How I Became a Karaoke Junkie

Some of you may be surprised to learn that I was plagued by paralyzing stage fright for several years.  During this time, I did not sing in front of other people at all.  Not even in the car.  When I was 22, I was entered into a Miss American Preliminary pageant, where I was forced to perform a talent.  This would be my very first public performance since high school.

To prepare myself, I began frequenting karaoke dive bars in an attempt to combat the swarm of butterflies that threatened to make me lose my lunch every time I stepped up to a microphone.  I quickly became enthralled by the atmosphere - the tacky decorations, the random song selections, the freedom to sing completely off key without fear or judgment, the "regulars" (entertainment enough just to watch some of them) - and soon enough my nerves were replaced by excitement.

Now, I'm so obsessed with karaoke, I keep a song list in my phone so I'm ready to go at the drop of a hat.  I even hosted a private karaoke party in my living room for my 24th birthday.

All of this is to say, if you're ever looking for a duet partner, I'm your girl.