Karaoke is a beloved pastime for many, but not all karaoke songs are created equal. While some may be easy to sing along to, others are a true test of vocal prowess. The hardest karaoke songs often feature challenging melodies, complex harmonies, and powerful vocals. These songs require a strong voice and a lot of confidence to pull off successfully. Whether you’re a seasoned karaoke singer or just starting out, tackling one of these songs is sure to be an unforgettable experience. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the Top 20 hardest karaoke songs to sing, featuring a mix of classic ballads and contemporary pop hits. From Whitney Houston’s soaring power ballads to Freddie Mercury’s operatic rock anthems, these songs will put even the most experienced karaoke singers to the test. So, whether you’re looking for a challenge or simply want to impress your friends, these songs are sure to deliver. So, grab your microphone, tune up your voice, and get ready to tackle the hardest karaoke songs of all time!
1. “Chandelier” by Sia
“Chandelier” is a powerful and emotional pop ballad by Australian singer-songwriter Sia. The song was released in 2014 and quickly became a hit, reaching the top of the charts in several countries. The song’s haunting melody is driven by a haunting piano riff and a somber rhythm, which is combined with Sia’s powerful and emotive vocal performance. The lyrics are a meditation on addiction and self-destruction, as the singer reflects on the choices she has made and the toll they have taken on her life. The chorus is particularly memorable, with Sia singing, “Party girls don’t get hurt, can’t feel anything, when will I learn, I push it down, I’m the one ‘for a good time call.'” The overall mood of the song is dark and introspective, making it a powerful choice for anyone who has struggled with addiction or self-doubt.
2. “My All” by Mariah Carey
“My All” is a touching and romantic ballad by Mariah Carey, one of the greatest vocalists of her generation. The song was released in 1998 and quickly became a hit, reaching the top of the charts in several countries. The song’s melody is driven by a tender piano line and a soft rhythm, which is combined with Carey’s beautiful and expressive vocal performance. The lyrics are a love letter to a special someone, as the singer expresses her devotion and her willingness to give everything she has to the person she loves. The chorus is particularly memorable, with Carey singing, “I am thinking of you, in my sleepless solitude tonight, if it’s wrong to love you, then my heart just won’t let me be right.” The overall mood of the song is romantic and passionate, making it a great choice for anyone who wants to express their love to someone special.
3. “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston
“I Will Always Love You” is a timeless and emotional ballad by the late Whitney Houston, one of the greatest vocalists of all time. The song was originally recorded by Dolly Parton, but Whitney’s rendition, which was released in 1992, became a massive hit and has since become one of the most recognizable love songs of all time. The song’s melody is driven by a beautiful piano line and a soft rhythm, which is combined with Whitney’s powerful and soulful vocal performance. The lyrics express the singer’s unending love and devotion to someone special, even if they are no longer together. The chorus is particularly memorable, with Whitney singing, “If I should stay, I would only be in your way, so I’ll go but I know, I’ll think of you every step of the way.” The overall mood of the song is sentimental and heartfelt, making it a great choice for anyone who wants to express their love to someone special.
4. “Hurt” by Christina Aguilera
“Hurt” is a powerful and emotional ballad by Christina Aguilera, one of the most talented vocalists of her generation. The song was released in 2006 and quickly became a hit, reaching the top of the charts in several countries. The song’s melody is driven by a somber piano line and a slow rhythm, which is combined with Christina’s powerful and soulful vocal performance. The lyrics are a meditation on heartbreak and pain, as the singer reflects on a relationship that has ended and the toll it has taken on her heart. The chorus is particularly memorable, with Christina singing, “I’m hurt, I’m broken down, I need your loving arms around me, I’m lost, I’m fading fast, I’m hurting bad, I need this to last.” The overall mood of the song is introspective and sorrowful, making it a powerful choice for anyone who has experienced heartbreak or loss.
5.”Rap God” by Eminem
“Rap God” is a fast-paced and high-energy rap song by Eminem, one of the greatest rappers of all time. The song was released in 2013 and quickly became a hit, reaching the top of the charts in several countries. The song’s beat is driven by a fast and powerful rhythm, which is combined with Eminem’s rapid-fire and highly skilled rapping. The lyrics are a showcase of Eminem’s lyrical prowess, as he raps about his rise to fame, his skills as a rapper, and his place in hip-hop history. The chorus is particularly memorable, with Eminem rapping, “I’m beginning to feel like a Rap God, Rap God, All my people from the front to the back nod, back nod.” The overall mood of the song is confident and boastful, making it a great choice for anyone who wants to showcase their skills as a rapper.
6. “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana
“Smells Like Teen Spirit” is a classic alternative rock song by Nirvana, one of the most influential bands of the 1990s. The song was released in 1991 and quickly became a hit, reaching the top of the charts in several countries. The song’s melody is driven by a powerful and driving guitar riff, which is combined with Kurt Cobain’s raw and emotive vocal performance. The lyrics are cryptic and introspective, touching on themes of rebellion, alienation, and disenchantment. The chorus is particularly memorable, with Kurt singing, “Load up on guns, bring your friends, it’s fun to lose and to pretend.” The overall mood of the song is dark and brooding, making it a great choice for anyone who wants to express their feelings of anger or frustration.
