How to Become a Karaoke Star

You've been hitting the local Karaoke scene for a while now, but you still can't muster the guts to get up there and do it yourself. Don't worry! This will give you all the tips to get you the cheers you deserve.

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A good attitude
• A willingness to be humiliated
• A coordinating outfit with your song choices
• Props (optional)

Step 1        

Karaoke is all about having fun. The fist step to being able to have a good time is to not care how everyone will respond to you. If you get on stage worrying that everyone is going to hate you, then you've already set yourself up to bomb.

Step 2

Choose songs that are in your singing range! I can't stress this enough. Picking a song that is too difficult for you, or in a bad key for you will certainly be noticed. You want to limit things that can possibly go wring so that you can put on a good show. If you're not sure what your singing range is, start keeping a list of songs you like. When you're in the car with a friend, play those songs and sing along. Ask for input from your friend; they're usually pretty honest.

Step 3

Only pick songs to perform that you know really well. You can't depend on the words in front of you. Often they can be wrong, or the timing of the lyrics is off. There is nothing worse than hearing a song being sung half a beat slow. Don't be that guy.

Step 4

Pick an outfit that matches the style of songs you're singing. For example, if you're singing punk songs, consider wearing tight, ripped clothing in unnatural color combinations. This just helps with the overall visual effect and show. Although, is is pretty cool to see a working stiff get on stage wearing his penguin suit and bursting out with "Born to be Wild."

Step 5

As for props, they can add extra fun to your song and give you a better stage presence. People will remember (and cheer) the guy who was riding a broomstick and singing "I Should've Been a Cowboy."

Step 6

When it's your turn to sing, pump up the crowd during the instrumental intro. Say things like "You guys having a good time tonight?" This will help the crowd identify with you more, and they will be less likely to boo and hiss at you if you are awful.

Step 7

During your performance, put on a show. Don't just stand there and sing. You should dance, work the microphone, even play a little air guitar if you feel so moved. During instrumental breaks, work the crowd! Get them to clap, ask them questions ("Are you ready to rock?"), or dance with them. If you're into your song, the crowd will be also.

Step 8

Notice I didn't say anything about having a good singing voice. That's because you don't have to be a diva to be a karaoke star. If you follow the suggestions above and give your show your all, who knows, you could be the next William Hung. People love him.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're at a bar, a couple of drinks may ease your anxiety. Don't let it be more than that. You don't want to be the drunk guy who can barely stand up there.
• Pick upbeat songs before ballads. It's easier to work an upbeat song if you can't sing well, and you're likely to ruin someone's favorite love song if you don't sing well.
• Invest in a karaoke machine of your own and practice, practice, practice!

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