Why is Karaoke so Popular?

Author Unknown

 Karaoke conjures up images of drunken Japanese businessmen singing old Beatles songs, the words of which only mimic in the wildest sense what Paul McCartney sang. While some people cringe at this wildly popular Japanese cultural phenomenon brought to the US, others can’t get enough. However, karaoke isn’t quite the same in Japan as it is here in the States.

For one, karaoke venues vary in Japan: from hole-in-the-wall cheap places to large, expensive bars. Outside of the bars, there are many karaoke places that are open to people of all ages. Each group of people rent out a small room by the hour, equipped with a television screen, usually two microphones, and the guide of songs available. In many places, you can purchase food and drinks for your party while you sing away. There is a variety of popular and standard Japanese songs, as well as popular American pop songs (and its required standard set of Beatles songs). I prefer the private room to the open area so that if you sound like a typical American Idol audition, it’s only in front of your friends. But mind you, there are many bars that have karaoke, so you should either hope everyone is drunk, or get some voice lessons first.

Most of the places to do karaoke in the United States are in bars. So, tough luck on karaoke fans under 21. Maybe in bigger cities, there are some under 21 clubs that host a karaoke night. Or you can buy your own karaoke machine and have your own parties. (In fact, Comcast cable offers karaoke songs on OnDemand). Yet, the same thing happens here as does in Japan. You go to the bar after work for a drink with some friends, when all of a sudden, you realize you’ve lost your inhibitions. And the next thing you know, you’re up on stage performing your rendition of Blondie’s “One Way or Another.”

But why are people constantly drawn to karaoke? How come only a few people do while sober? I think that doing karaoke is one of those things that people can do while they’re drunk, that is a whole lot safer than trying to hit on your best friend’s sister (or brother, whichever the case may be). I also think that everyone has this inner-fantasy of being a popular singer and when they get up there, for a split second, it’s really them on stage singing the song in front of thousands of screaming fans. And then there’s those few who like to sing karaoke, so that they can put down the myth that all karaoke singers are really horrible (or maybe they’re practicing for American Idol). Regardless of your reasons, as long as there are pop songs and alcohol, there will always be karaoke somewhere.