Karaoke at Anime Midwest: Your Ultimate Guide to Stealing the Show (or Surviving the Mic)

So you’re going to Anime Midwest 2025—July 4–6 at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare in Rosemont, Illinois—and you're thinking about stepping into the gloriously chaotic, slightly intimidating, and wildly entertaining world of karaoke. Maybe you're a seasoned con-goer with a legendary “Cruel Angel’s Thesis” routine that gets a standing ovation every time. Or maybe you're the kind of person who breaks into a cold sweat just thinking about singing in public. Either way, this is your all-access pass to owning the Karaoke Krypt—or at the very least, surviving it with your dignity intact, even if your vocal range is somewhere between “dying cat” and “K-Pop backup dancer.”

First Things First: What Even Is the Karaoke Krypt?

Karaoke at Anime Midwest isn’t some side-room, low-energy throwaway activity—it’s one of the most electric, welcoming, and memorable parts of the entire weekend. It’s tucked inside what they lovingly refer to as the Karaoke Krypt, and no, you don’t need superpowers to enter. You just need enthusiasm and the courage to sign your name on the list.

The Krypt runs throughout the con with both scheduled open karaoke sessions and themed group performances, often ramping up in energy in the evenings when folks are looser and hyped from a day full of nerdy goodness.

This isn’t American Idol—this is a crowd that lives for people shouting their hearts out to anime theme songs, belting J-Rock with reckless abandon, or warbling 2000s emo classics with a tear in their eye. You will not be judged. You will be cheered on, even if you butcher every note like you’re trying to summon a banshee. That’s the beauty of it.

Sign-Up Strategy: The Race to the Mic

Want a prime-time slot? Get in early. Sign-ups fill up fast—especially for the coveted evening time slots where the room’s packed and the energy is electric. You’ll usually find the sign-up sheet either right at the Karaoke Krypt or posted just outside. Some sessions might even have digital sign-ups or time blocks, so don’t be afraid to ask the staff or volunteers running the room.

Pro tip: If you’re aiming for a group number (say, a full-on “Guren no Yumiya” ensemble), show up with your whole crew ready and communicate your plan to the host so they know you’re a package deal.

What Songs Can You Sing?

In short? A ton. The song library at Anime Midwest’s karaoke setup is ridiculously deep—like “you’ll lose track of time scrolling through options” deep. Whether you’re the type who wants to belt your soul out with an emotional anime ballad or you’re dragging your friends into a chaotic group rendition of Disney villains’ greatest hits, there’s something here with your name on it.

You’ll definitely find the big hitters—anime openings and endings from basically every era. From the classics like “Cruel Angel’s Thesis” (because someone always sings it) to newer stuff from Demon Slayer or Jujutsu Kaisen, the anime catalog is stacked. But it’s not just anime! The J-Pop and J-Rock selection is wide enough to keep any music otaku happy, and you’ll probably hear at least one person absolutely crushing a song you didn’t even know you needed in your life.

There’s also a surprising amount of Western stuff—Queen, Journey, Bon Jovi, Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys, you name it. If it’s got a chorus you can yell with your whole chest, it’s probably in there. Disney fans? Yeah, you’re fully covered. Whether you want to channel your inner Elsa or bring a little Hakuna Matata energy to the room, no one’s stopping you. And if you’re feeling spicy, there’s often a handful of K-Pop tracks and video game themes hiding in the mix too. (Yes, someone will sing the Persona 5 opening, and yes, it will be amazing.)

Got a really niche or weird request that’s not in the system? You might be able to bring your own track—just check with the staff first. Some karaoke setups allow USB drives or YouTube links, but it totally depends on the tech they’ve got running that day. The karaoke crew is usually super chill and helpful, but they aren’t magicians—so don’t roll in expecting them to cue up your fan-made Nightcore remix of “Guren no Yumiya” without a heads-up.

Crowd Culture: No Booing, Just Booyah

Here’s the deal: Karaoke Krypt is a judgment-free zone. No one’s there to make fun of you. This is the place where awkward is celebrated, off-key is normal, and confidence trumps talent every time. Sing your song, do your dance, and if your voice cracks? Own it.

The audience? They’ll clap. They’ll sing along. Some will cry laughing with you, not at you. Because whether you’re cosplaying as Hatsune Miku or just a nervous introvert with a dream, this is your stage.

Dealing with Stage Fright: Real Talk

Stage fright is real, and you’re not alone. Plenty of people come to cons to break out of their shell—and karaoke can be the perfect place to do that, weirdly enough.

Here are a few practical ways to keep your nerves in check:

• Pick a song you love. Something fun. Something that gets you hyped.

• Don’t go solo if you don’t want to. Group karaoke is where the magic happens. Grab some con friends or ask to join a group.

• Sing near the back. Later time slots tend to be more raucous, and the crowd is way too busy vibing to overanalyze your vocals.

