40 of the Best Karaoke Songs to Pump Up the Party

Ready to rule the stage with a killer karaoke song? Whether you're a seasoned performer or a shower-singing enthusiast, we’ve compiled a no-fail list of the best karaoke songs to unleash your inner diva.

Dynamic duets

1. "Islands in the Stream" by Dolly Parton & Kenny Rogers

A country-pop classic that's easy to sing along to. This song was written by the Bee Gees and became a hit for Dolly and Kenny in 1983.

2. "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" by Elton John & Kiki Dee

A playful and catchy karaoke duet that's perfect for friends or couples. Elton John's first U.K. No.1 hit is a joyful performance that's accessible to most singers.

3. "I Got You Babe" by Sonny & Cher

A timeless love song that's all about connection and partnership. Sonny & Cher's signature song, it's a favorite for couples looking to express their love.

4. "Summer Nights" by Grease

A fun and flirty duet from the musical Grease. The lyrics capture the excitement of summer romance with just the right amount of camp.

5. "Up Where We Belong" by Joe Cocker & Jennifer Warnes

An emotional tour de force that's all about love and triumph. Featured in the film An Officer and a Gentleman, this song won the Academy Award for Best Original Song.

Broadway belters

6. "Defying Gravity" from Wicked

A show-stopping anthem from the musical Wicked and a great karaoke song for flexing your powerful pipes. This song is all about breaking free and embracing your true self, making it a favorite in the LGBTQ community.

7. "Memory" from Cats

A hauntingly beautiful song that encapsulates the heart-wrenching experience of dwelling on times gone by while anxiously awaiting a new, uncertain beginning. Also, it’s sung by a MILFy cat; what’s not to love?

8. "Seasons of Love" from Rent

A joyful and uplifting ensemble piece from Rent. The message of love and community will resonate with any crowd. What better way to spend three of your 525,600 minutes?

9. "I Dreamed a Dream" from Les Misérables

A powerful and emotional ballad from Les Misérables, perfect for when you’re in your feels. This song's heartbreaking story and beautiful melody will surely have everyone crying in the club.

10. "The Impossible Dream" from Man of La Mancha

You have an epic journey ahead of you that can only be processed through song. The unlikely goal of your quest? Getting the bartender’s attention. Maybe you can shout out your order after you finish this inspiring and uplifting song from Man of La Mancha.

Romantic tear-jerkers

11. "At Last" by Etta James

A timeless love song that's perfect for weddings and anniversaries. Take inspiration from Etta James's soulful performance to knock your lover off their feet.

12. "Can't Help Falling In Love" by Elvis Presley

This beautiful and tender love ballad by the king of rock 'n' roll is one of the most popular karaoke songs of all time. Ideal for gently serenading your partner (or showing the bar’s single studs what you have to offer).

13. "All of Me" by John Legend

A modern love song that's all about acceptance and devotion. Don’t worry if you scuff some of the notes; those are just your perfect imperfections.

14. "Your Song" by Elton John

This song’s charm comes from its humble-yet-heartfelt lyrics. It’s sure to get everyone a little teary-eyed.

15. "The Way You Look Tonight" by Frank Sinatra

A classic love song that celebrates beauty and romance. Frank Sinatra's smooth vocals make this an ideal tune to sweep someone off their feet.

Inspiring upbeat tunes

16. "Dancing Queen" by ABBA

A favorite karaoke song of disco lovers everywhere, this song is all about joy and celebration. Perfect for dancing and singing along, it’s beloved among the LGBTQ community.

17. "Respect" by Aretha Franklin

A feminist anthem that's all about empowerment and self-respect. Aretha Franklin's powerful vocals make this a challenge, but it’s sure to earn you the respect of your audience.

18. "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" by Cyndi Lauper

Sing this song to tell the world you’re just here for a good time. Cyndi Lauper’s iconic tune is a playful and energetic ode to self-expression and joy.

