Mangaluru, December 19, 2025: The 6th Edition of the News Karnataka Christmas Carols Video Contest 2025 concluded on a high note with a vibrant Grand Finale, celebrating music, unity and the enduring spirit of Christmas. After weeks of inspiring performances from across India and abroad, The Vocal Horizon from Bengaluru emerged as the winner, winning hearts with a powerful and polished performance.
The Grand Finale was hosted by Calvin George Michael L, who welcomed viewers by reflecting on Christmas as a season of hope, harmony and togetherness. He recalled that the contest was launched in 2020 during the pandemic as a means to unite people through music—an initiative that has since evolved into a much-anticipated annual tradition.
A growing global tradition
Conceptualised by CA Valerian Dalmaida, Mentor and Advisor of Spearhead Media Pvt Ltd, along with Rajesh Sequeira, the Christmas Carol Contest has steadily expanded in reach and scale.
The 2025 edition featured participants from Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra and Abu Dhabi, continuing the contest’s legacy of cultural diversity. Over the years, audiences have enjoyed carols in multiple languages including English, Kannada, Konkani, Malayalam, Tamil, Tulu, Spanish and Arabic—each performance adding its own colour to the celebration.
Judges’ praise and artistic growth
The contest was evaluated by an experienced jury comprising Dr Jeevan Lobo and Ivan Monteiro, both of whom lauded the noticeable leap in quality this season.
Judge Ivan Monteiro observed that several teams had shown remarkable progress. “Some teams have clearly jumped to the next level,” he remarked, praising the performers’ dynamics, expression and stage presence.
Echoing this view, Dr Jeevan Lobo highlighted the technical maturity of the entries, noting significant improvements in vocal modulation, sound clarity and video editing, reflecting a more holistic and professional approach to performance.
Vision behind the contest
Reflecting on the journey of the Christmas Carol Contest, CA Valerian Dalmaida expressed satisfaction at how the initiative has flourished over the years.
“We started this in 2020 to bring people together when the world was apart. Today, it is heartening to see neighbours, parishes and friends coming together to keep this tradition alive,” he said, underscoring the contest’s role in strengthening community bonds through music.
Strong support from sponsors
News Karnataka expressed heartfelt gratitude to its main sponsors and well-wishers whose continued support has helped the contest grow into a significant festive platform. Sponsors hailed from Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Mangaluru, Bengaluru, Udupi and other parts of Karnataka, reflecting the wide community backing for the initiative.
Winners of the 6th edition
After careful evaluation, the results of the Grand Finale were announced:
- Winner (₹20,000): The Vocal Horizon – Bengaluru
- First Runner-up (₹15,000): St. Mary’s Begur – Bengaluru
- Second Runner-up (₹10,000): Holly Jolly – Abu Dhabi
- First Consolation Prize (₹1,000): Infant Voice – Calicut
- Second Consolation Prize (₹1,000): Silver Bells – Ernakulam
Celebrating creativity and community
Thanking the participants, organisers emphasised that the contest goes beyond singing alone, encouraging creativity in music, videography and storytelling. The enthusiasm and dedication of the contestants, combined with the tireless efforts of the News Karnataka team, made the 2025 edition a resounding success.
As the finale concluded, News Karnataka extended Christmas and New Year greetings to viewers, inviting them to return next year for another celebration of voices, faith and festive harmony.