WHEN Bunbury man Rob Rochow takes to the stage and belts out a song, he is on top of the world.
And if his run of success continues, he will be in that position in more ways than one.
Mr Rochow is set to compete in the state finals of the Karaoke World Champion-ships next month with the final goal of representing Australia in Sweden and a prize of $50,000.
He was one of three Bunbury finalists who were selected from a heat held at the Highway Hotel this month, organised by Nice and Easy Karaoke.
Originally from Adelaide, Mr Rochow moved to Bunbury about two years ago but has been on the karaoke scene for more than 15 years.
Mr Rochow was known as “Rob with the Hat” when he ran his own travelling karaoke show across WA, but got off the circuit when he fostered two children with his partner.
He said he loved to sing any of the old classics including Simon and Garfunkel, Led Zepplin and Guns and Roses as well as more modern hits from artists like James Blunt.
The Highway Hotel crowd was treated to a stirring rendition of Gary Wright’s Dream Weaver and Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody, which saw him “running around the stage like a lunatic”.
Mr Rochow said he would take the competition as far as he could but would also be on the lookout for a band missing a singer.
“I just love it when people are getting into it and enjoying themselves – they say music releases endorphins, it’s like a natural high,” he said.
“I was never really good at anything and then I found this, I love to lift people up with my songs.”
Mr Rochow will join Michelle Winkleman and Jasmine Vardy in Armadale in competing in the state finals on September 14.