19. "I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor

This disco classic is all about resilience and empowerment, making it one of the top karaoke songs for the recently single. And if your enthusiasm outpaces your vocal range, you can always do the Cake version.

20. "Man! I Feel Like A Woman!" by Shania Twain

A country-pop hit that's all about embracing femininity and having fun. This song feels like it was tailor-made for the fiercest of drag performances.

Classic favorites

21. "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen

Hot take alert: This is not a good karaoke song if you want to deliver an impressive performance. With all the overlapping vocal parts, you would need to recruit a softball team’s worth of guys to nail it. But it’s a fun karaoke song... and that’s all that matters!

22. "Proud Mary" by Tina Turner

Let loose with this soulful and energetic anthem of the working class. There’s no better catharsis if you’re hitting the bar after a long shift.

23. "I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)" by Whitney Houston

One of the most iconic songs of all time. Just make sure you have those Whitney Houston vocal chops before you get going, or you might end up dancing alone.

24. "Believe" by Cher

You’ve heard this song a million times at the club; now you get to make it your own. Unfortunately, the autotune doesn’t come included.

25. "It's Raining Men" by The Weather Girls

It’s the perfect storm—a perennial favorite among the girls and the gays. You’re sure to be showered with compliments after you perform, so bring your umbrella!

Pop icons

26. "Firework" by Katy Perry

A pop hit with lyrics celebrating self-confidence and inner strength. It's perfect for those nights when you feel like a plastic bag.

27. "Call Me Maybe" by Carly Rae Jepsen

A catchy and flirtatious song that's brimming with early 2010s nostalgia. Before it came into our lives, we missed it so bad.

28. "Blinding Lights" by The Weeknd

This synth-pop hit is perfect for dancing and singing along. Like everything The Weeknd puts out, it’s just the right mix of horny and more horny. Hopefully, your listeners will take the hint.

29. "Bad Romance" by Lady Gaga

A pop masterpiece that conflates love and obsession. Lady Gaga must have been a bartender in a previous life because she is constantly serving.

30. "Super Bass" by Nicki Minaj

Show everyone what that motormouth can do with this rapid-fire hip-hop hit. Maybe you don’t know every word, but that’s nothing a little booty shaking can’t solve. When in doubt, twerk it out.

LGBTQ+ anthems

31. "Born This Way" by Lady Gaga

Don’t be a drag; just be a queen with this empowering anthem that celebrates individuality and self-acceptance.

32. "Take Me to Church" by Hozier

Who says religious trauma can’t be sexy? Hozier knows how to make a scathing cultural critique sound sultry and seductive.

33. “Y.M.C.A.” by Village People

Despite its frequent usage as a family-friendly dance at sporting events, this song is an ode to cruising, plain and simple. Never underestimate the naïveté of straight people.

34. "MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)" by Lil Nas X

A raunchy hip-hop hit from gay icon Lil Nas X that calls for self-expression and acceptance. It’s the perfect pride song for when you want to get a little dirty.

Movers and shakers

35. "Levitating" by Dua Lipa

A disco-inspired hit that's perfect for dancing and singing along. Plus, it was a TikTok hit, so you can show all the baby gays you’re still hip and with it.

36. "Uptown Funk" by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars

A funk-pop hit that oozes pure charm. The instrumental is electric, and the energetic vocals provide plenty of opportunities to cut loose.

37. "Shut Up and Dance" by WALK THE MOON

The name says it all; there’s no better song for getting everyone out on the floor.

High-energy hits

38. "Good as Hell" by Lizzo

A soulful and empowering song that's all about self-love and confidence. We dare you to sing through it without getting a smile on your face.

39. "Roar" by Katy Perry

Sing it, tiger. This is a song you can really sink your teeth into. Just make sure you warm up first, or else everyone will think a cat got your tongue.

40. "Shake It Off" by Taylor Swift

A playful and energetic song about letting loose and having fun. Don’t let those haters get you down; you’re a karaoke killer.