So you’ve landed your first karaoke hosting gig. Congratulations.
Your heart is racing, you’ve got your equipment set up, and the crowd is staring at you. What do you do?
Here are the 5 things I wish someone had told me before my first show.
1. Set the Tone Early
The first 30 minutes make or break your night. If the room starts quiet and stays quiet, it’s an uphill battle the whole evening.
What to do: Have at least 2 or 3 people lined up before you even open the floor. Reach out to regulars, friends, or staff members who are willing to go first. Once the ball is rolling, others will follow.
2. Know Your Crowd
A college bar wants the big pop hits. A wine bar wants classic rock and 80s ballads. A family venue needs something that works for grandma and the grandkids at the same time.
What to do: Get there early, read the room, and adjust your energy and song suggestions before the night starts.
3. The Microphone is Your Friend
Too many new hosts go quiet between songs. Silence is your enemy. Every gap is a chance to add energy, hype the next singer, or just keep the vibe alive.
What to do: Have a handful of go-to lines ready for between singers. Things like:
- “Give it up for [Name] one more time!”
- “Who’s brave enough to follow that?”
- “We’ve got spots open, now’s your chance!“
4. Never Tear Down a Bad Singer
Your job is to make everyone feel like a star, no matter what. The nervous first-timer who barely makes it through a song deserves the same energy as the person who blows the roof off.
What to do: Find something real to say after every performance. Their confidence, their song choice, their energy. Make people glad they got up there.
5. Know Your Gear Before the Show
Nothing kills a room faster than a host fumbling with software or wrestling with a feedback loop.
What to do: Run a full rehearsal at home before every gig. Know your key functions cold. Have a backup plan ready in case something goes sideways.
More tips coming every week on the blog and YouTube channel. Check out the Resources page for gear recommendations too.