Going out and enjoying a karaoke session has long been an entertaining activity to do with friends and family, but belting out your fave karaoke songs has become even more popular thanks to the likes of TikTok and Instagram.
In fact, searches for ‘karaoke bars near me open now’ have increased by 350% in the last 12 months, showing just how popular it’s become.
If you’re planning on doing some karaoke soon, you might want to pick out your chosen playlist in advance, but what are the best karaoke songs? Searches for ‘karaoke songs to impress’ has increased of 180% in the last 12 months, so it’s not just on our minds!
When you step up to the karaoke mic, make sure you’ve got a rocking repertoire ready to go – and to make sure you have more time to practice hitting your high notes, we’ve done the research for you.
Discover our deep dive into all things karaoke – from the UK’s fave singalong hits to karaoke favourites based on your star sign, the top 10 karaoke bars in the UK, and tips on how to be more confident when performing. Get your vocal cords warmed up and your cheesiest dance moves ready to go, because, we’re here to help you become a karaoke superstar.
The UK’s favourite karaoke songs
Ready to discover the best sing-along songs? Let’s get going! Taking the top spot is the absolute belt-it-out classic that is Summer of ’69 by Bryan Adams. Given that it’s remained a popular song after pretty much four decades, we’d say the score is well-deserved.
Just behind in second place is a song that any 90s kid could sing in their sleep – the girl power megahit Wannabe by the Spice Girls. A go-to team karaoke song, it’s not much of a surprise that it’s found a home so high on the list.
Next up in third place is Mr. Brightside by The Killers, a song that remains timeless given that it came out nearly 20 years ago (yes, that surprised us too!). With the Killer’s distinctive glam-rock style, clever lyrics and catchy melody, it’s become a classic end-of-the-night floorfiller – and who doesn’t love closing out a karaoke session with a crowd-pleaser?
Want some tracks to add to your karaoke playlist? Here are some of the best karaoke songs for you to try!
| Ranking | Title | Artist | Score |
| 1 | Summer of ‘69 | Bryan Adams | 20 |
| 2 | Wannabe | Spice Girls | 14 |
| 3 | Mr. Brightside | The Killers | 12 |
| 3 | Call Me Maybe | Carly Rae Jepsen | 12 |
| 4 | Angels | Robbie Williams | 11 |
| 4 | Valerie | Mark Ronson (feat. Amy Winehouse) | 11 |
| 5 | Don’t Stop Believin’ | Journey | 10 |
Top karaoke songs based on your star sign
Feel as though you’ve been destined for the limelight from the moment you were born? Well, we spoke with astrologer Inbaal Hongiman to find out karaoke favourites are based on your star sign.
Aries (21st March – 19th April)
One of the fieriest signs, an Aries is likely to love things a little bit loud. They favour music that rattles their teeth and moves their feet from a mile away.
Genre – Punk
Taurus (20th April – 20th May)
Calm and peaceful, a Taurus likes a pleasant atmosphere. That’s why they prefer music that allows them to sink into a book next to an open window.
Genre – Classical
Gemini (21st May – 20th June)
Fun and communicative Geminis are likely to enjoy wordy songs. So, basically, their karaoke go-to is anything that invites them to sing along and enjoy every word.
Genre – Hip hop
Cancer (21st June – 22nd July)
Cancers are indoorsy and loving, and these summer babies adore a bit of vintage. Their karaoke song choices remind them of days gone by and transport them into their favourite memories.
Genre – R&B
Leo (23rd July – 22nd August)
Proud and majestic, those born under the sign of the lion love the feeling of power. They go for music which puts them in mind of greatness and look up to performers who broke the mould.
Genre – Soul
Virgo (23rd August – 22nd September)
Virgos are often neat, organised, and appreciative of the little details – they’re likely to enjoy rhyming lyrics and uncomplicated beats in their karaoke song. For Virgos, music is viewed as a happy addition to their many other activities such as sports and trainspotting.
Genre – Easy listening
Libra (23rd September – 22nd October)
Libra signs are creative and elegant types – unsurprisingly, they appreciate a balance in all things, and love the creativity of a singer-songwriter that plays their own instrument.
Genre – Folk
Scorpio (23rd October – 21st November)
Mysterious, individualistic and unpredictable Scorpios love experimental fashions. They’re drawn towards music that is as unique as they are.
Genre – Alternative rock
Sagittarius (22nd November – 21st December)
Free-spirited and enthusiastic, those born under the sign of the archer enjoy a wide variety of musical experiences. They love anything that reminds them of their holidays and would always get the party started at karaoke.
Genre – Dance
Capricorn (22nd December – 19th January)
A typical Capricorn can be high-minded and cultured – they’re sure to appreciate original creative arts. They favour music that can entertain and has a crowd hooked.
Genre – Musical theatre
Aquarius (20th January – 18th February)
Witty and optimistic, an Aquarius loves to listen. They favour sounds and words that have deeper meanings and can cause social change.
Genre – Alternative pop
Pisces (19th February – 20th March)
Romantic and warm, soft-hearted Pisceans are mostly into love songs. They enjoy a track that tugs at the heartstrings, and would perform an emotional closing number at a karaoke party!
Genre – Ballads
Top karaoke performance tips
To help you put on the best karaoke performance for your crowd, Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK star, Divina De Campo, reveals her five top tips on bossing karaoke:
Don’t be nervous – you’re not there to be a West-End-Wendy!
Davina says: “Remember that everyone in the room wants you to do well, and you’re all there to just have a good time! You’re not there to be a West-End-Wendy.”
Remember – WWADQD?
Davina says: “What would a Drag Queen do? She’d put her shoulders back, tip her head up, and GO for it! The more you use your body language, the more you’ll relax into it. There’s been plenty of girls on Drag Race who can’t sing for toffee, and they put on a great show!”
Body language
Davina says: “While you’re singing, put your hands in the air, stamp your feet, and jump around! The crowd will love that you’re having the best time, and it’ll make them have a great time too. Have fun with it!”
Make the audience love you by loving them first
Davina says: “While you’re performing, listen to what the crowd are doing and respond. If they sing some backing vocals for you, point the mic out to them and get them involved! Make the audience love you by loving them first.”
ALWAYS pick a song you like, and know well
Davina says: “Even if the lyrics are on a screen with you, you’ll feel more confident picking a song you love and know well. You’ll be able to perform better if you know what words are coming next!”
Whether you’re heading out for karaoke to celebrate someone’s upcoming birthday or even a hen or stag do, don’t forget to pick up a birthday card or wedding card to give them.
Methodology:
Data pulled from Playlist Miner based on the phrase ‘Karaoke UK’ for the top 30 UK karaoke songs.
