The 52 Best Karaoke Songs That Will Win Over the Crowd

Karaoke: The word alone can evoke a wave of excitement for music enthusiasts and partygoers alike. It's just such an enticing moment when the stage beckons, the spotlight shines and you step up to the microphone, ready to blow the audience away with a lineup of the best karaoke songs.

Seriously, the thing that makes a karaoke night unforgettable is your song choice. Picking good karaoke songs can make or break a performance — which is why our editors have compiled a list of the 45 best karaoke songs of all time.

From heart-wrenching ballads that tug at the heartstrings to high-energy anthems that make you feel invincible, there are fun karaoke songs from all kinds of genres to choose from. So, whether you're heading to a karaoke bar with friends, planning a sing-along bach party, setting up a karaoke machine at your wedding or thinking of hitting the stage as an exciting proposal idea, use this curated guide of top karaoke tracks to steal the spotlight and win over the crowd. Bonus: Give these popular songs a listen with our Best Karaoke Songs playlist on Spotify.

"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 back in 1993. Its existential undertones allow singers to put some real personality into it, which makes for some pretty 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"

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Pretty much any song by Britney Spears will have the crowd singing along with you, so you might want to go this route if riling up the audience is your number one goal at karaoke.

"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"

When it comes to easy karaoke songs, Sara Bareilles' "Love Song" takes the cake. If you're looking for something that won't require a ton of vocal range, this one's a great pick.

"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"

You'll have most of the audience singing along with you to "Mr. Brightside," the record-breaking track that every fan of The Killers knows and loves.

"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"

Throw it back to 2002 with this fun pop song 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 pop song is sure to keep the good times rolling at your next karaoke rendezvous. But when it comes down to it, just about any Bruno Mars track will prove to be a fun karaoke song — so take your pick!

"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"

When it comes to the top karaoke songs to sing, Bon Jovi's "Livin' on a Prayer" is a great 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 karaoke track from the 80s is sure to be a crowd pleaser. It has a very simple chorus the audience can easily sing along to, even if they don't know the song very well.

"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"

If edgy pop songs are your thing, look no further than Kelly Clarkson's "Since U Been Gone."

"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 — so keep that in mind if you select this song to sing at karaoke.

"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"

This playful karaoke track will make the audience howl, especially if you go all in and 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"

Lean into early 2000s nostalgia with Natasha Bedingfield's "Unwritten." You'll be surprised at how many audience members know the lyrics to this uplifting karaoke tune!

"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"

Turn up the intensity and get real sappy with an emotionally-charged karaoke rendition of "Someone Like You." Be ready to belt your heart out, because anything short of a passionate performance simply won't do when it comes to singing Adele songs.

"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 ultra fun karaoke song will make the crowd go wild, especially if you've got an audience willing to hit the dance floor for your performance.

"Back to Black," Amy Winehouse

Lyrics you'll love: "We only said goodbye with words/I died a hundred times"

Channel those soulful vocals of yours and unleash a sultry performance with "Back to Black" by Amy Winehouse.

"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)"

"Hey Ya" is definitely a popular karaoke song, but it's best suited for a singer who knows the ins and outs of the song. While the chorus is very simple, there are a ton of unique moments throughout the verses that require a certain level of mastery to nail.

"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"

This Rihanna song is an easy karaoke song to pull off, whatever your vocal range may be. If you haven't already watched it, check out Tom Holland's lip syncing battle to give you some pre-performance inspiration. Trust us, it's worth the watch.

"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"

We have no doubt that you and your karaoke squad have been around this track a few times, so why not add it to your karaoke lineup?

"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?'"

Every Harry Styles fan in the room will thank you personally if you decide to hit the stage with this popular pop 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"

This could be a great karaoke song to sing solo, but it would also be a fabulous group karaoke song to sing — especially if y'all have the musical ability to harmonize.

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"It's Raining Men" The Weather Girls

Lyrics you'll love: "It's raining men, hallelujah, it's raining men, amen/I'm gonna go out to run and let myself get/Absolutely soaking wet"

With straightforward lyrics and a nostalgic energy, "It's Raining Men" will undoubtedly be a crowd pleaser that'll get your pals on their feet singing along with you.

"Shake It Off," Taylor Swift

Lyrics you'll love: "'Cause the players gonna play, play, play, play, play/And the haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate/Baby, I'm just gonna shake, shake, shake, shake, shake/I shake it off, I shake it off"

All the Swifties in the room will appreciate you if you bust out this popular Taylor Swift song at your next karaoke party. With a repetitive chorus and simple lyrics, it's definitely one of Taylor Swift's easy karaoke songs to sing. P.S. You'll want to quote one of these Taylor Swift lyrics in the caption of your performance IG post.

"Wannabe," Spice Girls

Lyrics you'll love: "If you wanna be my lover/You gotta get with my friends (Gotta get with my friends)/Make it last forever, friendship never ends"

What's a karaoke night without at least one song by the Spice Girls? "Wannabe" has proved to be a fan favorite time and time again, so grab your squad and sing this song together as a group.

