Who Will Be The New Kiwi Karaoke Kid?

News Release 26 May 2009

Who Will Be The New Kiwi Karaoke Kid?

Viewers of 'The Beat Goes On' on Stratos and Triangle TV on Monday nights will from next week have the opportunity to vote for their favourite Karaoke Kid. But there's a catch!

Because this 'kid' will be over 50 years old!

The first contestants in the '50 Plus National Karaoke Championship will be on screen on Monday 1 June, followed by 23 other contestants on a weekly basis, to find out who's the best 'krooner' in the country.

Selected by members of their local Rotary Club and with support from their own town or city, these amateur singers will do their stuff and viewers will be called on to vote for their favourite. With phone calls to an 0900 number costing $1, all proceeds will go to Rotary International's programme to eradicate the crippling disease of Polio from the world.

The competition will run for 24 weeks, with one contestant appearing per week. The first group of contestants will represent Waitakere, Thames-Coromandel, North Shore, Papakura, Rodney, Franklin and Wellington. After the introduction from their region's Mayor, the contestant will sing a number of their own choice, for the pride of their region, Rotary and family.

Once the contest has begun, members of the public can re-view each contestant by going to 'The Beat Goes On' website. wwwthebeatgoeson.co.nz and click on 'Karaoke contest'. Underneath each contestant will be the 0900 number to phone to make a $1.00 vote. The top eight vote getters will go onto the final in November.

Rotary spokesman Alan Davies is thrilled with the concept and the response from singers, Councils and Rotary Clubs.

"Coming up with a new fund raising idea for our Polio eradication programme is hard work, and this appeals, because it's different and we can have a bit of fun at the same time," he said. "We hope the New Zealand public will get behind the 24 singers and help us raise our share of the money to beat polio."

'The Beat Goes ON' is broadcast every Monday Night at 8.30pm on Sky Channel 89 and Freeview throughout New Zealand. It's a baby boomer chat show with host Gerard Smith

In November the top eight voted as favourites from the 24 will appear in the final. This will be a one hour special of The Beat Goes ON. At this early stage it is planned for Thursday 26 November 2009.

NOTE*** The Beat Goes ON is on Stratos Channel 89 on Monday nights at 8.30pm Freeview the same, and Triangle 9.30 pm Monday nights.

ENDS

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