by Debbie Denton

Created on: April 21, 2008   Last Updated: May 05, 2008

Hey! It's Karaoke night on Saturday! You've got to come, it will be a blast! That was my first invitation to the wonderful world of KARAOKE! I wasn't really sure what karaoke was at that time but back then I was always up for a get together with my friends.

My friends and I went down to the local watering hole and sat listening to the "regulars" sing their songs from their heart. The place was packed and everyone clapped and cheered for the songsters. I love to sing but wasn't sure if I could match up to any of the people who I had already heard sing. I certainly did not want to get up and mess up a song that everyone knew the real way it was suppose to sound. (Little did I know at that time that the really cool thing about karaoke is that it leaves room for individual artistic interpretation of the songs - you don't have to sound like the recordings!)

My friends and I sat at our table looking over the large notebook full of songs to sing. The DJ kept enticing all "karaoke virgins" to get up and sing! Every time I found a song that I thought I could possibly sing I found another one that I thought I could do better. Finally I made my decision and wrote out all the information on the little slip of paper and took it up to the DJ. (Big sigh!) I did it! Now I sat at my table waiting for my turn to come up - praying that I did not have to follow a really great singer.

My name was finally called and I got up to sing. I love the fact that the words all change color when your suppose to sing them. My song was an old stand by for many karaoke singers a song by Patsy Cline called "Crazy". She is a tough act to follow by herself. The music started and I took a deep breath and began to sing. My knees were knocking under my jeans and it felt that I couldn't breathe. All those people staring at me and listening to me. The room actually became a bit quieter during my song - making me think that I had done something wrong. I just kept singing and when it was finished the place went "Crazy" everyone yelling and clapping! It was wonderful and I was absolutely hooked on karaoke from that moment on. Couldn't wait to get back to my table and chose another song to sing.

That was many, many nights of karaoke ago. Now I'm one of the regulars and when people see me walk in the place I don't even get to chose my songs anymore. I get to sing "karaoke roulette" because everyone will put in songs for me to sing for them. I don't know what I'll be singing next. It is still a blast! I love the recognition and applause, it is such an ego booster. I sing in a band also and it helps me to keep my voice in condition between our gigs.

Karaoke is great for everyone. It is not how you sound that really counts. It is how you feel when you are up there singing. It is a chance for everyone to be a star for a minute. Don't be afraid to get up and sing.....lift your voice, it is good for the soul!

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