The bustling halls of SM City Cebu activity center were filled with music, excitement, and fierce competition on July 21, 2024, when the auditions for the Karaoke World Championships (KWC) Visayas leg took place. Aspiring singers from all over the region gathered to showcase their vocal talents, hoping to be crowned the next Karaoke World Champion.

The New Channel (TNC), in collaboration with Praxis and True Creators Studios, has once again turned the stage into a battleground for electrifying performances by aspiring singers from across the region.

The competition was a celebration of diversity! Each contestant brought their A-game, showcasing not only their vocal prowess but also their captivating stage presence, bringing a diverse range of styles and musical passions to the stage. The judges, including KWC Philippines co-producers, Apple Manasala of TNC, Gladys Basinillio of Praxis, and Mercy Joy Mesina of True Creator Studios, undoubtedly had a tough decision on their hands as they narrowed down the pool of talented contestants to select the winner who will compete in the national finals.

After a tough competition, Francis Alinsonorin, a 22-year-old freelance make-up artist and singer from Naga City, Cebu, emerged victorious. He impressed the judges and audience with his exceptional vocal talent, stage presence, and incredible rendition of “Nosi Balasi.” Jovie Loon and Veronica Jañola also delivered incredible performances, earning them the 1st runner-up and 2nd runner-up titles, respectively.

Francis’ victory not only brings pride to his hometown, Naga, Cebu but also secures his spot in the finals. He will now advance to the next round of the competition, representing Visayas on a national stage. More so, the journey for all contestants continues, and the future of the KWC is filled with promise, with the anticipation of even more spectacular performances to come.

The success of this event was made even more possible with the generous support of brand partners and sponsors: SM Online, Sante Barley Max, Hapee Toothpaste, Everest Appliances, Katinko, Unisol, Quanta, Tiffany Chocolates, Break, Piccadeli, Basecamp by PowerMac, Yello Hotel, KWC’s home venue, SM Supermalls; and publicity partners: WRock, Big Radio, Radio Totoo, Energy FM, Exodus Incorporated, Love Radio, and Win Radio.

As both Mindanao and Visayas leg winners prepare for the next round, the search for the Karaoke World Champion 2024 continues! The next stop for the audition is the Luzon leg, which will be held at SM Pampanga on July 27. This will be followed by the Metro Manila leg on Aug. 3 at SM Caloocan.  

The culmination, aka grand finale, is set to be a star-studded affair, featuring guest performances by renowned Filipino singers Hazel Faith and Maki, among others, on August 16th at the SM North EDSA Skydome.