• Breathe. Laugh. Screw up. Keep going. That’s how 90% of karaoke goes, and it’s beautiful chaos.

Prepare Your Setlist Like a Nerdy Rockstar

You don’t have to rehearse like you’re prepping for Broadway, but having a shortlist of songs can make the process smoother.

Think about:

• Your energy level (Do you want to scream-sing “Unravel” or vibe out to “My Heart Will Go On”?)

• The crowd vibe (Themed performances kill—anything from JoJo’s to Naruto to Vocaloid can get a huge reaction)

• Your comfort zone (Don’t pick something with five octaves if you can’t hit more than one. Unless you’re going for comedy, in which case—do it.)

Bonus points if you get into character while performing. Cosplaying Spike Spiegel? Belt out “Tank!” and commit.

A Quick Detour: Why Karaoke Isn’t the Only Chaos You’ll Love (Seriously, Pace Yourself)

Look, karaoke might be your shining moment (and we love that for you), but Anime Midwest is a full-on sensory buffet of nerdy joy, quirky chaos, and “how-is-this-real?” moments. You’re not just showing up for the mic—you're signing up for an anime-fueled adventure where everything is extra. So let’s take a detour and peek at the other madness you absolutely should not miss. (Just don’t try to do it all in one day. Your feet and sanity will thank you.)

Tabletop and Video Gaming Rooms:
This isn’t your cousin’s dusty Monopoly set. We’re talking the gathering spot for dice goblins, card-slinging strategists, and button-mashing champions. Want to throw down in a heated “Smash Bros.” tournament? Done. Roll nat 20s in D&D? Go for it. Test out a shiny new board game with complete strangers who instantly become best friends? Welcome home. And if your brain is mush after all that, there’s a coloring room tucked inside the tabletop lounge. That’s right—sit down, grab a crayon, and zone out like it’s kindergarten again. It’s oddly therapeutic.

Sugoi Tattoos Booth:
Yes, you can actually get a tattoo at Anime Midwest. On-site. By professionals. With sterilized gear and good vibes only. Want a tiny chibi Eevee on your wrist? Go for it. Need a Ghibli-inspired sleeve? They’re ready. Prefer to design something with the artists on the spot? Totally possible. It’s a pretty unforgettable way to commemorate your con weekend—just maybe don’t decide mid-rave after four sodas from the ConSweet.

Exhibit Hall (aka: Bye, Budget):
The Exhibit Hall is less a room and more an experience. A soul-sucking, wallet-draining, absolutely magical experience. Picture aisles of booths filled with imported snacks, rare manga, wall scrolls, handmade plushies, bootleg-but-endearing merch, cosplay props, and vintage anime DVDs you didn’t even know you wanted. Or needed. But oh, you’ll buy them. Pro tip: bring cash and a backpack. Or better yet—bring a friend to stop you from spending your rent money on a full-size cardboard cutout of Sesshomaru (unless you're committed, in which case, live your truth).

Stage Shows:
This is where things get...dramatic, in the best possible way. The Grand Cosplay Competition is the big-ticket event where jaw-dropping craftsmanship meets performance flair. Then there’s burlesque for nerds, aka the Forbidden Fandom Dames, where your favorite fandoms get a cheeky (and slightly cheeky) tribute—18+ only, obviously. Live musical acts hit everything from anime covers to high-energy original nerdcore sets. Plus, you might stumble into a game show hosted by someone in full cosplay yelling anime trivia at strangers. It’s unhinged and incredible.

Fantasy Ball (a.k.a. Cosplay Prom):
It’s a formal dance at an anime con. With an actual dance instructor teaching you how not to step on your partner’s toes. Dress code? Cosplay, formalwear, or something weird and shiny you threw together last minute—whatever gets you spinning. If you’re dateless, don’t panic—there’s a Date Auction earlier in the day where brave attendees auction themselves off for charity and a twirl on the dance floor. It’s equal parts wholesome and chaotic, and honestly? A core memory waiting to happen.

Escape Rooms:
Imagine being locked in a room with a bunch of strangers trying to figure out a convoluted anime-themed mystery using props, riddles, and sheer desperation. That’s the Anime Midwest Escape Room, and it’s glorious. You might be solving the mystery of who sabotaged the school idol group or defusing a cursed spirit bomb. Expect plenty of yelling, overthinking, and accidentally breaking the rules, but in the most hilarious way possible. Great for bonding. Even better for chaos.

Arcade Room:
It’s like stepping into your childhood—except with better lighting and way more people in cosplay. The Arcade Room brings in legit machines from Japan, including Dance Dance Revolution, JuBeat, Pop’n Music, Reflec Beat, and Taiko no Tatsujin. Your hands, feet, and competitive spirit will all be sore by the end of it. Bonus points if you challenge someone in full armor or hoop skirts—it’s basically its own spectator sport.

