Who Says Karoke Can't Bring You Fame?

Have you heard of singer Che’Nelle, yet? No? Well, you will. This Malaysian born singer has just signed a contract with well known music promoter Charles Dixon – after she was discovered singing karaoke on her MySpace page.

Che’Nelle grew up in Malaysia working at her father’s karaoke bar, which meant that she knew how to spell “rat pack” before she knew how to spell her own name. Singing was merely a part of her life, and she did it so well that friends and family encouraged her to start singing on the web. So, Che’Nelle set up a MySpace page, wrote a few songs, and started singing in video form on her page. While most people think that services such as MySpace and Facebook are largely private internet worlds, things are starting to change.

Currently, Che’Nelle is in New York working on a soon to be released CD. In fact, she is now working with producers that have helped to launch the careers of both Beyonce and Christina Aguilera. How is she feeling about all of this unexpected fame? A very stunned Che’Nelle told press that she "... couldn't quite believe it, but then Charles came over to Perth and soon (she) I was going to New York ... it was definitely a right time, right place thing. Without the internet things probably would have been very different." It just goes to show you, if you work really hard at karaoke, and set up your own MySpace page, a record producer may be lurking just around the internet corner. Look for Che’Nelle’s new CD Things Happen for a Reason coming to retails stores soon.

Soccer and Karaoke

If you are a true football (sorry, “soccer”) fan, you have undoubtedly heard of Wayne Rooney. Whether of not you actually like Manchester United or not is beside the point – all soccer fans know Rooney’s name. So, what happens when this young soccer star turns twenty-two in the middle of a crowded restaurant? Well, he stands up, grabs the professional singer’s microphone, and starts belting out his own version of karaoke, of course.

Man. U. superstar Wayne Rooney was spotted in the midst of a very classy restaurant snatching the microphone away from a hired singer in order to sing the Wilson Pickett hit “Mustang Sally.” Surprisingly, the management did not stop Rooney’s display, they encouraged it. As diners cheered, Rooney continued to sing “Hey Jude” and “I Got You babe.” He was an instant hit – even though those that saw the spectacle reported that Rooney “murdered” some well loved tunes (they really like their football in England!).

Although he may not be able to actually carry a tune, Rooney has brought karaoke into the English spotlight once again. With or without a karaoke machine, Rooney managed to make the sport of karaoke a smash hit within England’s cities, and this trend is expected to continue for a little while at least. Though it hasn’t happened yet, one can’t help but wonder whether or not this incident will incite some copycat karaoke fans to start snatching mics everywhere. Of course, I’m sure if you or I were to try and pull off this same display we would be less than tolerated – better stick to those designated karaoke areas.

Spinning Karaoke

Come on, you know you’ve tried it – singing while running on the treadmill, lifting weights, or riding a stationary bicycle. Whether or not you want to admit it, most people trudge through their favorite workout songs to the beat of pounding feet. So, it should come as no surprise that a West coast tradition of mixing spinning with karaoke has suddenly hit the East coast, and it’s off on a fast pace.

So, how does it work, exactly? Well, at a Pittsburgh athletic club, each person within a spinning class gets to choose a song of their choice. Then, while pedaling away, they belt out the tune as loud (and as fast) as possible. Spinning trainers thought that this method of karaoke spinning would be much more appealing than listening to the radio, or the same old workout tape, time and again. Interestingly, singers also feel the urge to keep up with the spinning class pace, so they attempt to sing their chosen song according to the original song beat – not an easy task when you are out of breath.

Thankfully, those within the class do not have to pedal at the speed of the song, and some singers simply aren’t able to sing and spin at the same time (I’ll take a “pass” on that one!). But for those that like it, spinning karaoke is a way to get through a workout without the usual boredom that sets in. So far, the Pittsburgh athletic club that picked up this trend has been booking spinning karaoke classes left and right. So, watch out for a spinning karaoke class near you – this is one trend that is bound to echo throughout the nation.

