Tuesday, 14 February 4.04am
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Karaoke: talent not required.


If popular culture has taught us anything of late, it's that the ability to sing appears to have no actual bearing becoming a singer. Australian Idol continues to feed our avid fascination with people humiliating themselves on national television, while the latest addition to such programs - The Singing Bee does not actually appear to require singing at all. While we're on this by the way, why is it hosted by NSYNC's Joey Fatone? Is it because he, like his contestants, merely learns the words, can't sing and doesn't write the music?

But I digress. I think the lesson here is that anyone can feel like a superstar once they're behind a microphone, and for those of us who aren't quite up to doing it on the small screen, here's a list of karaoke bars where you can inflict your talent on fellow patrons, instead of the viewing public.

1
 
Seizan Karaoke Bar & Club
Perth
According to their website, if you visit this place you'll "taste the ultimate joy of life!". Sounds good to us.

2
 
Ferrara Karaoke
Perth
Clearly there would be something wrong if karaoke was not provided by this establishment - it's in their name. That's kind of all you need to know.

3
 
Chi Lounge
Melbourne
A little more on the classy side, this chic establishment has private booths for the crooning inclined. If you ask nicely, you can get cocktails delivered; just don't be a knob and ask for a pina colada to be ordered while you sing the drink's namesake - you are not the first person to have thought of this.

4
 
Colonial Hotel
Melbourne
From 7pm on a Friday the mic is yours for the taking. They also host sessions of Extreme Karaoke. We wonder if this involves singing while dangling off a cliff.

5
 
Casablanca
Brisbane
This is the only place in Brisbane that has karaoke six nights a week. If it all gets too much though, you can run downstairs into their live music venue, the Cellar Club, and see some professionals.

6
 
Lord Roberts Hotel
East Sydney
I saw someone sing 'Tiny Dancer' here once upon a time. I was never the same again, and not in a good way.