Real karaoke enthusiasts know that karaoke is more than just a party game. It’s an art form. A way to express yourself. And it’s not always easy. In fact, there are certain struggles that only real karaoke enthusiasts will understand.
Here are just a few of them.
What Should You Not Do in Karaoke?
Karaoke is a fun activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, but there are a few things you should avoid doing if you want to have a good time:
- First of all, don’t choose a song that’s too challenging for your vocal abilities. There’s nothing worse than struggling to hit the high notes in a karaoke performance. Stick to songs you know you can sing well, and save the more difficult ones for another time.
- Additionally, try to avoid songs that are too long or rambling. A three-minute pop song is ideal for karaoke; anything longer can start to drag on.
- Finally, don’t forget the lyrics! Nothing spoils a karaoke performance quite like forgetting the words to the song. If you’re not confident in your memory, bring along a copy of the lyrics so you can follow along.
By following these simple tips, you’ll be sure to have a great time singing karaoke.
And one of the best ways to prepare for a fun-filled night of karaoke singing? Sign up for singing lessons! Your singing instructor will be able to provide you with all the best tips to help you knock your performance out of the park.
Learn more about all the benefits of singing lessons by watching this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=huqdwhVX9TI
Karaoke Struggles Only Real Enthusiasts Will Understand
Love karaoke? And by that we mean… borderline obsessed? Is it your first suggestion for a birthday get-together? Do the karaoke hosts at your local bar know you by name… and get concerned when you don’t show up? Are you first on stage, while your friends hide in the corner slowly sipping their liquid courage?
Yep, we know the feeling.
Even if it takes you forever to browse the book and pick the perfect song to sing, it’s all worth it when you take the stage, grab the mic, and hear the roaring cheers of your fans (er, friends).
If you know your local karaoke spot’s song catalog by heart, karaoke isn’t just a late-night whim for you. It’s a hobby that unleashes the natural performer inside you, daring you to take risks and win over crowds. If you’re a karaoke enthusiast like us, we bet you can relate to these six struggles…
1. YouTube swallows your weekends whole.
Most people imagine the karaoke life as a series of parties, bars, and amateur singing contests. However, you do most of your singing at home. YouTube is full of popular karaoke songs, complete with scrolling lyrics, so it’s easy to warm up with a few of your favorites. But before you know it, hours have passed and you’re down a sing-along rabbit hole. The Internet is a great place to practice, but if you’re not careful, you’ll lose track of real-life karaoke, with its far superior sound systems and energetic live audiences.
2. You have nightmares about losing your thumb drive.
Once upon a time, people burned their favorite popular karaoke songs onto CDs and handed them to KJs. Today, you can fit thousands of custom-edited and privately purchased karaoke songs onto one flash drive. However, if you’ve ever fished around for your USB drive in a dark pub, you know this convenience is a double-edged sword. If your competition has your playlist of karaoke songs, there goes the element of surprise.
3. You take notes while listening to the radio.
You can’t help it. When you’re driving to work or school, streaming an online radio station, or listening to a friend’s music collection, you’re constantly on the lookout for popular karaoke songs to sing. Are those lyrics fun and easy to hear? Is the beat recognizable? Do you think you can match the singer’s voice? Should you go scrambling for the rest of their collection, hoping to find that perfect track for the next karaoke night? Without fail, listening to music always results in karaoke brainstorms.
See also: Our top picks for karaoke songs for girls, guys, groups, and more!
4. Reality show judges make you want to scream.
When you watch singing shows like “American Idol,” “X Factor,” or “The Voice,” you can’t help but critique the amateur singers who somehow get a national platform for their mediocre mimicry. And it’s inevitable: With every new season of yet another televised singing competition, a few more talent-less wannabes are kicked out of tryouts because they “belong in a karaoke bar.” Ironically, the judges are usually music-industry veterans who profit every time you sing a song they recorded or produced. Why, then, do they insist on using karaoke as a punchline?
5. To alter or not to alter: That is the question.
Some karaoke machines can raise or lower a song’s key, to better match your own voice with the singer’s. You’ve been around long enough to know how divisive this issue is, and you may even have a firm opinion about whether or not it’s a legitimate way to perform. However, there’s no denying the appeal of a guaranteed harmony, digital or otherwise.
