Edge Entertainment

KARAOKE COMPETITORS

County Fair winners could advance to world championship in Moscow

By KRISTEN J. KUBISIAK Daily News Staff 

    A karaoke contest in Washington County is giving area singers an opportunity to perform on the world stage, but first they have to prove themselves at the County Fair. Ten men and 10 women will face off in a Karaoke Showdown at the Washington County Fair on Saturday, July 24. The competition will determine which two vocalists — one male and one female — will represent Wisconsin at the World Karaoke Championship USA regional finals in Aberline, Texas. “I think it would be a really cool thing for Washington County and Wisconsin for us to send someone to the regional finals,” said Jim Edgeworth, owner of Edge Entertainment, a West Bend-based DJ and karaoke business.

    Edge Entertainment is the only business in the state licensed to host this particular contest, which is run through the World Karaoke Championship USA. Winners at the state level go on to compete at the regional finals, then the national contest. National winners advance to the world competition in Moscow this fall.

    Local singers vying for spots on the County Fair roster have been participating in an “American Idol”-style competition at local venues since June. The field of talent will be narrowed to 20 in the semi-finals next week.

    Judging the competition are Kelly Sanders of West Bend, her father Tony Sanders, also of West Bend, Ben Radder of Menomonee Falls and Lenny Zarling of Hartford. “We’ve had some good people,” Radder said. “I think people will be surprised at what comes out.” Performers are judged on several criteria, Sanders said, including entertainment value and vocals, tempo, sound quality and stage presence. “I hate to be the Simon Cowell in the group, but less than half of the people we’ve seen were qualified,” Zarling said. “Just being honest.” Contestants have come with a range of musical backgrounds and abilities, Edgeworth said. Ryan Pintor of Cedarburg is a

    But Pintor said karaoke wasn’t always easy for him. The first time he tried it, it was a disaster. “I messed up the entire song,” he said. “But after that I could do it. It only hurts the first time.”

    Gina Schroeter of Grafton also qualified for the semifinals. For Schroeter, who has performed in other karaoke competitions and also at weddings, singing is a spiritual experience. “It’s a way for me to share my God-given gift with others,” she said.

    Although people have different reasons for participating in karaoke, Edgeworth said for most it is the closest they will get to being a “rock star.” “When you get up there, that is your three minutes of fame,” he said. “Whether you are good or bad.”

Pictured above, from left to right: Cedarburg resident Ryan Pintor, Liz Kannenberg of West Bend, Vince Anthony of Muskego and Carolyn Lacy of Milwaukee. Photos by Kristen J. Kubisiak

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