Attack the mic every day of the week, whether it's skivvies and Disney tunes or cowboy hats and Carrie Underwood.
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Monday: Ellis Island Casino
If the day’s been dragging, you’d never know from the spirited performances at the industry-favorite hangout, home to a karaoke crowd that’s consistently tops. Off-duty Elvii convene here, alongside Strip vocalists and a mix of tourists and tight-knit regulars. Song selections range from soulful power ballads to straight-forward rock, each performed with an unmistakable air of confidence. Karaoke nightly, 9 p.m. 4178 Koval Lane, 702-733-8901.
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Tuesday: Las Vegas Eagle
As is, karaoke can be embarrassing (for both the singer and viewer), but the Eagle ups the ante with its stripped-down edition. Though you can belt it out clothed (boring), the divey gay bar gives free well drinks to anyone brave enough to drop trow. If not the most technically talented, the Eagle’s crooners are the most fun. Where else have you heard “Poor Unfortunate Souls” from The Little Mermaid? Karaoke Tuesday & Friday, 10 p.m. 3430 E. Tropicana Ave. #47, 702-458-8662.
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Wednesday: Gilley's
Yeehaw, it’s hump day! Celebrate on a big stage at this TI cowboy bar, where country and alternative rock trump all other genres. Though the Stetson-dotted crowd hangs back behind the massive dancefloor swilling Bud Light, it’s clear by hoots and hollers that they’re paying attention. Recommended for seasoned karaokers for its concert-venue vibe, it’s not the best choice for those who’ve never been to the rodeo. Karaoke Tuesday & Wednesday, 8 p.m. 3300 Las Vegas Blvd. S., 702-894-7147.
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Thursday: E-String
Ease into the weekend at this neighborhood hangout, which draws a mix of young and old with different musical tastes. With a karaoke parlor that’s separate from the bar, the scene is somewhat serious, but also supportive. Performances range from solo sit-downs (Gorillaz, Pearl Jam) to silly trios (Backstreet Boys) to commanding Carrie Underwood renditions. The songbook-less venue fills up at 11 p.m. and goes till 3 a.m., and the monitors remind: “Your KJ works for tips.” Karaoke Monday-Saturday, 9 p.m.; Sunday, 11 p.m. 2031 W. Sunset Road, 702-437-8764.
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Friday: Dino's
It’s “the last neighborhood bar on Earth,” and typically the first recommended for karaoke. Las Vegas legend Danny G emcees the night with such charisma, the bar’s street sign advertises his Thursday-Saturday appearances. The beloved Downtown dive draws a diverse crowd, from skilled powerhouses to drunken novices, and that’s part of the fun. You’ll leave wanting more, as Danny G famously bleats, “D-d-d-d-d-dinos.”Karaoke Thursday-Saturday, 10 p.m. 1516 Las Vegas Blvd. S., 702-382-3894.
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Saturday: Champagnes
Inside the velvet fleur-de-lys-papered walls of the lounge where the Rat Pack is fabled to have chilled, is some of the most lively karaoke in town. Singers perform on a tiny stage, surrounded by spectators and accompanied by a live drummer and guitarist. Songs range from old (Elvis) to new (“99 Problems”) to classics like “When the Music’s Over,” where Jim Morrison professes what the patrons seem to believe—that “music is your only friend till the end.” Karaoke Monday, Friday & Saturday, 10 p.m. 3557 S. Maryland Parkway, 702-737-1699.
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Sunday: Zizzy
After going hard for six days, it’s time to relax at Zizzy. The sleek bar, connected to Sushi Kaya, opens at 6 p.m. and offers a happy hour for the first three hours. Order drinks and plop down before a big screen to practice the songs you’ve been meaning to add to your repertoire but aren’t quite ready to perform on the public stage. (Real friends will tell you the truth about your styling of “Holy Diver.”) Karaoke nightly, 6 p.m. 4355 W. Spring Mountain Road #105, 702-257-9499.