Karaoke Forums

I've listened to a bunch of the submitted songs here, really good, and I've seen a lot of good singers at a lot of different karaoke venues, but I'm wondering if maybe some of these players are getting a little too good. Sat nite at our club we were joking about one of the regulars bringing in a "ringer" because the new girl sounded and even acted exactly like Janis Joplin. I was fascinated at first, then after she did a couple of songs I was a little disappointed because they all started to sound like album cuts. Then I noticed she had brought in her own CD so she do JJ all night. I kinda wanted to ask her to do somebody else, but frankly, I was afraid she'd sound just like the new artist.

For me, its like remaking a movie word for word, like they did with Psycho awhile back. They did it with Failsafe, too. Its kind of anti-climactic. But if the director does his own interpretation, like The Island of Dr. Moreau or Oceans 11 I find it much more compelling. Maybe its just me, but I'd rather hear someone trash the song than hear it done exactly the way it was recorded.

I think there is a fine line being between a good singer and a cocky singer. I don't think there is a such thing as "too good". Everyone is a good singer in their own way. Singing is all subjective.

Now, there is definately "too cocky", the ones that think they are all that and will do everything in their power to show off.

For example, we went to karaoke in a small town bar the other night. There was this one girl that can sing musical music very well and is involved in a lot of theatre, and probably has had training out of the ying yang.

She came in with a big table of friends (probably about 10 people). When she sang, rather than looking at the screen and being humble, she made this big performance out of her song, and you can so see her showing off.

Of course, her table of friends were constatly cheering for her. Which is fine. The thing that really got me is that they had no desire whatsoever to cheer or even clap for ANY other performer. I thought it was very rude. I was ready to get up and leave.

I mean, there is nothing wrong with being a good singer, but humility comes with that. There is nothing wrong with showing off your voice (IMO), but you don't go to karaoke just to show off (IMO).

I think there are wonderful people on this site, and if they are getting better, and you can see that, that is what they want. I know I am here to learn and to get better. But, when you cross the line to "cocky" that just takes it all away.

That is my two cents anyway.

I totally agree about the cockiness. It's karaoke, not Star Search, just have fun with it.

I've found that the people who are "too good" tend to be good only at a VERY narrow range of songs or styles. If I see somebody singing Janis Joplin or Frank Sinatra all night they quickly bore me, no matter how good or accurate they might be. I'm much more impressed by someone that can do a decent, if not spectacular job on say a Pat Benatar song followed by a Reba McEntire song followed by a Harry Connick Jr song. Not coincidentally, this is how I tend to choose my songs, .

Sorry Guys,
But I have to disagree. The person that worked hard on the particular artist, or songs that you are talking about. They Deserve just as much Recognition, or their 5 minutes in the spotlight as the Person that gets up and butchers something totally out of their range.

The difference is He/she Knows their limitations, and tries to improve on the talents they have. as far as I know there is no Janis Joplin sing alike schools. Do you feeel the same about someone that can get up and do a perfect Elvis song? They know that elvis is dead, and they are not pretending to be elvis.

These people that are good may have nothing to do all day, but to practice. You never get anywhere without practice. Would you really enjoy going to a Karaoke bar, and listen to 30 monotone singers that cant carry a note in a bucket sing. I think not, you would be here venting about that.

Give the singers the recognition they deserve, make them feel good. That may be the only thing in life that they are good at. Everyone needs to feel good about something.

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I'm Not Dead yet...... But every day Im getting Closer !

I've almost had arguments with myself about this very topic. As a host, I get somewhat annoyed when the singer gets up and does a "grandiose" performance. But then I have to remind myself that the roots of karaoke were about "being" a rock star for your 5 minutes at a time. That is their time to shine, and if they get their kicks out of showing off for their friends, then that's their prerogative, and it's my job to help them get the most out of those 5 minutes.

I do think that it's awful rude to not pay any attention to the other singers, but it happens. As long as they're not cat-calling or booing or complaining that "their singer" isn't singing enough, there's not much you can do.