Maid Cafe:
Oh, yes. It’s real. The Royale Maid Cafe is Anime Midwest’s homage to the famous service cafés in Akihabara, but with a fun Midwest twist. Think adorable maids (and butlers) serving up cutely plated snacks, playing games with you at the table, and making you feel like anime royalty. It’s charming, it’s weirdly comforting, and it sells out fast, so snag your ticket early if this is on your must-do list. Even if you're shy, the staff are super friendly and trained to make you feel welcome—not awkward. Pinky promise.

Rave Dances (a.k.a. The Anime Midwest Cardio Program):
When the sun goes down, the EDM goes up. The Anime Midwest raves are full-on dance parties powered by guest DJs like Greg Ayres and YTCracker, spinning everything from trance and hardstyle to house and drum & bass. If your only dance move is the awkward anime shuffle, don’t worry—you’re in good company. Whether you’re headbanging in a Naruto headband or waving glowsticks in a ballgown, the energy is unmatched. It's sweaty, it’s loud, and it’s absolutely one of the most freeing parts of the whole con.

Don’t Skip the Fan Panels: Nerds Talking Nerdy (and Not-So-Nerdy) Stuff

If you think fan panels at Anime Midwest are just back-to-back “Top Ten Anime Betrayals” countdowns and “How to Cosplay on a Budget Without Crying” lectures, you’re about to have your perception lovingly flipped on its head. Sure, there are those panels—because honestly, who doesn’t want to relive the emotional carnage of their favorite anime heartbreaks—but the real heart (and utter chaos) of the panel scene? It’s in the unpredictable, deeply personal, sometimes bizarre, and often brilliant fan-run sessions that go way beyond anime. These panels are where con-goers truly get to shine—sharing not just their fandoms, but their weird niche passions, life hacks, and hard-won wisdom about everything from event organizing to credit score rehab.

You could wander into a panel expecting a discussion on shōnen tropes and walk out with a notepad full of tips on how to plan your own event or fan convention, right down to budget spreadsheets and venue wrangling. Or maybe you’ll catch someone’s cautionary tale about the time they paid way too much for a “limited edition” soda in Tokyo (spoiler: it was Sprite), leading into a lively debate on how to avoid tourist scams in Japan. And just as you’re wondering how this ties back to anime, someone will casually shift the convo to virtual reality classrooms, AI in education, and suddenly you’re questioning your entire relationship with your digital assistant. It's that kind of energy—smart, chaotic, and weirdly useful.

What makes these panels so fun is how naturally anime nerdiness blends with real-world topics. One minute, someone’s breaking down the aesthetics of Studio Ghibli interiors, and the next they’re walking you through how to design an anime-inspired, minimalist living space that sparks joy and doesn’t look like a merch explosion. You might find a panelist demoing how to craft cocktails themed after iconic anime characters (Shoto Todoroki Martini, anyone?), or casually sharing their experience balancing meal planning and baking with a con-going lifestyle that requires stamina and an iron stomach. Someone else might be talking about learning Japanese through karaoke lyrics, or how small space gardening became their post-con hobby of choice after their first artist alley burnout. The topics are all over the place in the best way—and that’s entirely the point.

And the best part? These panels are usually hosted by your people—fellow fans who are wildly enthusiastic about whatever it is they’re talking about. They're not professionals. They're not corporate. They’re just attendees with something cool (or unhinged or deeply relatable) to share, and they’re often eager to keep the convo going after the panel ends. So, whether you’re looking to figure out how to fix your credit score between cosplay competitions, go vegan without going broke, or just want to learn a new party trick involving anime-themed mixology and other creative drinks, there’s probably a panel where someone’s already got you covered. You never know what you’ll walk into—but you’ll definitely walk out with something you didn’t expect.

Tickets: Get ‘Em Early, Thank Yourself Later

The earlier you snag your Anime Midwest tickets, the more you save. Prices inch up the closer you get to con weekend, and honestly? You’ll want that extra $10 to spend at the Exhibit Hall. Trust.

Here’s the general breakdown:

• $70 from June 20 to July 6

• $150 Platinum Pass if you’re feeling fancy and want some VIP perks

• Or go for day passes if you’re doing a one-day power trip (Friday/Sunday = $40, Saturday = $50)

No matter how you slice it, you get access to all the karaoke, concerts, panels, games, and weirdness your nerdy little heart can handle.

Sing Loud, Be Proud, Embrace the Chaos

Karaoke at Anime Midwest isn’t about perfection. It’s about joy. It’s about community. It’s about five strangers bonding over an off-key version of “Silhouette” by Kana-Boon like it’s a life-or-death mission.

Whether you bring the house down or just squeak through the chorus of “Let It Go,” you’ll walk out of that Krypt with a story—and maybe a few new con friends too.

So go. Sing. Scream. Shake the mic like the anime trash legend you are.

And hey—save me a spot on the sign-up sheet. I’ve been working on my “Pegasus Fantasy.” It’s time.