Fans of "American Idol" use it to practice singing in front of an audience before getting skewered by Simon. Drinking buddies see it as a great dare for the drunkest in the group. And some aim to "wow" the record company executives who surely hang in the crowd regularly looking for their next big star.

The old saying goes that "karaoke" is Japanese for "tone-deaf." Actually, it comes from the Japanese "kara," as in "void," and "oke," which means "sutora," a Japanese derivative of "orchestra." And its ascendancy since the '90s hasn't let up; bars all over Milwaukee still regularly hold karaoke nights. So, if you're prepping your pipes and looking for legitimacy, here's a list of places where you can sing your little heart out.

Be sure to call the establishment before you prepare any Sunny and Cher or Aretha Franklin. Not all places consistently hold karaoke nights.

Amelia's
724 E. Layton Ave.
(414) 483-0345
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Bowery Bar & Grill
3023 W. Ryan Rd.
(414) 761-3260
Thursday at 9 p.m.

Champps Americana
5030 S. 74th St.
(414) 281-0600
Karaoke one night per month; call for details.

Champps Americana
1240 S. Moorland Rd.
(262) 797-6600
Wednesday at 9:30 p.m.

The Chancery
4624 S. 27th St.
(414) 282-3350
thechancery.com
Thursday at 9 p.m.

Clifford's
10418 W. Forest Home Ave.
(414) 425-6226
Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 9 p.m.

The Corner
1247 N. Water St.
(414) 224-8281
Monday nights 10 p.m. until close

Erv's Mug
130 W. Ryan Rd.
(414) 762-5010
Saturday at 9 p.m.

Final Approach
4959 S. Howell Ave.
(414) 744-7060
Saturday at 9 p.m.