Karaoke has been a popular form of entertainment for decades, allowing people to sing their favorite songs in front of an audience. While karaoke is enjoyed by both men and women, finding the perfect song to showcase your vocals can be a challenge. Women, in particular, may struggle to find songs that suit their voice and style. In this article, we will explore some of the best karaoke songs for women.
Whether you prefer power ballads, dance-pop hits, or soulful ballads, there is a karaoke song for every woman. From classic hits by iconic female artists like Whitney Houston and Aretha Franklin to modern chart-toppers by the likes of Beyoncé and Adele, the selection of karaoke songs for women is endless. We will also discuss some lesser-known gems that are sure to impress your audience.
In addition to helping women find the perfect karaoke song, this article will also provide tips on how to prepare for a karaoke performance. From warming up your voice to choosing the right key, there are several things you can do to ensure you deliver a memorable and impressive performance.
So, whether you are a seasoned karaoke pro or a first-time performer, this article is for you. Get ready to belt out your favorite tunes and impress your audience with these top karaoke songs for women.
1. ‘9 to 5’ – Dolly Parton
‘9 to 5’ is a classic country-pop song by American singer and songwriter Dolly Parton. The song was written for the 1980 comedy film of the same name, in which Parton starred. The upbeat and catchy tune is about the daily grind of working a 9-to-5 job, with lyrics that express the frustrations of the daily routine and a desire for something more. Parton’s signature twangy vocals are accompanied by a driving beat, funky bassline, and playful synthesizers. ‘9 to 5’ became a massive hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning Parton an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song.
2. ‘It’s Raining Men’ – The Weather Girls
‘It’s Raining Men’ is a fun and upbeat disco-pop song originally recorded by The Weather Girls in 1982. The song celebrates the idea of men falling from the sky like rain, and features the group’s powerful vocals over a funky bassline and energetic horns. The catchy chorus and danceable beat quickly made the song a party favorite and an anthem for female empowerment. ‘It’s Raining Men’ became an instant hit, reaching number 46 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and charting in several other countries. The song has since become a beloved classic and a staple of karaoke and dance parties.
3. ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart’ – Bonnie Tyler
‘Total Eclipse of the Heart’ is a power ballad by Welsh singer Bonnie Tyler, released in 1983. The song’s haunting melody and emotional lyrics are complemented by Tyler’s signature raspy voice, which adds to the drama and intensity of the song. The lyrics describe the pain of heartbreak and the longing for a lost love, while the powerful chorus, with its soaring vocals and grand instrumentation, creates a sense of epic romance. The song was a massive commercial success, reaching number one on the charts in several countries, and remains one of Tyler’s most iconic and enduring hits.
4. ‘Roar’ – Katy Perry
‘Roar’ is a pop anthem by American singer Katy Perry, released in 2013. The song features a catchy beat, uplifting lyrics, and Perry’s powerful vocals, which convey a sense of strength and resilience. The song’s lyrics encourage listeners to find their voice and stand up for themselves, with lines like “I got the eye of the tiger, a fighter, dancing through the fire”. The song became a massive commercial success, reaching number one on the charts in several countries, and remains one of Perry’s most popular and inspiring songs. Its positive message and empowering tone have made it a favorite of fans of all ages.
5. ‘You’re So Vain’ – Carly Simon
‘You’re So Vain’ is a classic pop-rock song by American singer-songwriter Carly Simon, released in 1972. The song features a catchy piano riff, a driving beat, and Simon’s distinctive vocals, which convey a mix of sarcasm and longing. The song’s lyrics are directed at a self-absorbed ex-lover, with lines like “You’re so vain, you probably think this song is about you”. The song became an instant hit, reaching number one on the charts in several countries, and has since become a beloved classic and a staple of pop culture. The identity of the subject of the song remains a topic of speculation and debate.
6. ‘I Will Survive’ – Gloria Gaynor
‘I Will Survive’ is a disco classic by American singer Gloria Gaynor, released in 1978. The song features a funky bassline, a catchy chorus, and Gaynor’s powerful vocals, which convey a sense of defiance and strength. The song’s lyrics describe a woman’s determination to move on from a failed relationship and to thrive despite the pain of heartbreak, with lines like “I will survive, as long as I know how to love, I know I’ll stay alive”. The song became an instant hit, reaching number one on the charts in several countries, and remains a beloved anthem of empowerment and resilience.
