Everyone, including the Japanese would like to believe that they were the ones that came up with the idea of a karaoke machine. But, they would be wrong in assuming that, because in actuality, it was the TV network, NBC that actually came up with the first form of karaoke. Sure it was not a fancy self contained machine like it is now, but what they came up with was the first concept of singing along.


In the 1960's, NBC came up with a family entertainment program, that they hoped would get families to sing a long together. They came up with a system that would put the words to a song on a TV screen and the audience was encouraged to sing a long with the song, while following a bouncing ball that was over each word and would move to the next word when it was time to sing that word. This show was called "Sing Along With Mitch".


Once the show ran it's course, nothing much was heard about such form of entertainment until 1971 when the Japanese decided to build upon the idea by creating what is now known everywhere as the karaoke machine. Of course everyone now knows what has become of the idea since then.


Whether you want to admit it or not, everyone has a little bit of "ham" in them. At one time or another as children more than likely all of us could be found with a brush or something in hand, singing in front of the mirror to our favorite song. And a karaoke machine gives everyone the opportunity again to be able to "ham it up" whether it be in front of a small group of intimate friends or in front of a larger crowd. Karaoke machines give you that opportunity to be a kid again.


If you are really into the karaoke scene, there are plenty places that not only offer you the opportunity to have fun showcasing your karaoke skills but also offer up karaoke competitions for those with a more adventurous and competitive nature.


On the other hand, for those who are really into karaoke, there is no doubt that you have already discovered a venue for releasing that inner child inside. Also if you are one who loves to compete with others, if you look around town, there's no doubt that you will run across some karaoke places that also offer karaoke competitions where they let you strut your karaoke skills.


If the traditional lounge or party karaoke is not enough for you, technology has advanced the art of karaoke and incorporated into video games. PlayStation 2 and the Xbox system both offer the aspiring singer in all of us, the opportunity to rock out with the stars. One of them, of course being, "Guitar Hero".


Now, if participating in the traditional way of karaoke is not exactly what you are looking for, technology has given you an out there. PlayStation 2 and the Xbox of course have gotten on board and created video games that allow you to rock out in virtual reality. The most popular now, being "Guitar Hero". And if you are so into karaoke that you feel the need to be able to have it at your fingertips, try downloading a MIDI program to your cell phone and you'll be able to perform at a moments notice by simply using your cell phone.