Lauren Kennedy, Ben Cameron, et al. Set for World Karaoke Championship, 3/2

Actress/Singer Michelle Kinney has been named host of a series of preliminary competitions for The Karaoke World Championships in New York City. Kinney (Rockers on Broadway, Drift), will host prelims for the world wide competition at Manhattan nightspot The Watering Hole (106 east 19th street). Preliminary competitions will be held on March 2nd, 9th, 23rd, and 30th at 8 pm at the Union Square venue. Contestants will be eliminated each week, with weekly winners being advanced to a finals round at The Watering Hole on April 13th. 1 male and 1 female finalist will advance to a state wide competition. Winners can potentially progress to the World Karaoke Championship finals in Killarney, Ireland in September. In addition, regional winners will be featured on the upcoming ABC television series "America's Karaoke Challenge".

A host of theater, television and pop culture personalities are slated to judge the preliminary competitions including Lauren Kennedy (Spamalot, Les Miserables), Ben Cameron (Wicked, Aida), Tracy McDowell (Rent), Christian Campbell (Trick, Big Love, Reefer Madness), Greg Reuter (Chicago, The Producers), Claire Buffie (Miss New York '11), Jeremy Schonfeld (Drift, 37 Notebooks), Ben Curtis ("The Dell Guy") and Ryan Holmes (Blaziny Radio).

Amateur (non contracted) singers are encouraged to register at Wateringholekaraoke@gmail.com. Registrants must also register at www.kwcusa.net/invsinger.html There is a $20 registration fee. The Watering Hole will offer all contestants a 2 drink bar tab to off set the official registration fee. There is no cover charge to attend the Karaoke World Championships at The Watering Hole! For more information please contact Michelle Kinney at Wateringholekaraoke@gmail.com