To many young people, Karaoke is the top choice for a fun evening with friends. Since its invention in Japan 30 years ago, it has spread to nearly every Asian country. And, more slowly but just as surely, karaoke has been fanning out to the rest of the world.

Forty-four Karaoke professionals from 20 countries from around the globe boarded the Galaxy cruise ship in Helsinki last weekend. They would spend the next 24-hour period locked... in a karaoke singing battle.

After two qualifying rounds, only ten remained for the finals. In the end, the winners came from Malaysia and Australia.

Karaoke has caught on as a pastime in the US. And it's quickly becoming as entrenched in taverns and bars as darts or billiards. Once relegated to cruise ships and stag nights, it's often part of a regular night out.

Bar patrons, ranging in states of sobriety somewhere between tipsy and out-right drunk... often take the stage to belt out their favorite lyrics. This, while doing their best to keep the beat... with original scores and lyrics.

Editor:Luyuying