Cazza: I've sung at karaoke for four years or so, gone in comps for about two and have judged one, soon to be two. I wrote a story on that judging experience for the w2s front page and I have to say, judging a comp is the most subjective experience possible. The reason being is that it all depends on what the judge (or the venue/operator) decides what the focus should be. The points system is generally used in order to guide the judge in order to not only sort out which song as a package was better sung, but also to navigate the minefield of 20 singers doing 2 songs each. What happens when one singer does one great song and one poor song and another sings two average songs? Points will hopefully point the way...

Also, quality of voice isn't always (and in my opinion shouldn't) be the most important thing in a performance, but should be balanced by the rest of the package. Are they in time with the music (and I'm genuinely surprised by people who choose songs they don't know all that well for a final), are they engaging to watch, are they taking any risks? etc etc. So then you've got the same issue. How do you seperate a great singer who is boring to watch and reasonably good singer that has everyone transfixed? We had two singers like that at the final I judged. Both scored the exact same score. I ended up awarding the lesser singer a higher prize because I believe that being a great singer isn't what karaoke is about. Thing is though, other judges will have other opinions on the matter.

I'd be very happy to forward you the article on email, contact David and he'll forward my address to you...
Submitted by LeatherBaron on 15-07-2006

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