3. Goal Karaoke World Championships USA is the only nationwide event sanctioned by the international karaoke authority located in Lahti, Finland. Thousands of singers will compete across the US for a chance to represent our country at the international competition in Kilarney, Ireland, held September, 2011. Local competitors can move on to the state finals held June 2011, winners there can then compete in the regional finals held July 2011, and regional winners have the chance to appear at the national finals, in August 2011. Each venue chooses its own judges, which rate competitors on voice quality, rhythm and tempo, vocal expression, stage presence, and entertainment value. National prizes are valued at over $16,000, and include studio time and custom song demos for the singers. Regional prizes are valued at over $6,300, and include studio time and karaoke discs and equipment.