October 14, 2026, Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE): Dr. Rommel Sergio, Professor of Management at Canadian University Dubai (CUD), has won the Senior World Grand Champion title in Vocal at the World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA), held in Las Vegas, Nevada in July 2026.
Representing Team UAE, Dr. Sergio competed alongside artists from more than 70 countries. His entries included solo singing, group vocal performance, original composition and acting, for which he performed a contemporary monologue.
Dr. Sergio received 12 awards: the Senior World Grand Champion title in Vocal, two Division Champion titles in group vocal performance, seven gold medals, one silver medal in Solo Contemporary Singing and one bronze medal for an Original Solo Composition. His gold medals spanned solo singing, group singing, acting and senior group vocal categories. He also received a New York Film Academy scholarship for a summer program in the United States.
His award-winning performances spanned contemporary, gospel, Broadway and original composition categories, highlighting his versatility.
Reflecting on the achievement, Dr. Sergio said: “It is never too late to pursue your dreams. I stopped performing 30 years ago. To be given this opportunity and to win on the international stage is a milestone worth celebrating and an inspiration for others to live by.”
Dr. Sergio also thanked CUD for supporting his preparations. “I am particularly grateful to Prof. Karim Chelli and CUD for their invaluable support. The University provided venues for our rehearsals, concerts, and meetings, all of which contributed greatly to our preparation and journey.”
The WCOPA achievement follows Dr. Sergio’s appearance as a finalist and medalist at the I-Sing World competition in Toronto, Canada, in 2025.
WCOPA brings together performers from around the world to compete in singing, dancing, acting, modelling, instrumental music and other disciplines. The competition offers emerging and established artists opportunities to develop their craft and connect with fellow performers and entertainment industry professionals.
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