As Phillips Academy students walked into the Den last Friday night, they were met with harsh fluorescent lights and the deafening wail of shrieking, static speakers being tested. On stage, a gaggle of girls crowded together, microphones in hand, preparing for their debut. The crazy event was none other than Karaoke Night. “This is a great way to waste my time,” joked Michelle Ma ’11 as she settled in to watch the show. The music blared on as the girls performed a saucy interpretation of “Milkshake” by Kelis. They swayed to the catchy beat, swinging their hips and belting out the lyrics. “Lala-lalala/Warm it up/Lala-lalala/The boys are waiting.” Cheers and claps from the audience encouraged them on as the song continued. “I like that people who never get a chance to sing [at most events] finally have their opportunity,” Jasmine Stovall ’10 said. Although the songs may not have been on-key, the friendly, relaxed atmosphere made the night a success. The girls got off the stage and the beats slowed down to a soft, pulsing rhythm. Moshé Bryant ’12 took center-stage, swaying to and fro singing R. Kelly’s “I Believe I Can Fly.” When asked his opinion on the night, he said, “Oh, I don’t know…it was fun.” Each performance was subject to a great amount of crowd participation and raucous cheering. Kids jumped on and off stage on a whim and everyone appeared to be having a good time. A particularly upbeat rendition of Outkast’s “Hey Ya” had everyone clapping and stomping to the pulsing beat, screaming along to the all too familiar lyrics reminiscent of just a few years back. Overall, the night had a rather eclectic mix of songs. The music ranged from upbeat 80s classics accompanied by disco dance moves, to Karaoke favorites like Avril Lavigne’s “Complicated.” As Riley Gardner ’10 pointed out however, “A close group of friends enjoyed themselves but it was not something everyone could participate in.” The same few groups of students seemed to be the only people singing, and the various shout-outs and cheers were saturated with inside jokes. Nevertheless, Sheya Jabouin ’11 said, “It was fun. Some people [just] didn’t come because they can’t break out of their shells.” Though slightly daunting, the microphone beckoned, and the people who decided to go all-out seemed to have the most enjoyment. Ijeoma Ejiogu ’11 said, “Awesome singing! Very relaxed, everyone is just kind of doing their own thing…” Overall, Karaoke Night was a fun, low-key way to unwind from a hectic week of essays and assessments—a way to let loose. Just you, your friends, and the microphone.
