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CHICAGO — Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) announced today the six finalists who will compete for the title of Chicago’s Karaoke Champion in the City’s first-ever citywide singing competition. After qualifying and semi-final rounds in 18 neighborhood venues featuring hundreds of talented, amateur singers, these six Chicagoans will compete before a panel of judges comprised of local celebrities, music industry professionals and others at the Chicago Sings Karaoke competition finals on Sunday, November 6, at the Park West, 322 W. Armitage Avenue (doors open at 5pm), where the winner will also receive $5,000.

The six finalists are:

• Jaleel Amir, 26, Grand Crossing neighborhood
• Rashada Dawan, 40, South Shore neighborhood
• Brandon Dodson, 35, Rogers Park neighborhood
• Lauren “Elle Michelle” Gaines, 40, Galewood neighborhood
• Erendira Izguerra, 29, West Lawn neighborhood
• Jason E. Jackson, 45, Edgewater neighborhood

“The level of talent on display throughout this competition has been remarkable,” said Mayor Lightfoot. “On behalf of the entire city, I want to personally thank each performer for partaking in this event and sharing their gift with us. I am very excited to see what our finalists will do at the finale on November 6.”

More event details and a limited number of tickets will be available for the public starting November 1. Watch ChicagoSingsKaraoke.org for updates. Admission is free. Additionally, the City will livestream the event at Chicago.gov/live. For more information and a complete set of rules, visit ChicagoSingsKaraoke.org and join the conversation on social media using #ChicagoSingsKaraoke.

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About The People’s Stage Karaoke
The People's Stage Karaoke is a service that focuses on providing the best karaoke experience in Chicago in partnership with different venues on a weekly basis or on special occasions for public, private and special events. The People's Stage Karaoke – Your Life, Your Music, Your Stage (tpskaraoke.com)

Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events
The City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) supports artists and cultural organizations, invests in the creative economy, and expands access and participation in the arts throughout Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods. As a collaborative cultural presenter, arts funder, and advocate for creative workers, our programs and events serve Chicagoans and visitors of all ages and backgrounds, downtown and in diverse communities across our city — to strengthen and celebrate Chicago. DCASE produces some of the city’s most iconic festivals, markets, events, and exhibitions at the Chicago Cultural Center, Millennium Park, and in communities across the city — serving a local and global audience of 25 million people. The Department offers cultural grants and resources, manages public art, supports TV and film production and other creative industries, and permits special events throughout Chicago. For details, visit Chicago.gov/DCASE and stay connected via our newsletters and social media.