6. Practice doesn’t always make perfect.
Successful “self-taught” singers are few and far between for a very good reason: singing takes more than just talent. If you want to master the nuances of singing for a live audience, you’ll need to train your vocal cords with exercises that make it easier to breathe, stay on key, remember the lyrics, and sing with emotion. A private vocal coach or singing instructor can work with you to hone your singing talents and tweak your performance style.
Why Do I Sing Worse in Karaoke?
We’ve all been there. You’ve had a few drinks, you’re feeling good, and you decide to step up to the mic and show everyone at the karaoke bar what you’re made of.
But then, something strange happens. Instead of sounding like the next American Idol, you sound like a cat being strangled. Why does this happen? Is it the alcohol? The nerves? Or is it something else entirely?
The answer, according to science, is a little bit of both. Alcohol lowers your inhibitions, which can lead you to sing louder and with more confidence than you normally would. However, alcohol also impairs your motor skills and coordination, which can throw off your pitch and timing.
In addition, karaoke bars are usually quite loud, which makes it difficult for your brain to process the auditory information it’s receiving. This can make it hard to keep track of the pitch and rhythm of the song, leading you to sing flat or sharp.
Finally, karaoke songs are usually stripped down to their bare essentials, without any backing vocals or instruments to help guide you. This can make it difficult to stay on track, especially if you’re trying to sing along with a fast-paced song.
What is the Hardest Song to Sing on Karaoke?
Everyone loves belting out a tune at karaoke, but some songs are just harder to sing than others. Whether it’s because of the range, the number of words, or the overall difficulty of the song, there are certain karaoke songs that are sure to give even the most seasoned singers a run for their money.
So, if you’re looking for a challenge, or just want to stay away from those dreaded “fail” videos on YouTube, here are 10 of the hardest karaoke songs to sing. If you’re struggling to find a good karaoke song, definitely steer clear of these pics!
1. “Dream On” by Aerosmith
This song may be a classic, but it’s also notoriously difficult to sing. With its high notes and fast lyrics, “Dream On” is definitely not for the faint of heart.
2. “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen
This six-minute epic is one of the most popular karaoke songs of all time, but it’s also one of the hardest. Between its many tempo changes and Freddie Mercury’s legendary vocal range, “Bohemian Rhapsody” is not a song to be taken lightly.
3. “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey
Journey frontman Steve Perry has one of the most recognizable voices in rock music, which makes this song hard to sing even if you’re not trying to imitate him. The high notes in the chorus are particularly challenging, but if you can hit them, you’ll be rewarded with one of the most goosebump-inducing moments in all of karaoke.
4. “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston
The late Whitney Houston’s version of this Dolly Parton ballad is widely considered to be one of the greatest vocal performances of all time. So it’s no surprise that it’s also one of the hardest songs to sing. With its soaring verses and heart-wrenching chorus, “I Will Always Love You” will test your vocal prowess like never before.
5. “My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion
This Titanic ballad has become one of the most popular karaoke songs in recent years, but it’s also one of the hardest to sing. Celine Dion’s original version is nearly impossible to match, but if you can hit those high notes in the chorus, you’ll be sure to impress everyone in the room.
6. “You Raise Me Up” by Josh Groban
This beautiful ballad was originally sung by Irish tenor Ronan Tynan, so it’s no surprise that it’s one of the hardest songs to sing on karaoke night. With its soaring vocals and emotional lyrics, “You Raise Me Up” is sure to leave even the most seasoned singers feeling breathless.
7. “The Prayer” by Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli
This duet between Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli is one of the most beautiful pieces ever written, but it’s also one of the hardest to sing. The church-like setting and operatic overtones make this song feel like more than just a simple pop song, and matching Dion and Bocelli’s vocal prowess is no easy feat.
8. “A Whole New World” from Aladdin
This Disney ballad sounds easy enough when you hear it on the radio, but try singing it in front of a room full of people and you’ll quickly realize why it’s on this list. The opening verse is particularly challenging thanks to its rapid-fire lyrics, but if you can make it through that without too much trouble then you’re in for a treat when you get to ride off into the sunset with your very own prince charming.
