Chad Smith of Santa Clarita was named a finalist during the third round of qualifying auditions of Karaoke Magazine's SongBurst 2009, a karaoke-style competition being held at and sponsored by the Orange County Market Place in Costa Mesa. He competed with 35 other singers during the qualifier held Saturday, Feb. 28 and will now compete for the top spot and cash awards during the finals on Saturday, March 21, also held at the weekend swap meet venue located at the O.C. Fair & Event Center.
More than $3,000 in cash and other prizes are at stake.

He sang "Separate Ways," a popular song by Journey.

One remaining qualifying round was held on March 7. Divisions are for juniors, 17 years and younger, and adults, 18 years and older.

The grand prize winner in the adult division will receive a $1,000 cash award. Second place receives $500; third place, $300; fourth place, $200 and fifth place, $100. The winner of the junior division will receive a $1,000 U.S. savings bond; second place, a $500 savings bond and third place, a $200 savings bond. Info: (714) 826-2212 or visit www.karaokescene.com.