Findland's Karaoke Obsession

A simple internet search with the keywords “Finland” and “Karaoke” will bring up more than one million hits. While most people think that karaoke is largely an Asian obsession, Finland is quickly becoming known as the karaoke country to beat. Not only does Finland hold some karaoke world records, this country is also the place where you can find more karaoke bars per capita than any other place on earth. Here are some interesting facts about Finland’s intense karaoke obsession.

· World Record: Finland currently holds the world record for the largest amount of people singing a karaoke song at one time. The tune of choice? More than 80,000 Finnish vocal chords chimed together in May of 2006 to sing “Hard Rock Hallelujah.”

· Population Versus Karaoke: there are currently around 5.5 million people living in Finland today, and over 2,000 different karaoke spots throughout the country – you do the math! If you happen to travel to Helsinki, you can sing karaoke from 9 am to 4 pm every single day of the week. If you want an extensive list of karaoke spots in Finland, visit www.karaoket.com.

· Another World Record: those Fins just can’t help themselves! Finland has just gained another world record title for “ the largest round of non-stop karaoke singing.”

The next time that you want to visit a karaoke crazed country, head to Finland where karaoke is more than just a singing contest. Who knows, you might even be able to take part in breaking another world karaoke record. Although Asia invented the karaoke game, Finland is fast on its way to perfecting it.

The Beauty Leopard

The thought of placing a television inside of a car might have gained the same skepticism as a time machine –still not invented -- twenty years ago, but today’s cars and minivans come equipped with many different gadgets including DVD players, so why not a portable karaoke machine as well? If you are an avid karaoke fan, you might know that Asia is particularly obsessed with this singing trend, and who better to make the first karaoke equipped automobile than China? Although the thought of a karaoke car may be slightly unsettling to North Americans, Chinese automobile maker “Geely” saw karaoke’s raw potential from the beginning.

Over four years ago, Geely automobiles of China introduced the first ever karaoke car called the “Beauty Leopard.” The Beauty Leopard is a sports car by Chinese standards (it reaches 111 mph), and it comes in a sleek coupe package. Although the Beauty Leopard was prized in China for its looks, the real treat was the karaoke machine that came inside of the car. With help from fellow car makers Daewoo and Toyota, Geely has been tweaking their karaoke Beauty Leopard for the past few years, and it hopes to begin selling the newly remodeled car within North America beginning in 2008.

Although some karaoke fans are likely to stalk the Beauty Leopard’s North American progress, others are a bit concerned about the addition of a karaoke machine inside of a moving vehicle. Though a karaoke machine would provide hours of entertainment for children, it might become more than a mere headache for parents. Though Geely’s hopes are high for the newly targeted North American market, some government transportation officials are a little bothered by this new karaoke concept. For now, the plan to introduce the Beauty Leopard to North American’s is still in its beginning stages, but karaoke fans should keep their eyes open come 2008.

How CMTCanada Does Karaoke

Canada is an interesting country, but when most people think of Canada they think of icy cold winters and arctic snow falls, and while they may be right, Canada also has a fairly bustling east and a country music loving west. Country Music Television (CMT) has recognized the great Canadian diversity that lays between east and west, which is why they have decided to launch the “Karaoke Star” Contest all across the Canadian land from city to cow pasture and every town in between.

CMT has been traveling all across Canada from west to east in search of the next great karaoke star, and the tour will come to a nerve wracking point on October 24th when the final twelve contestants will appear live on stage in Toronto for a final showdown. The grand prize is a whopping $10,000, and a karaoke machine, but runners up will also receive a free trip to Toronto and $200 in cash. So far, karaoke try outs have been catch on across the country, and more and more people are lining up for their fifteen minutes of fame each time CMT hits a Canadian town. The karaoke search also contains a segment where the general public has the opportunity to vote online for their favorite star, and this vote will count towards each contestant’s total score.

If you happen to be Canadian and you think that you can out sing the already chosen contestants, or if you just want to watch each video and vote, log onto www.cmt.ca/shows/karaokestar.com. The next CMT karaoke event will be in the hands of the general public when they decide the fate of one Halifax karaoke competitor in an online and text voting showdown. Most of the videos for this competition are rather hilarious, so get head to the link mentioned above and vote for your favorite Canadian karaoke star today.