Wow, I liked my post so much, I put it on here twice. Nice to see I finally agree with myself, though.

What a question



Nooooooooo, but you can think you are and be a general pain in the butt to the KJ, guests, bartender, roaches, mice............and the rest of the world.

It makes me want to gag when encountering a person like that. I don't care if the person just sing Elvis ( ) the whole night or who-ever, it's perfectly fine (I agree with Dr. D) but...........

ritisroo:

That really gets to me.
Those people should be banned from karaoke bars.
I don't care how good or bad a person sings, where we visit our karaoke hangout, we will acknowledge every singer, like everyone else!! For more then others, it takes a lot of balls to get up there and sing, and for those who want to be a star for 5 minutes, they're all good in my eyes.

[quote="karaokefun"]I've almost had arguments with myself about this very topic. As a host, I get somewhat annoyed when the singer gets up and does a "grandiose" performance. But then I have to remind myself that the roots of karaoke were about "being" a rock star for your 5 minutes at a time. That is their time to shine, and if they get their kicks out of showing off for their friends, then that's their prerogative, and it's my job to help them get the most out of those 5 minutes.[quote]

I truly think there is a place and a time to "Shine". I know there are a lot of karaoke bars out there that put you on a stage and make you face the audience with a little TV. So, if you want to rock out, you have the choice. They are PUTTING you there in front of the people. Most people won't, out of respect for the "Non-performers" or not so good singers.

Now, when you are in a bar where you are facing just the tv rather than the audience, I mean to make sure you turn around and face everyone just to make sure that everyone KNOWS how good you really are really bothers me. It does not in the least make me jeleous becuase I am confident enough to know that I am a good singer/performer. I just feel sorry for the not so good or not so confident people out there. If I could not sing well, and did karaoke just for fun, I would be upset. It would really hurt my feelings and make me fell pretty little.

I can't tell you how many good singers I have seen at karaoke. However, she is the first one I have ever seen actually make a production out of her karaoke. I love a good singer, I hate a "I have to show you how good I am" singer.

I don't know. I mean, in the end I guess it is up to you. If you feel the need to show that you can sing/perform, then go for it. But, like other people said, it does get old, and after awhile, it would just make a person look bad and eventually look like they belittling people.

Again, just my two cents.

The root of the matter and what irritates people are the people that are full of themselves, that think they are all that and a bag of chips! I have even encountered singers that sing really bad BUT think they are ALL THAT. But saying all of this..I do have to add a couple of things to that.
What is karaoke(this might sting a little but the truth sometimes does)?!?

Karaoke is geared to the "normal to bad singers" NOT the top 1% of the recording artists or those that wants to be one(they have their own media for this) Karaoke is for Joe-blow that has little to average experience of singing and singers are not aspiring to make it their career. Basically..for the normal person that wants to go out and eat some food and relax with their friends, sing a couple of songs for fun. Also in this category are those maybe someone that "used to" sing in a theatre when they were younger etc but sing just because that is their way of expressing themselves. The only reason karaoke is fun is because "it is not serious" IF it ever became serious, then the day of karaoke bars would be long gone.

I know there are many "failed" pro singers that go to some karaoke bars, just to get "revenge" and to gloat and impress people and they know that nobody there can even remotely be close to their standard. Many people get intimidated and never go back to those karaoke venues. Pretty much it works like this..what would you say if Sammy Sosa went to your 12 y/o kids baseball game and then have his friends and family say "wowzers, look at that 9th straight homerun!!! He is so smooth!!!" Yeah I am sure Sammy Sosa would impress people no matter what(with anything that involves a bat and a ball) and if the rules were that "anyone is welcome" it doesn't mean you should! You just make yourself look stupid and make other people look stupid.

