Karaoke is more than just music; it’s an experience that brings people together, lets us embody our favorite hits, and creates lasting memories.
To ensure your next karaoke night is unforgettable, here’s the ultimate guide to the best karaoke songs.
We’ve organised selections by genre, mood, and decade, including top picks, lyrics, performance tips, and engaging trivia to keep both you and the crowd entertained.
Top Karaoke Songs to Win Over Any Crowd
Here’s a selection of universally loved songs guaranteed to make any karaoke performance a crowd-pleaser:
Some karaoke songs are universal crowd-pleasers. Here’s a selection of tracks that guarantee an unforgettable performance:
- “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey
- Lyrics to Remember: “Hold on to that feeling… streetlight people!”
- Why It Works: The combination of rock energy and relatable lyrics makes this a powerful sing-along song.
- Pro Tip: Build up anticipation by starting slowly, then let loose during the chorus to engage the crowd.
- “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond
- Lyrics to Remember: “Good times never seemed so good… So good! So good! So good!”
- Why It Works: Known for its chant-like chorus, this track is irresistible for audience participation.
- Pro Tip: Encourage the crowd to join in on the “So good! So good!” part for a dynamic performance.
- “Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi
- Lyrics to Remember: “Whoa, we’re halfway there!”
- Why It Works: With its 80s rock vibe, this song has both anthemic energy and memorable lyrics, making it perfect for a group sing-along.
- Pro Tip: Lean into the dramatics with each verse, and let the audience help on the powerful chorus.
- “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers
- Lyrics to Remember: “Coming out of my cage and I’ve been doing just fine!”
- Pro Tip: Lean into the emotion for a performance everyone will remember.
- “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars
- Lyrics to Remember: “Don’t believe me, just watch!”
- Why It Works: This 2014 hit’s funky beat and infectious energy make it ideal for karaoke.
- Pro Tip: Embrace the beat and add some dance moves for a memorable performance.
- “Dancing Queen” by ABBA
- Lyrics to Remember: “You can dance, you can jive, having the time of your life!”
- Why It Works: ABBA’s disco vibe gets everyone on their feet.
- Pro Tip: Channel your inner disco star with some dance moves to match the beat.
- “Rolling in the Deep” by Adele
- Lyrics to Remember: “We could have had it all!”
- Why It Works: Adele’s powerful vocals make this a dramatic choice for karaoke.
- Pro Tip: Emphasize the song’s intensity to captivate your audience.
- “Blinding Lights” by The Weeknd
- Lyrics to Remember: “I said, ooh, I’m blinded by the lights!”
- Why It Works: This 2019 hit’s retro 80s vibe is perfect for an energetic karaoke night.
- Pro Tip: Use the song’s rhythm to build excitement with the crowd.
Karaoke Songs by Genre
Pop Karaoke Songs
Pop music’s catchy beats and relatable lyrics make it perfect for karaoke.
Here are some top pop karaoke songs to get the crowd singing along:
- “Like a Virgin” by Madonna
- Lyrics to Remember: “Touched for the very first time!”
- Trivia: This track defined 80s pop and remains a karaoke favorite.
- Pro Tip: Bring attitude and energy to capture Madonna’s vibe.
- “Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift
- Lyrics to Remember: “Cause the players gonna play, play, play, play, play!”
- Why It Works: Its fun lyrics and dance beat make it great for all ages.
- Pro Tip: Encourage the crowd to shake along with you.
- “Oops!… I Did It Again” by Britney Spears
- Lyrics to Remember: “Oops!… I did it again, I played with your heart.”
- Trivia: This track brings nostalgic energy and is iconic for its 2000s pop style.
- Pro Tip: Play up the pop star attitude for extra flair.
- “Bad Romance” by Lady Gaga
- Lyrics to Remember: “I want your love and I want your revenge, you and me could write a bad romance!”
- Trivia: Lady Gaga’s hit became an instant classic with its bold lyrics and unforgettable beat.
- Pro Tip: Embrace the theatrics—add some drama to your performance to capture Gaga’s unique style.
- “Since U Been Gone” by Kelly Clarkson
- Lyrics to Remember: “But since you’ve been gone, I can breathe for the first time!”
- Why It Works: This song’s powerful lyrics and chorus make it perfect for belting out emotions.
- Pro Tip: Go all out with the high notes to bring energy to the performance.
- “Blinding Lights” by The Weeknd
- Lyrics to Remember: “I said, ooh, I’m blinded by the lights!”
- Why It Works: This 2019 hit’s retro 80s vibe is perfect for an energetic karaoke night.
- Pro Tip: Use the song’s rhythm to build excitement with the crowd.
- “Shape of You” by Ed Sheeran
- Lyrics to Remember: “I’m in love with the shape of you.”
- Why It Works: Its catchy rhythm and melody make it an engaging choice for karaoke.
