The Best Karaoke Songs for Every Mood, Voice, and Crowd

Everyone's got a go-to karaoke song, but if you ask people to vote, you'll hear 30 different opinions on which song is best for karaoke.

If you can only pick one, my recommendation is "Sweet Caroline" by Neil Diamond, the most-sung karaoke song in the U.S. Everyone knows the "so good, so good, so good" callback, and it works solo or with the mic passed around the room.

That's one great answer, but I've pulled together more than 100 of the best karaoke songs, sorted by the vibe you’re looking for, from classics, easy picks for nervous singers, duets, songs split by voice, and every decade from the ’60s to now.

Good karaoke songs that everyone loves

These are the songs that show up on nearly every list of the best karaoke songs of all time, and for good reason. They're familiar enough for anyone to join in without needing to be a singer, and in some cases, without needing to look at the lyrics.

1. "Sweet Caroline" by Neil Diamond: The most-sung karaoke song in the U.S.
2. "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen: It’s 6 minutes long, but the operatic middle section is what makes it a karaoke landmark.
3. "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey: Revives a room that's gone quiet between ballads.
4. "Mr. Brightside" by The Killers: A packed room that wants to shout, not listen.
5. "Livin' on a Prayer" by Bon Jovi: The "whoa-oh" hook needs volume more than precision.
6. "Dancing Queen" by ABBA: A reliable closer that never feels dated.
7. "I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)" by Whitney Houston: For someone who wants a real vocal moment, not just noise.
8. "Piano Man" by Billy Joel: A slow build that rewards a room singing together.
9. "Wannabe" by Spice Girls: Five friends attempting this at once is the whole point.
10. "Africa" by Toto: The bridge is the moment the room comes alive.
11. "Total Eclipse of the Heart" by Bonnie Tyler: A dramatic, theatrical solo pick.
12. "I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor: A triumphant, defiant moment at the mic.
13. "Take on Me" by a-ha: That famous high note is the whole test.
14. "Don't Stop Me Now" by Queen: An early-night energy booster.
15. "September" by Earth, Wind & Fire: Less about vocals, more about commitment to the groove.
16. "My Way" by Frank Sinatra: Closing time at any karaoke bar in the world.
17. "Hotel California" by Eagles: The guitar solo alone justifies the pick.
18. "Twist and Shout" by The Beatles: No experience required once that opening guitar hits.

If you want the full playbook on how to host a karaoke night, ranging from song order to what software you need.

{{cta-karaoke}}

Best karaoke duet songs

Duets solve the biggest problem in karaoke: who’ll grab the mic first. Nobody wants to go first, and nobody wants to go alone. These songs are a good fix.

19. "Summer Nights" from Grease: A classic call-and-response, so decide who's Sandy and who's Danny before you start.
20. "Shallow" by Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper: The Gaga part is far more demanding, so match voices accordingly.
21. "Islands in the Stream" by Kenny Rogers & Dolly Parton: Laid-back and repetitive by design, so lean into it.
22. "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" by Elton John & Kiki Dee: A fun, low-stakes opener for 2 nervous singers.
23. "(I've Had) The Time of My Life" from Dirty Dancing: Save the power for the final line.
24. "You're the One That I Want" from Grease: The tempo speeds up partway through, so stay alert.
25. "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" by Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell: Keep the energy matched between both singers.
26. "Need You Now" by Lady A: A late-night, emotionally loaded pick.
27. "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" by The Righteous Brothers: Save your air for the "baby, baby, baby" bridge.
28. "Suddenly Seymour" from Little Shop of Horrors: A theater-kid favorite that plays best late in the night.
29. "Endless Love" by Diana Ross & Lionel Richie: A romantic, low-stakes pick for a duet.
30. "The Boy Is Mine" by Brandy & Monica: Demands real vocal chops from both singers.

Easy karaoke songs that anyone can sing

Not everyone wants a vocal workout. These stay in a narrow range with forgiving tempos, and they still get a good response. Running karaoke at home instead of a bar changes what "easy" means too, since you control the whole playlist.