7. ‘Complicated’ – Avril Lavigne
‘Complicated’ is a pop-rock song by Canadian singer-songwriter Avril Lavigne, released in 2002. The song features a driving guitar riff, a catchy melody, and Lavigne’s signature punk-pop vocals. The song’s lyrics express frustration with the superficiality of modern society and the desire for simplicity and authenticity, with lines like “Why’d you have to go and make things so complicated?” The song became an instant hit, reaching the top of the charts in several countries, and established Lavigne as a major force in the world of pop music. Its relatable lyrics and infectious energy have made it a favorite of fans of all ages.
8. ‘Mamma Mia’ – Abba
‘Mamma Mia’ is an upbeat and infectious pop song by Swedish group ABBA, released in 1975. The song features catchy melodies, lively instrumentation, and the signature harmonies of the group’s two female vocalists. The song’s lyrics describe a woman’s love and confusion in the face of a passionate relationship, with lines like “Mamma mia, here I go again, my my, how can I resist you?” The song became an instant hit, reaching the top of the charts in several countries, and has since become a beloved classic and a staple of karaoke and dance parties. Its timeless appeal and irresistible charm have made it a favorite of fans of all ages.
9. ‘What’s Love Got To Do With It’ – Tina Turner
‘What’s Love Got to Do with It’ is a pop-rock song by American singer Tina Turner, released in 1984. The song features a memorable guitar riff, a catchy beat, and Turner’s powerful vocals, which convey a sense of independence and self-confidence. The song’s lyrics express skepticism towards the idea of love and commitment, with lines like “What’s love but a second-hand emotion?” The song became an instant hit, reaching number one on the charts in several countries, and established Turner as a major force in the world of music. Its energetic vibe and empowering message have made it a favorite of fans of all ages.
10. ‘I’m Every Woman’ – Chaka Khan
‘I’m Every Woman’ is a funky and uplifting disco anthem by American singer Chaka Khan, released in 1978. The song features an infectious rhythm, soulful vocals, and a chorus that celebrates the power and diversity of women, with lines like “I’m every woman, it’s all in me”. The song became an instant hit, reaching the top of the charts in several countries, and has since become a beloved classic and a staple of dance parties and karaoke. Its empowering lyrics and irresistible groove have made it a favorite of fans of all ages and backgrounds.
11. ‘Girls Just Want to Have Fun’ – Cyndi Lauper
‘Girls Just Want to Have Fun’ is a fun and lively pop song by American singer Cyndi Lauper, released in 1983. The song features a catchy melody, upbeat tempo, and Lauper’s distinct and powerful vocals. The song’s lyrics celebrate the simple pleasures of life and the desire of young women to break free from societal constraints, with lines like “Some boys take a beautiful girl and hide her away from the rest of the world”. The song became an instant hit, reaching the top of the charts in several countries, and has since become an iconic feminist anthem and a favorite of fans of all ages.
12. ‘Shallow (A Star Is Born)’ – Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper
‘Shallow’ is a powerful ballad by American singer Lady Gaga and actor Bradley Cooper, featured in the 2018 film ‘A Star Is Born’. The song features a haunting melody, heartfelt vocals, and intimate lyrics that describe the emotional connection between the two main characters. The song became an instant hit, receiving critical acclaim and winning several awards, including the Academy Award for Best Original Song. Its emotional depth, stunning vocals, and memorable melody have made it a favorite of fans of all ages and a staple of karaoke and music playlists.
13. ‘I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll’ ― Joan Jett
‘I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll’ is a classic rock song by American singer Joan Jett, released in 1981. The song features a catchy guitar riff, a driving beat, and Jett’s powerful and confident vocals. The song’s lyrics celebrate the joys of rock and roll music and the sense of freedom and rebellion it represents, with lines like “I love rock and roll, so put another dime in the jukebox, baby”. The song became an instant hit, reaching the top of the charts in several countries, and has since become a beloved classic and a staple of rock music culture.
14. ‘Say My Name’ – Destiny’s Child
‘Say My Name’ is a R&B song by American girl group Destiny’s Child, released in 1999. The song features a catchy melody, smooth harmonies, and powerful vocals by lead singer Beyoncé Knowles. The song’s lyrics tell the story of a woman suspecting her partner of infidelity and demanding to know who he is speaking to on the phone, with lines like “Say my name, say my name, if no one is around you, say baby I love you”. The song became an instant hit, reaching the top of the charts in several countries and winning several awards, including a Grammy Award for Best R&B Song. Its catchy melody, powerful vocals, and relatable lyrics have made it a favorite of fans of all ages.
