Sammy Vijarro, Semi-Finalist, West Region

— -- Sammy Vijarro @SammyVijarro (Semi-Finalist)

Favorite Karaoke Song?
"A Song for You" - Donny Hathaway
Favorite Singer/ Group?
Stevie Wonder
First Job?
McDonald's
Biggest Accomplishment?
Learning to speak fluent Spanish.

Sammy Vijarro, from Seattle, Wash., was introduced to karaoke more than 20 years ago when he found himself immersed in the scene at a Shakey's pizza parlor. Before then he discovered a knack for singing in high school when he joined the school choir.

His passion currently lies as a teacher of ear training and private voice at Edmonds Community College in Lynnwood, Washington. He says that he loves the rapport with the young people. "I get to teach the listening side and music." He continues, "watching the light bulbs turn on in their minds. I love it for that." He is also devoted to his faith, very involved with his church and a former Youth Pastor, and is occasionally a wedding singer.

He likes singing Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder and believes his best singing days are still ahead of him. Sammy's wife is also a music teacher and is his biggest supporter. He has been in many karaoke competitions and believes that winning "Karaoke Battle USA" will give him and his singing "a kind of legitimacy."

Will he be "legitimate" enough to be America's next Karaoke King? Find out in the coming weeks, Fridays 9/8 Central on ABC.