Karaoke is alot of fun, once you try it! Many are afraid, many are shy. Many are obsessed! It can become addicting because it's soo much fun!Karaoke hit the U.S. from Japan in the mid 80's. Mainly it was popular in Florida and the southern states, but has quickly spread all over the country. You can find Karaoke shows in all different types of establishments on any given night of the week. The main places that have Karaoke shows are local bars, taverns, or restaurants with a lounge. People sometimes hire Karaoke hosts for private parties, Weddings etc. Some people love Karaoke, some hate it. Some who thought they hated it end up loving it because they realize that they CAN sing! Anyone can sing. Yes even you! So WHAT is Karaoke? Karaoke is simply when a person sings into a microphone with a pre-recorded song with the vocals removed, while reading the words from a television screen. The words will change color when the singer is supposed to sing. It's alot like "following the bouncing ball". Karaoke above all is meant for one thing.. FUN! It doesn't matter if you sing a tear jerking ballad, or an Adam Sandler comedy song. The main goal is to be out with friends and or family, to share some laughs, and to sing a few tunes. Nothing gets a better applause than a singer that is giving it there all and really having...FUN. And it doesn't matter if you can sing like a pro or can barely carry a tune. Karaoke is NOT a competition, and should never be taken seriously. Some singers get mad at themselves if they don't sing every note perfectly, but hey, it's only Karaoke! Most of us are just out for a night of fun and laughs. And that's what Karaoke is all about! The Karaoke "host" is in charge of the sound system to make sure the music and singer are blended correctly. "Blending" the singer and the music is task that takes know how and ALOT of practice. A good host can make you sound as though you're a part of the recording rather than just "on top of it". There are literally thousands of songs one can sing Karaoke to. A quality Karaoke company will have a large mix of classics and country, up through today's hits. Most of todays Karaoke recordings are compact disc format. Some hosts still use the older laser discs, however they are being phased out bacause they are slow to start, more expensive, and only contain about half the songs of a "cd+g". A "cd+g" is the term "cd plus graphics", and it the correct term for "Karaoke cd". The cost of a quality Karaoke cd is about $30.00. That's why a host may not let you look through their cd case, especially with that "cocktail" in your hand. Most Karaoke companies have their cd's listed in a Karaoke song book that's usually listed by the artist and by song. Following the song name is a number. That number lets the host know where to find a particular disc. It is important to write down the ENTIRE number before giving your request slip to the host. The rquest slips are usually found in the front of the Karaoke song book with detailed instructions on how to fill it out. It's really quite easy though. Your name, the song you'll be singing, and the song number. It is more important to write down the number than it is the song, since the number lets the host know where to find the song. Most hosts appreciate it GREATLY when the slip is filled out properly. Tips on how to be a better singer: 1. When you sing, sing nice and loud. Some folks sing very soft and it's hard for the micrpohone to pick up your voice, and it makes the hosts job of "blending" harder. So sing with some "umphh", you'll be suprised at the volume of your own voice. We're not saying sing like an opera singer, but to borrow a bit of their charisma would not be stretching it too far. 2. Hold the microphone close to your mouth! About an inch or two is good. Pull away when get to those really loud notes, you'll save your ears and the audiences as well. 3. Cupping the head of the mic with your hand is a big NO NO! It may look cool, but it always makes your voice sound bad. Try cupping your mouth with your hand while talking. You'll see what we mean. Believe us guys, the girls would rather hear a sweet voice than a voice that sounds like it's coming over an a.m. intercom. 4. Stand up. Sitting down is fine for slow songs when you don't have to "belt it out". But when you're getting to those higher notes you'll hit them better if you're standing. The reason is in your diaphram. Your diapgram moves to allow your lungs to expand when your singing. The louder and higher you sing, the more air you need, and the more your lungs and diaphram need to expand. If you ever recall not being able to hit a note or two, ask yourself if you were sitting or standing. It does make a difference. 5. Don't swing the microphone by the cord. This may injure someone, is bad for the mic, and WILL anger your host. You may even lose your singing privilidges. 6. Don't scream into the mic for any reason. This is bad for speakers, mixers, and mics, not to mention eardrums. 7. Always applaud for the singer who's up. You may be up next. We hope you've enjoyed our little segment on how to be a better singer. Please visit our Karaoke show page to find a show. Come and sing with us, we'll have a blast!