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KWC Organizationwww.karaokeworldchampionships.com

Karaoke World ChampionshipsCompetition Rules & Judging Criteria 2019


These rules are meant to be followed to the letter during the KWC Event. No changes will be made to these rules after they’ve been officially approved by KWC Organization.1. ELIGIBILITYKWC is the largest and most prestigious international singing competition for amateur and unsigned talent. Some countries prefer to use the word amateur in their marketing, and some choose "unsigned talent". In local marketing you can choose however you feel is best. All entrants must be over 18 years of age by the end of national finals. In KWC an amateur is deemed as someone who: a) Does not have a regular income as a vocalist. A regular income is defined as someone making a living from singing.b) May perform occasionally, provided that no more than 50% of their yearly income is from singing. This includes, but is not limited to, freelance singers, wedding singers, band singers, etc. and is subject to the other rules within these conditions of entry.c) Does not have a signed contract as a lead singer for an establishment or production.d) Does not have a management contract or a recording contract with a major label as a singer.


-An entrant who may have had a previous professional entertainment history may enter after a 5-year break.-The main competition (Karaoke World Championships or KWC) is open to solo performers only. The duet competition (Karaoke World Championships Duets or KWC Duets) is open to duets only. -The contestant must be a citizen: has lived in the country for over 3 years or have a citizenship (i.e. a national passport and social security number) of the country he or she is representing. -The organizers reserve the right to make the final assessment regarding any entrant's eligibility over and above these conditions of entry. Entrants may be asked to sign a legal document and provide proof regarding their eligibility. All issues addressing eligibility of contestants must be addressed, clarified and cleared 7 days prior to the National Finals. Proof of claim will be required.

2. TAKING PART IN KWC EVENTBefore taking part in the KWC World Finals Event, contestants must take part in their own country’s KWC country trials. Countries that do not have KWC country trials at the moment are specially treated cases, which the KWC Organization will handle and consider on a case-by-case basis.


3. CATEGORIES-2003-2017 men and women have competed in their own categories. -In 2016 the duets category was introduced and in 2017 KWC Junior. The duets may be comprised of different or the same singers that have been registered for the main (solo) competition. KWC Duets will be treated as a separate competition alongside the main (solo) competition. The trials for the main competition and KWC Duets may be organised separately or as one competition. -In 2018 KWC combined the male and female categories into one Solo category = the main KWC competition. -2018 also introduces another category: KWC Champions, where all the previous KWC contestants (solo or duets) are eligible to participate, including previous World Champions. Every partner country is free to decide how they pick the singer for KWC Champions, if such category is present. -In 2019 there will be only Solo and Duet Categories.

4. RESTRICTIONSKWC will let all the singers who have represented their country before, return after a two years hiatus, except for the World Champions. The singers will have to come through their own national competitions and will be able to represent their country in


the Solo or Duets category. A singer is able to win the World Championship only once in each category. The same rule applies to the Duets competition which is separate from the main Solo competition. The winner of one category is still eligible to participate in another one. Please note: This rule was different between 2016-2018. During those three years KWC did not let past contestants try again in the same category.

5. CODE OF CONDUCT FOR SONGSThe language used in singing may be chosen freely by the contestant and the use of own backing tracks is allowed. However, if the language used is not English, a translation of lyrics must be delivered at the time of registration. In the event that a contestant chooses their songs from outside of the catalog available from the KWC Organization, the contestant must be able to provide sufficient evidence in order to prove that he or she has a right to use the backing in question at the KWC Event.

The following information must be sent to KWC Organization before the KWC Event:Four (4) different songs in singing order – Name and original artist of that version of the song; in case the language of the song’s name is other than English, a (phonetic) translation into English of both song name and original artist (of that version) is


required.Lyrics information – For the functionality checking process; whether or not lyrics should be visible on screen. After the song information (names of the songs and their order) has been sent to KWC Organization, no changes are allowed.

