In search of the voice

Renowned compere Bret Green is excited to be hosting the Bundaberg leg of the Karaoke World Championships at the Railway Hotel.

Max Fleet

KARAOKE - that word that can inspire dread in the hearts of partygoers while inducing glee in others is about to hit Bundaberg in a big way.

For the first time, the city will host heats of the Karaoke World Championships as the Railway Hotel gets on board to be the venue for what is sure to be a wide range of vocal abilities.

From February 23, Bundaberg's finest and flimsiest amateur singers will be belting out classics over nine weeks of heats in the hope of making it to the local final.

But host Bret Green warned the event was not for the faint hearted.

"It's different from a lot of karaoke - we have the monitor at the front and you have to face the audience," he said.

"In the state final, you have a big stage in a room of over 1000 people to face."

The winner of the Bundaberg final will have a chance to compete for a place in the Queensland team, with the state finals on the Gold Coast.

The national winner will also receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Finland to represent Australia in the world competition.

A lover of the empty orchestra, Mr Green decided to try to get a final to his home city, knowing there was wealth of talent in the region.

"The Bundaberg area was not represented at all (last year)," he said.

A former live musician, Mr Green said karaoke had its own challenges.

"With a band, you can do what you want and mix two songs together to keep people dancing longer," he said.

"But with karaoke you have to do what is set down and you have to entertain the audience in that time."

For those brave enough to attempt the singing competition, Mr Green had some tips.

"Relax, breathe, be yourself and have some fun with it," he said.

Mr Green also warned against overextending yourself.

"In Australia a lot of popular choices are things like Hunter's and Collectors the Holy Grail or You're the Voice - and you are doing well if you can nail that one," he said.

Mr Green also urged people to pick their song early and get some practice in so they were not quite so nervous for the heats.

But Mr Green also had a suggestion for a tune best avoided.

"I have a high dislike for Achy Breaky Heart," he said.