The Wo versus O distinction?

A viewer wrote in an e-mail asking why we tend to use Wo over O in karaoke lyrics.

Here's my response:

I mean, both wo and o are used interchangeably, but if you notice, the Japanese wo is pronounced a more in front part of the mouth. If you say O like in English, that's said more from the throat like "Oh!". That's why it's wo instead of o. As far as I know, Wo isn't used in modern Japanese words? Just people who are intentionally trying to be quirky.

I hope that makes sense. Let me know if it doesn't or if you disagree on any of the points.

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