6. SINGER’S PERFORMANCES AND BEHAVIOR DURING THE EVENT6.1 Props on stageA chair or barstool and a mic stand have always been ok. We have those ready for you. If you really feel you need a prop for your song, it should be something the singer can carry on stage. We like to concentrate in singing, so no tables, sofas, washing machines or other things that need to be carried back and forth by a moving company. Instruments are allowed but they will not be plugged. You're free to play a harmonica, a flute or whatever through your singing mic. You can also have a guitar but of course it will only be a prop. So if you can hold it in one hand, it's ok. (We're 99% sure you'd do better without it anyway!)6.2. Background videos & photos Last year video backings & photos for screen were allowed for round two songs. We will inform you later, if such background


show elements are possible this year.6.3. Improper behaviour and infringementShould the contestant act in an improper way; for example, compete or perform intoxicated or act disgracefully towards the competition or other contestants, the jury or the KWC Organization has the right to immediately disqualify the contestant. KWC Organization reserves a full right to disqualify a contestant if any of the rules above are infringed.

7. SINGER’S OBLIGATIONS AFTER THE COMPETITIONAll contestants must be ready to commit themselves to the tasks, rewards and obligations of being a Karaoke World Champion. The tasks, rewards or obligations might include performances, recording deals, promotion events and such. The winner of the World Champion title is expected to perform at next year's finals event. If the contestant is not able to commit him/herself to these requirements, the title may be handed to the first runner-up by KWC Organisation’s executive decision.

8. KWC JURY CODE OF CONDUCTThe jury of the competition will consist of music, entertainment and media professionals and possible sponsor representatives. The Jury will consist of 5-7 members. KWC Organization will


oversee the jury’s work and approve its validity. KWC Organization chooses the Head of jury. Other members of the jury are chosen by the local KWC Event organiser. Member selections need to be approved by KWC Organization. Please see KWC Jury Code of Conduct, Scoring System and Judging Criteria.

All jury members in the Karaoke World Championships must follow these rules:-NO BIAS: Jury member cannot have direct / personal involvement with the singer or KWC Country Partner representing the singer.-AGE: Jury member needs to be over 18 years old.-LANGUAGE: Jury member must speak fluent English or have an interpreter present at all times.-PROFESSIONAL: Jury member needs to have a professional track record or a degree from the fields of music or entertainment business.-SECRECY: Jury member is prohibited of discussing the judging procedure with anybody else than the other members of the jury or KWC Organization.-NO PERSONAL OPINIONS: Jury member must judge the performances from the viewpoint of a music / entertainment


professional, not according to what he / she personally thinks is good or bad music.-NEUTRAL APPEARANCE: Jury member must show neutral conduct equally towards all performances. This includes for example remaining seated during the entire performance of each of the contestants and only leave the jury area during breaks. -BEHAVIOUR: A jury member must behave in an exemplary manner and refrain from excessive use of alcohol during the competition.

9. KWC SCORING SYSTEMAll contestants in the Karaoke World Championships are to be judged according to the following criteria, free from any personal bias whatsoever.1) Voice2) Technique3) Artistry4) Stage PresenceWhat we are looking for in each these Four Criteria1) Voicea. Quality of Voice: Natural richness of tone, depth, resonance; a strong yet dulcet vocal sound that is enjoyable to listen to.


b. Mastery of Voice: Development of the voice through the practice and training to attain a higher level of proficiency and virtuosity.c. Range: Ability to hit low notes and high notes, and to glide smoothly through different ranges without strain.d. Dynamics: Use of quieter and louder volumes as appropriate; variance of volume throughout performance.e. Timbre: Ability to sing richer, deeper timbres as well as softer, sweeter tones; variance of colors throughout performance.2) Techniquea. Skill: Use of proper vocal technique (singing with an open palate, not shouting, not resonating the nose, etc.) Use and control of Vibrato, Runs & Range (Low Notes, Spoken Word Projection, Head Voice, Falsetto).b. Timing: Ability to sing with rhythmic accuracy, on the beat, but taking liberties in a tasteful manner.c. Breathing: Supporting the voice with breath control, ability to sustain notes, taking breaths in correct places (generally between phrases)d. Pitch: Exhibit control of intonation of the notes and properly supporting the intonation, dynamics and color.


