When I was hosting full time I worked very hard to build up a feeling of comradeship between my regular singers. A singing contest destroys in a short period of time this feeling of mutual respect. Any benefit hoped for by the venue as far as increased traffic is a sugar rush, and will only last as long as the contest continues. In over 20 years of hosting I only have hosted one contest, and that was because it wasn't a regular gig of mine. I did none of the judging and only acted as the air traffic controller for that evening.

P.S. Did I mention that what you usually do as a host is good most nights, on contest night everyone is a diva, or you made someone look bad on purpose, it was fixed, worst host ever I didn't win, you didn't make me sound like Elvis. Have plenty of extra bar towels handy for all the crying.

I have found the regulars who aren't competing in the contest because they don't consider themselves, whether it's the truth or not, good enough to win the contest get frustrated because they are not getting to sing as much as they used to. Some of them decide to go to other shows going on and forget about coming back after the contest has ended and the other regulars who do think that they have what it takes to win get pissed off enough to go elsewhere if they don't win.

Back to the opening question...

My friend...

I'm sure you're a fabulous singer. I'm sure people love seeing (and hearing) your performance. With that said, there is a reason why I and many of my colleagues despise contests. Let's look at a few of the reasons...

With over 20 years experience in this business, I've never seen a contest that was judged fairly. I've seen favoritism come into play many times over impartially. Most of the judges had no qualifications relating to music or a musical background. And as always is the case, someone who was inferior to the best singer ends up winning.

Karaoke is supposed to be fun for everyone but I've seen contests cause hurt feelings, animosity, anger, and frustration. This is NOT what karaoke is about. But yet, contests are a great way to make someone feel inferior about themselves. Yes, contests can shatter someone's self esteem and actually drive people away.

And then you have the Diva's who make a living off of contests. These are the people who know where all the contests are going to be and enter every one. These people are really good and know how to win. And once they do, you never see them again. Which is not fair to the people who come out week after week supporting the bar. It's really a slap in the face.

Like I said, contests cause more harm than good. I've seen several friendships lost over a contest. I know, it's crazy.

So my friend, my advice to you is keep your sanity and don't enter but if you must, take the contest with a grain of salt. Look at it as something for entertainment value, NOT as an indication of singing ability. Because so many times, your singing skills have nothing to do with winning.

Jesus, just let him do the contest, he didn't ask about how much you hate them.
Ps my contests are very fair so they do exist

And then you have the Diva's who make a living off of contests. These are the people who know where all the contests are going to be and enter every one. These people are really good and know how to win. And once they do, you never see them again. Which is not fair to the people who come out week after week supporting the bar. It's really a slap in the face.

Wow. That's quite a can of worms I opened with this question.

Even so, I appreciate you folks taking the time to answer. You've given me a lot of insight.

I'm up for hearing more about song choices and their order.

Ps my contests are very fair so they do exist

What of the International Karaoke Competition? Do you feel that one plays out fairly?

Thanks for swooping in to the rescue.

Seriously? Rescue from what? My honesty? Because I was sharing some information that you didn't want to hear?

Look, the reality is that everything that I have stated in my post above does happen. It's a fact. We've all experienced it. I'm not saying that it happens with every single contest, there ARE some good ones as Lonnie has pointed out, but the fact remains, there are more bad ones than good ones.

Here's one for you... I remember a KJ friend of mine telling me about a contest where the judges had already decided on a winner before any contestant even sang a single note!!!!!

I am only trying to be insightful and share what I've seen happen in all my years as a professional KJ and the reason why I hate them so much. If you choose to be naive and discount what I'm saying, so be it. But like it or not, that's the reality of contests.

I wish you the best of luck with yours. I can only hope it is run and judged fairly.

Back to the opening question:

What I've gleaned, so far, from this thread about that is:
Save the best for last.
And so, I suppose, start with one of your stronger songs; then two other, obviously fabulous but not your most amazing songs; and if you get to the final round, hit them with your most amazing shot. ?

And that, when deciding which song is 'best' audience appeal is king.

Forget that I personally hate contests. All you really can do is sing your heart out and do the best performance that you have in you. If it's good enough to move you through the process, that is gravy on the turkey. What really matters is how you feel about your performance when you get through singing. Pick songs that move emotions that you know well enough not to have to rely on the screen and have fun.

That was very well spoken, Danny. You stated how you feel about contests, yet you gave her the encouragement to perform her best. I too wish her the best of luck, even though we both know that contests are a farce. Nice job Danny.

By the way... I stated my reasons why I hate contests. Just curious, what are your reasons why you hate them?