This is the perfect way to start a weekend - with a karaoke debate.
The TODAY show talked to entertainment companies, owners of karaoke bars, AND, of course, people who love to SING in karaoke bars to compile the best karaoke songs of all time. If you click on the link, you'll see that NBC embedded the videos for the songs on the list but if you just want the list, it is:
"Don't Stop Believin;" by Journey
"Conga" by Gloria Estafan and Miami Sound Machine
"Careless Whisper" by George Michael
"I Love You Always Forever," Donna Lewis
AND
"It's the End of the World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)," R.E.M
While these are all fine selections, I think that a great karaoke song must be upbeat, everyone must know it, and the audience must be moved to sing the chorus with you (especially if they are desperate to cover up your vocals).
My "go-to" karaoke songs are "Hotel California" by The Eagles and "Margaritaville" by Jimmy Buffett.
But my TOP karaoke pick has a history.
I was on a trip to Taiwan and headed to a karaoke bar one evening. Seeking to find a universal language with song, I selected "YMCA" by the Village People. Not only did the international audience do the hand motions, a local gentlemen in the front row was inspired enough to jump up and finish the song with me.
And that was my role in bringing about world peace.