by Jenn Weiss

Created on: April 22, 2008   Last Updated: May 05, 2008

The first time I participated in karaoke was when I was in college two
years ago. It was my senior year and I wanted to try something I had
never tried before. My college, Robert Morris University, had a
competition called RMU Idol which was like American Idol but using
karaoke instead. It was fun to watch and even more fun to be a part of it. The
judges were various professors who wanted to be a part of it. It is an

annual event and one of the biggest ones the college hosts.

I admit I was very nervous. I don't like being in front of people all
that much, nor do I have much confidence in my own singing. We had to
pick three songs, and I remember one of the songs was "Love Is A
Battle Field" by Pat Benetar. I also think I sang "Walk By Faith" which is
one of my favorite Christian songs. It was so much fun. After a few
minutes of being on the stage it was as if everyone disappeared and I
was singing alone and the audience didn't matter. A few people were
cheering though I have a strong feeling it was my friend's cheering for me, but
still it was nice to sing and have people cheering.

It was so exhilirating, to step out of my comfort zone and do something
that I normally would not have done. It gave me a confidence I have
never experienced before. Granted I haven't participated in karaoke
since then, but now I know I can do it and how much fun it will be.
Next time I get the chance you can sure I will be on that stage singing a
song or two.

For those who haven't done it yet, I say just try it. Get a group of
friends together and go to a karaoke night at a local bar. No one will
care if you're on key or not. I think people enjoy it because it's fun
and most people don't hit the right keys anyway. It's all about having
fun and letting go of your fears and inhibitions. Do something
different, something you wouldn't normally do. There is nothing like being on the
stage and belting out a tune. I think it is more fun if you do sing
off of key, though it is not the song that counts or the voice with
which you sing it. It is the participation that makes karaoke the success
that it is.

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