Elizabeth Moya never imagined her karaoke hobby would take her from the bars of Chile to the global stage. But last October, the 32-year-old was crowned the Karaoke World Champion after a nail-biting competition in Finland. Her inspiring journey proves that with perseverance and passion, even the most unlikely dreams can come true.
A Karaoke Calling
Elizabeth’s love affair with karaoke started at age 17 in her hometown of Curicó. “I sang Hero by Mariah Carey. I remember being so nervous with everyone watching me,” she recalls. “I was only 17, but I won.” Though the promised prize trip never materialized, something more valuable did – a realization that her voice could take her places.
In the years that followed, karaoke became an integral part of Elizabeth’s life. “I sing every day: in my room, in the shower, when I’m cleaning the house. I love all kinds of music,” she shares. Seven years ago, at age 26, she began sharing cover song videos online, which led to professional gigs singing in venues across Chile.
The Path to the World Stage
Gaining confidence, Elizabeth started entering singing competitions five years ago. In 2022, she was a semi-finalist on The Voice Chile. But it was winning the national Karaoke World Championships last year that catapulted her onto the global stage, earning her a spot at the world finals in Finland.
“Karaoke is about expressing your feelings through the song. I’m not good at talking about my feelings, but I can do that through other people’s lyrics.”
– Elizabeth Moya
A Champion Is Crowned
Competing against top talent from 42 countries, Elizabeth was wracked with nerves before taking the stage. “My body was trembling, but I could hear Chileans chanting in the audience, which was really comforting,” she remembers. Belting out songs like Never Enough from The Greatest Showman and Whitney Houston’s I Have Nothing, her powerful voice and emotional delivery won over the judges. With a score of 429 points, she clinched the victory.
For Elizabeth, the win was surreal. “When they announced that I had won, I was in shock. My heart was beating fast and I felt full of happiness,” she describes. “All the competitors were excellent singers who have successful careers in music, so I couldn’t believe it.”
Secrets of a Karaoke Queen
So what does it take to be a karaoke champion? For Elizabeth, song choice and storytelling are key. “I think winning at karaoke depends on the songs you sing – you have to be strategic and choose ones that show off your range,” she advises. “Karaoke is about expressing your feelings through the song…that’s what you have to do to succeed.”
- Study the artist. “I’ve never had vocal training, so I prepared by watching videos of the artists whose songs I was covering, studying how they perform. I also noted the vocal arrangements.”
- Show your range. “Although I don’t speak English, at the championships I chose Never Enough and Whitney Houston’s I Have Nothing, as these songs have a wide vocal range.”
- Make an emotional connection. “For me, karaoke is about expressing your feelings through the song. I’m not good at talking about my feelings, but I can do that through other people’s lyrics.”
A Voice of Inspiration
Even after achieving karaoke’s highest honor, Elizabeth still grapples with impostor syndrome at times. But she hopes her unlikely path can encourage others to pursue their passions. “It’s amazing that karaoke is a big part of my life – and to think that it all began with Mariah Carey,” she marvels. “I’m starting to record music I’ve written myself. It might sound strange, but karaoke made me believe I have something to say.”
For anyone dreaming of turning a hobby into something more, Elizabeth’s journey is proof that dedication, hard work, and a willingness to put your heart on the line can take you further than you ever imagined – maybe even to a world championship. As she puts it: “Karaoke is where I found my voice, in every sense of the word.”