Apple Karaoke

Why would anyone want karaoke on their iPod or Mac? Well, think about all those times you just want to start belting out tunes, or all those times that you just want to prove to your friends that they are singing a song incorrectly. Whatever the reason, Apple has now made a karaoke download available for an iPod and Mac near you.

As with all things Apple, the iTunes karaoke download is really simple to use. Simply choose your karaoke song of choice (they are marked under “karaoke”), download, and watch the tune show up on your iPod with lyrics intact. Apple also sells a handy microphone that you can use if you plan on docking your iPod, and connecting it to your home entertainment system. There are many different karaoke songs to choose from on the iTunes site, so pick to your heart’s content.

Apple also has a semi-new program for its Macs called “MIDI/Karaoke” that will allow you to play MIDI files in any sort of miss matched karaoke order that you like. The MIDI/Karaoke program can hold up to 16000 different tunes per playlist – this way, everyone in the room can have their chance at karaoke stardom. To search for iTunes karaoke songs visit www.iTunes.com, and to read all about the new Mac MIDI/Karaoke program visit www.apple.com. Apple is always thinking of ways to make your life more playful from music to games, Apple’s got your covered – now you just have to think of a great song.

UK Karaoke Queen Crowned

Fox’s Confectionery (maker of Paynes Poppets) out of Leicester, United Kingdom, searched high and low for the next big karaoke star this past September. Paynes Poppets recently launched its “Poppets Pickers” karaoke search in order to find one person worthy of a grand prize and a royal karaoke title, and rumor has it that the queen has just been crowned.

The karaoke queen received 1,000 pounds along with notoriety and fame. Believe it or not, this candy coated karaoke competition was closely monitored by nearly all UK residents, and as the competition was narrowed down round by round, UK residents had the final say when it came to picking the karaoke winner. Who was the lucky lady? “Marcella” was crowned the karaoke queen as she serenaded crowds with her own special version of “You Are the Wind Beneath My Wings.” Marcella didn’t have the comfort of a cozy bar and a couple of friends to help her win this feat, instead she was asked to perform in a public place in front of passers by and a camera crew – not an easy thing to accomplish!

There is no word yet as to whether Paynes Poppets will host another karaoke competition next year, but many people within the UK are sure to line up for the cash prize should the Poppets come searching for another person worthy of royal karaoke blood. Think you’ve got what it takes? Should a new karaoke competition roll around next year, just a skip across the pond will help you find the Poppets Pickers wherever they may be – at worst, you’ll just wind up buying a lot of Poppets delicious retro candy instead. To hear Marcella’s winning song, log onto www.poppickers.com.

Wii Karaoke

Rumor has it that Nintendo will soon release a karaoke video game for its Wii console. Of course, allowing karaoke to cross over into the virtual world is nothing new, but if Wii does try to corner the karaoke market, this is one game console that will take singing one step further.

Savvy internet spies have discovered that Nintendo has recently purchased the domain name wiikaraoke.com, though the company has no comment at the moment. Nintendo will not be the first game console manufacturer to produce a karaoke game, Sony was the first to introduce a virtual version of karaoke quite a few years ago, but Wii is just a bit different from the average competition. Wii users are not typical gamers, which is why many speculate that the Wii karaoke game will include a portable microphone, much like the sports games include rackets, balls, and other items. Then again, sceptics claim that there would be little use for a Wii karaoke machine when the portable players are nearly everywhere these days.

Although Nintendo has no official word on the new product, those that believe a new generation of Wii games featuring karaoke will be born expect the birth to take place sometime around November – just in time for that holiday season. Then again, there’s always the option that Nintendo simply snatched up the wiikaraoke name in order to avoid a Wii bit of confusion. Whatever the cause, the news of a potential Wii karaoke game is certain causing quite a stir, which means that there is more than enough market out there for this new product.

Karaoke Helps Children Read

Some children naturally gravitate towards stories and books, but other children simply can’t get a grip on reading. Although many experts like to label children with learning difficulties in a variety of different ways, the truth is that some kids simply have a different learning style. As more and more research is conducted into the way that kids, and adults, learn, researchers are now able to see that in order to fix problems such as illiteracy children must be presented with a variety of learning options. A Cornell University professor has come up with a way to help children read that is based upon the art of karaoke, and this new technique is making headlines across the globe.

Dr. Brij Kothari has come up with an original DVD series that uses a technique called Same Language Subtitling (SLS) in order to teach children how to read. The concept of SLS is much the same as a karaoke song, only the words tell a story as the child sounds them out. While a child is reading each screen, the video begins to show the story as it unfolds. The great thing about SLS technology is that no matter what language a child reads, the audio, and visual will remain in sync. Kothari first came up with the idea of SLS while he was watching a Spanish video that was subtitled in English. For Kothari, the idea of listening to one language while reading another just seemed foreign. For years now, Kothari has been working on his concept of SLS, and he has finally received world wide recognition for his efforts.

Kothari has just been asked to attend the UNESCO Regional Conference in Support of Global Literacy, which will be held in September of 2008. A concept such as synchronizing words and images in the same language in the style of a karaoke machine has never been done before, but this idea already has some very promising attributes. The SLS learning DVD “BookBox” will be released October 23rd, and will be available at retail stores all across the nation. The average BookBox will sell for $14.95, and it will make a great gift for any child with reading difficulties.

Portable Karaoke Machine

If you happen to be one of those friends that just doesn’t have the heart to tell your favorite person that they simply can’t sing, Goodman’s electronics of England has the perfect solution for you – a portable karaoke machine with video.

The Goodman XB5CDG works like any other karaoke machine (plug it into your television set, watch the lyrics on screen, and sing along), but this compact singing box really puts things into perspective when you hit the playback button. If you truly want to find out whether or not you have a musical future, there is nothing like listening to your own voice in order to help you decide upon your truly calling. Those that can sing will likely boast, while those that sound more like a croaking frog will likely hide under the living room rug. The new XB5CDG – which is worthy of a much better name – will hit retail shelves beginning in November, and it is sure to be a big hit.

Not only has Goodman’s cashed in on the future pop stars of the world, many teens across the country are sure to snatch up this karaoke machine for school skits and cheerleading contests alike. The machine comes equipped with a CD “Big Hit Sampler” that has a few favorite tunes in order to get the party started, and the company is likely to release more CDs come winter time. If you want to grab a piece of this portable karaoke magic, the XB5CDG will be sold at Toys R Us throughout North America.

Mobile Phone Karaoke

It’s a fact -- most people like to sing (whether or not they can carry a tune). It’s also a fact that most people sing aloud to songs when they believe that nobody else is watching, which is why having a portable karaoke machine on your cell phone may be a great idea. For the past few years, various cell phone manufacturers have been attempting to create some sort of karaoke program for use wherever you go, and all the hard work is starting to pay off.

One company, “ARX” (based in Greece) has developed “Karaokini” a new karaoke cell phone service that is about to change the way that you sing. The service is simple really, you simply choose from over one hundred different karaoke tunes and download them onto your phone. The program that Karaokini uses is Java-based and it works with almost any new portable phone. If you happen to have a phone that can connect to your home entertainment system, you can have karaoke on your phone and in your house for the same price. Additionally, Karaokini can be translated into nearly any language for user ease, and the service adds up to five new titles per day. Currently, ARX has just partnered with Europe’s well known cell phone provider “Vodafone,” and the karaoke cell phone trend is really starting to pick up all across Europe.

The market has yet to be tested within North America, but many karaoke lovers will likely jump at the chance to have all the lyrics they need directly on their cell phone. If you are unsure about singing to yourself, or while you are out in public, you are not alone. Many people are happy to belt out tunes in a bar, but are rather timid when it comes to the public bus. Then again, if you are able to connect you phone to a home entertainment system, this service may be worth it after all. For more information visit www.karaokini.com.

KTV

You’ve probably heard of MTV, but have you heard of KTV? KTV literally means “karaoke music television,” but it is not exactly based upon the MTV format. KTV refers to videos that have been specially formulated for Asian karaoke bars. Although these videos are not the official videos of any popular song, some patrons have decided that many KTV videos are, in fact, more interesting than the artist released video, which has caused much controversy over the past few years.

