A Japanese invention, karaoke has become a staple of bars, bowling alleys, and banquet rooms around the country and world. It offers non-performers the opportunity to sing their favorite tunes, often resulting in plenty of laughs, smiles, and cheers. If you want to ensure your upcoming karaoke experience goes well, refer to the guide below.

Top 4 Tips for Selecting the Perfect Karaoke Song

1. Know Your Vocal Range

If you didn’t take choral music in high school or college and are currently unaware of your vocal range, use some of the many online tutorials available. Determine what type of soprano, alto, or baritone you are to avoid struggling instead of having a fantastic time onstage.

2. Go With Something Familiar & Fun

Pick a song most if not everyone in your audience knows--you don’t want people looking up the tune on their phones instead of paying attention. Opt for an upbeat song and avoid bringing the room down—think fun songs from the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s. Novelty songs are particularly ideal if singing is not your strong suit because they do not require much vocal ability.

3. Don’t Fall Into Stereotypical Traps

While you don’t want people saying “Huh?” in reaction to your song choice, you also do not want to pick a song that’s been overplayed in karaoke settings. This includes “Total Eclipse of the Heart” and “Don’t Stop Believin’.” If you still want to perform one of these songs, try to do something a little different with them to keep the audience engaged, such as acting out certain lyrics in a goofy way.

4. Keep It Short

Stick to songs no longer than four minutes. Karaoke is not the time to burst into “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “Suite: Judy Blue Eyes,” “American Pie,” “Paradise By The Dashboard Light” or any other tune more than six minutes. Other people are waiting to sing, too!
 

All Star Lanes & Banquets is a La Crosse, WI, bowling alley offering karaoke every Friday at 9 p.m. Stop by this coming Friday to sing, check out the grill and bar, and perhaps enjoy a game or three of bowling with your favorite people. Moonlight bowling is available every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night, and there’s also leagues to join. Call (608) 788-7827 to learn more about events or to reserve a lane. Visit the bowling alley website for food menus and specials.