- Pro Tip: Emphasize the playful vibe and let the beat guide your moves.
- “Despacito” by Luis Fonsi ft. Daddy Yankee
- Lyrics to Remember: “Despacito, quiero respirar tu cuello despacito.”
- Why It Works: This 2017 Latin hit brings a unique flair to any karaoke setlist.
- Pro Tip: Add some smooth dance moves to enhance the performance.
- “Let It Go” by Idina Menzel
- Lyrics to Remember: “Let it go, let it go, can’t hold it back anymore!”
- Why It Works: This Disney anthem is perfect for belting out emotions, making it a fun and empowering karaoke choice.
- Pro Tip: Lean into the dramatic notes to capture the song’s powerful message.
- “Call Me Maybe” by Carly Rae Jepsen
- Lyrics to Remember: “Hey, I just met you, and this is crazy!”
- Why It Works: Its catchy lyrics and upbeat melody make it an engaging and memorable choice.
- Pro Tip: Have fun with the performance and engage the crowd for a light-hearted sing-along.
- “Genie in a Bottle” by Christina Aguilera
- Lyrics to Remember: “I’m a genie in a bottle, you gotta rub me the right way.”
- Why It Works: This classic pop track lets singers channel their inner pop star.
- Pro Tip: Bring some attitude to make it feel true to the original.
- “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield
- Lyrics to Remember: “Feel the rain on your skin, no one else can feel it for you.”
- Why It Works: This uplifting pop song resonates with audiences and has a catchy, sing-along chorus.
- Pro Tip: Let the audience join in on the chorus for a memorable group performance.
- “Just the Way You Are” by Bruno Mars
- Lyrics to Remember: “When I see your face, there’s not a thing that I would change.”
- Why It Works: This sweet, romantic song is perfect for a heartfelt karaoke moment.
- Pro Tip: Keep it simple and let the sincerity of the lyrics shine.
Indie & Soft Pop Karaoke Songs
Soft pop and indie songs bring variety to a karaoke setlist, catering to different singing styles.
- “A Thousand Miles” by Vanessa Carlton
- Lyrics to Remember: “Cause you know I’d walk a thousand miles if I could just see you.”
- Why It Works: Known for its piano intro, this soft pop classic is a relatable and well-loved karaoke hit.
- Pro Tip: Focus on timing and vocal clarity to capture the song’s emotional essence.
- “Flowers” by Miley Cyrus
- Lyrics to Remember: “I can buy myself flowers, write my name in the sand.”
- Why It Works: This 2023 anthem about self-empowerment is relatable and catchy.
- Pro Tip: Deliver it with confidence to highlight the song’s empowering lyrics.
Rock Karaoke Songs
Rock songs are bold, energetic, and full of memorable riffs. Here are some rock karaoke hits:
- “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen
- Lyrics to Remember: “Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy?”
- Trivia: Known for its operatic style, this track is theatrical and engaging.
- Pro Tip: Divide parts among friends for maximum impact or lead the whole piece solo for a show-stopping performance.
- “Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses
- Lyrics to Remember: “Where do we go now?”
- Why It Works: The iconic guitar riff makes it a crowd favorite.
- Pro Tip: Add a rockstar vibe by playing air guitar during the instrumental sections.
- “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor
- Lyrics to Remember: “Rising up to the challenge of our rival!”
- Why It Works: This pump-up anthem brings energy to any karaoke night.
- Pro Tip: Channel your inner Rocky for an empowering performance.
Rock & Indie Karaoke Songs
Adding some rock and indie anthems can balance the setlist with high-energy choices.
- “Back to Black” by Amy Winehouse
- Lyrics to Remember: “We only said goodbye with words, I died a hundred times.”
- Why It Works: Winehouse’s emotive vocals make this track a powerful karaoke choice.
- Pro Tip: Focus on the soulful, expressive delivery to captivate the audience.
- “She Bangs” by Ricky Martin
- Lyrics to Remember: “She bangs, she bangs!”
- Why It Works: This lively song has high energy and a memorable beat, great for adding flair to a karaoke night.
- Pro Tip: Embrace the song’s playful energy to keep the crowd entertained.
Soul and R&B Karaoke Songs
Soul and R&B add depth and emotion to karaoke performances. Here are the best R&B karaoke songs:
- “Respect” by Aretha Franklin
- Lyrics to Remember: “R-E-S-P-E-C-T! Find out what it means to me!”
- Pro Tip: Emphasize the chorus for a powerful, crowd-commanding performance.
- “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
- Lyrics to Remember: “Ain’t no mountain high, ain’t no valley low!”
- Pro Tip: Sing it as a duet for full impact, engaging the crowd with its uplifting message.
- “Superstition” by Stevie Wonder
- Lyrics to Remember: “Very superstitious, writing’s on the wall.”
