Why I Love Karaoke

On Saturday, I was fortunate enough to participate in a karaoke contest that was held during my cousin’s wedding reception. Now, some of you may be thinking “you were fortunate? you wanted to do karaoke?” Because to some of us, the thought of getting up in front of strangers and belting out a song that will most likely be semi out of tune, is just as scary as being locked in a bathroom with a ravenous tiger.

But it shouldn’t be that scary. Even if you aren’t someone like me, who has never known the definition of the word embarrassed, you should be able to enjoy karaoke. Because karaoke is a magical experience that makes you get to feel like you are a famous superstar who everyone loves, only unlike an actual famous superstar–nobody cares how good you are as long as you go for it. I wholeheartedly believe that every person should do karaoke at least once in their lifetime. And I know that might make you nervous, but all you have to do is follow a few simple rules and you will have a fabulous time.

1. Pick a good song: some people make the mistake of thinking that they want to pick a song that is actually musically interesting, or is by someone who is amazingly talented. That is not necessarily the route you want to go. If you pick a song that is too complicated you will most likely not be able to follow it well, and your audience will be lost. There’s no way you will be able to magically have the range of Mariah Carey–so don’t try. My advice is to stick with simple, cheesy power ballads. Why?  Because in a power ballad, the quality of your voice matters much less than the force with which you belt it out. This will work in your favor. Also, you may not enjoy listening to cheesy songs, but audiences love a good cheesy performance for karaoke. Simply put, it is more entertaining, because when you don’t have to focus very hard on getting a complicated, serious song right, you have more energy to focus on putting on a ridiculous, and awesome performance. Some great song choices are: I believe I can fly, livin on a prayer, total eclipse of the heart, anything for love, I want it that way, etc.

2. Belt it out: one of the worst things you can do when singing karaoke is to half ass it. I understand that you’re nervous, but if you are going to go up there and whisper into the mike and refuse to look up from the screen, you should not even be up there. People think if they let themselves go and belt it out, they will make a fool of themselves–but the opposite applies in karaoke  It is the ones who totally go for it that get the applause(no matter how bad their voices are) and the ones who don’t even try who end up looking like the fools.

3. Bring Back Up: if it is your first time, and you want to sing, but you’re nervous–just bring a buddy. Preferably one who has done karaoke before and will help you loosen up and get into it. I have been this person for many of my friends. And I always reassure them that it doesn’t matter because I will make a bigger fool of myself than they ever could, so there’s nothing to worry about. Nothing is ever as scary with a friend by your side.

4. Don’t take yourself so seriously: I think this one is self explanatory. As I’ve said throughout this post, karaoke is meant to be ridiculous. So live it up, and don’t worry how off key you were in the second verse. It really doesn’t matter.

If you follow my advice you will have an amazingly fun time doing karaoke. Trust me. I am the one who convinced my mother in law to sing Neil Young for the karaoke contest while I did an absurd back up dance next to her. I’m also the one who walked away from the contest with the best performance award. What was my prize? you may ask. Why a t shirt with a picture of Charlie Sheen that says “winning” of course. And I’m wearing it right now.