**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.
