If you’re reading this you’re probably a karaoke fan, or just curious. Or you secretly dream of firing up a screaming crowd with the notes of Queen’s “We are the champions”, but you’ll never admit it.

Whatever camp you’re in, here are the six essential tips for a decent stellar karaoke!

* The song. Know it. Otherwise you risk the “stop-and-go effect” — and you know how that ends.

* Don’t strip. Even if the track really takes you and right then you feel like a mix between Mickey Rourke and Mick Jagger (in their prime), just don’t. We’re saying it for your own good.

* Especially if you’re a beginner, pick a famous song. Otherwise you’ll start seeing people heading to the bathroom, going out for a smoke, chatting loudly… maybe even throwing stuff at you. Not pleasant, really.

* If you want a real impact, pick a song that matches your mood. Just got dumped, for example? A nice “Angels” by Robbie Williams could be perfect. Or something else… but on the blog we don’t write those words.

* Don’t go kamikaze — pick a track within your range. And if you see you can’t hit a note, turn the mic towards the audience and let them sing. It’s pretty shameless, but it always works.

* Have fun (always keeping point 2 in mind, ok?) and never take yourself too seriously! Karaoke can be therapeutic, if you’re chronically shy. Or if you want to test yourself with something you always thought wasn’t for you.

Give it a try, you might discover a world of feelings you didn’t know. We’re waiting for you with open mics every night of the year!

RED GARTER : WE MAKE EVERY NIGHT SPECIAL