31. "Torn" by Natalie Imbruglia: The melody does most of the work for you.
32. "Jolene" by Dolly Parton: A low-pressure opener with real emotional weight.
33. "Take Me Home, Country Roads" by John Denver: It's about the chorus, not your solo lines.
34. "Stand by Me" by Ben E. King: Resist the urge to rush; this song rewards patience.
35. "Wonderwall" by Oasis: A conversational register, not a belting song.
36. "Ho Hey" by The Lumineers: Almost no real singing required, just volume on the shouts.
37. "Riptide" by Vance Joy: A little off-kilter rhythmically, but forgiving overall.
38. "Brown Eyed Girl" by Van Morrison: Let the crowd take the "sha la la" section.
39. "What's Up?" by 4 Non Blondes: The lyrics are breathable, so you can sing-say your way through it.
40. "Stacy's Mom" by Fountains of Wayne: The chorus carries itself once the room joins in.
41. "Vogue" by Madonna: The spoken breakdown is the whole appeal, no big notes required.

{{cta-songquiz}}

Best karaoke songs for women

Vocal range matters more than genre here. If you’re planning a girls’ night or a sleepover, these karaoke songs are perfect party-starters.

42. "Respect" by Aretha Franklin: The backing lines move fast, so sing this with OG Aretha fans who know their stuff.
43. "Since U Been Gone" by Kelly Clarkson: Save the piercing high note for the final "again."
44. "Before He Cheats" by Carrie Underwood: Commit fully to the attitude, not just the notes.
45. "Man! I Feel Like a Woman!" by Shania Twain: Hit the spoken intro hard.
46. "You Oughta Know" by Alanis Morissette: A cathartic pick for anyone who's had a rough breakup.
47. "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" by Cyndi Lauper: Keeps the energy up as a night winds down.
48. "Rolling in the Deep" by Adele: Save your biggest belt for the last chorus, not the first.
49. "Unstoppable" by Sia: The chorus is best handled as a group, screaming their lungs out.
50. "No Scrubs" by TLC: All attitude, no vocal gymnastics required.
51. "Like a Prayer" by Madonna: Works best with a few backup singers joining in.
52. "Halo" by Beyoncé: A powerhouse ballad for someone who's actually warmed up.
53. "Believe" by Cher: A dance-floor classic that never misses.

If you want the full breakdown sorted by alto, soprano, and talk-sing, I split 65 of them out by voice type here.

Best karaoke songs for men

Same logic, different range.

54. "American Pie" by Don McLean: A long, communal singalong more than a solo showcase.
55. "Sweet Home Alabama" by Lynyrd Skynyrd: Close to foolproof for a rock crowd.
56. "Come On Eileen" by Dexys Midnight Runners: Energy over vocal precision.
57. "Friends in Low Places" by Garth Brooks: An end-of-night closer once the room is rowdy.
58. "Born to Run" by Bruce Springsteen: A big, anthemic pick that plays well solo or shouted with the room.
59. "I Want It That Way" by Backstreet Boys: Best split across a group of friends.
60. "Lose Yourself" by Eminem: A solo showcase moment, ideally toward the end of the night.
61. "Should I Stay or Should I Go" by The Clash: A shouty call-and-response even nervous singers can pull off.
62. "Free Fallin'" by Tom Petty: A steady, singable pick for a mixed-age crowd.
63. "Can't Help Falling in Love" by Elvis Presley: A slow, steady closer.
64. "Margaritaville" by Jimmy Buffett: Best late in the night, once nobody's judging.

{{cta-jeopardy}}

Karaoke songs by decade

If you’ve got a mixed age group, or if you’re a fan of the greatest hits, these are my top picks. And if you're still deciding what to run all of this on, here's how Weekend compares to KaraFun.

1950s, ’60s, and ’70s karaoke songs

65. "My Girl" by The Temptations: That walking bassline and the "I've got sunshine" opening pull the room in before you've really started singing.
66. "I Got You Babe" by Sonny & Cher: Grab a partner and trade lines, because it's built for 2 voices leaning into each other.
67. "Bridge Over Troubled Water" by Simon & Garfunkel: Start it gentle and let the final verse swell, since that slow climb is the whole payoff.
68. "Le Freak" by Chic: The crowd yells "Freak out!" right along with you, so you're never carrying this one alone.
69. "Hound Dog" by Elvis Presley: Two minutes of pure strut, so lean into the swagger and have fun with it.
70. "Stayin' Alive" by Bee Gees: Those falsettos sit sky-high, so most people half-sing, half-dance their way through, and it works every time.
71. "Great Balls of Fire" by Jerry Lee Lewis: Fast, rowdy, and piano-driven, it's a jolt of energy when the room starts to drag.
72. "Brick House" by Commodores: Funky enough that the groove does the heavy lifting while you shout the title back.

