I'm a new KJ... but I have been singing at Karaoke Events for at least 7 years now and every contest that I have ever been involved with, has been a disaster.
I'm not sure if it's the area that I live in or if this is a common problem but, the REGULARS always win the contests around here. Even if there are better singers. I've asked on a number of occassion now that I'm a KJ not to have contests because I think that they ultimatly ruin what could be a good time for everyone.
I've never won a contest but that has nothing to do with me not liking them, I just feel that there are times that contests drive singers away from the bar instead of to it. If you are in a contest that you have to 'qualify for' meaning that there are PRELIMINARY ROUNDS, after most people qualify, they don't come back to the finals. Which causes your bar to loose money and as you KJ's know...if you don't make the bar money, you don't keep your job!
I like to hear about SUCCESSFUL CONTESTS THOUGH...Good luck to all!