Music lovers! 2009 is the year that I decided to put my talent to the test and give it a honest go. I am ready to sing anywhere that a mic is plugged in without holding back. In the spirit of this new found courage I entered a Karaoke competition to see partially for my self how my voice and performance will be accepted and if not what I can do to improve.
Names and songs were turned in to the Karaoke DJ and there was time allowed for some warm-up singing which I thought was great. The time came and I was first in line to sing. I think I had more than just butterflies in my stomach, I had geese flying in there because I did have friends from Los Angeles and even Oxnard, CA come out to support me. I was called up and the song I performed was Sam Cooke’s “A Change Gonna Come”. I did not have any difficulty performing the song. I actually came off stage feeling pretty good. The wait for all the contestants to get done singing seemed to last forever.
I was not sure what it was but as time passed it began to dawn on me that singing a song and “performing in a Karaoke Contest” are two different things. By the time the last contestant was done singing I was wondering where I would place because I believed that I had a voice and sang my song better than anyone else did. Fifth place was recognized then fourth and I thought to myself “I am definitely in the the Top 3″. Third place was recognized and my heart was racing, the thought of my first vocal victory, then it happened, second place mention was not me (a worthy adversary I must admit). Wait, first place had not been called upon and I am still here? Could it be? Have I won my first contest with friends to witness? I have to tell you, I was feeling pretty good at this point.
The moment was finally here “and in first place….” the host announced. The entire building was so quiet you could hear an ant crawling. Then people started to cheer and a gentleman walked up to the host of the event and accepted his award with his friends cheering and a big beautiful smile on his face. It was a great night, my friends had fun and I love them all for coming from far and wide to support me even though I did not win. Don’t think I have given up already. I spoke to the host and he told what the judges had trouble with. I sang better than the other competitors but I was stand in one general area.
Remember, Karaoke Contest require you to “work the crowd”, interact with the crowd and get them involved. There you have it, did not win but I walked away with a “host of knowledge” (no pun intended). I will win next time, you better believe it! 
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Bessie Kaine 02.20.09 at 6:12 PM
Thanks so much for sharing your experience. Although I came out for your L.A. Karaoke event, I’m sorry that I missed this one due to reasons already known. But like you said, you had many supporters and that is something to focus on, what a blessing
I’ve heard you sing that Sam Cook song before so I know it sounded wonderful. You have been an inspiration to me as far as singing in public–outside of a choir, lol. It really takes courage to get out there and belt something to a crowd of people you don’t even know. Luckily, these bars that you’ve been mentioning are filled with people who are genuinely supportive of anyone who has the courage to step up to the mike. And that seems to be the main thing, courage. I hope to get up to your level of actually joining in on singing competitions. Right now, I find joy in singing anywhere my voice will be welcome. I just joined another choir today for a special church performance in March. I’ll see how that goes 
Kudos to you my friend!
Licious 07.05.09 at 7:05 PM
Hey what happened to this blog? I loved coming by here!