1980s karaoke songs

73. "Never Gonna Give You Up" by Rick Astley: Everyone knows every word thanks to a decade of rickrolls, so expect instant backup singers.
74. "Sweet Child O' Mine" by Guns N' Roses: The opening riff gets the room going, then Axl's high notes give the brave a real test.
75. "Time After Time" by Cyndi Lauper: A soft, steady ballad that's kind to nervous first-timers.
76. "Don't You Want Me" by The Human League: Split the 2 parts and let the back-and-forth carry the song.
77. "Jessie's Girl" by Rick Springfield: Power-pop that rewards going all in on the chorus.
78. "It's Raining Men" by The Weather Girls: Big, campy, and best belted by a group with zero shame.
79. "Karma Chameleon" by Culture Club: The "karma, karma, karma" chorus is a guaranteed singalong for the whole table.
80. "Dancing in the Dark" by Bruce Springsteen: Steady and anthemic, it's an easy win for a mixed-age crowd.

1990s karaoke songs

81. "Zombie" by The Cranberries: Dolores O'Riordan's wail is a tough one to match, so put the feeling first and let the room hum the rest.
82. "...Baby One More Time" by Britney Spears: Those opening piano notes land and the room is already in.
83. "MMMBop" by Hanson: The fast "mmmbop" run is a tongue-twister, which is half the fun when a group tries it together.
84. "I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston: One of the hardest belts in karaoke, so warm up and save everything for that final chorus.
85. "Iris" by Goo Goo Dolls: A big, emotional anthem that a room loves to sing back at full volume.
86. "Semi-Charmed Life" by Third Eye Blind: Breeze through the fast verses and let everyone pile onto the "doot doot doot" hook.
87. "Buddy Holly" by Weezer: Upbeat and easy to shout along to, it keeps the energy high without much vocal strain.
88. "Under the Bridge" by Red Hot Chili Peppers: Save your voice for the "under the bridge downtown" outro, where the whole room piles in.
89. "Killing Me Softly" by Fugees: Lauryn Hill's cool delivery carries it, and the "one time, one time" ad-libs give everyone a part to shout.

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2000s karaoke songs

90. "Hey Ya!" by OutKast: "Shake it like a Polaroid picture" turns every performance into a dance-off.
91. "Toxic" by Britney Spears: The swooping strings and breathy hook make it a blast to overact.
92. "In Da Club" by 50 Cent: "Go, shorty, it's your birthday" is a guaranteed crowd shout, and even non-rappers can jump in.
93. "Crazy in Love" by Beyoncé: Those "uh oh, uh oh" horns kick it off, and the room handles the rest.
94. "Complicated" by Avril Lavigne: Early-2000s nostalgia that sits in a comfortable range for most singers.
95. "Hey There Delilah" by Plain White T's: Soft and conversational, it's a calm pick when the room needs a breather.
96. "You Belong with Me" by Taylor Swift: A sweet, singable chorus that a group will shout right back at you.
97. "Umbrella" by Rihanna: The "ella, ella, eh, eh, eh" echo is made for everyone to answer back.

2010s karaoke songs

98. "Uptown Funk" by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars: Impossible to sit still for, and the "don't believe me, just watch" calls get everyone shouting.
99. "Shake It Off" by Taylor Swift: Light, fast, and forgiving, with a chorus the room knows by heart.
100. "Somebody That I Used to Know" by Gotye: Grab a second singer for Kimbra’s part and play up the back-and-forth.
101. "Call Me Maybe" by Carly Rae Jepsen: Bouncy and bright, it's an instant mood-lifter for a flagging night.
102. "Thinking Out Loud" by Ed Sheeran: A slow-dance ballad that's easy to carry solo or share with a partner.
103. "Roar" by Katy Perry: Built for belting the chorus, so let the room roar it with you.
104. "Wrecking Ball" by Miley Cyrus: Go all in on the chorus and let those big notes carry the drama.
105. "Chandelier" by Sia: Nobody expects you to nail the high notes, so the whole room screams them together for the fun of it.