Throughout Asia, karaoke can be found inside of establishments that rent “karaoke boxes” (see article “karaoke box” for explanation) to the general public. Inside of a karaoke box, patrons are treated to a special video that accompanies any chosen song; these videos have been specially made for a certain karaoke company and feature Asian actors portraying different songs. Some people have decided to videotape these videos and feature them on the internet, which has caused a bit of a problem. When North American artists are confronted with a video featuring their own song, but not featuring them, they tend to become more than a little enraged. Thus, many karaoke box companies attempt to stop pirating of karaoke videos, but this has proved to be slightly futile.

For now, KTV still exists and amateur Asian actors love to play a part in a North American music videos, even if the original artist is unaware of this practice. A KTV video can easily be spotted on the internet as it features the attachment “KTV,” and it is usually only released in either MPEG or VCD format. Often, KTV stars will become minor celebrities throughout Asia since their video has been spread all over the world. And, if you happen to stop into a karaoke box when you are in Asia, you will be treated to a special KTV presentation. A KTV experience will certainly make an interesting story to tell your friends at home (just don't be caught taping one!).

Debatable Top Ten Karaoke Song List

So, you think that your karaoke song choice is unique? Well, most people think that they are choosing a song to sing that really speaks about who they are as a person – of course, when more than one person sings a certain song, the song is really about many people, but everyone deserves their fifteen minutes in the karaoke spotlight. In case you’re wondering if you song style is really exceptional, here is the “Karaoke Music Chart’s” top ten karaoke songs of all time.

1. What a Wonderful World: Louis Armstrong
2. I Will Survive: Gloria Gaynor
3. I’ve Had The Time of My Life: Bill Medley & Jennifer Wayne
4. Thriller: Michael Jackson
5. Barbie Girl: Aqua
6. Eye of the Tiger: Survivor
7. Ghostbusters: Ray Parker, Jr.
8. Complicated: Avril Lavigne
9. My Heart Will Go On: Celine Dion
10. I’ll Be Missing You: Puff Daddy & Faith Evans

Did your favorite karaoke tune make the top ten list? If not, perhaps you do have a different style about you after all. Or, perhaps, your soul searching karaoke tune is just underneath number ten, and it’s included in the top forty chart instead. Most people gravitate towards those power ballads that seem to be unforgivably high pitched, but some people favor a more memorable song like “I’ll Be Missing You,” but almost nobody seems to notice the number of times a song is repeated throughout a karaoke evening. Gloria Gaynor’s tune “I Will Survive” is played up to thirty times per night at many karaoke bars, and other girl power tunes are favorites when it comes to a true girl’s night out. Whatever you choose to sing, make sure you sing it loud and proud – after all, that’s what karaoke is all about.

The Dark Side of Karaoke

Though karaoke is best known for the fun times that can be had singing and playing around while watching various music videos, some countries have taken karaoke to the dark side. Around the world, the term “karaoke” is simply a sort of cover for an establishment that is operating illegally.

In particularly, Sri Lanka has a large number of karaoke clubs that are really little more than brothels. This type of club does have a karaoke set up complete with screen and music, but it also contains young teenage girls that are required to entertain singing customers. Although Sri Lankan police are often found raiding various karaoke clubs, the problem of illegal prostitution and drugs persists. Of course, when police do raid a club, all patrons can be found singing in front of a machine, which leaves the police little to go on.

Some people within Sri Lanka believe that karaoke clubs should be separated from public bars in order to avoid illegal activity. However, larger Sri Lankan hotel chains often operate illegal forms of karaoke, and these hotels are privately owned. Any private establishment within Sri Lanka is virtually untouchable by the local law, leaving these clubs in tact. The problem of karaoke clubs with Sri Lanka continues today, and it is unlikely to stop anytime soon. Many travel bureaus warn those people voyaging to Sri Lanka to avoid any karaoke club, so be on the lookout if you plan to travel to Sri Lanka anytime soon.

