The next Will Young or Gareth Gates could well come from the North-East if sales of karaoke machines are anything to go by, it emerged yesterday.
High street electrical chains Dixons and Currys say the sing-along sets proved one of their best-sellers at Christmas.
Analysis of sales figures revealed Gateshead as the karaoke hotspot, with "hundreds" of machines snapped up in the town's branches of Dixons and Currys - both part of the Dixons Group (DG).
DG believes the reason for this year's 50 per cent leap in sales is the popularity of television talent shows such as Pop Idol and Fame Academy, which have produced a new wave of wannabe singing stars.
After Gateshead, the most karaoke machines were bought by people in Cardiff, then Newcastle, Glasgow, Motherwell, Sheffield, Chingford, Kingston in Surrey, Dudley and Belfast.
A DG spokeswoman said: "We believe wannabe pop idols are practising their singing skills at home before unveiling their talent in public."
The most popular karaoke tune at the moment is Unchained Melody, recently covered by Pop Idol runner-up Gareth Gates.
The second favourite song is Kiss Kiss by former Neighbours actress-turned-signer Holly Valance, then You by S Club.
Monday April 14 2003
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article