2020s karaoke songs

106. "good 4 u" by Olivia Rodrigo: Pure pop-punk energy, so shout the chorus and let it rip.
107. "Levitating" by Dua Lipa: Disco-pop that keeps the room dancing, with a chorus everyone picks up fast.
108. "Blinding Lights" by The Weeknd: One of the biggest songs of the decade, so the crowd is already humming the synth line.
109. "drivers license" by Olivia Rodrigo: Save your emotion for the bridge, where the song opens all the way up.
110. "Espresso" by Sabrina Carpenter: Breezy and catchy, with a hook that sticks after one listen.
111. "Anti-Hero" by Taylor Swift: "It's me, hi, I'm the problem, it's me" is a group sing-along waiting to happen.
112. "As It Was" by Harry Styles: Upbeat on the surface, easy to sing, and familiar enough for any crowd to join.
113. "That's So True" by Gracie Abrams: A recent favorite with a chorus a younger crowd will belt without prompting.

Karaoke songs for a group of 4

Some songs are built for one voice. These work better split across a small group.

114. "We Are the Champions" by Queen: Assign who takes the verses so it doesn't turn into everyone talking over each other.
115. "Bye Bye Bye" by NSYNC: The harmonies split across parts, so know who's covering which line.
116. "Shout" by The Isley Brothers: Built for a group to trade the "a little bit softer now" build together.
117. "Mambo No. 5" by Lou Bega: The name-listing section moves fast, so know the order.
118. "9 to 5" by Dolly Parton: The verses are wordy, so keep them crisp between singers.
119. "Build Me Up Buttercup" by The Foundations: Works best as call-and-response, not solo lines.
120. "Paradise by the Dashboard Light" by Meat Loaf: A multi-part rock opera built for trading verses between singers.
121. "We Don't Talk About Bruno" from Encanto: Built for a crowd of characters, so the more voices, the better.
122. "American Boy" by Estelle ft. Kanye West: Works best screamed into the mic.

For more ideas built specifically for a group night, these party games pair well with a karaoke set.

Weekend keeps the mic warm after the last chorus

Picking the best karaoke songs can help, but so does what happens between turns. Weekend's Karaoke runs on Roku, scores your pitch and your lyrics in real time, and gives every performance a number to beat. It's all available on Roku, Fire TV, Samsung, and LG.

Here's a look at the rest of Weekend's lineup:

• Song Quiz plays short clips across decades and genres, and whoever shouts the song and artist first wins the round.
• Jeopardy! gives trivia fans a fresh challenge once the singing winds down. Choose Casual, Classic, or Expert.
• Wheel of Fortune lets you spin the wheel, call letters, and solve the board before your opponents do.
• Spot On challenges the room to drop a pin on a 3D globe to match a clue.
• Sketchy AF reveals a drawing stroke by stroke while everyone shouts guesses before the pencil finishes.
• Guess the Emoji gives visual-puzzle fans fast clues to decode.
• Meme Supreme has everyone match a meme to an absurd prompt, then vote anonymously for the best one.
• Wit's End drops your whole crew into a chaotically fun make-it-up-as-you-go fantasy adventure where you invent wild heroes and the story goes wherever the room takes it.
• CoComelon: Sing & Play with JJ gives kids ages 2 to 4 familiar songs and sing-along mini-games.

If the room needs a break from singing before it's ready for trivia, these music trivia questions work well as a warm-up. 

FAQs

What is the most popular karaoke song?

"Sweet Caroline" by Neil Diamond is the most popular karaoke song in the U.S. It works because almost nobody needs the lyrics on screen, and the "so good, so good, so good" callback gets the whole crowd involved.

What is the best karaoke song of all time?

There's no single answer everyone agrees on, but "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen and "Sweet Caroline" by Neil Diamond are the 2 most consistently named as the best karaoke songs of all time across staff lists and karaoke host polls.

What are good karaoke songs for beginners?

Good karaoke songs for a beginner stay in a narrow vocal range and lean on a familiar chorus. "Jolene," "Torn," and "Take Me Home, Country Roads" all work if you’re a beginner trying karaoke.

What is the easiest song to sing at karaoke?

"Stand by Me" and "Take Me Home, Country Roads" are consistently ranked among the easiest karaoke songs because they sit in a narrow, comfortable range and don't demand much vocal control.

Can I do karaoke on my TV at home?

Yes, Weekend's Karaoke runs on Roku. Search "Weekend Games" in your Roku app store, start a 7-day free trial, and use your phone or remote as the mic while the game scores your pitch and lyrics.Meta title: Best Karaoke Songs: 100+ Picks for Every Crowd (2026)

Meta description: Over 100 of the best karaoke songs, sorted by vibe, voice, decade, and group size, plus duets and easy picks for nervous singers.

