Online Popstar creates innovative online karaoke contest

SOUTH PARIS, ME - What's a die-hard karaoke fan to do? For many across the country, getting out to karaoke isn't always easy; the contests are on odd nights, Robby needs help with his homework, or you just can't find a babysitter that you'd trust your with your houseplants, let alone your precious children. For others, bad experiences in contests leave singers feeling that unless they bring both sides of the family along to vote-by-cheering, they just don't stand a chance of winning. Despite these difficulties, anyone bitten by the karaoke bug is stricken with a lifelong affliction called Karaoke-itis and is forever doomed to seek out venues and experiences where they can satisfy the need to step into the spotlight, grab the mic, and revel in their 3.5 minutes of fame. The urge to perform is fueled by some of the world's highest-rated television series such as American Idol, Rock Star: INXS, and The X Factor (UK). These reality shows send a strong message: You Too Can Become A Star!

Now, disenfranchised karaoke fans worldwide have new hope with the arrival of onlinePopstar.com, the world's first and only online karaoke competition. OnlinePopstar hosts a truly comprehensive karaoke contest that welcomes contestants to enter from home via a song upload, along with contests in clubs nationwide! This concept truly levels the playing field and provides karaoke contest fans a true measure of their talents on a worldwide stage.

OnlinePopstar applies universal rules to all contests it sponsors; applause will not bring home the trophy. In clubs, each patron gets one vote to cast for their favorite performer of the night, the votes are tallied and the winner is announced by the contest host. The weekly winner from each club has their song posted live on the web for the world to hear. The online contestant has just as good a chance to win the cash prizes as any other contestant; each week, one online contestant advances directly to the finals. That singer is chosen by the OnlinePopstar Panel of Pros: all of whom are entertainment industry insiders with an ear for vocal talent.

After the semi-finalists are chosen by the OnlinePopstar Pro Judges, the contest is between 12 finalists, all vying for the weekly cash prize. The voting is left to a worldwide audience of fans, who may vote once per day for their favorite karaoke CyberStar. Each weekly winner wins a cash prize and advances on to the OnlinePopstar Grand Competition, where 12 weekly winners compete for their share of the $5,000 prize pool; the top five win cash!

Karaoke-itis is fast becoming a pandemic as evidenced by consumer market reports of skyrocketing sales of karaoke equipment for home use and an alarming increase of orders of the CD+G karaoke discs that make this equipment worth owning. In the 25 years since it's invention, karaoke has become a global sensation that shows no signs of waning. The advent and expanse of digital technology guarantees that online karaoke will explode in popularity. In fact, since the launch of the website in December, 2005, OnlinePopstar.com has enjoyed a 150% growth in membership and 300% increase in traffic each month.

Besides the remarkable online contest, OnlinePopstar has CyberStars, a fun and friendly interactive singer's showcase where members can interact with one another and share information on recording software, audio setups, and chat about their favorite karaoke topics. With the arrival of OnlinePopstar.com, karaoke fans truly have something to get excited about!