I was recently whisked away to a bachelorette weekend full of activities – compulsive snacking, swimming, lounging, a marathon of the Golden Girls, bar hopping, and more snacking – but the bride herself had promised me a round of karaoke. Being of Filipino descent (us Pinoys have a legendary love of song), I felt a natural little zing of adrenaline upon hearing her words. But when we got to the karaoke bar, only the bride and I were up for singing while everyone else looked cowed, a small flicker of fear behind their eyes. What? No, you guys! Don’t be scared!?
Why you shouldn’t be scared:
1. You will never see these people again.
2. Hello, they provide you with all the words to the songs!
3. As far as we know, Simon Cowell isn’t watching you, read: nobody else can sing that well either, so relax.
And I have a very compelling argument for a single girl to stand up in front of people and sing her heart out: you will gain confidence and exude confidence and *most* men like a confident woman. Like the bird in the forest, let your rendition of “Like a Virgin” be like a mating call echoing forth into the urban landscape! He might be compelled enough to speak to you after your performance, buy you a drink or at least ask you directly if you act this crazy every night of the week.
Okay, have I convinced you to give it a shot the next time you’re out with friends? A few more simple tips.
- Choose carefully. When you are gaining your karaoke confidence, don’t choose songs made popular by incredible vocalists. ”Don’t Stop Believing” is a karaoke classic, but it’s tough – think of those epic high notes you’ll have to hit. Patsy Cline is a little hard. No matter what anyone says, you cannot sing “Bohemian Rhapsody” by yourself, nor can you do a passable Michael Jackson impression (R.I.P.). Keep it simple. Try something from everyone’s favorite decade, the 80s. Madonna is quite easy, some Wham, Duran Duran, Depeche Mode – and everyone, EVERYONE, can sing “Tainted Love”. Most Beatles songs are doable as well, and also encourages your audience to sing along.
- Make sure you’re not picking something too repetitive. You will instantly feel pretty silly singing “I think I’m turning Japanese I think I’m turning Japanese I really think so” about 50 times in a row. Just don’t go there.
- You ever try practicing? Sing in the car. Sing in the shower. Sing it over and over again while you wash dishes. Learn the lyrics a little so you don’t have to rely on staring at the monitor. Although -
- If you’re petrified, then DO just stare at the monitor. Don’t look at the crowd. And sing as loud as you can, so you can hear only yourself and the music.
- And if you’re THAT mortified, then bring a friend up, and make it a duet. Pick a classic Sinatra song and trade lines back and forth.
But you should really get up there and sing. It’s good for the soul to soak in some applause, no matter how piteous (ha?). Maybe the next time you have to stand up in the office to give a presentation, you’ll be less nervous too. And don’t forget, just maybe, the cute dude in the Led Zeppelin shirt standing near the bar will like your ridiculous howling rendition of “Whole Lotta Love” – which is exactly what your performance could get you. Zang!
(Photos By: Invisible Hour)