Optimization/URL: https://www.weekend.com/post/best-karaoke-songs

Main keyword: best karaoke songs

Secondary keywords: good karaoke songs; most popular karaoke songs; best karaoke songs of all time; best karaoke songs for women; best karaoke songs for men; best karaoke songs duet; top 100 karaoke songs; easy karaoke songs

The Best Karaoke Songs for Every Mood, Voice, and Crowd

Everyone's got a go-to karaoke song, but if you ask people to vote, you'll hear 30 different opinions on which song is best for karaoke.

If you can only pick one, my recommendation is "Sweet Caroline" by Neil Diamond, the most-sung karaoke song in the U.S. Everyone knows the "so good, so good, so good" callback, and it works solo or with the mic passed around the room.

That's one great answer, but I've pulled together more than 100 of the best karaoke songs, sorted by the vibe you’re looking for, from classics, easy picks for nervous singers, duets, songs split by voice, and every decade from the ’60s to now.

Good karaoke songs that everyone loves

These are the songs that show up on nearly every list of the best karaoke songs of all time, and for good reason. They're familiar enough for anyone to join in without needing to be a singer, and in some cases, without needing to look at the lyrics.

1. "Sweet Caroline" by Neil Diamond: The most-sung karaoke song in the U.S.
2. "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen: It’s 6 minutes long, but the operatic middle section is what makes it a karaoke landmark.
3. "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey: Revives a room that's gone quiet between ballads.
4. "Mr. Brightside" by The Killers: A packed room that wants to shout, not listen.
5. "Livin' on a Prayer" by Bon Jovi: The "whoa-oh" hook needs volume more than precision.
6. "Dancing Queen" by ABBA: A reliable closer that never feels dated.
7. "I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)" by Whitney Houston: For someone who wants a real vocal moment, not just noise.
8. "Piano Man" by Billy Joel: A slow build that rewards a room singing together.
9. "Wannabe" by Spice Girls: Five friends attempting this at once is the whole point.
10. "Africa" by Toto: The bridge is the moment the room comes alive.
11. "Total Eclipse of the Heart" by Bonnie Tyler: A dramatic, theatrical solo pick.
12. "I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor: A triumphant, defiant moment at the mic.
13. "Take on Me" by a-ha: That famous high note is the whole test.
14. "Don't Stop Me Now" by Queen: An early-night energy booster.
15. "September" by Earth, Wind & Fire: Less about vocals, more about commitment to the groove.
16. "My Way" by Frank Sinatra: Closing time at any karaoke bar in the world.
17. "Hotel California" by Eagles: The guitar solo alone justifies the pick.
18. "Twist and Shout" by The Beatles: No experience required once that opening guitar hits.

If you want the full playbook on how to host a karaoke night, ranging from song order to what software you need.

{{cta-karaoke}}

Best karaoke duet songs

Duets solve the biggest problem in karaoke: who’ll grab the mic first. Nobody wants to go first, and nobody wants to go alone. These songs are a good fix.

19. "Summer Nights" from Grease: A classic call-and-response, so decide who's Sandy and who's Danny before you start.
20. "Shallow" by Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper: The Gaga part is far more demanding, so match voices accordingly.
21. "Islands in the Stream" by Kenny Rogers & Dolly Parton: Laid-back and repetitive by design, so lean into it.
22. "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" by Elton John & Kiki Dee: A fun, low-stakes opener for 2 nervous singers.
23. "(I've Had) The Time of My Life" from Dirty Dancing: Save the power for the final line.
24. "You're the One That I Want" from Grease: The tempo speeds up partway through, so stay alert.
25. "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" by Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell: Keep the energy matched between both singers.
26. "Need You Now" by Lady A: A late-night, emotionally loaded pick.
27. "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" by The Righteous Brothers: Save your air for the "baby, baby, baby" bridge.
28. "Suddenly Seymour" from Little Shop of Horrors: A theater-kid favorite that plays best late in the night.
29. "Endless Love" by Diana Ross & Lionel Richie: A romantic, low-stakes pick for a duet.
30. "The Boy Is Mine" by Brandy & Monica: Demands real vocal chops from both singers.

Easy karaoke songs that anyone can sing

Not everyone wants a vocal workout. These stay in a narrow range with forgiving tempos, and they still get a good response. Running karaoke at home instead of a bar changes what "easy" means too, since you control the whole playlist.