e. Diction: Correct pronunciation of words and clarity3) Artistrya. Expressiveness: Exuding emotion and passion, as appropriate for song, conveyed through the voice, body, and facial expressionb. Musicality: Genuinely feeling the music, shaping phrases artistically, incorporating aesthetic nuances, taking liberties in a tasteful manner.c. Lyrical Ability: Appropriate interpretation and delivery of song lyrics, placing emphasis on certain words / phrases.d. Individuality: Deviating from original artist recording to make the song one's own; creation of unique style and character. e. Song Choice: Appropriateness of the song for the singerf. The special X factor in the performance, the ability to cause emotions, to "move the listener"4) Stage Presencea. Confidence: Exuding command of the stage, strength of delivery with a self-assured performanceb. Movement: Use of space, walking, dancing, or other movement appropriate for the song; use of arms; posture, poise, energyc. Costume & Appearance: Brightly colored, light reflective, or


otherwise attractive costume that is appropriate for song; polished presentation on stage and on camerad. Charisma: Allowing personality to shine through performance and emanate from the stage; radiating a special X factor that is appealing, magnetic, and makes for star qualitye. Audience Appeal: Ability to connect with the audience, use of eye contact, crowd responseEach one of these 4 criteria will be scored on a 10 point basis to equal up to 40 points total. Zero is not a score. The individual judge is free to give weight to different parts of the performance, as long as it is consistent; ie. a vocal teacher may give more weight to singing technique and a professional entertainer may score more based on artistry and stage presence. All members of the jury must still be able to judge all these categories.

For each song, each performer shall be scored from 4 to 40 points, with 4 being the lowest, and 40 being the highest.39-40 - Exceptional, outstanding36-38 - Excellent, almost perfect32-35 - Very good, but a few imperfections28-31 - Very good, but several imperfections23-27 - Good, but imperfections throughout16-22 – Average


12-15 – Mediocre8-11 – Unsatisfactory4-7 – Disappointing

10. FEEDBACK FROM THE JURYEvery KWC finalist will get written feedback from the KWC jury. The judges will have accompanying notes, to explain why their scores are the way they are. This is so the singers know ultimately how to grow as a singer and performer. Every judge must write down one positive note and one thing to improve on every performance. These notes will then be collected and forwarded (without the points or names of the judges) to the singers. The members of the jury will also say a few words about their judging during the event.

11. RANKING-BASED MODIFIED MEANIn each round, the lowest-ranked score and the highest-ranked score for each singer shall be discarded. 12. WEIGHTED CUMULATIVE SCORINGIn 2014 the scoring was cumulative during the first 3 rounds and the final round was clean slate ie. started from zero.

In 2015, 2016 and 2017 the scoring was cumulative, but


weighted heavier toward the end of the competition. Points from rounds 1 and 2 were added together to determine who will move on to the next round. Points from round three were multiplied by two (2), then added to the total from the 1st and 2nd rounds. Points awarded during the 4th round were multiplied by three (3), then summed up with all points earned during the first 3 rounds, to determine the final standings.

In 2018 Round 1 had normal scores, Round 2 was multiplied by two and Round 3 (solo) multiplied by three. The final rounds were clean slate. In 2019 KWC will either use the weighted cumulative system or a Pole Position starting points system for the final round. This will be decided in a poll among all country partners well before the KWC 2019 finals. 13. WILD CARDSFollowing the 2nd round, the jury may choose up to two (2) “Wild Card” contestants in each category, who will continue on to the next round, regardless of scoring. Instead of wild cards also Audience’s choice can be used.14. AUDIENCE’S CHOICEFollowing the 2nd round, the audience may choose a certain amount of “Audience’s Choice” performers in each category to


proceed to the following round, regardless of scoring. This can be done via internet voting, sms etc. In 2019 this amount will be 3 singers. 15. SCORES WILL BE PUBLISHEDAll scores will be published after each round. However, judges' names shall not be associated with those scores.

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