Confessions of a karaoke crooner
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👋 Hi, it's Justin! The city just launched its new Chicago Sings Karaoke Competition.
- Top prize: $5,000
Why it matters: During the pandemic, my family went karaoke-crazy.
- We got mics and a speaker and did karaoke through YouTube (amazing).
The intrigue: I've learned many lessons to help you ace this citywide contest:
Perform: You can be the best singer, but if you don't perform that song? You lose.
Crowd pleaser: Karaoke isn't an excuse for you to sing your favorite song. You have to read the room.
- For instance: I love Justin Beiber's "Peaches" but I'm starting to realize nobody else does.
Know your range: We get it, you are a great singer. But the key changes in that Whitney Houston song can creep up on you and destroy your confidence quickly.
- Also, don't do Whitney.
Pro tip: Everything sounds better in a country accent.
💠Monica's thought bubble: I once entered a karaoke contest at the Japanese consulate, thinking I'd win just by nailing Patsy Cline's "Crazy" in Japanese.
- Wrong: The winner dressed up, presented gifts to the judges and did an awesome dance. Take note!
If you go: The competition starts Sunday. Here's a list of the bars.