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I admit to being a music lover with a wide and varied taste covering every genre from classical to Cajun. But some karaoke events I have attended have proved such an assault on the ears that I have invested in a pair of inconspicuous ear plugs for musical emergencies. Yet I am the first to confess that I admire the bravery of those tone deaf, possibly inebriated performers who have the confidence to stand up in front of an audience and put their heart and soul into murdering 'Bridge Over Troubled Waters' or 'My Way'. To hear a favorite song rendered with great sincerity, but totally off key, while torturous 'feeling' facial expressions and meaningful gestures accompany the singer's efforts may be hard to handle, and possibly considered the 'worst' of karaoke. It may also be interpreted as the 'best'. "Now that sounds very contradictory" I hear you murmur. But karaoke is for everyone, and to be able to entertain an often critical group of strangers, simply by being "so bad, it's almost good", deserves praise. The variations in performances and the bravery of many are two reasons why I love it so much.

As one addicted to self-dramatization, a bit of a show off and a person with plenty to say for herself, I find I am uncharacteristically reluctant to get up there and sing. For the first half hour, that is. But when a good KJ is handling the proceedings and a few glasses of wine have hit the spot and oiled the tubes, then the Bette Middler alter-ego kicks in and I might, just might, give an emotional performance of 'The Rose'. A good KJ is one who checks the key with you, places you in the best position to read the words, explains the Mic workings and the tempo, and then mimes instructions if necessary. They will also ensure a polite response from the audience, so the singer is given some attention and respect. I know this, I have experienced it on more than one occasion. The good KJ exudes a sort of trusting belief in the singer's skills and abilities; he or she is in there rooting for you, your biggest fan, admirer and supporter. Having said that, too much effusive praise or loud demands for audience appreciation, or in fact, any form of sycophantic flattery can spoil the atmosphere and even make the singer feel foolish and embarrassed. But I have been fortunate enough to see this sort of KJ in action only once. Mostly, they are great, so confidence-building that I have taken the stage for a second time and belted out, with daughter and friends, "Mustang Sally".

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