LEONA LEWIS - BELFAST TOPS LIST OF BRITAIN'S KARAOKE HOTSPOTS

BELFAST TOPS LIST OF BRITAIN'S KARAOKE HOTSPOTS

The capital of Northern Ireland has been revealed as the British Isles' most popular karaoke destination in a new survey.

A poll by videogame retailer Game has revealed that residents of Belfast are the most keen on taking the stage in their local karaoke bar to sing along to favourite Leona Lewis, Take That or Amy Winehouse songs.

With successful singalong versions of The Sound of Music and Mamma Mia! proving Britons' fondness for public performance and a similar offering for fans of High School Musical 3: Senior Year, karaoke has transformed from a popular Japanese pastime to a staple of British weekends.

And with the release of Singstar Abba and Guitar Hero: World Tour allowing aspiring Agnethas and Axls the chance to sing along at home, karaoke could be the accompaniment of many Christmases this year.

Former Pop Idol and Popstars: The Rivals judge Nicki Chapman commented: "From my own experience on Pop Idol I know as well as anyone just how many people are out there who - rightly or wrongly - fancy themselves the next Maria Carey or Robbie Williams!

"Indeed you just have to look at the success of Singstar to see that we've become a nation of karaoke fanatics."

The top 20 British cities where karaoke is most popular are: (Research by Game)

1 Belfast
2 South London
3 Guildford
4 Manchester
5 Edinburgh
6 Peterborough
7 Sheffield
8 Coventry
9 Glasgow
10 Medway
11 Tunbridge Wells
12 Chelmsford
13 Birmingham
14 Dartford
15 Cardiff
16 Southend
17 Nottingham
18 Reading
19 East London
20 Romford