31. "Torn" by Natalie Imbruglia: The melody does most of the work for you.
32. "Jolene" by Dolly Parton: A low-pressure opener with real emotional weight.
33. "Take Me Home, Country Roads" by John Denver: It's about the chorus, not your solo lines.
34. "Stand by Me" by Ben E. King: Resist the urge to rush; this song rewards patience.
35. "Wonderwall" by Oasis: A conversational register, not a belting song.
36. "Ho Hey" by The Lumineers: Almost no real singing required, just volume on the shouts.
37. "Riptide" by Vance Joy: A little off-kilter rhythmically, but forgiving overall.
38. "Brown Eyed Girl" by Van Morrison: Let the crowd take the "sha la la" section.
39. "What's Up?" by 4 Non Blondes: The lyrics are breathable, so you can sing-say your way through it.
40. "Stacy's Mom" by Fountains of Wayne: The chorus carries itself once the room joins in.
41. "Vogue" by Madonna: The spoken breakdown is the whole appeal, no big notes required.

{{cta-songquiz}}

Best karaoke songs for women

Vocal range matters more than genre here. If you’re planning a girls’ night or a sleepover, these karaoke songs are perfect party-starters.

42. "Respect" by Aretha Franklin: The backing lines move fast, so sing this with OG Aretha fans who know their stuff.
43. "Since U Been Gone" by Kelly Clarkson: Save the piercing high note for the final "again."
44. "Before He Cheats" by Carrie Underwood: Commit fully to the attitude, not just the notes.
45. "Man! I Feel Like a Woman!" by Shania Twain: Hit the spoken intro hard.
46. "You Oughta Know" by Alanis Morissette: A cathartic pick for anyone who's had a rough breakup.
47. "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" by Cyndi Lauper: Keeps the energy up as a night winds down.
48. "Rolling in the Deep" by Adele: Save your biggest belt for the last chorus, not the first.
49. "Unstoppable" by Sia: The chorus is best handled as a group, screaming their lungs out.
50. "No Scrubs" by TLC: All attitude, no vocal gymnastics required.
51. "Like a Prayer" by Madonna: Works best with a few backup singers joining in.
52. "Halo" by Beyoncé: A powerhouse ballad for someone who's actually warmed up.
53. "Believe" by Cher: A dance-floor classic that never misses.

If you want the full breakdown sorted by alto, soprano, and talk-sing, I split 65 of them out by voice type here.

Best karaoke songs for men

Same logic, different range.

54. "American Pie" by Don McLean: A long, communal singalong more than a solo showcase.
55. "Sweet Home Alabama" by Lynyrd Skynyrd: Close to foolproof for a rock crowd.
56. "Come On Eileen" by Dexys Midnight Runners: Energy over vocal precision.
57. "Friends in Low Places" by Garth Brooks: An end-of-night closer once the room is rowdy.
58. "Born to Run" by Bruce Springsteen: A big, anthemic pick that plays well solo or shouted with the room.
59. "I Want It That Way" by Backstreet Boys: Best split across a group of friends.
60. "Lose Yourself" by Eminem: A solo showcase moment, ideally toward the end of the night.
61. "Should I Stay or Should I Go" by The Clash: A shouty call-and-response even nervous singers can pull off.
62. "Free Fallin'" by Tom Petty: A steady, singable pick for a mixed-age crowd.
63. "Can't Help Falling in Love" by Elvis Presley: A slow, steady closer.
64. "Margaritaville" by Jimmy Buffett: Best late in the night, once nobody's judging.

{{cta-jeopardy}}

Karaoke songs by decade

If you’ve got a mixed age group, or if you’re a fan of the greatest hits, these are my top picks. And if you're still deciding what to run all of this on, here's how Weekend compares to KaraFun.

1950s, ’60s, and ’70s karaoke songs

65. "My Girl" by The Temptations: That walking bassline and the "I've got sunshine" opening pull the room in before you've really started singing.
66. "I Got You Babe" by Sonny & Cher: Grab a partner and trade lines, because it's built for 2 voices leaning into each other.
67. "Bridge Over Troubled Water" by Simon & Garfunkel: Start it gentle and let the final verse swell, since that slow climb is the whole payoff.
68. "Le Freak" by Chic: The crowd yells "Freak out!" right along with you, so you're never carrying this one alone.
69. "Hound Dog" by Elvis Presley: Two minutes of pure strut, so lean into the swagger and have fun with it.
70. "Stayin' Alive" by Bee Gees: Those falsettos sit sky-high, so most people half-sing, half-dance their way through, and it works every time.
71. "Great Balls of Fire" by Jerry Lee Lewis: Fast, rowdy, and piano-driven, it's a jolt of energy when the room starts to drag.
72. "Brick House" by Commodores: Funky enough that the groove does the heavy lifting while you shout the title back.

