JENNY Ball has been crowned Queen of Karaoke at the World Karaoke Championships.

The 27 year old living in the Lake District came top in the solo category after climbing up the competition ladder into the top 12 finalists.

After competing in the UK finals in Bournemouth, Jenny went on to the Worldwide Finals where she came first in the Solo category.

The 17 annual Karaoke World Championships Finals was held at the Kanda Myoujin Shrine Hall in Tokyo, Japan, between November 27 - 29 2019.

Jenny beat over 40 finalists selected from nearly 40,000 overall entries into the competition.

Her aptitude for singing may be the result of singing since the age of nine, when she sung for the first on her karaoke machine.

Now, a singer and admin assistant for her dads business, Jenny's passion for singing saw her take the plunge and entering the World Karaoke Championships, first in 2018 then again this year.

Despite applying for the competition last year, Jenny unfortunately did not reach the finals as she was only one mark off from attaining a place.

She said: "I wasn't as focused last year, so I applied for it this year and was told I could represent the U.K in the final in Japan."

After being successful in the penultimate UK final in Bournemouth, Jenny was flown to Japan with four pre-prepared songs.

The final took place over three days and finalists had to perform two songs and could only perform the other two if they reached the top 22 and top 12.

Jenny was able to perform three songs, scoring a place in the top 12 and the opportunity to perform her final song.

She explained her feelings when the top three were announced: "I felt relaxed and happy. I tried my best and gave it my all. I honestly thought that the USA or Spain would win, so when they said I won I went into shock and started jumping up and down hysterically. The video is quite embarrassing."

Although the competition title implies performing with a microphone at a local pub, it is far from that.

The World Karaoke Competition is a showcase of some of the finest unsigned talent at a massive global event.

Thousands enter online, with the best selected for a UK Final in Bournemouth with the prize being a trip to represent the UK in the World Finals.

Jenny elaborated on her future plans following her success at this prestigious event

She said: "I'm going to enjoy the 12 months of being number one in the world. I am also hoping to get more work singing and produce some new songs next year."

For those who are unsure whether to take part in the World Karaoke Championships or any singing competition, Jenny shared some advice: "Nothing good comes from staying in the same place. Keep trying and go for it.

"This experience has opened up my mind to so many great things."

The 2020 World finals are in Canada and entry is now open.

Visit www.ukkwc.com or email kwc@vocal-star.com for more details.

If you would like to watch a video of Jenny's winning song, 'And I am telling you' by Jennifer Hudson, follow this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jICB2JQzPIQ