Singers across the country will be trading their hairbrush for a microphone and the chance to represent Australia in the world's largest amateur singing competition.

Now in its ninth year and hosted in as many as 30 different countries worldwide, the Karaoke World Championships have become an invaluable opportunity for aspiring vocalists to perform in front of an international audience, gain exposure and further their entertainment ambitions.

The 2011 event will culminate with Australia's national champion travelling to Killarney, Ireland in September to compete in the world finals for thousands of dollars in cash and prizes, including a recording deal.

Heats will be held at Vertigo Cocktail Bar & Lounge at The Reef Hotel Casino and commence 20 March on a weekly basis until the finals in May.

The venue final winners will secure a place in the Queensland State Finals in Tweed Heads in July, immediately before the Australian National Grand Final later that evening.

Australia's new champion will jet off to Ireland in September to compete.

The Australian prize package includes flight and accommodation packages including a return trip to Killarney, Ireland, with five nights accommodation, cash prizes, Club Crocodile Airlie Beach Holidays, Capital Karaoke prizes and trophies.

Local karaoke king, Nick Gibson, said Port Douglas has the talent to go along way in the competition.

"There’s no doubt if the cream of the crop from the Malibu Idol ventured up they could give this thing a shake. Local weekly vocalists like Jai, Ami, Khan and Rob, who perform weekly at the Ironbars legendary Tuesday Karaoke nights, certainly have the talent to take it up to the best singers in FNQ.

"In fact next year I’m going to organise the Ironbar bus and take these kids to Cairns to prove the further north you go the better the performance and bring the bacon back home to prove it!"
 
Australia's champions have proudly claimed the international title a record three times in as many years.

For more information visit www.kwcaustralia.com.au .