- Pro Tip: Add some funk with movement and play up Stevie Wonder’s style.
Soul and R&B Karaoke Songs
Dive deeper into the soul and R&B genre with these additional picks:
- “Let’s Stay Together” by Al Green
- Lyrics to Remember: “I’m so in love with you, whatever you want to do is alright with me.”
- Trivia: This song became a timeless classic for romantic performances.
- Pro Tip: Keep it smooth and soulful, letting the song’s natural rhythm guide your performance.
- “Killing Me Softly” by Fugees
- Lyrics to Remember: “Strumming my pain with his fingers, singing my life with his words.”
- Why It Works: This song’s haunting melody and emotional lyrics make it captivating for audiences.
- Pro Tip: Emphasize the soft, controlled vocals for a mesmerizing rendition.
- “No Scrubs” by TLC
- Lyrics to Remember: “I don’t want no scrub, a scrub is a guy that can’t get no love from me.”
- Trivia: Released in 1999, this song became an anthem of independence.
- Pro Tip: Sing with attitude to convey the song’s message with confidence.
Country Karaoke Songs
Country songs bring heartfelt lyrics and memorable melodies to the karaoke stage:
- “Friends in Low Places” by Garth Brooks
- Lyrics to Remember: “I’ve got friends in low places!”
- Pro Tip: Get the crowd to sing along to this relatable tune.
- “Before He Cheats” by Carrie Underwood
- Lyrics to Remember: “Maybe next time he’ll think before he cheats.”
- Pro Tip: Emphasize the song’s attitude to capture its empowering message.
- “Jolene” by Dolly Parton
- Lyrics to Remember: “Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene!”
- Pro Tip: Add emotion to make it a standout performance.
- “Body Like a Back Road” by Sam Hunt
- Lyrics to Remember: “I’m way too good at goodbye.”
- Why It Works: This 2017 hit’s easy-going vibe is perfect for relaxed karaoke settings.
- Pro Tip: Add a bit of country charm to engage the audience.
- “Tennessee Whiskey” by Chris Stapleton
- Lyrics to Remember: “You’re as smooth as Tennessee whiskey.”
- Why It Works: Known for its soulful delivery, this song is ideal for showcasing strong vocals.
- Pro Tip: Emphasise the rich, soulful quality to connect with the audience.
More classic country tunes that guarantee a memorable karaoke night:
- “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” by Shania Twain
- Lyrics to Remember: “Let’s go, girls!”
- Why It Works: This song is empowering and fun, making it a hit with karaoke crowds.
- Pro Tip: Add some flair with playful gestures for an unforgettable performance.
- “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver
- Lyrics to Remember: “Country roads, take me home to the place I belong.”
- Trivia: Known as a sing-along favorite, this song connects with audiences everywhere.
- Pro Tip: Engage the crowd by encouraging them to sing along on the iconic chorus.
Hip-Hop Karaoke Songs
Hip-hop adds rhythm and lyrical skill to karaoke. Here are some crowd favourites:
- “Empire State of Mind” by Jay-Z feat. Alicia Keys
- Lyrics to Remember: “In New York… concrete jungle where dreams are made of.”
- Pro Tip: Sing this as a duet or solo; let the crowd join in on the chorus.
- “Lose Yourself” by Eminem
- Lyrics to Remember: “You better lose yourself in the music, the moment!”
- Trivia: Known for its fast lyrics, it’s ideal for seasoned karaoke fans.
- Pro Tip: Bring intensity to match Eminem’s delivery.
- “Hey Ya!” by OutKast
- Lyrics to Remember: “Shake it like a Polaroid picture!”
- Pro Tip: Keep it lively with audience participation on the chorus.
- “Old Town Road” by Lil Nas X ft. Billy Ray Cyrus
- Lyrics to Remember: “Can’t nobody tell me nothin’!”
- Why It Works: This genre-blending hit is fun and energizing.
- Pro Tip: Play up the song’s relaxed, country-inspired vibe for added flair.
Disco Karaoke Songs
Disco music brings a lively atmosphere and danceable beats. Try these additional disco hits:
- “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor
- Lyrics to Remember: “Oh, as long as I know how to love, I know I’ll stay alive.”
- Why It Works: This empowering anthem is perfect for karaoke nights and always energizes the crowd.
- Pro Tip: Belt out the chorus with passion to capture the song’s essence.
- “Night Fever” by Bee Gees
- Lyrics to Remember: “Here I am, praying for this moment to last.”
- Trivia: This hit from Saturday Night Fever epitomizes the disco era.
- Pro Tip: Move with the beat and let the disco groove inspire your performance.
Reggae Karaoke Songs
Bring a chill vibe to karaoke night with these reggae tunes:
- “Buffalo Soldier” by Bob Marley
- Lyrics to Remember: “Buffalo Soldier, dreadlock Rasta.”
