Here is a secret the extroverts will not tell you: plenty of people at any karaoke night are quietly nervous. Karaoke for shy people is not about forcing yourself into the spotlight; it is about finding your own level of participation, whether that is a solo, a group chorus or simply enjoying the show with a drink in hand. This guide is for the introverts, the reluctant and the "I'll just watch" crowd.

First, permission not to sing

Let us get this out of the way. You are allowed to go to karaoke and not sing. Watching friends perform, cheering them on and laughing at the brave ones is a full night out in itself. Many introverts find that once the pressure is off, the urge to join in arrives naturally. If it does not, you still had a good time.

Introversion, by the way, is about where you get your energy, not about being unable to perform. Plenty of performers describe themselves as introverts. You can read more about the trait on Wikipedia.

Five ways to enjoy karaoke your way

1. Choose a calmer night

Weekend nights tend to be the busiest and loudest. If crowds drain you, a weeknight suits better. At Shaunz, Monday and Tuesday are Everyday Karaoke, the full setup without a special theme, which makes them a comfortable starting point.

2. Bring a small, safe crew

Two or three trusted friends beat a big group of acquaintances. Tell them in advance that you might not sing, so nobody pushes.

3. Hide in a group song first

The easiest first step is singing along in a crowd. Your voice blends in, nobody is listening to you specifically, and you get to feel the mic in your hand without the spotlight. Our list of group karaoke songs is full of safe options.

4. Use the touch screen quietly

One small but real advantage at Shaunz is the touch-screen song request system. You can browse and queue a song privately, without walking up to anyone and announcing your choice. If you change your mind, just let your friends take it.

5. Have a break activity

Introverts often need a breather. Free snooker and sports on TV give you a reason to step away from the mic area for a while without leaving the group.

Tip: decide in advance what counts as a win tonight. One chorus with friends? One full song? Anything you do beyond that is a bonus.

Songs that are kind to shy singers

Look for songs with a comfortable range, a steady tempo and a chorus the room might join.

  • Stand by Me – Ben E. King: slow, steady and low, with a melody you already know.
  • Love Nwantiti – CKay: soft and repetitive, so you can sing it gently without pushing.
  • Count on Me – Bruno Mars: short, sweet and impossible to sound bad on.
  • Free Mind – Tems: low and mellow; the vibe matters more than volume.
  • Ojuelegba – Wizkid: the room will often sing along, which takes the pressure off.
  • Riptide – Vance Joy: relaxed and conversational, almost like talking with a guitar.
  • Sweet Caroline – Neil Diamond: the crowd does the heavy lifting on the hook.

Not sure what suits you? Our guide to choosing the right song for your voice walks you through a two-minute test.

Small tricks for when you do take the mic

  • Hold the mic close, about a fist away from your mouth. Shy singers often hold it too far and then feel inaudible.
  • Look slightly above the crowd rather than into faces.
  • Bring a friend on stage with you, even just to stand beside you.
  • Focus on the words and the story, not on how you sound.
  • Breathe slowly before you start. A long exhale calms the nerves.

Why Shaunz is a comfortable place to start

Shaunz Karaoke Bar on Sanusi Fafunwa Street, Victoria Island, runs karaoke every day from 4pm till midnight with free entry, so you can come for an hour, see how you feel and leave whenever you like without having paid at the door. With over 50,000 songs there is always something within your comfort zone, and the menu, from a Rock Shandy or a Mojito to pepper soup and grills, means the night is enjoyable even if you never touch the mic. See the menu and the weekly lineup to plan a low-key visit.

When you are ready, reserve a table for your small crew. Your first drink is free, which is a fine reward for being brave enough to show up.

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Frequently asked questions

Do I have to sing if I go to a karaoke bar?
No. Many people come to watch, cheer friends on, eat, drink or play snooker. Singing is always optional.
What is the best night for a shy first-timer at Shaunz?
Monday and Tuesday Everyday Karaoke nights are a relaxed way to start before trying busier weekend nights.
What is an easy karaoke song for a nervous singer?
Stand by Me by Ben E. King and Count on Me by Bruno Mars are short, steady and comfortable for most voices.
How do I stop my voice shaking at karaoke?
Breathe out slowly before you start, hold the mic close and sing with a friend for your first song. The shake usually fades after the first verse.