Just five days to go until first Karaoke Champ is crowned

Apr 13 2008 By Gayle Ritchie

See All 25 Finalists At Www.karaokechamp.co.uk Karaoke Camp Sing It. Win It. 5 Days To Go

SWING king Greg Lloyd hopes to send his friends and family absolutely potty by clinching our Karaoke Champ title.

And praying he'll get that big break at the finals on Friday will be snooker world champ John Higgins.

John, who practises at Craigpark Masters Snooker club in Dennistoun, Glasgow, where Greg sings, said: "He's a great wee singer and I'm impressed by his swing renditions.

"I've seen him singing Ain't That A Kick In The Head on the website and he really carries it off well.

"I'm gutted I won't make it along on Friday as I'm gearing up for the snooker world championships but I'll be there in spirit, spurring Greg on to win."

Brewery machine operator Greg, 22, of Cumbernauld, said: "All my family, pals and workmates are so excited.

"With such fantastic supporters behind me, I owe it to them to give it my best shot on the night."

Karaoke mania is sweeping the nation in the countdown to the first live Scottish championship at the Carling Academy in Glasgow.

In just five days, one of our fabulous 25 finalists will be crowned Scotland's karaoke king or queen.

Across the country, friends and family of the wannabes have been gearing up to show their support.

Banners and flags have been made and every finalist plans to bring along their own personal fan club to scream their lungs out at the final.

The family of hip-shaking Christeen MacMurdie, 41, are backing the Motherwell mum all the way.

Husband Ronnie said: "I bought her a karaoke machine in 2005 and since then she's proved she's a natural.

"She's not shy about strutting her stuff and does a great Shakira rendition. She'll be unstoppable on the Carling stage.

"I reckon when folk see her shaking her booty on stage, they'll be blown away."

Gillian Carruthers, 25, of Milton of Campsie, Stirlingshire, is bringing an army of supporters along to see her perform Robbie Williams' Angels.

She said: "Singing is my greatest passion and I can't wait to belt out my songs at the Carling."

Her cousin Stephanie Mackinnon, 25, who is in a band with Gillian, said: "She's got a great voice so she's in with a real chance of winning.

"We've all rallied round to give her the extra confidence she needs. Our banners and flags will be bigger and better than anyone else's without a shadow of a doubt!"

If you're quick, you can still get tickets for the fabulous final.

We've been bowled over by the quality and quantity of your entries but our judges whittled down the hundreds of wannabes to the top five in five categories.

They will battle it out in the big singoff for our s5000 prize and the winner will also get the chance to make their own CD. The night will be hosted by actress and singer Kathleen McDermott and judges include songwriter John McLaughlin, T in the Park boss Geoff Ellis, DJ Heather Suttie and Sunday Mail showbiz writer Mickey McMonagle.

They will have the task of picking one winner from each category then our overall champ. Karaoke-crazy Kathleen said: "Many of the finalists will only have performed in wee pubs or in front of friends and family so they might be quite nervous about getting up in front of 1500 people.

"But it's going to be a great party atmosphere and the crowd is sure to spur them on."

TICKET HOTLINE

There are still tickets for our glittering final up for grabs on a first-come, first-served basis. Call 0844 477 2000 to reserve yours for just s5 each or go to ticketweb.co.uk. Bring the family along for a fabulous night.

YOU CAN STILL SING AND WIN: Those who entered before the Friday deadline and buy a ticket for the final will be entered in a draw for the chance to perform.

SUNDAY EMAIL

g.ritchie@sundaymail.co.uk