1980s karaoke songs

73. "Never Gonna Give You Up" by Rick Astley: Everyone knows every word thanks to a decade of rickrolls, so expect instant backup singers.
74. "Sweet Child O' Mine" by Guns N' Roses: The opening riff gets the room going, then Axl's high notes give the brave a real test.
75. "Time After Time" by Cyndi Lauper: A soft, steady ballad that's kind to nervous first-timers.
76. "Don't You Want Me" by The Human League: Split the 2 parts and let the back-and-forth carry the song.
77. "Jessie's Girl" by Rick Springfield: Power-pop that rewards going all in on the chorus.
78. "It's Raining Men" by The Weather Girls: Big, campy, and best belted by a group with zero shame.
79. "Karma Chameleon" by Culture Club: The "karma, karma, karma" chorus is a guaranteed singalong for the whole table.
80. "Dancing in the Dark" by Bruce Springsteen: Steady and anthemic, it's an easy win for a mixed-age crowd.

1990s karaoke songs

81. "Zombie" by The Cranberries: Dolores O'Riordan's wail is a tough one to match, so put the feeling first and let the room hum the rest.
82. "...Baby One More Time" by Britney Spears: Those opening piano notes land and the room is already in.
83. "MMMBop" by Hanson: The fast "mmmbop" run is a tongue-twister, which is half the fun when a group tries it together.
84. "I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston: One of the hardest belts in karaoke, so warm up and save everything for that final chorus.
85. "Iris" by Goo Goo Dolls: A big, emotional anthem that a room loves to sing back at full volume.
86. "Semi-Charmed Life" by Third Eye Blind: Breeze through the fast verses and let everyone pile onto the "doot doot doot" hook.
87. "Buddy Holly" by Weezer: Upbeat and easy to shout along to, it keeps the energy high without much vocal strain.
88. "Under the Bridge" by Red Hot Chili Peppers: Save your voice for the "under the bridge downtown" outro, where the whole room piles in.
89. "Killing Me Softly" by Fugees: Lauryn Hill's cool delivery carries it, and the "one time, one time" ad-libs give everyone a part to shout.

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2000s karaoke songs

90. "Hey Ya!" by OutKast: "Shake it like a Polaroid picture" turns every performance into a dance-off.
91. "Toxic" by Britney Spears: The swooping strings and breathy hook make it a blast to overact.
92. "In Da Club" by 50 Cent: "Go, shorty, it's your birthday" is a guaranteed crowd shout, and even non-rappers can jump in.
93. "Crazy in Love" by Beyoncé: Those "uh oh, uh oh" horns kick it off, and the room handles the rest.
94. "Complicated" by Avril Lavigne: Early-2000s nostalgia that sits in a comfortable range for most singers.
95. "Hey There Delilah" by Plain White T's: Soft and conversational, it's a calm pick when the room needs a breather.
96. "You Belong with Me" by Taylor Swift: A sweet, singable chorus that a group will shout right back at you.
97. "Umbrella" by Rihanna: The "ella, ella, eh, eh, eh" echo is made for everyone to answer back.

2010s karaoke songs

98. "Uptown Funk" by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars: Impossible to sit still for, and the "don't believe me, just watch" calls get everyone shouting.
99. "Shake It Off" by Taylor Swift: Light, fast, and forgiving, with a chorus the room knows by heart.
100. "Somebody That I Used to Know" by Gotye: Grab a second singer for Kimbra’s part and play up the back-and-forth.
101. "Call Me Maybe" by Carly Rae Jepsen: Bouncy and bright, it's an instant mood-lifter for a flagging night.
102. "Thinking Out Loud" by Ed Sheeran: A slow-dance ballad that's easy to carry solo or share with a partner.
103. "Roar" by Katy Perry: Built for belting the chorus, so let the room roar it with you.
104. "Wrecking Ball" by Miley Cyrus: Go all in on the chorus and let those big notes carry the drama.
105. "Chandelier" by Sia: Nobody expects you to nail the high notes, so the whole room screams them together for the fun of it.

