It's practiced all around the world, no experience is necessary and it doesn't discriminate.
Just grab a mic, get to the stage and belt out your favorite tune.
Karaoke - "kara" meaning empty and "oke" meaning orchestra from the Japanese word - is a track without vocals - just music alone. The singer best attempts to provide the vocals to the tune.
Karaoke has provided entertainment at restaurants and bars for years, and its appeal doesn't seem to be fading anytime soon. The popularity with each new American Idol has sprung up karaoke more than ever, said Chris Lamacchio, bar manager for Champps Restaurant & Bar, 2800 Preyde Blvd., in Lansing.
From an audio system to a plasma screen to a professional DJ, Lamacchio said Champps tries to "create an exciting ambiance" during their Thursday karaoke nights, for which the establishment has hosted for more than a year. Champps offers a cash prize totaling $200 for the best male, female and duo every Thursday.
"It's a chance to get out, get up there, regardless of their talent," Lamacchio said.
Crunchy's, at 254 W. Grand River Ave., also hosts karaoke nights Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays during the school year.
"It's a fun thing for people to do (something) other than watch a band or go to a concert," Crunchy's manager Stephanie Schmidt said.
Jennifer Kolasa and four other female friends, a mix of Lansing Community College and current and former MSU students, performed Def Leppard's "Pour Some Sugar on Me" as the crowd watched intently and a disco ball spun in the ceiling, during one karaoke night at Crunchy's in early August.
Kolasa, a 2002 MSU graduate, said her group of friends has been frequenting Crunchy's karaoke nights for years. But even with years of singing karaoke, Kolasa said she still doesn't feel comfortable hitting the floor by herself.
"I really only do it with a group but you get up there, and everybody's really supportive," Kolasa said.
What could be the most appealing aspect of karaoke is that it's not just for the vocally trained. Anyone from a college freshman to a soccer mom has the chance to put aside his or her shyness and enjoy becoming Britney Spears or Billy Joel and woo a crowd of strangers.
Lamacchio and Schmidt both say their karaoke nights have a solid following of regulars mixed with splashes of new faces.
"We have a lot of divas that come in with pretty amazing voices, they do everything from country to R&B to Mariah Carey," Lamacchio said.
If anyone is a bit leery of singing in front of a group of strangers, 2002 MSU graduate Steve Parpart says not to worry because it's all about enjoying yourself.
"You can make a fool of yourself, pretty much," Parpart said, "but nobody really cares, nobody judges you. You're just up there to have a good time."