The only karaoke singers that impress me are the singers that can do a wide array of songs or singers that try 'new stuff" all the time and not afraid of showing their flaws. IF Madonna came to your karaoke venue, would you like her to sing one of her own songs or would it be more fun to see her try the country song "Red Neck Woman"??!(true karaoke spirit) I personally wouldnt be impressed if she sang her own song, if I wanted to hear that I would go and buy her CD. "Red Neck Woman" all the way would be my vote. )

ritisroo, your first post on this topic was what I was thinking almost word for word! It was kinda freaky!


But seriously, ~applause~ I couldn't agree more!

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neverheardofher

Ditto on the "I'm here for me" thing! I'm annoyed by the same thing --- One good singer, group of friends that ignore everyone else...don't they know how ugly that makes them? Oh Well!

Arrogance is never well received... it seems to be most true in a Karaoke show. It is such an ugly thing to witness - cause you KNOW what most people are thinking about that type of singer--- OUCH.

I say sing what you want --- broad range, or narrow focus --- even 'put on a show' --- but be humble and show respect for everyone else PLEASE.... for your own sake...

On the up side, I haven't seen too many truly arrogant karaoke singers (though the one's I have, REALLY stick out in my mind). And besides, its fun to complain about them (com'on admit it)...a guilty pleasure, but what the heck.

Great topic Da Butcha!!! And you nailed it ritsiroo!!

I am often amazed at how the simple process of karaoke brings out so many different emotions for many people....it's very interesting. I myself have and still do go thru a huge range of emotions and reactions with karaoke. It just touches off a lot of stuff for a lot of people.

Whether it's the pain of hearing someone do a song that I was previously the only one that ever did it, or watching people totally abuse the duet privilege, or seeing blatant cockiness, or knowing the kj put someone ahead of you, or watching the kj sing in every rotation when it's packed to the gills with people already, or singing your heart out and getting no applause, or singing your heart out AND getting accolades, or hearing someone sing better than you....it's all so emotional, for me at least.

Amen, Tig! This karaoke thing is so rich with idiosyncracy that the performance is almost secondary. I guess that's why I love it.

I’m going to jump in with my two cents…

At our shows, & among our friends & KJ’s, we have a lot of excellent singers. My husband, Richard, has performed at “Opries”, sung on a commercial & even won a contest or two… One of our KJ’s has had her recording distributed in Europe, one of our friends was CMSA Entertainer of the year, a group of ladies that periodically visits our show are opera singers.

All these people I just mentioned sing karaoke for one reason… FUN!!… Yes, they do get approached by people who compliment them on their voice, & they graciously accept the compliments. Sometimes they can put on a “show” during their song if they are really getting into the song or are exuding their energy &/or sense of fun, (which I have also done, especially if I’m in a REALLY good mood). Perhaps some of them might sometimes put on a “show” just for the accolades, but… if that is fun (which I would assume it would be) to have people come up to you & let you know they enjoyed your singing &/or performance, why not?

As for the group that was with the woman who put on a show, perhaps they didn’t know about the courtesies we try to show each other, perhaps thy were just rude. Either way, how is it the singer’s fault? If she had a blast singing karaoke with you & the other patrons, isn’t that the way you want it? Was her evening’s enjoyment heightened by you & your friends? If so, doesn’t that feel great?

Personally, I don’t care how anyone sounds or if they are cocky. I care about whether or not they are having a good time!! Whether it’s a show my husband & I KJ, or a show we go to where we know no one, I enjoy adding to the fun of another singer by applauding (loudly) & perhaps going directly to someone to compliment them on their voice, rendition, energy…. Whatever!!! When the people around me are enjoying themselves, I enjoy myself sooooooo much more!!

Susie

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You do it in the shower,
you do it in the car,
Ccome do it with us,
and be a star!!!!

Karaoke with Full House Entertainment

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You are right, there is definately nothing wrong with putting on a show. I could not disagree with you more.

However, putting on a show for the sake of SHOWING that you have to be better than everyone else is what gets my goat (and you can pick those people right out).

There have been many times where I have been singing karaoke and just felt like turning away from the screen and performing. However, I don't do it becuase I am quite sure that other people may view that as being obnoxious and rude.

