Thou shalt not act in any manner that will distract a performer. This includes walking in front of a monitor displaying the words of the song or in front of the performer during his or her performance. If you are sitting or standing near the performer strive to keep conversations low and unobtrusive to the performer as well as other patrons.

Getting up to perform before a live audience takes courage and builds self-confidence. Any performer will deliver better results with audience encouragement. Thou shalt applaud for every performer. If a performance is not up to your expectations, thou shalt applaud the performer's courage and not react in a critical or otherwise discouraging way.

Thou shalt not sing back up for someone or attempt to share the performer's limelight for any reason unless the performer specifically calls for you. Do not interrupt a performer during his or her performance, period. Do not interrupt a performance by dancing in front of the performer. If you are the performer singing a dance song, let your audience know beforehand if you encourage dancing. While dancing is not restricted in most places, the audience feels a closer connection to the performer if the performer invites their participation.

Thou shalt double-check the information submitted for song requests. Putting down wrong or illegible numbers and letters causes extra work for the KJ and slows down the show. The KJ may not have time or want to assist you in verifying the song number.

Thou shalt not attract the KJ's attention to engage in idle conversation that will interfere with his or her performance. Thou shalt not encourage the KJ to change his or her rotation policy to include your performance faster nor continuously remind the KJ you are waiting to sing.

Thou shalt not heckle performers or KJs. They are trying their best to be entertaining. Do not make derogatory, defamatory or embarrassing remarks about anyone, but particularly about the performers, KJ, and wait staff. Do not swear while you are near a microphone, the stage, or performer. The intent behind swearing is often misunderstood and leads to avoidable altercations.

Thou shalt not join a performer in the limelight without his or her permission nor sing along while sitting in the audience so loudly it distracts the performer or other patrons. Thou shalt obtain a performer's permission to sing a DUET before committing them to sing or getting up to sing with them.

Karaoke equipment is costly. Be careful not to bump the table or the stand housing the gear and stay away from the KJ's CDG inventory. Scratched CDGs are of no value and replacements may no longer be available. Do not take drinks or burning cigarettes near the stage or the KJ's equipment, including the microphone. A spilled drink or stray spark can do a significant amount of damage before it is discovered.

Handle microphones with extra care. Not only are they sensitive to sound, but most cost hundreds of dollars to replace. Be sure not to touch the microphone on the head or sneeze near it. Wash and dry dirty hands before touching a microphone and never point the head of it toward the speakers. If you are furnishing your own CDG for performance, make sure it is clean and deliver it to the KJ in a protective CD jacket marked with your name.

Thou shalt not complain if a performer before you selects the next song you were planning to sing. You should always select a backup song. If you don't legally own the exclusive rights to a song, don't attempt to claim them. Most KJ's will inform performers ahead of time if the song they selected has been chosen by someone else but don't count on that happening often.

Performing or watching karaoke is supposed to be fun for everyone involved. Singing a song according to the way it was written or sounding like the original artist is strictly optional. It is better to take a song and make it your own through your performance. Remember to think positive, smile often, respect the rights of others and be cooperative. Encourage everyone around you to have fun by setting a good example.

Download the Karaoke Commandments to Share with Other Singers (PDF File)

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