Karaoke Banned in North Korea

Although most countries around the world enjoy music freely, North Korea’s government has another view altogether of the popular karaoke trend. North Korea’s leader Kim Jong-Il proclaimed that karaoke seemed to threaten his socialist system, and as of July, 2007, all karaoke bars (and internet cafés as well) were closed. Many are questioning this decision, but for some, this is just another tactic in the sad shade that has been permanently drawn across North Korean society.

North Korea and Japan have long been at odds, and some scholars believe that the latest karaoke ban is simply due to the fact that karaoke originated in Japan. Others believe that the karaoke ban is really part of a much large movement to shelter the North Korean public from any contact with the outside world. If North Koreans are subject to music from around the world, the music that has been deemed “acceptable” by the North Korean government would no longer have any appeal. This is not the first time that North Korea has seen its government shut down any sort of new entertainment. The entire society is cut off from the rest of the world through internet bans, musical instrument bans, television bans, and a general ban on public freedom.

While North Korean residents continue to struggle, and their government continues to rule, the rest of the world will enjoy the many pleasure of karaoke while North Korea remains silent. Leader, Kim Jong-Il, had this to say about the latest karaoke ban “It is so promulgated under the mandate of the Republic in order to crush enemy scheming and to squarely confront those who threaten the maintenance of the socialist system,” while many question North Korea’s leader, the people of North Korea simply sit and wait, helpless. Unfortunately for those residing within North America, the music has suddenly gone silent.

Karaoke Box

Perhaps the best example of an East Asian “karaoke box” can be viewed in Sophia Coppola’s film “Lost in Translation” when the main character (played by Scarlett Johansson), dons a pink wig and picks up a microphone inside of a large karaoke room. The idea of a room featuring a karaoke video display high atop a skyscraper certainly gained a lot of attention during the Coppola film, but this scene is really a common sight in the real world across most of Asia. The karaoke box is really quite different from North America’s karaoke bars, and this trend is also starting to pick up around the United States as well.

Each karaoke box can be reserved for private group use only – in fact, most karaoke boxes are solely used for private entertainment – and these rooms are usually rather large in size. There is a particular element of simulating fame that goes along with the use of a karaoke box since these rooms are often encased in glass, and those passing by can easily view a current singer. Inside of each karaoke box sits a large screen on which music videos are played and lyrics are posted. Those that rent a karaoke box often use it for an entire evening, which is why many establishments serve refreshments for singing guests. Throughout Asia, karaoke box chains often encompass large buildings, and some of them even hold hundreds of different rooms to choose from. Although this form of karaoke is most popular in Asia, some North American cities have adopted the karaoke box style as well.

New York City and San Francisco saw a large boom in karaoke box establishments as of the late 1990s. The karaoke box trend proved to be very popular throughout both the eastern and western United States, which is why more and more Asian communities within the nation are setting up karaoke box establishments. Though most Westerners known karaoke only through video games and bar scenes, the karaoke box trend is swiftly on the rise. A karaoke box is a great way to spend an evening, and this Asian trend really makes a karaoke singer feel like a real star.

Internet Karaoke

Not sure about karaoke? Maybe you don’t have the courage to find out whether or not you can actually sing in front of a large crowd – who can blame you? But, come on, let’s face it – everyone loves to sing. Whether you sing along to the radio in your car, or whether you sing in the shower, who can resist a catchy tune? Technology means that you no longer have to go to a karaoke bar to sing a song, instead you can simply head to one of these websites:

· K Solo: www.ksolo.com allows you to download your favorite tunes from their site, press the “record” button, and sing along to the song of your choice. The initial sign up for K Solo is free, but you may have to purchase a few songs along the way. The process is simple and efficient, which means that you can be singing in no time.

· Ronan’s Online Karaoke: www.ronansonlinekaraoke.com is completely free. You can easily click on a song, download the music, and watch the lyrics on screen. The only drawback to this site is that the song selection is somewhat limited.

