Karaoke has been bringing people together for decades with a unique blend of music, laughter, and a dash of friendly competition. Hitting those high notes or simply having a laugh with friends creates something magical during a karaoke session.
To honour our love for all things karaoke, we've dug up nine fun and surprising facts that will get you in the mood to grab that mic and belt it out. So, warm up those vocal chords and check out these quirky karaoke tidbits you probably didn’t know until now!
9 Fun Facts About Karaoke
1. Where does the word ‘karaoke’ come from?
Who knows the origin of the word karaoke? It actually comes from two Japanese words: "kara" meaning "empty" and "oke" which is short for "orchestra." Together, they create the perfect phrase, “empty orchestra,” which reflects the karaoke experience—music without a lead singer until you step in!
The history of karaoke can be traced back to Japan, where the concept of singing along to a pre-recorded track took off. Karaoke’s popularity has since expanded globally, with karaoke bars and karaoke rooms becoming social hotspots. There’s never been a word more inviting to start filling a karaoke room with friends, singing along to your favourite karaoke songs, and dancing the night away.
2. Did you know there’s a World Championship for karaoke?
It’s not just for karaoke nights with friends! The "Karaoke World Championship" began in 2013, attracting thousands of passionate karaoke singers hoping to showcase their skills on an international stage. The event even features competitors from countries as diverse as the USA, Angola, and Japan.
In 2017, the championship was held in Helsinki, and winners often go on to bigger things—many dream of securing a record label deal! This isn't just a karaoke bar competition; it's a serious showcase of talent.
Maybe the UK will be the next champion, proving just how popular karaoke has become worldwide.
3. Where did karaoke even come from?
The story of karaoke’s invention is legendary. According to one popular version, karaoke was born in Kobe, Japan when a band failed to show up for their gig. The bar owner decided to let patrons sing on stage instead, turning a potential disaster into a night of fun.
Another tale credits Japanese musician Daisuke Inoue for inventing karaoke in 1971 after he realised how much people loved singing along to music. Inoue’s early invention, a karaoke machine called the "Juke-8," became wildly successful and revolutionised the entertainment industry. Whether in karaoke bars or on your own karaoke machine at home, these inventions have shaped the way we enjoy music and socialise today.
4. Does karaoke REALLY burn kalories?
If you ever needed proof that karaoke is a great replacement for the gym – there are karaoke machines in Japan that not only record a singer’s performance but also the amount of calories burned too. That’s all good until you lock eyes with the Lucky Voice pizzas…
Still, karaoke's popularity has created a fun and social way to get moving, and who knew fitness could be this entertaining?
5. What’s the longest anyone has ever sung karaoke?
The current Guinness World Record for the longest karaoke marathon is held by Leonardo Polverelli, an Italian karaoke enthusiast who sang non-stop for an incredible 101 hours, 59 minutes, and 15 seconds. Over the course of four days, he sang 1,295 karaoke songs!
That’s an epic feat of endurance and love for karaoke. Karaoke nights with friends may feel long, but imagine keeping the music going for days on end! While most karaoke singers are content with a few hours of belting out their favourite hits, Polverelli's marathon is a true testament to karaoke's lasting appeal. Watch video
6. Wondering who hosted the biggest ever karaoke party?
For the biggest karaoke event in history, look no further than Tennessee, USA, where 160,000 people gathered for a massive sing-along. On August 22, 2009, the crowd belted out “Friends in Low Places” by Garth Brooks, setting the record for the largest karaoke party.
Karaoke nights are typically intimate affairs at a karaoke bar or karaoke box, but this event took things to a whole new level! The sense of community and the shared love for music that karaoke creates is undeniable, and this record-breaking gathering is proof of karaoke’s universal appeal. Watch video
7. Guess what the most requested karaoke song in the world is?
If you thought of “Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson, you’d be close! However, globally, the most requested karaoke songs vary by region. “Let It Go” from Disney’s Frozen is now one of the most requested songs, and it's easy to see why—it’s a crowd favourite that lets singers really show off their vocal range. Karaoke bars worldwide keep track of the top songs, and whether it’s a timeless classic or a modern hit, there's always a song that everyone loves to belt out.
8. How private is a private karaoke room?
Private karaoke rooms, also known as karaoke boxes, offer a more intimate singing experience. They’re perfect for small groups or solo singers who want to enjoy karaoke without the pressure of performing in front of a big crowd.
In Japan and across Asia, "hitokara" bars are gaining popularity—these spaces are designed for solo karaoke sessions, allowing people to sing in complete privacy. While some might think "lonely karaoke" sounds sad, it’s actually a celebration of self-care and personal enjoyment, proving that karaoke is a great experience whether you’re alone or with friends. Watch video
9. Where are the best karaoke bars in the UK?
If you're looking for the ultimate karaoke experience in the UK, look no further than Lucky Voice! With venues in Soho, Islington, Waterloo and Brighton, Lucky Voice offers some of the best karaoke bars in the country. These spots are perfect for everything from casual karaoke nights with friends to celebrating special occasions.
Each Lucky Voice venue boasts stylish, private karaoke rooms (or karaoke boxes) equipped with top-quality sound systems and thousands of karaoke songs to choose from.
Our fun and energetic atmosphere, along with a fantastic cocktail menu, makes them the go-to karaoke bars for anyone who loves to sing their heart out. The user-friendly karaoke machines make it easy to browse songs, queue up your favourite hits, and keep the party going all night long.
Plus, private karaoke rooms ensure you can sing your best (or worst!) with complete confidence. So, if you're in the mood to unleash your inner diva for a karaoke night with friends, Lucky Voice is where you want to be.
Looking For The Best Karaoke Night Out in London?
Now that we've done a fabulous job of convincing you that there's so much more to karaoke than meets the eye, why not get your and your mates down to Lucky Voice Karaoke bars across London?
We can cater to many events with our handy drinks packages and fantastic private karaoke rooms, including, hen nights, birthdays, corporate team building and cocktail masterclasses.
Walk in, dance out. Book now and see what singing can really do for you!