Karaoke brings excitement to music lovers and partygoers. When the stage calls, the spotlight shines, and you step up to the microphone, the right song choice can make your performance unforgettable. That’s why our editors have put together a list of the 20 best karaoke songs of all time.

Whether you prefer heart-wrenching ballads or high-energy anthems, there are plenty of fun karaoke songs from various genres to choose from. Use this guide for any karaoke occasion, like a night out with friends, a bachelorette party, or a wedding.

A great karaoke song depends on the performer and audience. Popular artists might not always be the best choice, so our list includes a mix of one-hit wonders and top 20 hits, but excludes icons like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Prince, Mariah Carey, Justin Bieber, Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Christina Aguilera, Guns N’ Roses, and Rihanna.

Best Karaoke Songs of All Time

Karaoke is a beloved activity that brings joy and excitement to music lovers and partygoers. The right karaoke songs can make your performance unforgettable, whether you’re singing at a bar, a party, or any fun gathering. From powerful ballads to high-energy anthems, there’s a wide variety of best karaoke songs to choose from. Our curated list features the top karaoke tracks that will help you shine in the spotlight and win over any crowd.

“What’s Up?” – 4 Non Blondes

Lyrics you’ll love: “And so I wake in the morning and I step outside/And I take a deep breath and I get real high/And I scream from the top of my lungs/’What’s going on?'”

• This song has been gracing karaoke stages since its release in 1993. Its existential undertones allow singers to put some real personality into it, creating theatrical moments that audiences love.

“Oops…I Did It Again” – Britney Spears

Lyrics you’ll love: “Oops, I did it again/I played with your heart, got lost in the game/Oh baby, baby”

• Any Britney Spears song will get the crowd singing along, making it perfect for riling up the audience.

“Love Song” – Sara Bareilles

Lyrics you’ll love: “Head underwater/And they tell me/To breathe easy for a while/The breathing gets harder, even I know that”

• This easy karaoke song is great if you’re looking for something that won’t require a lot of vocal range.

“Mr. Brightside” – The Killers

Lyrics you’ll love: “It started out with a kiss/How did it end up like this?/It was only a kiss, it was only a kiss”

• This record-breaking track will have most of the audience singing along.

“A Thousand Miles” – Vanessa Carlton

Lyrics you’ll love: “If I could fall into the sky/Do you think time would pass me by?/Oh, ’cause you know I’d walk a thousand miles/If I could just see you tonight”

• A fun pop song from 2002 that any millennial will know by heart. The sound of the opening keys alone will transport the audience back in time.

“Just the Way You Are” – Bruno Mars

Lyrics you’ll love: “When I see your face/There’s not a thing that I would change/’Cause you’re amazing/Just the way you are”

• This uplifting song is sure to keep the good times rolling.

“Livin’ on a Prayer” – Bon Jovi

Lyrics you’ll love: “Whoa, we’re halfway there/Whoa oh, livin’ on a prayer/Take my hand, we’ll make it, I swear”

• A top choice for anyone who loves the pop-rock genre.

“I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” – The Proclaimers

Lyrics you’ll love: “But I would walk 500 miles/And I would walk 500 more/Just to be the man who walks a thousand miles/To fall down at your door”

• This fun and upbeat track from the 80s is a crowd pleaser.

“Since U Been Gone” – Kelly Clarkson

Lyrics you’ll love: “But since you been gone/I can breathe for the first time/I’m so moving on, yeah, yeah”

• Perfect for fans of edgy pop songs.

“Like a Prayer” – Madonna

Lyrics you’ll love: “When you call my name, it’s like a little prayer/I’m down on my knees, I wanna take you there”

• This nostalgic Madonna song demands an emotive performance.

“Genie In a Bottle” – Christina Aguilera

Lyrics you’ll love: “If you wanna be with me/Baby, there’s a price to pay/I’m a genie in a bottle/You gotta rub me the right way”

• A playful track that will make the audience howl, especially if you dress the part.

“Unwritten” – Natasha Bedingfield

Lyrics you’ll love: “Drench yourself in words unspoken/Live your life with arms wide open/Today is where your book begins/The rest is still unwritten”

• This early 2000s song is uplifting and well-known.

“Someone Like You” – Adele

Lyrics you’ll love: “I hate to turn up out of the blue, uninvited/But I couldn’t stay away, I couldn’t fight it”

• An emotionally charged song that requires a passionate performance.

“She Bangs” – Ricky Martin

Lyrics you’ll love: “Well, if Lady Luck gets on my side/We’re gonna rock this town alive/I’ll let her rough me up/’Til she knocks me out”

• This fun song will make the crowd go wild.

“Back to Black” – Amy Winehouse

Lyrics you’ll love: “We only said goodbye with words/I died a hundred times”

• Channel your soulful vocals for this sultry performance.

“Hey Ya” – Outkast

Lyrics you’ll love: “My baby don’t mess around/Because she loves me so/And this I know fo sho (uh)”

• A popular karaoke song that requires some mastery of the verses.

“Umbrella” – Rihanna

Lyrics you’ll love: “You have my heart/And we’ll never be worlds apart/Maybe in magazines/But you’ll still be my star”

• An easy song to sing, suitable for any vocal range.

“Hollaback Girl” – Gwen Stefani

Lyrics you’ll love: “A few times I’ve been around that track/So it’s not just gonna happen like that/’Cause I ain’t no hollaback girl”

• A fun song that you and your karaoke squad can enjoy.

“As It Was” – Harry Styles

Lyrics you’ll love: “Answer the phone/’Harry, you’re no good alone/Why are you sittin’ at home on the floor?/What kind of pills are you on?'”

• Harry Styles fans will love this popular song.

“Royals” – Lorde

Lyrics you’ll love: “Gold teeth, Grey Goose, trippin’ in the bathroom/Bloodstains, ball gowns, trashin’ the hotel room/We don’t care”

• A great choice for a solo or group performance.

Conclusion

Choosing the best karaoke songs can turn any night into an unforgettable experience. From iconic classics like “What’s Up?” by 4 Non Blondes to modern hits like “As It Was” by Harry Styles, these tracks are sure to engage and entertain any crowd. With songs that cover a variety of genres and eras, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re into pop, rock, or soul.

Remember, the key to a great karaoke performance is picking a song that resonates with you and the audience. Whether you’re aiming for a powerful ballad or an upbeat anthem, this list has the perfect choices to make your karaoke night a hit. So grab the microphone, step into the spotlight, and let these top karaoke songs help you shine.

20 Best Karaoke Songs of All Time – FAQs:

What is karaoke?

Karaoke is a form of entertainment where individuals sing along to instrumental tracks of popular songs, with lyrics displayed on a screen to help guide their performance.

What’s the most popular karaoke song of all time?

The most popular karaoke song of all time is “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen. Its complex structure and dramatic flair make it a favorite for karaoke enthusiasts worldwide​.

Which song is best for karaoke?

One of the best songs for karaoke is “Don’t Stop Believin'” by Journey. Its catchy chorus and uplifting lyrics make it a crowd favorite and easy for participants to sing along​.

What is the most popular karaoke song in the UK?

The most popular karaoke song in the UK is “Wonderwall” by Oasis. Its iconic status in British music culture makes it a staple in karaoke sessions across the country​.

What is the hardest karaoke song to sing?

One of the hardest karaoke songs to sing is “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston. The song’s high notes and emotional intensity make it a challenging choice for many singers​.