MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY
Home » News » Singer dreams of global success

Singer dreams of global success

Maidstone singer Harlem Calleja will channel his inner Elvis and ask ‘why can’t my dreams come true’ at a global music concert in Bangkok next month.

Calleja is Australia’s representative at the Karaoke World Championships (KWC) Global Music Contest being held in the Thai capital from 3 to 8 November.

“KWC is now called KWC Global Music Contest because it has evolved to be less karaoke and more about the best of the best amateur singers from around the world. Think Eurovision but with popular songs,“ he said.

“This will be the third time I’ve competed at the world finals, and what I love most about this competition is no matter who you are, what you look like or how old you are, you have the potential to make it to worlds. Diversity is celebrated.“

Calleja, 45, has been singing as long as he can remember.

“I’ve been in quite a few local competitions over the years, but never anything as big as this. I’ve done musical theatre, concerts, charity gigs, festivals and even a funeral and wedding! My style lends itself to a blend of soul/rock and pop.“

Calleja will perform three songs – a Måneskin cover of Elvis Presley’s ‘If I Can Dream’, Little River Band’s ‘Playing to Win’ and The Commitments’ version of ‘Try a Little Tenderness’.

“KWC is inclusive of all, and prides itself on its diverse artists. It is an absolutely magical experience and one I recommend to anyone.“

The competition will be streamed live on the official KWC website: www.kwc.fi

Support Calleja by casting your vote for the audience favourite.

Digital Editions


  • More cameras coming to Victoria’s roads

    More cameras coming to Victoria’s roads

    The state government will roll out 35 new fixed cameras, two point-to-point networks and tougher seatbelt and distracted-driving enforcement as part of its Road Safety…

More News

  • Doctor design

    Doctor design

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 535233 Like dozens of his colleagues, Western Health anaesthetist Dr David Bramley was enjoying the spacious and modern surroundings of the new Footscray Hospital…

  • Volunteer hails new hospital

    Volunteer hails new hospital

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 535233 The new Footscray Hospital is much bigger, more modern, offers many more services and is much more conveniently located than its predecessor. But…

  • Footscray Hospital’s opening day

    Footscray Hospital’s opening day

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 535233 The opening of the new Footscray Hospital on Wednesday 18 February was a landmark event for the western suburbs, with the state of…

  • Hit and run investigated

    Hit and run investigated

    Police are appealing to anyone who witnessed a hit and run collision in South Kingsville on Thursday night to come forward. Emergency services were called to Blackshaws Road about 11pm…

  • Stars coming to Altona North

    Stars coming to Altona North

    International box lacrosse is coming to Altona North. Both the Next Gen Series and the IIJL Commonwealth Cup are being hosted at Alan Lewer Box Court. The inaugural Next Gen…

  • Focus on transport future

    Focus on transport future

    Transport affects every part of daily life. It shapes how we get to work and school, connect with friends and family, and enjoy our beautiful city. That’s why it’s so…

  • Faces of the west

    Faces of the west

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 532699 Each week Star Weekly photographers are out and about capturing events and people across the west.

  • Williamstown cold case mystery

    Williamstown cold case mystery

    Thirty-two years ago, 79-year-old Leah Buck was attacked and robbed in Williamstown in broad daylight. The severe injuries she sustained would result in her death the following day. Her attacker…

  • Community Calendar

    Community Calendar

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 534644 The Newport Lakes Bush Dance Newport Fiddle and Folk Club’s annual bush dance is on 15 March and has been made possible through…

  • Merzbow to bring noise to Newport

    Merzbow to bring noise to Newport

    For almost five decades now, Tokyo-based artist Merzbow has held an undisputed position as the iconic forefather of noise music. It’s said his work, which catapults the listener into an…