- Why It Works: This song is catchy, smooth, and captures Marley’s iconic reggae style.
- Pro Tip: Focus on a relaxed delivery, letting the rhythm carry the performance.
- “Sweat (A La La La La Long)” by Inner Circle
- Lyrics to Remember: “Girl, I want to make you sweat.”
- Trivia: This reggae hit brings a playful energy to karaoke nights.
- Pro Tip: Add some movement to emphasize the song’s upbeat rhythm.
Duet Karaoke Songs
Duets add an interactive layer to karaoke, making these songs ideal for sharing the spotlight.
- “Summer Nights” by John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John
- Lyrics to Remember: “Summer lovin’, had me a blast.”
- Why It Works: This Grease classic is made for duet performances and encourages audience participation.
- Pro Tip: Play up the song’s theatrical element for an enjoyable, nostalgic duet.
- “Love Shack” by The B-52s
- Lyrics to Remember: “Love shack, baby!”
- Why It Works: This lively, quirky track makes a great karaoke duet and gets everyone singing along.
- Pro Tip: Emphasize the playful and funky vibe for a fun-filled performance.
Best Karaoke Album Songs
These album tracks may not be singles, but they’re worth every note on the karaoke stage:
- “Rocket Man” by Elton John
- Lyrics to Remember: “And I think it’s gonna be a long, long time.”
- Why It Works: Known for its dramatic build-up, this song is a showcase of emotion and vocal range.
- Pro Tip: Bring the song to life by immersing yourself in its introspective lyrics.
- “God Only Knows” by The Beach Boys
- Lyrics to Remember: “God only knows what I’d be without you.”
- Trivia: Known for its complex harmony, this song offers a beautiful and sentimental karaoke moment.
- Pro Tip: Focus on smooth transitions and harmonies for a truly touching rendition.
Karaoke Songs by Decade
Top Karaoke Songs of the 1960s
- “Twist and Shout” by The Beatles
- Lyrics to Remember: “Shake it up, baby, now!”
- Why It Works: This energetic classic is ideal for audience interaction.
- Pro Tip: Encourage the crowd to clap along for a lively performance.
- “California Dreamin’” by The Mamas & the Papas
- Lyrics to Remember: “All the leaves are brown, and the sky is gray.”
- Trivia: A folk-rock classic that captures the spirit of the 60s.
- Pro Tip: Embrace the song’s melancholy for an emotional performance.
Here are some more 60s Karaoke classics:
- “Stand by Me” by Ben E. King – Soulful and familiar.
- “I Want to Hold Your Hand” by The Beatles – Simple and instantly recognisable.
- “My Girl” by The Temptations – Smooth and sentimental.
Best Karaoke Songs of the 1970s
- “Dancing Queen” by ABBA – A disco classic that’s always a hit.
- “Hotel California” by The Eagles – Mysterious and engaging.
- “We Will Rock You” by Queen – Great for crowd clapping and chanting.
Top Karaoke Songs of the 1980s
- “Take on Me” by A-ha
- Lyrics to Remember: “I’ll be gone in a day or two!”
- Trivia: Known for its high notes, it’s a test for vocal prowess.
- Pro Tip: Hit those high notes with confidence and embrace the song’s 80s energy.
- “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper
- Lyrics to Remember: “Oh, girls just want to have fun!”
- Pro Tip: Dance along for a fun, high-energy performance that matches the lyrics.
- “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor – Motivational and energizing.
- “Like a Prayer” by Madonna – Perfect for dramatic performances.
- “Every Breath You Take” by The Police – Captures 80s nostalgia.
1990s Karaoke
- “I Want It That Way” by Backstreet Boys
- Lyrics to Remember: “Tell me why… I never wanna hear you say!”
- Trivia: A 90s boy band classic perfect for sing-alongs.
- Pro Tip: Involve the crowd, especially on the iconic chorus.
Best Karaoke Songs of the 2000s and Beyond
- “Rolling in the Deep” by Adele – Known for its powerful vocal demand.
- “Halo” by Beyoncé – Showcases vocal range.
- “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers – Always a crowd favourite.
- “Complicated” by Avril Lavigne
- Lyrics to Remember: “Why do you have to go and make things so complicated?”
- Why It Works: Its pop-punk vibe is relatable and fun for audiences.
- Pro Tip: Channel your inner punk rocker for a lively rendition.
Tips for Choosing Your Karaoke Song
- Match Your Audience: Pop karaoke songs are great for young crowds, while classics like rock anthems engage all ages.
- Play to Your Strengths: Choose songs in your vocal range and genre.
- Get Everyone Involved: Sing-alongs increase audience engagement and fun.
With this expanded guide, you’re now prepared for any karaoke night, complete with a diverse selection of the best karaoke songs.
From pop hits to soulful ballads, every song on this list is sure to make your karaoke performance memorable!
