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Years ago, when I realized my oldest daughter had a hauntingly beautiful singing voice, I bought her a karaoke machine for Christmas. Since I had never seen one operated before, I shut myself in my room to make sure it worked. The tape that came with it contained Bette Midler's version of 'In My Life', Patsy Cline's 'Crazy', and 'I Don't Know How to Love Him' from the musical Jesus Christ Superstar.

I could sing an adequate alto in the church choir, but my singing voice was not outstanding. That karaoke machine made my voice sound so good I shut myself in my room every night, then made a cassette tape of myself. Listening today to that tape, I had to label it 'Mom singing badly', but at the time, I was Bette Midler.

And that's the magic of karaoke. The background music and microphone make your voice more powerful and give you confidence. People are so used to hearing their drunk friends singing badly on karaoke night at the local bar that anyone who can manage to carry a tune sounds good. I didn't immediately begin spending every night that Christmas that I discovered karaoke singing in public, but I sang more around the house, even when my daughters had their friends over. I sang at work, ignoring some co-workers' rude comments, and I sang my alto part in the church choir louder than I used to.

Then one day a co-worker brought her karaoke machine to work. "Everyone has to sing at least one song," she declared. And many people sang several, spending all day in the designated the karaoke area. I was busy working, but I finally took a break and wandered back.

A girl was singing very badly, but she was having fun. Another lady sang 'Take This Job and Shove It' slightly off key, but with great emotion. So I gathered up my courage and announced that I was going to attempt 'Go Ask Alice', but I may not be able to hit the high notes.

I was awesome. The owner of the karaoke music said that out of everyone there I surprised her the most. So I sang 'Total Eclipse of the Heart', 'Piano Man', 'Sea of Love', 'You're Still the One', and I would probably still be singing if the boss hadn't come back and told me the next day air orders were ready for me to do.

I went to a wedding the following summer, and there was karaoke. Just when I decided to wow all the guests with my version of 'Go Ask Alice', another girl sang it. SHE SANG MY SONG! And not as good as I would have sung it. It ruined the whole day.

My addiction is under control now. Singing is therapeutic and all singers, good or bad, should be allowed to let their voices soar-even if they're singing your song.

Learn more about this author, Cathryn Whitehead.
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