I’ve never understood the deep discomfort that people have with karaoke, one of my favourite activities from my days before kids. Seal’s “Kiss From a Rose”. Montell Jordan’s “This Is How We Do It”. I used to rock on Magic Mics from the Philippines and shoot for a perfect score with every performance.
We worry too much about what others will think. That we might not sing the greatest or that we’ve forgotten a few of the words in a song. Karaoke is meant to be fun, yet societal pressure builds it up as more than what it is. And a lot of that comes from what we pick up as kids—whether the people around us bolstered our confidence or just broke it down. We need to give our kids the space to enjoy their lives, and I feel like I’m doing that with the VTech Kidi Star Karaoke Machine™.
Within the first night of being back, the word on the street wad that it was time once again for me to pick up the mic and prepare for battle in one of the most dangerous forms of combat known to humankind!
Yes, my friends, it’s time for some karaoke.
Last year (when DefineTO was still Twestival Toronto), I hit the crowd with a rendition of Montell Jordan’s “This is How We Do it”, but it wasn’t enough. While other contenders included Sean Ward‘s crooning Nelly’s “Hot in Herre” with female accompaniment and Michael Nus‘ singing of the forbidden one-hit kill karaoke song—Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing”, ultimately the crown went to Reggy Sy (with a song I can’t even say I know—maybe it was done by Sheryl Crow?).
Y’all good, I’ll admit it, but I’m far from done. In this year’s Twidol (Twitter Idol, since it’s a singing competition), I’m coming back swinging. What I don’t have in formal singing training, I have in showmanship. What I do have in singing ability is being honed to a fine-tipped point.
Yes, it’s a great event for everyone to come together.
But they don’t call me Karaoke King for nothing.[ref]No one really calls me Karaoke King…[/ref] (All of a sudden…)[ref]Biggie reference. R.I.P., man, over 15 years later.[/ref]
If you feel like relieving yourself of $20, feel free to buy a ticket and come out on Thursday to cheer me on! (Or if you use Twitter, seriously just vote for me. Keep your eyes peeled Thursday night for the appropriate hashtag!)
–case p.
Tell your wife, tell your kids, tell your husbands:
