I guess it's because I found karaoke. I get to get up on stage, but instead of hoping I'm funny and possibly bombing, I go up and know I'm gonna do well, because singing is something I'm very good at.
So it's definitely safer and less personal, but it's still a little scary and super fun and exciting.
Also, I forgot (inexplicably) to mention that as a young boy, I also wanted to be a pro wrestler. <.<