Some of the women’s division contestants. Standing are Deborah Hiller, Nicole Mesi, Robin Stephens and Sissi Petrone. Seated is Makaylah Caschette. Lisa Stark photos.
In a spectacular grand finale event held Sunday, Aug. 27, at Uncle Mike’s Smokehouse in Plant City, the 2015 Karaoke World Championships showcased Florida’s talented “cream of the crop” before an audience of family, friends and dedicated fans.
“It’s been an amazing journey,” said men’s first place winner Jeff Edwards, 28, of Bartow, who wowed the audience with his soul-stirring rendition of the Tom Jones classic: “I Who Have Nothing.”
“Competitions like this encourage people to move onward and upward,” said Chaz Martino of Largo, one of the judges of the event. “It’s been a joy to watch people coming out of their shells.”
Fan’s Choice winner Makaylah Caschette agreed. “This can be a platform for your musical career, a way of getting your name out there.” Caschette, an academic honors graduate from Newsome High School, plans to major in corporate psychology at Hillsborough Community College this fall, while still pursuing her love of music. “I want to make it my own way,” she said, “performing in clubs and doing what I love to do.”
Seven finalists chosen from the top 20 male and top 20 female contestants will now travel to Little Rock, Ark., to compete in the National Karaoke Championships, which take place Sept. 25 to 27. Competing against the best amateur singers from across the country, they will vie for a spot on Team USA, with the top singers awarded a spot in the World Finals, scheduled for Nov. 20 to 22 in Singapore. Teams from more than 30 countries will participate.
From left: Chaz Martino, Jonathan Vicente, Makaylah Caschette and reigning World Champion Anthony Magee.
Sissi Petrone of Tampa took first place in the female category, singing “Proud Mary,” “Still” and “Rock me Baby.” The other female finalists were Robin Stephens, Deborah Bender and Fan’s Choice Makaylah Caschette.
Jeff Edwards, who qualified for the contest at Sunset Grill in Ruskin, took first place in the men’s competition, while Tony Johnson of Tampa and Nathaniel Marshall of St. Petersburg placed second and third, respectively.
Other notable performances included Deborah Hiller, Nicole Mesi, Jonathan Vicente, George Geisel of Apollo Beach and Leo Dominique of St. Petersburg.
First place winner Edwards, who grew up singing gospel music in church, credits his commitment to the ministry for his musical inspiration. Edwards, whose grandfather was the pastor of the Pentecostal Church in Bartow for 40 years, said, “It’s my life. I don’t remember a time when I wasn’t singing, from the time I was big enough to hold a mic and open my mouth.”
First place Men’s winner Jeff Edwards.
By invitation, Edwards travels all over the country performing in churches, and has even traveled to South Africa, Norway and Finland to sing for various congregations.
Anthony Magee, the reigning 2014 Men’s World Champion, graced the show as a guest performer and judge, singing “Lady” and “Darling Nikki” for an enthusiastic audience. A native of Little Rock, Anthony said, “It’s been an amazing year, capturing the national title and traveling to Stockholm to represent the United States against the very best singers on the planet.”
Throughout the day, Magee could be seen circulating through the crowd, giving advice and emotional support to nervous contestants. “I’m glad I get to help choose the next winner and prepare them for the Worlds in Singapore,” he said.
“This is the first time this competition has been held in Florida, and I’ve tried to make it the best experience for everyone involved,” said Trevor Keller, president of Gypsy Productions and organizer of the event. Indeed, Keller received glowing praise from numerous contestants for his management of the contest.
“Trevor is a great coordinator,” said country singer Jeff “Bull” Ferguson of Haines City. “This whole competition has been well run and well organized.”
George Geisel of Apollo Beach singing “You Raise me up.”
For more information on the National and World championships, visit www.kwcusa.com or www.facebook.com/kwcusa.