· Internet Karaoke: www.internetkaraoke.net is a pay per month service (you can try it for 24 hours free), based in Europe. For about $4 per month, you can choose from thousands of songs, but it does require a microphone plug in. This site is, arguably, one of the best on the net since the song selection is so vast (around 6,000 tunes). This site also seems to be relatively popular with other karaoke singers around the world.

These sites are the best on the internet for karaoke. You will have to pay for most karaoke services, and some of these sites require additional plug ins, but if you love karaoke and you want to sing at home (or at work), the internet is the way to go.

Karaoke in the Video Game World

What could be better than bringing karaoke into your home for use whenever you want it? Thanks to game consoles such as PlayStation 2, Nintendo GameCube, and Xbox, karaoke is now at your fingertips twenty-four hours a day. All you need is microphone and a bit of courage to extend your singing venue from the shower to the living room.

The most popular video game in the pack is Karaoke Revolution. This game put out by PlayStation involves a virtual karaoke singer (you can choose your own avatar), and some very popular tunes. PlayStation has made even the most unforgivably tone deaf person bearable with their pitch adjustment technology. Each game is specially programmed to pick up on the particular pitch of a player, and the song is adjusted accordingly – careful, you might think that you are better than you truly are with this technology! Although the standard PlayStation version is a lot of fun, a new system on the block has been gaining a lot of attention lately.

If you just aren’t fond of Meatloaf and Celine Dion, you can purchase the Secret Level video game that is available only on Xbox. This game actually allows singers to download their favorite tunes directly to the game. So, if you prefer some obscure eighties garage band to the average pop song, you can sing to your heart’s content. Most games have also added a popular venue to the screen (football stadium, carnival ...), as well as live audience applause. Of course, if you are truly terrible, your virtual crowd will have no problem throwing peanuts and booing you directly off stage. Then again, with songs tailored to your specific pitch, it’s hard to disappoint this crowd. Currently, new video game releases include American Idol Revolution, and various other versions of the game. No matter what sort of game console you have, karaoke is a universal word, so start warming up your vocal chords, your video audience awaits.

Behind the Karaoke Machine -- Technology

Most people have felt the thrill of grabbing the karaoke microphone and singing their heart’s out, but have you even thought about the technology behind the karaoke machine? If you happen to be a curious creature, you might wonder exactly what makes a karaoke machine tick (or sing). Karaoke machines are not all that complicated, but understanding how one works can mean the difference between a perfectly pitched tune, and a singing disaster.

Let’s start with the obvious. A karaoke machine has a microphone, recorded music, and some sort of audio output – that much is apparent. Now, let’s more on to the more complex aspects of the karaoke machine. Generally, karaoke machines are a combination of audio mixer and microphone inputs that can range from Video CD to Laser Discs. Standard karaoke machines allow a singer to adjust pitch, so that they can reach any note – think of those Whitney Houston tunes that are seemingly impossible to sing – this is done by choosing a pitch number, and adjusting the tune to your preferences (usually the job of a Karaoke DJ). Watch out if you are ever in a karaoke bar and someone yells out “Kamikaze Karaoke!” This means that the KJ will randomly choose a pitch number, and you will be left attempting to sing a song no matter how high or low the pitch goes – yikes!

Various types of karaoke machines have popped up over the years, and some feature ways in which to completely alter a song, or simply to sing a song’s chorus. Although pitch is fun to play with, more primitive machines will often feature an echo effect due when the pitch is adjusted due to poor quality. Additionally, various video and computer games have integrated karaoke into their programs, which means that nearly anyone can sing along with their favorite tune (this is also great practice for any of you looking to enter the International Karaoke Competition). Karaoke is a fun way to pass the time, and now that you know how the machine is made you can be the one to play with a song’s pitch and yell “Kamikaze!” and watch your friends squirm.

Karaoke World Championships

If you enjoy karaoke (and you can actually carry a tune), you might want to look into the Karaoke World Championships held every year throughout the world. Though most people simply view karaoke as a Thursday night ritual, in some parts of the world this sport is taken very seriously.

