Channeling Whitney, Ol' Blue Eyes, karaoke singers go for gold

Some may consider it an ear-splitting dissonant spectacle practiced mainly by drunk bar patrons; to others, it's a quirky Japanese pasttime. But for some, karaoke is a legitimate test of skill -- and, in some cases, a significant step down the path of musical dreams.

The winners of the state male and female titles in the Karaoke World Championships in Downtown Crossing were 22-year-old Zach Williams and 25-year-old Tatum Harvey of Easton.

The duo will now advance to the US finals in August in Ohio. The top male and female champions of that fierce showdown will then battle karaoke powerhouses from all over the globe in the world finals in Finland in September.

"The great thing about karaoke is everyone has it in them," said Marti Speranza, owner and founder of Limelight Stage and Studios, which sponsored the event. "Whether they're a great vocalist, or a terrible vocalist but a great entertainer, everyone has some value." Speranza was one of four judges of the event.

Williams said he was inspired by a fortune cookie message: "You create your own stage -- the audience is waiting."

After his victory, he offered some advice of his own: "Don't concentrate on the prize," he said. "Think about how the steps toward it will help you grow."

Although just 22, his muse is the idol of his grandfather's generation: Frank Sinatra. He felt an instant connection, he said, the first time he heard "One for My Baby."

And as he performed "My Kind of Town" today, he no doubt channeled "The Chairman of the Board," decked out in a fedora and black suit jacket as he snapped his fingers, bopped, and sang scat.

"Boston..." he improvised, "...is my kind of town."

Hoots and cheers met his shout-out to Beantown.

Throughout the afternoon, the sounds of people emulating everyone from Roy Orbison to Jewel to Mr. Mister enveloped Downtown Crossing, emanating from a stage in front of Macy's, intermingling with the aroma of curry and barbecued chicken, overseen by a pair of dangling window washers.

Amid the off-key moments, the vamping, and the diva-high notes, a semicircle of spectators gathered to sway, cheer, and dance.

Macomber, draped in a short black dress and tapping her platform sandals, inspired Homer Simpson "Woo-hoos" and whistles as she worked to the crescendo of Whitney Houston's ballad, "I Have Nothing."

Bradford McKeown, meanwhile, regaled the crowd with Edwin McCain's "I'll Be," sunglasses tucked into the lapel of his black polo.

"There are people who think it's pretty ridiculous -- then there are people who are just afraid," noted the 30-year-old from Brighton, whose musical resume includes the international championship of collegiate a capella and gigs at Faneuil Hall with the musical ensemble "Downtown Crossing."

But unlike some of the day's dueling singers, he keeps it casual. "Karaoke is an opportunity to go out and get some beers, pretend to be a rock star," he said.

He laughed and added, "Sometimes the most fun singers are the worst."

Macomber certainly can't be slotted into that category; songwriting and singing will continue in her future. "I'll keep going, keep pushing," she says.

Until then, she will continue belting it out in the shower -- the steam, she said, does wonders for the vocal chords.