Now, as for people having a good time, yes, I would like that too at my shows. But, you have to remember, by that one person having to "show off" to have a good time, may be putting a lot of other people off, and those would be the ones with a low confidence level and don't have 20 years of training). Like I said, I wanted to leave (but the host was my friend and I had not seen her in months, so I wanted to talk to her). Otherwise, I would have been gone.

I also know (probably should have mentioned) this girl, and some of her background, and I do know that she was not doing it to have fun, and I know she was trying to show certain people up.

And Congratulations to your hosts! That is so great for them to have all those distinguished awards and such. However, I am sure that they do not walk around the bar thinking that they are better than anyone else just becuase they have done this. I am also sure that they also go for fun, try new things, get out of their comfort zone, etc. etc. as they are experienced.

Anywho, All I am saying is that singing for the fact that you have to show off every chance you get sucks to have to see. I just feel sorry for all the people that have low confidence.

Put it this way - if you could not sing well, or had low confidence, would you really want to follow someone who has just put on a "performance"?

I know I would not.

I tend not to sing on Karaoke (except my own, of course) but on the odd occasion when I know the KJ and he hauls me up I can't find it in me not to give it my best shot.
It's what I do, for goodness sake!
I know what you mean about the barnstormers but I sing in a duo and do solos so I usually don't have to look at the screen either.
(I'm sorry I started this now 'cos it gets a bit complex after you've thought about it)
So long as nobody is hurt or otherwise upset unnecessarily, Sing your heart out!
It's what we all really want to do.

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Imagine!

Barry, I understand your point.

However, my question is this: When you don't use the screen, do you do it to show that you are better than everyone else?

When I go to karaoke, I use it as an opportunity to sing with a real big loud system, so I want to sing my best so that I can see how I sound. I tape myself to use it as an opportunity to improve my singing.

I don't do it to show everyone I have a good voice.

I think you needed to be there to see what she and her friends were doing. I just feel bad for all the people that are there for fun. Like someone said about Madonna singing another song.......If I wanted to see a musical theatre performance, I would go to a musical theatre.

That is just how I feel, and I don't like people who belittle others just cause they can

I couldn't agree more but I have a suspicion that I have probably done it inadvertently at some stage.
Not with malice, more thoughtlessness.

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Imagine!

While I don’t particularly enjoy cocky people, in a karaoke setting or not, I don’t feel as if a singer at karaoke must sing, act or look a certain way. If someone wants to perform either because they are confident in their ability or because it’s fun, more power to them!!! Many people don’t look at the screen & let ‘er rip because they know and/or are getting into the song.

I feel if someone has low confidence to the point where they feel uncomfortable following a “performance” or a “good singer” they will have a problem singing karaoke period. Having previously been one who is uncomfortable singing in front of others (& what an esteem issue to overcome when my husband & friends sing so well!), I can understand how they feel & know they will either get over it or not.

If I/we pick up on those people, I/we will have already gotten the point across to them that it doesn’t matter what or how you sing, the only person who needs to enjoy it is the person is singing at the time &….. if a person dislikes you because of how or what you sang, is it really such a big loss? We also have all sorts of friends that will sing with them if that will make them more at ease. I/we also let that person know that is how many karaoke junkies got started!!! When we first started karaoke I wouldn’t sing in front of Richard or the kids, much less our friends or out in public!!! Now my motto is 1) If you don’t like what I sing or 2) how I sing, go to the bathroom, I’m done in 3 minutes….

Susie

_________________
You do it in the shower,
you do it in the car,
Ccome do it with us,
and be a star!!!!

Karaoke with Full House Entertainment

[scroll]Just because I have a short attention span doesn't mean...... [/scroll]

I understand what ya mean Ritisroo....I've seen those types. Then I've seen types that are extremely good but something about their demeanor and attitude doesn't repulse everyone watching. I think the prob is within the demeanor and attitude and vibes the ham is giving off - esp. if it's sorta "excluding" or snooty.