Many people often relate reality shows such as American Idol to nothing more than a large karaoke contest, and some past Idol winners have, indeed, entered the Karaoke World Championships prior to national television. Finnish born Ari Koivunen took first place in Finland’s own version of American Idol, Pop Idol, during the year 2005. But before Koivunen even decided to step upon the Idol stage, he stole third place at the Karaoke World Championships. Few people know that the Karaoke World Championships actually exist, but this competition is relatively young (the competition began in 2003), and it is expected to pick up speed during the next few years. So far, nearly half the world is involved in the Karaoke World Championships, and someday this event may be televised along with the Olympics – at least that’s what these amateur singers are hoping for.

Although the idea for a worldwide karaoke contest originated in Finland, many other countries are currently part of this competition including Australia, Hungary, Portugal, Austria, Indonesia, Romania, Azerbaijan Republic, Ireland, Russia, Canada, Jordan, Singapore, China, Kenya, South Africa, Estonia, Kuwait, Sweden, Finland, Lebanon, Thailand, Germany, Macao/China, United Kingdom, Greece, Malaysia, United States of America, Hong Kong, and Poland. The competition is split between male and female singers, and nearly every country has gained some sort of positioning throughout the years. If this sounds like something that you would like to do, visit www.kwc.fi for more information.

Karaoke Terms

If you plan on visiting Japan, you must sing karaoke while you are there. Karaoke is one of Japan’s favorite pastimes, but you might be a bit confused as to some of the terms used once you are inside of a karaoke room. To clarify, here are some well known, and well repeated, karaoke terms used throughout Japan.

· Juhachiban: if you are in Tokyo, and somebody yells out “Juhachiban,” you can expect to see a well known karaoke singer take center stage. Juhachiban refers to a singer’s favorite (and most sung) karaoke song. The term “Juhachiban” literally means “number 18,” but if you venture to Hong Kong, this same concept is known as the “banquet song.”

· Karamovie: this term is also known as “movioke,” and can almost be deciphered just based upon the sound of the word itself. Movioke refers to specific movie scenes, in which people take the stage in order to act out scenes from a movie. This concept was based upon karaoke, but features movies instead. Like karaoke, movioke eliminates the original actor’s voice, and the movie reel is left playing. Karamovie began in 2003, but it has not picked up much speed throughout the rest of the world.

· Karaoke Jockey: a “KJ” is much like a regular “DJ,” but this person facilitates the karaoke tunes and arranges the music. If you want to rent a karaoke machine, you will need a KJ to handle the MC aspect of karaoke, and to set up the music.

· Hitokara: if someone tells you “hitokara!” this means that you must sing a song alone. “Hito” translates into “one person,” and “kara” means karaoke. Usually these are single part songs, which most people prefer.

History of Karaoke

Kobe, Japan, is famous for more than its world renowned beef – Kobe also happens to be the birthplace of Karaoke. The karaoke craze began with the musician Daisuk Inoue, and a few overzealous party guests. Once Inoue got it into his head that music could, indeed, be for the masses, karaoke was born, and it has been unstoppable since.

When one decides to invite dinner guests to a home, or to a large event, in Japan, musical entertainment is expected. Upon hiring Daisuk Inoue one evening, dinner guests were so impressed with his music that they insisted upon recordings that they could sing to. Of course, Inoue was more than happy to provide clips of his best tunes, but he also saw a large opening in the music market for songs without lyrics. Inoue eventually manufactured the first karaoke machine during the 1970s, which he leased for 100 Yen. Though this price was quite high, many affluent members of Japanese society felt that the many laughs gained through the use of the newly concocted machine was well worth the rental price. Unfortunately, Inoue made a fatal business mistake – he never did gain a patent for his new invention.

By the time Inoue’s karaoke machine hit all the most popular dinner tables, his invention caught the eye of Robert del Rosario, a Filipino inventor. Of course, del Rosario could not take the Japanese name “karaoke” and claim the machine as his own, so he decided to patent the machine’s technology under the name “Minus-One.” Today, the patent is still help by del Rosario under the name “minus-one,” (though in some ways Inoue did win the patent battle as the singing machine is known all over the world as “karaoke”). Quickly, the karaoke (or minus-one) invention spread throughout the world, and this form of entertainment still remains popular today.