trip overseas, making new friends from around the world and performing on a world stage is one he will never forget.

Aden’s advice to future KWC Champions and competitors
I believe it’s important to have a game plan, keeping your song choices current or selecting songs that are popular. Your opening song is THE most important, as it gives the audience and the judges a taste of what’s to follow, song choice and the order of your songs is vital.

Presentation is highly regarded and must blend well with the song you are performing. Not only that, you must know your song word for word and finding your meaning of your songs and connecting that with your audience. The most important thing you MUST do is be very PUNCTUAL; KWC do not tolerate laziness and ignorance. Other than all of that, have a lot of FUN and SING your heart out!