MUMBAI: English entertainment channel Zee Studio has launched the 'movie song karaoke championship' in Mumbai wherein the channel will recognise the best vocal talents on the Karaoke circuit.

Earlier, the channel had hosted karaoke bouts under the banner 'Studio Nites' at Bandra and Fort in Mumbai.

The panel of judges for the Karaoke Championship includes Shibani Kashyap, Anaida, Mansi Scott and Mohan, the lead vocalistfrom the rock band Agnee.

The winner of the championship will win Rs 25,000 and a chance to represent Mumbai at a national-level Karaoke championship, to be organised by Opus, a youth hangout in Bangalore.

As part of its marketing initiative, Zee Studio has tied up with Radio One to promote the event. RJ Malini's show will run a call-in contest to select one singer who will have a direct entry into the grand finale.

Says Zee Studio business head Sujay Kutty, "Studio Nites has been a successful on-ground initiative, giving our viewers a direct interface with the channel. The Karaoke championship is an extension of this popular initiative."

The championship will commence with semi-final rounds at 9 pm on 27 and 28 May, 3 and 4 June wherein the winners of each semi-final round will compete in the grand finale on 5 June.