9. “I Believe I Can Fly” by R Kelly
R Kelly’s inspirational anthem is definitely one of the hardest songs on this list. The opening verses are difficult enough with their rapid-fire lyrics, but once you hit that chorus…good luck! Those high notes are not for the faint of heart, but if you can hit them then you’re sure to impress everyone in attendance…and maybe even earn yourself a standing ovation.
10. And finally…Anything by Adele!
We could have easily filled this entire list with Adele songs because let’s face it…she’s practically impossible to imitate! But we’ll leave it at just one because honestly…anyone who attempts to sing an Adele song deserves a medal (and maybe even a standing ovation).
But if you’re feeling brave then we suggest giving “Someone Like You” or “Rolling In The Deep” a try…just don’t say we didn’t warn you!
How Can I Improve My Karaoke?
Whether you’re a seasoned vet or a karaoke newbie, there’s always room for improvement when it comes to your karaoke skills. After all, practice makes perfect! Here are a few tips and tricks to help you take your karaoke game to the next level.
1. Choose the Right Song
One of the most important aspects of nailing your karaoke performance is choosing the right song. You want to pick a song that you’re comfortable singing and that you know all the words to. That way, you can focus on performing rather than trying to remember the lyrics. Bonus points if you choose a song that’s in your vocal range and that shows off your vocal skills!
2. Memorize the Lyrics
This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s important to know the lyrics to your chosen song inside and out before you get on stage. That way, you won’t be fumbling for words when it comes time to perform. One tip is to practice singing the song in the shower or in the car so that you have it memorized by the time you get on stage.
3. Have Confidence
Confidence is key when it comes to karaoke. Even if you don’t think you sound exactly like Adele or Bruno Mars, owning your performance will go a long way in impressing your audience. Remember, they came to see *you* sing, not Adele or Bruno Mars! So belt out those lyrics with confidence and have fun up there!
4. Engage with the Audience
Engaging with your audience is another great way to boost your confidence and get them involved in your performance. Make eye contact, smile, and carry yourself with confidence—even if you don’t feel 100% confident on the inside. Encourage them to sing along with you and clap along to the beat. The more engaged they are, the more fun everyone will have!
Karaoke Tips: Picking the Best Songs to Sing
Remember… picking the best song isn’t always about choosing from the most popular karaoke songs of all time. If you want to avoid embarrassing mistakes, you’ll want to select a song that suits your voice (i.e. your vocal range and stylistic tendencies), your personality, and also your audience! Are you at a grungy dive bar? Might be best to save “Genie in a Bottle” for another time.
Also, remember that singing karaoke is all about having fun! If you’re nervous, it’s much easier to pick a song your genuinely enjoy singing before breaking out the high notes and fancy riffs.
For specific recommendations, check out our list of fun songs to sing at karaoke!
Additional Karaoke Resources
Need more karaoke tips and inspiration? Here are few other websites to check out:
- The Karaoke Channel — This website offers thousands of professional, re-recorded hits available for download, along with a community forum and a mobile app to take with you on the go.
- Karaoke Version — Another great resource for finding instrumental tracks to sing along to.
- Sunfly Karaoke — Offers more than 13,000 karaoke tracks available for download or via a personalized karaoke disc.
- RedKaraoke — Feeling shy? These apps work with your iPhone/iPad, Android device, or SmartTV to start the party, without ever leaving the house!
- Ace Karaoke — Need karaoke equipment, like amps, cables, stage lighting, or mics? Find it all here!
- KaraokePlayers.Info — Karaoke community and articles for karaoke fans.
- Ultimate DJ + Karaoke — Karaoke entertainment for the Kansas City area, including sales and rentals
Karaoke Issues? We’ve Got Solutions!
Karaoke can be a lot of fun, but it can also be pretty nerve-wracking. After all, you’re putting yourself out there in front of strangers and trying to sing your heart out. If you’re feeling a little nervous about your karaoke struggles, don’t be afraid to ask for help from the karaoke staff or your friends. They’ll be happy to give you some tips and tricks to help you make the most of your karaoke experience.
Of course, your singing instructor is an excellent person to ask for help, too!
With a little preparation and practice, you’ll be belting out those tunes like a pro in no time!
Readers, anything you’d add to this list? What are your favorite karaoke songs to sing? Leave a comment below and let us know!Photo by Richard Sunderland
Suzy S.