Mackenzie Sivret is a two-time karaoke competitor and a frequent performer at karaoke nights in the Burlington area. For Vermont Edition's Summer School series, she shares her advice for anyone thinking about taking the mic.
“Start thinking about what song you’re going to sing before you get to the karaoke bar. Think about what artist’s voice seems similar to yours,” says Sivret.
But she warns against choosing an obscure song, even if you can sing it well.
“Try to find something that you think people would respond to, a song that people also know,” says Sivret. “Like a classic pop song that’s short, sweet, fun.”
"Whether you're a good singer or not, you want people to be responding to you. Stage presence is arguably more important in karaoke than singing itself." - Mackenzie Sivret
And don’t be afraid to work the crowd. Sivret says stage presence is important.
"Whether you're a good singer or not, you want people to be responding to you. Stage presence is arguably more important in karaoke than singing itself."
Here are a few of Sivret’s picks for karaoke newbies:
