So, your friends are forcing you to attend karaoke, which is fine, except that they’re also forcing you to sing. And, in all likelihood, you’re neither Sinatra nor Streisand? Fret not. Follow these simple steps to avoid utter embarrassment.
1. Sing a Simple Song
Go in prepared with a couple of easy to sing numbers, even if they’re songs you don’t like. While “Sweet Child o’ Mine” might be a fun tune in its own right, it’s a hard sell to the sometimes unforgiving karaoke crowd. Easier stuff, like “Proud Mary,” (think John Fogherty, not Tina Turner) will sound better. Additionally, you may think it’s cool that the songbook contains that Bob Seger song that only you know, but the crowd would prefer to hear songs they know as well (provided you don’t completely slaughter them with your rendition). Also, look for songs where the singers don’t do much actual singing, or aren’t very good singers in their own right. A lot of punk songs fit the mold here.
2. Sing with a Friend
Hopefully, your friends will join you onstage to share in the mortification. The more the merrier rule applies here, as the more people that sing, the less seems to be expected of any of them in the karaoke crowd. This works well for big sing-along songs like “Mony Mony,” “I Love Rock and Roll” and “Livin on a Prayer.” However, try to avoid songs with multiple parts that you’d have to split up, such as Grease’s “You’re the One That I Want” or “Bohemian Rhapsody,” as the margin for error is high.
3. Sing Later in the Evening
Karaoke nights generally happen at bars, and bars sell alcohol. Thus, after people have had a few drinks, their critical palette may be softened some, and they’re probably paying less attention to who’s onstage. Be forewarned that this can backfire, as people may choose not to tactfully reserve their comments if you’re especially bad.
4. Know the Lyrics
Yeah, the whole point of karaoke is the screen shows the lyrics, but that should be used as a backup. Already knowing the words is a huge plus, as you may still find yourself looking at the screen, but at least you know what’s coming. Also, songs without many lyrics, or songs that are sung slowly, are a huge plus. Don’t get up and try to do “It’s the End of the World as We Know It,” as ye shall fail.
5. Don’t Take it Seriously
Karaoke is, by nature, not a very serious activity. Those that do take it seriously are the problem, as the songs are supposed to be sung by non-professionals. Yes, you will hear a standout performance every once in a while (and cringe if you’re next in line), but unless it’s a competition, usually the people with the really good pipes are trying to use them professionally, and not to impress karaoke goers at a bar. If you stick to an easy song, you should sound about average, and that’s all anyone is asking. If you get booed, remember that the people booing are in the same spot as you, and they probably can’t sing a whole lot better. If they are good singers, then you have to wonder why they reserve their talent for karaoke.
