An all-city karaoke contest? Announcing the monthlong ‘Chicago Sings Karaoke’ competition

If you’ve got a passion for karaoke, if you think you can sing, here’s your chance — Chicago is putting on a first-time, monthlong singing competition in October with a prize of $5,000 and inestimable bragging rights at stake.

On Wednesday, Mayor Lori Lightfoot and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events announced “Chicago Sings Karaoke.” Open to city residents (ages 21+), the contest kicks off Oct. 9 and will take place at more than a dozen neighborhood venues, produced by People’s Stage Karaoke. Contestants will advance through three rounds, with one winner crowned Chicago’s Karaoke Champion.

“Karaoke is a much-loved tradition in every Chicago neighborhood, and every night of the week you can find remarkable performances in the unlikeliest of places,” said Lightfoot in part in the announcement. “And you haven’t lived until you’ve heard me cover some Chaka Khan.”

In the first qualifying round, all contestants must sign up to perform at one of the following 18 venues. The contest is open to amateurs only (no singers with recording deals allowed). Songs must be profanity-free and — this being karaoke — original songs and compositions are not allowed:

Oct. 9: Lincoln Lodge (2040 N. Milwaukee Ave.); Louie’s Pub (1659 W. North Ave.); Simone’s (960 W. 18th St.).

Oct. 10: Caminos (1659 W. Cullerton St.); Cove Lounge (1750 E. 55th St.); 5 Estrellas (2908 W. 59th St.).

Oct. 11: Marz Bar (3630 S. Iron St.); Reed’s Local (3017 W. Belmont Ave.); Taquino (1835 W. North Ave.)

Oct. 16: Randy’s Lounge (7512 S. Cottage Grove); UpRoar (1252 N. Wells St.); Uptown Lounge (1136 W. Lawrence Ave.).

Oct. 17: All-Star Seafood & Sports (730 S. Clark St.); Live Wire Lounge (3394 N. Milwaukee Ave.); Zoe’s (5518 S. Archer Ave.).

Oct. 18: Innjoy (2700 N. Milwaukee Ave.); Mi Tierra (2528 S. Kedzie Ave.); Mini Club (8338 S. Halsted St.).

If you’d rather just watch their efforts, the competitions will run from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. at each venue. Performers should visit ChicagoSingsKaraoke.org to reserve a performance slot, although walk-ins will be accepted on a space-available basis.

Each of the 18 venues will select a single semifinalist to advance to Round 2. According to the DCASE announcement, on Oct. 23 those 18 semifinalists will perform at one of three venues in the city. Each venue will then select two performers to advance to the finals. The Round 3 finals will take place Nov. 6 at the Park West, 322 W. Armitage Ave. The six finalists will perform in front of a panel of celebrities, Chicago officials and music industry professionals, with the top performer crowned Chicago’s Karaoke Champion and receiving $5,000.

More information, rules and eligibility requirements at ChicagoSingsKaraoke.org