by Sarah Silhan

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

Ah, Karaoke. The rush of adreneline as the lights come on, the words flash across the screen and you attempt to become a legend in your local bar. Whether Garth Brooks, Neil Diamond, the Dixie Chicks or Patsy Cline, every great music legend has been mocked and idolized through karaoke.

My first experience however, had nothing to do with becoming a legend. On the contrary, it had everything to do with impressing a guy. In a hole-in-the-wall bar in Davenport, Iowa, I decided that my talent as a 21-year old pianist would somehow translate to my vocal chords and I would miraculously be able to belt out the power notes of Carrie Underwood through the use of a microphone a little liquid courage.

I signed my name to the request sheet and put it in the DJ's basket, half hoping he'd never call my name. But alas, my moment came. I stood up, chugged the rest of my warm beer and made my way to the front. It was time to show the world that I could sing "Independence Day" with the best of them ... or the worst of them. Nervous but smiling, the music started and the words began to highlight on the screen. I started ... and surprisingly, the words just came to me. It was one of my favorite songs, and as time ticked on, I found myself looking away from the screen and into the laughing and clapping-along audience. I think they actually enjoyed it! I got more confident, started to pace the stage a bit. I winked at my crush. Yes, on stage, I was Carrie Underwood. Well, I was Carrie Underwood minus the Oklahoma roots, great body, blonde hair and American Idol experience. But hey, close enough!

The truth is, as nervous as I was, I had a great time! My crush winked back, the audience applauded, and even threw in a few "hoots and hollers" as I made it through "Independence Day" as if I had done it 1,000 times before. As a pianist, I HAD been on stage a zillion times. But this was different. There was no piano between my audience and me; no shield between their eyes and mine. It was just ME, throwing caution to the wind and tossing my voice out into the bar hoping that my crush would laugh and maybe buy me a drink or two. In the end, it worked! By the end of the night, I found myself sitting at a table, drinking with a group of friends and repeatedly writing my name on Karaoke request slips. The truth is, in a karaoke setting, no one EXPECTS Garth Brooks, Neil Diamond, the Dixie Chicks or Patsy Cline. The audience just expects a good time - someone willing to get on stage and ham it up. Granted, good pitch and proper tempo help, but a little confidence is all it takes.

My advice? Bring a cheering section of your own: 10-100 friends who will hoot and holler for you no matter what! Or, just decide "What the heck" and go for it! Wink at your crush. Toast the bartender. Pace the stage and get the crowd to join you on the last verse of "Friends in Low Places." Just have fun! After all, that's what karaoke is all about.

Learn more about this author, Sarah Silhan.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.