Las Vegas, USA, July 19: Meghalaya’s young singing sensation Kitkupar Nongsiej has scripted another glorious chapter in the history of Indian performing arts by qualifying for the Grand Finale of the World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) 2026, currently being held in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. The achievement makes him the only contestant from India to secure a place in the prestigious final round of the international championship.
Kitkupar earned his place in the Grand Finale after delivering an outstanding performance during the Semi-Final held on the night of 18 July 2026. Following the conclusion of the semi-final performances, the official results were announced, confirming that the young Khasi vocalist had successfully advanced to the final stage of the competition.
Widely known as the “Olympics of Performing Arts,” WCOPA brings together some of the world’s finest young talents in singing, dancing, music, acting, modelling and variety arts. Contestants from more than 60 countries compete through several rounds before only a select few are chosen to perform in the coveted Grand Finale.
The Grand Finale, scheduled for the night of 20 July 2026, will feature only the highest-scoring finalists from the various performance categories. During the spectacular closing ceremony, the world’s best performers will compete for the championship titles, with the overall winner being crowned the Grand Champion Performer of the World, one of the highest honours in international performing arts.
Kitkupar, who hails from Kynshi village in Eastern West Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya, has been making remarkable progress throughout the championship. Representing India as a member of Team India, he impressed the international panel of judges during the preliminary and semi-final rounds with his exceptional vocal ability, stage presence and confident performances.
His journey to the world stage began after winning Ka Sur Kynud Season 3, Meghalaya’s premier singing competition organised by the Don Bosco Media Network (DBMN). He later secured his place at WCOPA by successfully passing the international online auditions conducted for Team India.
Before leaving for the United States, Kitkupar was accorded a warm send-off and special prayer service at the Don Bosco Youth Centre (DBYC), Laitumkhrah, Shillong, where Church leaders, family members, well-wishers and media personnel prayed for his success as he embarked on this historic journey.
Speaking exclusively to dbmnTv after qualifying for the Grand Finale, an emotional Kitkupar expressed profound gratitude to God and to everyone who has supported him throughout his journey.
“I thank Almighty God for His constant guidance and blessings. Qualifying for the Grand Finale of WCOPA is a dream come true and a proud moment not only for me but for Meghalaya and India. I am deeply grateful to my parents, my mentors, the Don Bosco Media Network, my supporters, and everyone who has been praying for me. Your encouragement has given me the strength to keep believing in myself.”
Speaking about his preparation for the final performance, he said, “Reaching the final is a great honour, but the journey is not over. I will continue to prepare with even greater dedication, remain focused, and give my very best on the stage. I know I will be competing against some of the finest performers from around the world, but I will perform with confidence, humility and pride, carrying the hopes of my country. I humbly ask everyone to continue praying for me as I strive to make India and Meghalaya proud.”
The remarkable achievement has sparked celebrations across Meghalaya, particularly among music lovers, the Don Bosco family, and the thousands of followers of dbmnTv, who have closely followed Kitkupar’s inspiring journey from local competitions to one of the world’s biggest stages for performing artists.
His qualification to the Grand Finale is already being hailed as a landmark achievement for Meghalaya and North-East India. Regardless of the final outcome, Kitkupar has demonstrated that with determination, discipline, faith and perseverance, young talents from the region can successfully compete on the global stage.
As the countdown begins for the Grand Finale on 20 July, thousands of supporters across India and abroad continue to pray and cheer for Kitkupar Nongsiej, hoping he will deliver another memorable performance and bring home the coveted title of Grand Champion Performer of the World.
