USKA Texas State Champion Duncan Wallace wins IKF Karaoke Cup
Las Vegas, NV – In a performance that brought the house down at the sold-out HyperX Arena in Las Vegas, USKA Texas State Champion Duncan Wallace of Moore, Oklahoma, claimed the title of 2024 IKF Karaoke Cup World Champion. Wallace delivered an unforgettable rendition of Journey’s Faithfully in the Finals, earning a score of 88.67 to edge out Parnell Lester of Little Rock, Arkansas, who gave a powerful performance of One Night Only from Dreamgirls and scored 83.33. Facing a global livestream and fierce competition, Wallace’s passion, vocal prowess, and undeniable charisma secured him his first-ever World title and a place in IKF history. Wallace started his journey to the world title by qualifying at The Cottage Pub in Dallas, Texas before claiming the Texas State Championship in September.
The competition showcased the best competitve karaoke talent, with an exceptional showing from the other Elite 8 finalists:
- 3rd Place: Baylee Klingel
- 4th Place: Tim McCoy
- 5th Place: Anthony Magee
- 6th Place: Trieana Green
- 7th Place: Robert Owens
- 8th Place: Sara Barnes
“This year’s World Finals proved that competitive karaoke has reached new heights,” said Robin “Sissi” Mercer, President of the United States Karaoke Association (USKA). “Every singer brought their A-game, delivering breathtaking performances that captivated the audience and left the judges in awe. The dedication and artistry displayed on this stage reflect the incredible talent in our karaoke community. It was a night to remember and a testament to the power of music to unite and inspire.”
The World Finals, which took place November 12–14, 2024, saw over 120 of the best karaoke singers competing for the coveted title. The event featured two days of first-round performances, followed by Top 33 Round 2, a high-energy bracket-style quarterfinal, semifinal, and final on the concluding day. Tickets for the competition sold out quickly, with fans packing the iconic Las Vegas venue to witness this global celebration of karaoke excellence.
This spectacular event marked a milestone in competitive karaoke. For the first time, the Finals were live-streamed worldwide, bringing the action from the HyperX Arena into homes across the globe.
As the dust settles from this year’s competition, the IKF is already looking ahead to the 2025 season. The search for the next karaoke superstar is underway, and exciting new developments are on the horizon. Among these are the introduction of a 50+ Masters division and a duet division, further expanding the opportunities for singers to showcase their talents. In addition, a brand-new competition will be unveiled in the coming weeks, signaling an exciting future for the IKF and its partner organization, the United States Karaoke Association (USKA).
“This year’s competition was a monumental success, and we couldn’t be more thrilled with the talent and passion that graced the stage,” said Whitney-John Stuart, Founder and CEO of the International Karaoke Federation. “With the 2025 season just around the corner and our plans for new divisions and competitions, we’re continuing to lead the charge in competitive karaoke innovation.”
The IKF Karaoke Cup has once again proven that karaoke is more than just entertainment—it’s a global phenomenon uniting performers and fans in a celebration of music and artistry.
For more information about the IKF Karaoke Cup, visit www.karaokecup.org.
