LAS VEGAS — Robert Wilkerson is leaving Las Vegas a winner.
The Hamlet resident hit the jackpot — not on the slot machines, but with his vocal chords — winning the Karaoke World Championships national finals held this week at the Sand Dollar Downtown at the Plaza Hotel and Casino.
Wilkerson earned an automatic entry into the 2025 contest after placing in the top 10 — eighth, specifically — the previous year.
“This year, it was so different because of the talent,” Wilkerson told the RO on Friday. “We were just looking to place better (than last year).
The soloist members of Team Carolina — Wilkerson, Boston C, Wendy Marshall, Carol Kelly and Jorge Serafin — faced off against singers from Alaska, California, Florida, Hawaii, Nevada, New Mexico, Washington and Wisconsin.
Local competitions were hosted by BowTie Entertainment at several locations across the state, with the finals being at Striker’s Lounge in Rockingham.
Wilkerson’s song selection started with Blake Shelton’s “Footloose” on Day 1, followed the next day by Brandon Lake’s “Hard Fought Hallelujah.”
The second song is reflective of Wilkerson’s faith, having grown up singing in church and being the worship leader of King’s Gate for the past two decades.
“I know that was the foundation of my gifting,” Wilkerson said, adding that he joined the adult choir when he was still a child.
He and Marshall — who won the state competition at Striker’s Lounge in Rockingham — were the only two from Team Carolina to make it into the top 20.
Judges for the competition, Wilkerson said, were scouts from “American Idol,” “The Voice,” and the soon-t0-be-rebooted “Star Search.”
Wilkerson sang Lady Gaga’s “I’ll Never Love Again” for the semi-finals and belted out “This is the Moment,” from the musical “Jekyll and Hyde” musical for the finals.
He admitted that he almost missed his final slot and was out of breath after having to run back to the stage: “You’ve got to be ready to go.”
In addition to the local support that traveled with Team Carolina to Sin City, Wilkerson said there was also encouragement from others at the event. He said vocal coaches from other states were congratulating him and offering vocal exercises.
“It’s a camaraderie that you don’t expect,” he said, considering the competitive environment.
When the finalists were being announced, Wilkerson said he thought his name was left out.
Robert Wilkerson realizes he won the national finals in Las Vegas.
Courtesy Megan Bradley
“It didn’t dawn on me,” he said. “I was just in awe and schock…it was just surreal.
“It’s almost like you’re winning a Grammy,” Wilkerson added, referring to walking on stage when his name was called as the winner.
Wilkerson gave credit to his “wonderful” friends and family who have encouraged him throughout his journey.
One of those friends is fellow singer Megan Bradley, who competed last year and was in the cheering section this year.
“She has really pushed me and made me think bigger than I could ever think,” Wilkerson said, adding that Bradley has been a “vital part” of his success.
He also said that several venues — Striker’s Lounge, Axe to Grind and Hudson Brothers Deli — all played a part.
Because of his position with the church, Wilkerson said he wasn’t able to make it to group practices, but Ray Mills of Axe to Grind in Hamlet let him practice there, with Bradley critiquing and giving pointers.
Wilkerson also got some practice time at Hudson Brothers in Rockingham.
A documentary crew met with Wilkerson at the nationals and he said they’re planning to come to Richmond County to tell his story and follow him to the world finals.
Wilkerson isn’t the only member of Team Carolina to come away a winner.
The duet of Manny Alverez and Kaylee Cuccia also placed first, and Cuccia placed second in the new songwriting division.
“We definitely represented Vegas,” Wilkerson said.
The winners are Bangkok bound to face off against international competitors in the world finals, scheduled for Nov. 3-8.
“So proud of all Team Carolina for how they showed up and showed OUT!” Steve Bryant, owner of BowTie Entertainment told the RO. “Huge thanks to the judges for recognizing what we already knew — that the top talent in the nation is right here in North Carolina.
“Now it’s time to show the world what we’ve got in Bangkok!Let’s go, team U.S.A.!”
