by Margaret Hudson

Created on: April 25, 2008   Last Updated: May 05, 2008

It all started when I ran into an acquaintance from a previous job at the local truck stop one night. She said she was now running a karaoke show, and needed another judge for a contest, and would I be interested? It sounded like fun, so I agreed, and two nights later walked into the small local bar where this event was. I was there early, and didn't know a soul. Since "liquid courage" isn't my thing, I ordered a coke and waited for "Sue" to arrive. Once she got there and got her equipment set up, people had started filtering in. The contest was unremarkable - 6 singers, none of whom was earth shattering. "Sue" asked me to hang around after the contest, and put up a song if I wanted. She knew from gatherings at our previous place of employment that I could and would sing.

I started to search through the book. That was the most daunting task! So many songs! I have always been hard on myself where music is concerned - I don't have to be great, but if I am going to sing something I want to get it right. I finally chose "God's Will" by Martina McBride and put my slip in the rotation. When "Sue" called me up to sing, I was so nervous! It was worse than the solo at the 9th grade concert! There probably weren't 40 people in the place, but I didn't know any of them! The music started, and it was like a transformation in my mind! It was just me and the music - no strangers, no dank little bar, just me and the music. I hadn't sang publicly in so long, and it felt good - right. As the song ended, I noticed my nerves had vanished, and I wanted to sing again! The applause that greeted me as I went back to my chair surprised me, and also added fuel to the fire - I wanted to do that again! So I picked about 3 songs this time, and sang off and on the rest of the night.

Fast forward to present day, three years later. I'm the co-owner of a small karaoke business and sing all the time. I have met many, many new friends who share this love, and all because of that first time. I still get a little nervous sometimes in new places, but its getting easier. And I still have the same feeling of pleasure and accomplishment if just one person applauds.

Yes, the first time is the hardest. But, in my case at least, it can also be the beginning of something great!

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