Karaoke

When I think of the word “karaoke,” two thoughts come to mind. The first is a scene from my Best Friend’s Wedding, and the second is a painfully awkward junior high party. The first makes me laugh; the second makes me cringe.

Unfortunately, going to sing karaoke is one of the most popular social activities in China. I have claimed that I came here for the “whole program,” so when one of our friend’s invited us to go sing karaoke yesterday, I knew I had to accept.

It was definitely a cultural experience. Jimmy and I went downtown with three of our friends to KTV, one of the many popular karaoke places in Nanjing. I had no idea what to expect, but I was prepared to both feel uncomfortable and to make a complete fool out of myself. If I was ever going to get on stage and belt out “Hit Me Baby One More Time,” that day was going to be Saturday and Saturday only. Fortunately, at this place you rent private rooms with big televisions and just sing while sitting on couches.

We quickly selected a playlist, and before I knew it my friend was belting out this 80s Cantonese song (I was in heaven). On average, I would consider the Chinese people more private and reserved, but they certainly hold nothing back when they karaoke! It was hilarious, and I couldn’t help but laugh.


Can't you tell I was having the time of my life?! ;)

I ended up singing two Taylor Swift songs, Black Eyed Peas “Where is the Love?” an Andy Lau Cantonese song (they were impressed), and Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance with Somebody.” I wasn’t complaining with the song selections.


Our afternoon ended with “Wannabe” by the Spice Girls, and let me say that it was certainly a crowd pleaser for our Chinese friends. Two comments.

1) Yes, I still remember every word from 4th grade. Come on…who didn’t have a crush on Baby Spice?!

2) Don’t judge. :)

I still love that our friends chose to spend their Saturday afternoon going to karaoke with all guys! It seems pretty weird to me, but it is completely culturally acceptable here. Mom and Dad, can you see Adam, the Clarks, Josh, and me driving down to Indianapolis to karaoke together on a Friday night?! I think I just heard Dad’s big business laugh. :)


Well, I don’t think that I will ever myself choose karaoke as a social activity, but it was certainly a cultural experience that I’m glad I didn’t miss.