Karaoke Star

I've always wanted to be a famous singer. It's like, my not so secret dream. I have a decent voice, not great, but decent enough. But I choke when I get in front of people. It all started with my 7th grade show choir auditions. But it's this nagging feeling in the back of my mind whenever I see someone else sing. I was born to perform, baby.

We've been planning to go to karaoke night for a while. I knew that this was my chance to finally perform in a safe environment where no one would really judge me. I decided on "Like a Prayer" by Madonna (hey, if I was going to channel my inner Sam I knew I had to sing Madonna. That's just how it works). I practiced for weeks. Like, played the karaoke version on YouTube and sang to myself when no one was home.

We finally went to karaoke night at Pizza Pie Cafe last night. I put my name in and waited. And waited and waited. We were there for almost two hours before they called my name. Well, first they called this girl named Lacey who turned out to be eight years old and could sing a mean version of "Someone Like You." I was a little worried about how I would top that, but whatever.

So I go up there and I am shaking like a leaf. The organ intro comes on and I start...

"Life is a mystery..." Whoops. Microphone wasn't on. Thanks for catching that one, overweight DJ.

I could feel the tunnel vision coming on. I wanted to die. But then all the randoms, I mean, audience, decide to get up and start dancing along. They probably felt sorry for me, but I'll take it as them being my adoring fans.

I decided to just go for it. Everyone was singing along so I couldn't really hear myself. But I did all the things I wanted to do. I did an audience point. I danced a little. When it got to the "let the choir sing" part I got everyone in the room singing.

Basically I lived the dream. And you know what? Next time I'll probably shake a little less. And maybe everyone won't keep gesturing for me to put the microphone closer to my mouth so they can actually hear me.