15. ‘Everyday Is A Winding Road’ ― Sheryl Crow
‘Everyday Is a Winding Road’ is a rock song by American singer-songwriter Sheryl Crow, released in 1996. The song features a catchy guitar riff, a driving beat, and Crow’s distinctive raspy vocals. The song’s lyrics describe the ups and downs of life and the sense of freedom that comes with embracing the unknown, with lines like “Everyday is a winding road, I get a little bit closer, every step I take, I feel like I’m getting closer, to where I’m supposed to be”. The song became a hit, reaching the top of the charts in several countries and winning a Grammy Award for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance. Its catchy melody, powerful vocals, and relatable lyrics have made it a favorite of fans of all ages.
16. ‘Chain Of Fools’ – Aretha Franklin
‘Chain of Fools’ is a classic soul song by American singer Aretha Franklin, released in 1968. The song features a driving rhythm, a catchy chorus, and Franklin’s powerful vocals. The song’s lyrics describe the frustration of being caught in a cycle of love and heartbreak, with lines like “Chain, chain, chain, chain, chain of fools”. The song became a hit, reaching the top of the charts in several countries and winning a Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance. Its infectious beat, powerful vocals, and memorable hook have made it a timeless classic and a favorite of fans of all ages.
17. ‘Come On Over (All I Want Is You)’ – Christina Aguilera
‘Come On Over (All I Want Is You)’ is a pop song by American singer Christina Aguilera, released in 2000. The song features a catchy beat, a catchy chorus, and Aguilera’s powerful vocals. The song’s lyrics describe Aguilera’s attraction to a particular person, with lines like “All I want is you, come over here baby, all I want is you”. The song became a hit, reaching the top of the charts in several countries and showcasing Aguilera’s vocal range and pop sensibility. Its infectious beat, catchy hook, and danceable rhythm have made it a fan favorite and a staple of the 2000s pop music era.
18. ‘I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)’ – Whitney Houston
‘I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)’ is a classic pop song by American singer Whitney Houston, released in 1987. The song features a catchy beat, a vibrant chorus, and Houston’s stunning vocals. The lyrics express a desire for romantic companionship and the joy of dancing with someone special. The song became a hit, reaching the top of the charts in several countries, and won a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. Its upbeat melody, sing-along chorus, and Houston’s impressive vocal range have made it a beloved classic and a staple of dance floors and karaoke nights.
19. ‘Oops! I Did It Again’ – Britney Spears
‘Oops!… I Did It Again’ is a pop song by American singer Britney Spears, released in 2000. The song features a catchy melody, upbeat production, and Spears’ signature breathy vocals. The lyrics describe a girl apologizing for playing with a man’s heart, but also hint at her knowing that he secretly enjoys it. The music video features a memorable scene where Spears dances in a red leather jumpsuit on the surface of Mars. The song became a massive hit and cemented Spears’ status as a pop superstar, and its infectious chorus and iconic music video have made it a popular karaoke and dance party choice.
20. ‘Wannabe’ – Spice Girls
‘Wannabe’ is a pop song by British girl group Spice Girls, released in 1996. The song is known for its upbeat tempo, catchy melody, and fun lyrics encouraging female friendship and empowerment. It was a massive hit worldwide, topping charts in 37 countries, and becoming one of the best-selling singles of all time. The music video features the group dancing and having fun in a colorful and playful environment, while the lyrics speak of the importance of loyalty, honesty, and trust in a friendship. The song has become a cultural phenomenon and a karaoke staple, often sung and danced to by groups of friends.
21. ‘Shake It Off’ – Taylor Swift
“Shake It Off” is an upbeat pop song by Taylor Swift that encourages listeners to brush off negativity and dance away their worries. With a catchy melody and playful lyrics, the song has become a staple at dance parties and karaoke nights. Released in 2014 as the lead single from Swift’s fifth studio album “1989”, the song topped the charts in several countries and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Solo Performance. Its accompanying music video, which features Swift embracing different dance styles and personas, has amassed over 3.2 billion views on YouTube and helped solidify the song’s place as a fun, feel-good anthem.
Jason Smith is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