"Bohemian Rhapsody," Queen

Lyrics you'll love: "Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy?/Caught in a landslide, no escape from reality"

You'll need an impressive vocal range and some pretty serious stamina to pull this classic Queen song off — but it'll make the crowd go wild if you've got the musical ability.

"Sweet Caroline," Neil Diamond

Lyrics you'll love: "Sweet Caroline/Good times never seemed so good/I've been inclined/To believe they never would"

With simple lyrics and a happy-go-lucky vibe, "Sweet Caroline" never disappoints at karaoke nights.

"Dancing Queen," ABBA

Lyrics you'll love: "Friday night and the lights are low/Looking out for a place to go/Where they play the right music"

If it's Friday night and the lights are low… Well, you're basically obligated to sing one of the best Abba karaoke songs of all time.

"Don't Stop Me Now," Queen

Lyrics you'll love: "I'm burning through the sky, yeah/Two hundred degrees, that's why they call me Mister Fahrenheit/I'm traveling at the speed of light/I wanna make a supersonic man outta you"

This super catchy and upbeat Queen song is guaranteed to be a hit at karaoke night — especially if you aren't afraid to incorporate some showmanship into your karaoke performance.

"Teenage Dirtbag," Wheatus

Lyrics you'll love: "'Cause I'm just a teenage dirtbag, baby/Yeah, I'm just a teenage dirtbag, baby/Listen to Iron Maiden, baby, with me, ooh"

If you're looking for easy karaoke songs, "Teenage Dirtbag" is a great place to start. It doesn't require a ton of vocal range or performative energy, so if you're a beginner, try this one out for size.

"Lose Yourself," Eminem

Lyrics you'll love: "You better lose yourself in the music/The moment, you own it, you better never let it go (Go)/You only get one shot, do not miss your chance to blow/This opportunity comes once in a lifetime, yo"

If singing isn't necessarily your thing, but you still want to participate, try rapping instead. This classic Eminem song should do the trick when it comes to keeping the crowd engaged!

"I Will Survive," Gloria Gaynor

Lyrics you'll love: "Go on now, go, walk out the door/Just turn around now/'Cause you're not welcome anymore/Weren't you the one who tried to hurt me with goodbye?"

When it comes to good karaoke songs, "I Will Survive" is definitely at the top. If dramatic performances are your thing, this is the song for you.

"All Star," Smash Mouth

Lyrics you'll love: "Well, the years start coming/And they don't stop coming/Fed to the rules and I hit the ground running"

Calling all Shrek fans — here's a fun karaoke song that'll make the audience scream-sing along with you.

"Hotel California," Eagles

Lyrics you'll love: "Welcome to the Hotel California/Such a lovely place (such a lovely place)/Such a lovely face"

For a classic rock tune that'll throw it back to the late 70s, "Hotel California" is an excellent choice. It's easy to sing and most of your audience should be able to sing along to it, too.

"Beautiful," Christina Aguilera

Lyrics you'll love: "I am beautiful no matter what they say/Words can't bring me down/I am beautiful in every single way"

Prepare your pipes for an emotional karaoke performance of "Beautiful" by Christina Aguilera. This one isn't for the light of heart, so keep that in mind when selecting it.

"Piano Man," Billy Joel

Lyrics you'll love: "He says, 'Son can you play me a memory?/I'm not really sure how it goes/But it's sad and it's sweet and I knew it complete/When I wore a younger man's clothes'"

This popular karaoke song has a catchy melody and a sing-along chorus, making it fun to sing for both experienced and novice karaoke performers.

"Stand by Me," Ben E. King

Lyrics you'll love: "When the night, has come/And the land is dark/And the moon, is the only, light we'll see/No I won't, be afraid"

When it comes to the best karaoke songs that'll tug on the crowd's heartstrings, look no further than "Stand by Me" by Ben E. King.

"Eye of the Tiger," Survivor

Lyrics you'll love: "It's the eye of the tiger/It's the thrill of the fight/Rising up to the challenge of our rival"

Whether you re-enact Jensen Ackle's hilarious lip syncing performance of this song or not, you're guaranteed to ignite some cheers from the crowd with this classic karaoke song.

"Purple Rain," Prince

Lyrics you'll love: "I only wanted to see you/Laughing in the purple rain"

If you need a break between high-energy, fun karaoke songs, "Purple Rain" is the perfect song to sing while the audience re-ups their beverages and takes a moment to socialize with one another.

"Take Me to Church," Hozier

Lyrics you'll love: "Take me to church/I'll worship like a dog at the shrine of your lies/I'll tell you my sins and you can sharpen your knife"

Get ready to tap into your most emotive vocals with this popular Hozier song — it'll require some serious lung power, so keep that in mind when adding this to your list of karaoke tracks.

"Born to Be Wild," Steppenwolf

Lyrics you'll love: "I like smoke and lightnin'/Heavy metal thunder/Racing with the wind/And the feeling that I'm under"

For the best karaoke songs in the hard rock genre, look no further than Steppenwolf's timeless "Born to Be Wild." It's a classic rock anthem that's instantly recognizable and loved by many.