2020s karaoke songs

106. "good 4 u" by Olivia Rodrigo: Pure pop-punk energy, so shout the chorus and let it rip.
107. "Levitating" by Dua Lipa: Disco-pop that keeps the room dancing, with a chorus everyone picks up fast.
108. "Blinding Lights" by The Weeknd: One of the biggest songs of the decade, so the crowd is already humming the synth line.
109. "drivers license" by Olivia Rodrigo: Save your emotion for the bridge, where the song opens all the way up.
110. "Espresso" by Sabrina Carpenter: Breezy and catchy, with a hook that sticks after one listen.
111. "Anti-Hero" by Taylor Swift: "It's me, hi, I'm the problem, it's me" is a group sing-along waiting to happen.
112. "As It Was" by Harry Styles: Upbeat on the surface, easy to sing, and familiar enough for any crowd to join.
113. "That's So True" by Gracie Abrams: A recent favorite with a chorus a younger crowd will belt without prompting.

Karaoke songs for a group of 4

Some songs are built for one voice. These work better split across a small group.

114. "We Are the Champions" by Queen: Assign who takes the verses so it doesn't turn into everyone talking over each other.
115. "Bye Bye Bye" by NSYNC: The harmonies split across parts, so know who's covering which line.
116. "Shout" by The Isley Brothers: Built for a group to trade the "a little bit softer now" build together.
117. "Mambo No. 5" by Lou Bega: The name-listing section moves fast, so know the order.
118. "9 to 5" by Dolly Parton: The verses are wordy, so keep them crisp between singers.
119. "Build Me Up Buttercup" by The Foundations: Works best as call-and-response, not solo lines.
120. "Paradise by the Dashboard Light" by Meat Loaf: A multi-part rock opera built for trading verses between singers.
121. "We Don't Talk About Bruno" from Encanto: Built for a crowd of characters, so the more voices, the better.
122. "American Boy" by Estelle ft. Kanye West: Works best screamed into the mic.

For more ideas built specifically for a group night, these party games pair well with a karaoke set.

Weekend keeps the mic warm after the last chorus

Picking the best karaoke songs can help, but so does what happens between turns. Weekend's Karaoke runs on Roku, scores your pitch and your lyrics in real time, and gives every performance a number to beat. It's all available on Roku, Fire TV, Samsung, and LG.

Here's a look at the rest of Weekend's lineup:

• Song Quiz plays short clips across decades and genres, and whoever shouts the song and artist first wins the round.
• Jeopardy! gives trivia fans a fresh challenge once the singing winds down. Choose Casual, Classic, or Expert.
• Wheel of Fortune lets you spin the wheel, call letters, and solve the board before your opponents do.
• Spot On challenges the room to drop a pin on a 3D globe to match a clue.
• Sketchy AF reveals a drawing stroke by stroke while everyone shouts guesses before the pencil finishes.
• Guess the Emoji gives visual-puzzle fans fast clues to decode.
• Meme Supreme has everyone match a meme to an absurd prompt, then vote anonymously for the best one.
• Wit's End drops your whole crew into a chaotically fun make-it-up-as-you-go fantasy adventure where you invent wild heroes and the story goes wherever the room takes it.
• CoComelon: Sing & Play with JJ gives kids ages 2 to 4 familiar songs and sing-along mini-games.

If the room needs a break from singing before it's ready for trivia, these music trivia questions work well as a warm-up. 

FAQs

What is the most popular karaoke song?

"Sweet Caroline" by Neil Diamond is the most popular karaoke song in the U.S. It works because almost nobody needs the lyrics on screen, and the "so good, so good, so good" callback gets the whole crowd involved.

What is the best karaoke song of all time?

There's no single answer everyone agrees on, but "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen and "Sweet Caroline" by Neil Diamond are the 2 most consistently named as the best karaoke songs of all time across staff lists and karaoke host polls.

What are good karaoke songs for beginners?

Good karaoke songs for a beginner stay in a narrow vocal range and lean on a familiar chorus. "Jolene," "Torn," and "Take Me Home, Country Roads" all work if you’re a beginner trying karaoke.

What is the easiest song to sing at karaoke?

"Stand by Me" and "Take Me Home, Country Roads" are consistently ranked among the easiest karaoke songs because they sit in a narrow, comfortable range and don't demand much vocal control.

Can I do karaoke on my TV at home?

Yes, Weekend's Karaoke runs on Roku. Search "Weekend Games" in your Roku app store, start a 7-day free trial, and use your phone or remote as the mic while the game scores your pitch and lyrics.