by Michelle Buitenhuis

Created on: April 21, 2008   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

Be honest! How often have you caught yourself walking into a bar, simply because it said Karaoke' on the door? Be it to try your luck at delivering a unique killer version of your favourite song or to watch others attempt the same and either succeed, or, which is more often the case, fail!
All over the world people of all ages have warmed up to the entertainment phenomenon from Japan. Whether you are merely a spectator or that brave soul standing on stage belting out classic tunes, karaoke is difficult to resist.

After all, what could be more fun than watching drunken, talentless Mariah Carey or Michael Jackson Wannabes putting on an unforgettable show? What could be more exciting than holding on to that mic, singing your heart out and receiving applause, even if your singing has the same effect as fingernails on a blackboard?

I myself have been to various karaoke events. In fact, I was there with bells on! Microphone in one hand, the song book in the other, many drinks already consumed and some more waiting for me on the counter behind me.
It was when I witnessed and participated in a karaoke marathon that I started to worry. An entire weekend of proper 'binge-singing' until the early hours. And I just could not get myself to put the mic away. Over and over again, I dared to get up onto that stage, perfectly aware of the fact that I was hardly doing the audience a favour. But before I knew it, I was a karaoke junkie, impatiently awaiting that next musical fix, barking off any prospective 3-minute-wonders that got in my way.
Karaoke Anonymous, here is your newest member! Help me overcome that urge to get on that stage and make a complete and utter fool out of myself. Many people who had to endure the auditory assault would gladly sign me up for it.

If you find yourself regularly hogging a microphone or feeling immense pleasure only at the thought of it, it is probably safe to say you are addicted to Karaoke. Whether the sounds made by those that want their 15 minutes of fame resemble the sounds of a cat being strangled or the sound of heaven itself, doesn't matter.
Karaoke has become a drug that everybody can take a liking to. Possible side effect: public humiliation. A small sacrifice for a minute in the spotlight, a great stress relief or quite simply, a good laugh!
There is a little karaoke junkie in all of us!

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