Sound Good at Karaoke, Even If You're a Bad Singer

Maybe you're a karaoke junkie, or maybe you've always wanted to try it but have stage fright or think you have a bad voice. It doesn't matter! Karaoke isn't Star Search and it isn't American Idol. Do you play pool or darts when you go to a bar? It's the same thing. When you're lining up and making your shot, people are looking at you, and whether you make the shot or not, your enjoyment of the game depends on your attitude.

Karaoke can be fun for everyone, and even the most tone-deaf person can get huge applause and sound good if they know what they're doing. If you're a female and have a hard time staying on key, try a Janis Joplin song. Most of her stuff is attitude and growling. Or try a rap! Eminem with a few friends is one of my favorite things to do at karaoke. How about a TV theme song? They're short and I guarantee you that everyone in the bar will be singing along so loud nobody will be able to hear you at all! Pick a cheesy Neil Diamond ballad and speak it dramatically instead of singing it (think William Shatner).

Don't drink too much. It may give you "liquid courage" but it'll make you sound awful, even if you're a good singer. A couple drinks, plenty of water and a decent meal should be your limit. Drinking before singing throws off your rhythm, slows your reflexes (falling down on stage is only a good thing if it's part of your act) and distorts how you hear yourself. Also, if you're a smoker you tend to smoke more when you drink, which messes up your voice.

Being social and supportive of other singers is great, but don't talk or cheer too loudly. You'll lose your voice and end up screeching and not being able to hit higher notes.

Stay within your vocal range, and sing what you know. On your way to the karaoke joint, turn on the radio and flip through stations, or sing along with a mix CD. What songs do you know by heart? Which ones can you sing comfortably, where you don't have to strain your voice too high or too low? Being nervous makes your throat tighten up, and notes that you might be able to hit with a little effort in the car will be unattainable onstage.

Talk to the KJ about his/her music selection. If their book has 5 versions of the same song, bring the book to them and ask which disc is the best quality. I've hosted karaoke before, and trust me, we love to give advice and share our knowledge! Your KJ can also help you find songs in the book if you can't remember the title or artist, and give you advice about what you should sing.

Microphone placement is key. I prefer to hold the microphone instead of leaving it on the stand because raising and lowering mike stands is a pain. Don't put your mouth directly on the mike screen -- it's gross and also distorts your voice. But don't hold it too far away, either -- there's only so much a KJ can do when it comes to sound levels, and if you're whispering into a microphone from a foot away, you're not going to be heard. And it's boring.

Don't point the microphone at any of the speakers. It will make a horrible screeching feedback noise and people will get mad because you just made them go deaf.

Since you're singing a song you know, don't stare at the monitor the whole time. You know the words! You should use the monitor for a reference point if you forget some words, but that's it. Many times the words will be wrong, or they'll light up WAY off beat. Tap your foot to the beat, sing what you know, and you'll be fine.

Sing with friends! That's the best way to get into it if you're new at karaoke. If you're alone, find someone who's singing songs you like and ask them to sing one with you. Trust me, if they know the song, they'll sing it. It's more stage time for them!

Don't give up if you make a mistake. Just smile, find your place and move on. If you get into a song and realize it's too high or too low, your KJ can stop the song, raise or lower the key a couple places and start you over if you like. Or you can do what I do, and continue singing it too high or too low, but in a funny way. I'd much rather watch someone being goofy and having fun than someone who's perfect and boring.

Put your own spin on songs if you want to! Sing a Frank Sinatra song with a strong southern twang. Do the Beastie Boys like an opera. Nobody's there for a professional concert -- they're there to laugh and have a good time!

Trust me, I've introduced friends to karaoke who were so nervous their first time, and now they go more often than I do. Most of them aren't good singers but they put on a great show and have a blast, and that's all that matters.