1. Choose songs you know the words to, or at least most of the words. I like to learn them all, so I practice at home.
2. Stay in your vocal range. I cannot sing just any song. There’s a song by Whitesnakle I’d love to do but I cannot hit the high notes. I can sing songs by Kenny Rogers, Eric Clapton, Elton John. They don’t go for those high notes I’ll never hit.
3. Don’t try to imitate the artist. The singer’s voice is his own and people tend to sound ridiculous when they try to mimic someone’s voice. Sing the song in your own voice, you’ll sound better.
4. If you really want to bring down the house, practice your songs. Make a list of a few songs you think you can sing and practice them, over and over, until you get the notes and lyrics right.