LAS VEGAS — Team Carolina is once again in Sin City for the Karaoke World Championships USA Finals.
The event is taking place this week at the Sand Dollar Downtown at the Plaza Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, featuring a “spectacular display of vocal talent,” according to Steve “BowTie” Bryant, who hosted the local competitions earlier in the year.
Singers competed at several locations across the state, including Striker’s Lounge in Rockingham, Rudino’s Pizza and Grinders in Southern Pines, Stooges Pub and Grub in Mint Hill, and Amici’s Pizza and Sports Bar in Concord.
The state finals were May 31 at Striker’s, followed by a bowling fundraiser for the trip on July 26.
Since Robert Wilkerson, of Hamlet, placed in the top during the 2024 contest, he received an automatic invite to compete this year.
Last year, Wilkerson won the state finals, was the only member of Team Carolina to make it to the top 20, and finished eighth overall.
Other solo performers for Team Carolina are: Boston C. Vargas, who Bryant said is a “local celebrity” known at karaoke venues in Richmond and surrounding counties, Joy Marshall and Carol Kelly of the Charlotte area; and Jorge Serafin of Virginia
Kaylee Cuccia, of Indian Trial, is representing Team Carolina in the new songwriting competition, and is competing with Manny Alverez, of Monroe, in the duet category.
This is the second year Bryant has led Team Carolina to the national championship. This year, he is joined by Aftermath frontman Franklin Branch as a coach.
Included in the cheering section is Megan Bradley, who competed in last year’s competition.
National winners will represent the U.S. at the World Finals in Bangkok, Thailand.
