In an article titled A Psychological Explanation for the Appeal of Karaoke, which appeared on The Cut's website in 2018, Allie Volpe addresses the questions: "Why do we crowd into bars to sing familiar songs in front of strangers? And why does it feel so good?". Volpe references Rob Drew, a professor of communication, and his research for his perfectly titled book Karaoke Nights: An Ethnographic Rhapsody. Drew says that thirty years ago, karaoke was nothing more than a guilty pleasure but now it is a popular social activity that allows you to become a part of the music you love while simultaneously connecting with strangers; indeed, the whole performance becomes a group experience - which is why song choice is so important.
Karaoke has also created many iconic romantic and comedic highlights in films, sometimes dazzling, sometimes downright dreadful but always entertaining. I have put together a list of my favourite karaoke moments from the silver screen (in no particular order).
I'd Do Anything For Love (But I Won't Do That) - Love Hard
In this charming Christmas movie, Natalia (played by Nina Dobrev) performs the late Meatloaf's iconic song in an attempt to impress the dreamy Tag (Darren Barnet). While giving the song her all, she experiences an embarrassing allergic breakout after unknowingly taking a shot of alcohol containing kiwi, which she is seriously allergic to.
Bette Davis Eyes - Duets
It's no secret that I've always been a Gwyneth Paltrow stan and this film about six people whose lives intersect as a result of a national karaoke competition gave her the opportunity to show off her vocal talent. In the film she performs a pouty version of this Kim Carnes classic as well as a silky smooth duet of Smokey Robinson's Cruisin' with Huey Lewis, who plays her father. In the Bette Davis scene, Paltrow, wearing a pink two-piece ensemble, is mesmerizing on stage - and I love her hand claps in time to the claps in the song.
I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself - My Best Friend's Wedding
An example of cringey karaoke - and apparently for Cameron Diaz too, who has said that she was so mortified that she "just wanted to run and hide". Her character (Kimberly) is put on the spot and pressured into singing (or trying to) the Dusty Springfield hit at a crowded karaoke bar. Despite her terrible vocals, her fiancé (played by Dermot Mulroney) finds her even more endearing after her heartfelt performance. She also wins over the crowd, who clap and cheer in support of poor Kimberly.
Brass In Pocket & More Than This - Lost In Translation
According to Entertainment Weekly, the scene inside a cramped hallway of a Shibuya karaoke bar takes place after the pair "cement their bond across a cathartic evening of escapism filled with songs, booze, and, of course, wigs". Two songs from the scene are stand-outs for me: The Pretenders' Brass In Pocket, performed by Charlotte (Scarlett Johansson), and More Than This by Roxy Music, performed by Bob (Bill Murray).
At Seventeen - Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie
The Absolutely Fabulous movie hit all the right notes for me - and then quite literally in the scene in which dowdy and straight-laced Saffy ends up in a drag karaoke bar looking for Christopher. Despite being heckled by the queens initially ("clear off you little wet wipe"), she sings Janis Ian's sad anthem (rather appropriate for Saffy) and wins everyone over. The scene is both hilarious and a little moving, especially seeing sad Saffy being embraced by the supportive drag queens.
Somebody To Love - The Cable Guy
Jim Carrey plays Chip, a charismatic-slash-crazy and clingy cable guy. In this scene, he tries to impress his new friend Steven (Matthew Broderick) with a performance of Somebody To Love by Jefferson Airplane. His version is somewhat creepier and over-the-top, especially with his twisted facial expressions, quivering voice and gyrating hips.
Time After Time - Up In The Air
Alex (Anna Kendrick) is a highly-strung junior executive on a business trip with Ryan (George Clooney). She delivers a drunken, mournful and shoeless performance of this seminal Cyndi Lauper song after getting dumped by her boyfriend via text. Her pitch may not be perfect but the song's lyrics and her emotional state are something we can all relate to, making it a perfect karaoke scene.
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