This is the first time I have posted on this site. But was drawn to do so by being advised of the comments that are being made on here. I have been judging Karaoke Contests for over 8 years and at every contest there always seems to be bickering and inuendo by those who believe they should have won, either in the heats, semi's or grandfinal.

When I'm judging, I don't favour anyone. To be impartial, I need to seperate myself from contestants and their supporters. Yes I do talk to some contestants before and after the show, but I know how to remove myself when judging to the job in hand.

When judging I have no favourites. Those that perform to the rules, (and yes Chris did perform to the rules, despite what has been said about his opening) are all treated by me the same. Provided a contestant does not sing before his nomiinated song, they can use whatever introduction they like to open their performance, Chris had the intelligence to ask beforehand on what he could do, and got my response. Those who are serious contenders could have done the same.

Each week, I harp on what contestants need to do to improve and to gain maximum points. Those that listen come prepared with their chosen songs and know that they need to practise their style and performance beforehand. Just coming in a nice outfit is not going to cut it or win this competition nor should it win any other.

Anyone who approaches me and asks for advice on how to improve their performance, is given this advice based on how this competition is judged. At the end of the night, I do talk to contestants to let those interested know how I perceived their performance and what they need to improve on. To Puss In Boots, I am a little confused by your comment 'sometimes when you do ask you still don't get'. Personally on a heat night during this competition, I went out of my way with concern for you to make sure you were okay.

People need to remember, I'm only one judge and each judge does view a performance and score acts differently. We do not always agree on the results, but as head judge I ensure it is done with fairness.

Everyone seems to be an expert on who should and who should not have won, but they are biased opinions of people looking for themselves or their own friends to win. I challenge anyone, who thinks they can score fairer and take all this bullshit to take on the job. You need to contend with arranging forms, entrants sign-ins, last minute changes, complaints and inuendos and still maintain a level head. Personally, after all this rubbish I am starting to think why give up time with my young family to listen and be a part of this.

On a final note, if any one has something to say about myself personally, or how or why I judged in a particular manner, have the decency to come to me direct and ask. Don't just post things on this site and have other people answer for me because their views are not mine. Unlike others I don't hide behind a nickname. If you have a problem with me, then talk to me.

Jim




Submitted by The Judge on 11-11-2006

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