**USKA announces 1st ever US Open Karaoke Championships & return of the IKF Karaoke Cup**

The 2026 season represents a defining moment in the evolution of competitive karaoke, as the global karaoke community prepares for two landmark milestones: the inaugural U.S. Open Karaoke Championships and the fourth season of the IKF Karaoke Cup. Together, these events signal a bold new chapter—one that elevates karaoke to unprecedented levels of professionalism, structure, and cultural significance.

Making its debut in 2026, the U.S. Open Karaoke Championships arrives at a truly historic moment, coinciding with the United States’ 250th birthday. Designed to mirror the prestige and clarity of major sporting events, the U.S. Open will feature Men’s and Ladies Divisions across four genres - Pop, Rock, Country, and Showtunes - with singers advancing from local venue qualifiers through regional finals to a national championship stage. Timed with this once-in-a-generation national celebration, the U.S. Open is intended to honor the diversity of American voices and musical traditions, giving performers the opportunity to compete for national titles during a year of historic reflection and celebration.


At the pinnacle of the season stands the fourth edition of the IKF Karaoke Cup, the organization’s premier all-genre championship and the ultimate proving ground for elite performers. In 2026, both the Solo World Championship and the Duet World Championship will be on the line, as the world’s top singers and pairings converge for a chance to claim global titles. The Karaoke Cup continues to crown the most complete artists in competitive karaoke. It is the ultimate test for those who can excel under pressure on the world stage.

2026 USKA Competitive Schedule:

U.S. Open Karaoke Championships
One-Night-Only Local Qualifiers: March & April 2026
Regional Finals: May / June 2026
U.S. Open Finals: August 2026
Men’s & Women’s Divisions
Genres: Pop, Rock, Country, Showtunes

IKF Karaoke Cup
One-Night-Only Local Qualifiers: June & July 2026
Regional Finals: August / September 2026
Karaoke Cup World Finals: November 2026
Solo World Championship
Duet World Championship

“Every season we raise the bar, but 2026 feels different", says USKA CEO Whitney-John Stuart. "This year represents everything we’ve been building toward. We've created clear pathways for singers, meaningful opportunities for venues, and championships that truly matter. Launching the first-ever U.S. Open during the nation’s 250th birthday is incredibly symbolic, and pairing that with the fourth season of the Karaoke Cup - with both Solo and Duet World Titles on the line - creates a season unlike anything we’ve seen before. At its core, this is about giving singers a stage that respects their craft, challenges their growth, and celebrates their voice. If you’ve ever thought about stepping into competition, 2026 is the moment.”


Together, the U.S. Open Karaoke Championships and the IKF Karaoke Cup form the backbone of a fully realized competitive ecosystem - offering expanded opportunities for singers, increased visibility for venues, and clear national and international stakes. With a historic calendar, multiple championship titles, and the world watching, 2026 will be the biggest season in competitive karaoke history!

WE ARE EXCITED FOR THE 2026 SEASON!!!

What song is taking you to Vegas??

Bring it & Sing it!!

- Rock Genre -

Women's Division:

Amanda McClaren

Caitlynn Fox

Sherika Jones

Stephanie Henderson

Taylor Switzer

Carolyn Bradshaw

Emma Rose

Alissa Fisher

Stephanie Elliott

Jenny Bland

Kelly Lyons

Myka Crenshaw

Robbin Lyons

Mal Bucklin

Krista Hunsaker

Men's Division:

Brian Kirk

Noah Bush

Nathaniel Pacheco

Pascual Cubero

Shawn Hatcher

Todd Vanarsdale

Cleveland Douglas III

Rex Tharp

Jonathan Sanders

James Robertson

Tony Sprong

Nick Marson

Noah Fischer

Wade Cole

- Pop Genre -

Women’s Division:

Courtney Sessum

Jennie Campos

Jade Council

Gabriele Rasdall

Natalia Suarez

Bonnie Nicole

Rachel Engels

Hunter Wells

Hannah Taschwer

Pariesha Scott

Myka Crenshaw

Rockell Allen

Stephanie Elliott

Daiona Calhoun

Robbin Lyons

Lexi

Brianna Hine

Bethany Baker

Sarah Colville

Men's Division:

Noah Bush

Ben Jarvis

Nick Tenney

James Switzer

Robert Hall-Dobbs

Nate Cropp

Corey Harrell

Aaron Brandenburg

Wade Cole

Cleveland Douglas III

REGIONAL FINALS - INDIANA

- Showtunes Genre -

Women’s Division:

Jasmine Janis

Anna Nelson

Kim Estes

Jaime Willis

Hannah Taschwer

Robbin Lyons

Kelly Lyons

Jennie Campos

Hunter Wells

Daiona Calhoun

Michelle Cooper

Anna Spack

Bethany Baker

Men’s Division:

Jake Williams

Noah Bush

Tim Harrison

Aaron Brandenburg

- Country Genre -

Women’s Division:

Gabrielle Britten

Hannah Sexton

Deb Alger

Ariya Marr

Robbin Lyons

Taylor Switzer

Cassandra Bauer

Bella Gray

Sheri Bradley

Barbara Howrey

Lindsey Powers

Men’s Division:

Matt Bivens

Brian Winningham

Nathan Wilusz

Chris Hasara

Jay Emberton

Rex Tharp

Micah Cast

Kenny Beasley

Greg Michaels

Andy Driscoll

James A Dickerson

Warren Slinkard

The Bee’s Knees

Karaoke Contest

Stay tuned for more contest opportunities!!

See some of our previous winners below.