Electronic toy:Kidz Bop Star Station Karaoke Machine

Karaoke is a combination of the Japanese word "kara" (empty) and the Japanese spelling of "orchestra" (okesutora). Businessman Daisuke Inoue is credited with creating the first karaoke machine in the early 1970s, in order to allow his clients to sing in bars with a musical accompaniment. In most cases, instrumental versions of pop songs are played in the background while an amateur takes on the role of lead vocalist. When performed in public, large screens often project the song lyrics for the singer to follow.

Karaoke is an extremely popular social activity, and is often found at clubs, weddings, bars and festivals. Smaller versions like this toy and video games such as Rock Band and SingStar allow families and friends to partake in the fun right in their own homes.