Do you like being in the spotlight? Up on a stage in front of tens of people that you don’t know? Many people don’t. A select few crave it and another piece of the pie will at least try it once. It takes guts, there is no denying that. You either have the confidence, or like me, you “fake it ‘till you make it”. As far as karaoke is concerned, there are usually two different magnitudes of being in the spotlight; 1) A large heavily populated venue that usually houses a fairly ambitious stage, or 2) A small, intimate watering hole with either a single-step stage or more simply, a little corner with a microphone stand. 
After cowering in a shy little corner for the majority of my childhood, I suddenly became extroverted in my 20’s. Before then, you couldn’t catch me in the smallest public cubbyhole doing anything close to singing. Now I actually compensate by seeking the spotlight, whether I’m dancing, enjoying a live band or performing on karaoke night. This is why it’s surprising that I prefer the more modest haunts to exercise my vocal
chords. I would love to be able to successfully croon for a large group of people on a stage that towers over my tallest friends. But alas, my talent is limited. There are inadequate singers, average singers and amazing singers. I consider myself average, but knowing the
class of your ability is much better than the clueless (but usually entertaining) many who mutilate a melody without even realizing it. 
I have tried some highly congested canteens and it is the biggest rush if you know you conquered a chorus or two. Ignorance
is not an option, unfortunately, as the audience is almost always soul crushingly honest. They either clap or they don’t – it’s that simple. Sure, they may be busy drinking, smoking or talking, but when you hear nothing but deafening silence, it’s usually a sign that your song sank with the crowd. That’s what makes a modest little haunt so appealing. It feels safer to sing when you know you’re not being judged by a huge group of people. If you tank, you’re not on display high above everyone and have to take the walk of shame down the steps back to your table. On the other hand, if you are not well received, it is glaringly obvious, I suppose, because there are only a few people to applaud (or not to applaud, as it may be). 
Still, I love the safety of being able to see all of my friends, and judges alike. There are still lights on me, but I’m not up on a pedestal that is higher to fall off of. The patrons are often friendlier as well and will often high-five you or give you a compliment on the way back to your seat. So you pick… crowded, cozy, or does size really matter?