"I Want it That Way," Backstreet Boys

Lyrics you'll love: "You are my fire/The one desire/Believe when I say/I want it that way"

Kick it back to 1999 with this Backstreet Boys classic. It's the perfect karaoke track for the end of the night, when things are winding down and everyone's had a few beverages.

"Thinking Out Loud," Ed Sheeran

Lyrics you'll love: "So honey now/Take me into your loving arms/Kiss me under the light of a thousand stars/Place your head on my beating heart"

If you've got a special someone in the crowd, get up on stage and dedicate this cute love song to them — the audience will eat it up!

"Hallelujah," Leonard Cohen

Lyrics you'll love: "Your faith was strong but you needed proof/You saw her bathing on the roof/Her beauty and the moonlight overthrew her"

Tap into Leonard Cohen's gorgeous melancholia with this song — the whole crowd will be singing along with you before the song ends.

"Let It Go," Idina Menzel

Lyrics you'll love: "Let it go, let it go/Can't hold it back anymore/Let it go, let it go/Turn away and slam the door"

Calling all Frozen fans! When it comes to easy karaoke songs that'll go over well with disney fans, look no further than this heartfelt track.

"No Scrubs," TLC

Lyrics you'll love: "No, I don't want no scrub/A scrub is a guy that can't get no love from me/Hangin' out the passenger side/Of his best friend's ride/Trying to holla at me"

For an R&B classic that'll keep your audience entertained, "No Scrubs" by TLC is the perfect choice. Don't be afraid to pump up the theatrics and give it some attitude — the crowd will appreciate it.

"I Want to Hold Your Hand," The Beatles

Lyrics you'll love: "Oh, yeah, I'll tell you somethin'/I think you'll understand/When I say that somethin'/I want to hold your hand"

When it comes to fun and easy karaoke songs, this one's a good tune to start with. Plus, karaoke night isn't complete without at least one track by The Beatles.

"Summer Nights," John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John

Lyrics you'll love: "He got friendly, holding my hand / Well, she got friendly down in the sand / He was sweet, just turned eighteen / Well, she was good, you know what I mean"

For couples looking to sing together on a summer night, this popular Karaoke song from Grease is pretty hot until things cool considerably at the end. P.S. For more song ideas for two, check out The Best Duet Karaoke Songs to Sing Your Hearts Out.

"Love Shack," B52s

Lyrics you'll love: "Huggin' and a-kissin', dancin' and a-lovin'/Wearin' next to nothing 'cause it's hot as an oven/The whole shack shimmies/Yeah the whole shack shimmies"

Bring some 80s energy to the room with this group song idea that doesn't demand vocal perfection to sound pleasing and fun.

"I Wanna Dance With Somebody," Whitney Houston

Lyrics you'll love: "I need a man who'll take the chance/On a love that burns hot enough to last/So when the night falls/My lonely heart calls"

It's always exciting when someone shows off their singing chops by choosing a Whitney Houston karaoke song. If you're not up for a difficult melody, this is one of her easier upbeat songs.

"Don't Stop Believin'," Journey

Lyrics you'll love: "Just a small town girl/Livin' in a lonely world/She took the midnight train going anywhere/Just a city boy/Born and raised in South Detroit/He took the midnight train going anywhere"

When you step on stage and the soundtrack for "Don't Stop Believin" by Journey starts, this crowd-pleaser will have everyone belting out the lyrics along with you making you feel like a true rockstar!

"Call Me Maybe," Carly Rae Jepsen

Lyrics you'll love: "Hey, I just met you/And this is crazy/But here's my number/So call me, maybe?"

This is a good karaoke song for the performer to catch the attention of someone special in the room.

"Flowers," Miley Cyrus

Lyrics you'll love: "I can buy myself flowers/Write my name in the sand/Talk to myself for hours/Say things you don't understand/I can take myself dancing /And I can hold my own hand/Yeah, I can love me better than you can"

One of the top songs of 2023 deserves a spot on this list. The single person's anthem, "Flowers" by Miley Cyrus, is the perfect song for a Karaoke night with the single ladies.

"HOT TO GO," by Chappell Roan

Lyrics you'll love: "H-O-T-T-O-G-O, snap and clap and touch your toes / Raise your hands, now body roll, dance it out, you're hot to go / H-O-T-T-O-G-O, snap and clap and touch your toes / Raise your hands, now body roll, H-O-T-T-O-G-O"

This fun new song from Chappell Roan's debut album is gaining popularity at karaoke bars this year. Your performance can include the accompanying dance moves made famous by the artist on her latest tour and influencers on TikTok—like YMCA, but sexier!

The Knot's Best Karaoke Songs Playlist

Whether you're driving in the car or singing in the shower, get some performance practice with our playlist of these popular karaoke songs on Spotify.

Diane Hall contributed to the reporting of this article.