Kyle Chavente was just two years old when he first started singing, and now he's taking his voice to the national stage.
Chavente recently achieved success at a provincial karaoke competition, hosted by Karaoke World Championships, and will now be heading to a national competition in Calgary.
"I grew up around music. When I turned two, the very first song that I learned to sing was Dancing Queen," said Chavente. "I have a recording that my mom kept, and we listen to it every once in a while."
Originally from the Philippines, Chavente found himself immersed in their karaoke scene, a love which he took with him to Canada. He soon went from singer to host as he found a job running karaoke at the King Eddy Pub in Strathmore.
"One night, me and my friends when to the Eddy to sing karaoke, and one of the hosts pulled me outside and asked me what I was doing at the time," added Chavente. "I had just lost my job because of an injury, and she asked if I wanted to work there."
Following nationals, two Canadians will be selected to head to the international competition in Thailand.
"I also made it to nationals last year. This time, I know what to expect, and my main goal is to get comfortable on the stage and sing my heart out. I've always had anxiety singing on stage."
From singing for the bar he hosts to singing on the national stage, Chavente said it's been challenging trying to relax.
"If I'm singing at a regular karaoke bar, I'm really comfortable. It's so different when I'm up there being judged with my competitors. It's very nerve-wracking and an entirely different ball game."
Chavente plans to dress up and incorporate props into his routine, mentioning a previous harmonica performance at provincials.
For those like him who struggle with the anxiety of singing at karaoke, Chavente gave some advice.
"Trust me. I get it. When I first got up on the bar stage, it was really scary," added Chavente. "I would just say, do it scared. It's all about enjoying yourself up there."
Chavente takes musical inspiration from his family and artists such as Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen, and other modern country singers.
The national competition takes place between August 18 and 23 at the Deerfoot Inn and Casino in Calgary.