7. “Listen” by Beyonce
“Listen” is a soulful and powerful ballad by Beyoncé, one of the most talented vocalists of her generation. The song was released as a single from the soundtrack of the 2006 film “Dreamgirls” and quickly became a hit, reaching the top of the charts in several countries. The song’s melody is driven by a lush and emotive piano line, which is combined with Beyoncé’s powerful and soulful vocal performance. The lyrics are a plea for someone to truly listen and understand, as the singer expresses her deepest emotions and feelings. The chorus is particularly memorable, with Beyoncé singing, “Listen to the song here in my heart, a melody I start but can’t complete, listen to the sound from deep within, it’s only beginning to find release.” The overall mood of the song is introspective and emotional, making it a great choice for anyone who wants to express their feelings of love or longing.
8. “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen
“Bohemian Rhapsody” is a classic rock song by the legendary British band Queen. The song was released in 1975 and quickly became a hit, reaching the top of the charts in several countries. The song’s unique structure features a combination of elements including rock, classical, and opera, making it a truly one-of-a-kind piece of music. The lyrics are cryptic and introspective, touching on themes of death, self-doubt, and identity. The chorus is particularly memorable, with Freddie Mercury singing, “Is this real life? Is this just fantasy? Caught in a landslide, no escape from reality.” The overall mood of the song is epic and soaring, making it a great choice for anyone who wants to express their feelings of grandeur or ambition.
9. “Stone Cold” by Demi Lovato
“Stone Cold” is a heart-wrenching ballad by Demi Lovato, a talented pop singer known for her powerful vocals. The song was released in 2015 and quickly became a hit, reaching the top of the charts in several countries. The song’s melody is driven by a soft and mournful piano line, which is combined with Demi’s raw and emotional vocal performance. The lyrics are about a difficult breakup and the singer’s struggle to move on from the pain. The chorus is particularly memorable, with Demi singing, “Stone cold, stone cold, you see me standing, but I’m dying on the floor.” The overall mood of the song is introspective and emotional, making it a great choice for anyone who wants to express their feelings of heartache or loss.
10. “Who’s Loving You” by The Jackson 5
“Who’s Loving You” is a soulful ballad by the legendary Motown group, The Jackson 5. The song was originally released in 1960 and has since become a classic of the soul and R&B genres. The song’s melody is driven by a sweet and upbeat guitar line, which is combined with the Jackson 5’s smooth and harmonious vocal performance. The lyrics are about a person who is missing their former love and reflecting on who might be caring for them now that they’re gone. The chorus is particularly memorable, with the group singing, “Who’s loving you, who’s loving you, who’s loving you?” The overall mood of the song is melancholic but optimistic, making it a great choice for anyone who wants to express their feelings of longing or hope.
11. “Dream On” by Aerosmith
“Dream On” is a classic rock anthem by the iconic American band, Aerosmith. The song was released in 1973 and quickly became one of the band’s biggest hits. The song’s melody is driven by a powerful and driving guitar riff, which is combined with Steven Tyler’s impassioned vocal performance. The lyrics are about the power of dreams and the importance of never giving up on them. The chorus is particularly memorable, with Steven Tyler singing, “Dream on, dream on, dream on.” The overall mood of the song is uplifting and energetic, making it a great choice for anyone who wants to express their feelings of hope or ambition.
12. “I Believe In A Thing Called Love” by The Darkness
“I Believe in a Thing Called Love” is a high-energy rock and roll anthem by the British band, The Darkness. The song was released in 2003 and quickly became one of the band’s most recognizable hits. The song’s melody is driven by a blazing guitar riff, which is combined with Justin Hawkins’ distinctive falsetto vocals. The lyrics are about the power of love and the importance of never giving up on it. The chorus is particularly memorable, with Justin Hawkins singing, “I believe in a thing called love.” The overall mood of the song is upbeat and energetic, making it a great choice for anyone who wants to express their feelings of passion or optimism.
13. “Welcome to The Black Parade” by My Chemical Romance
“Welcome to the Black Parade” is a powerful rock ballad by the American band, My Chemical Romance. The song was released in 2006 and quickly became one of the band’s biggest hits. The song’s melody is driven by a haunting piano riff, which is combined with Gerard Way’s emotional vocal performance. The lyrics are about the journey of death and the importance of facing it with courage. The chorus is particularly memorable, with Gerard Way singing, “This is the way we’ll end, this is the way we’ll end.” The overall mood of the song is introspective and emotional, making it a great choice for anyone who wants to express their feelings of loss or sadness.
14. “Imagine” by Ariana Grande
“Imagine” is a beautiful and emotional ballad by the American pop star, Ariana Grande. The song was released in 2018 and quickly became one of Ariana’s most popular tracks. The song’s melody is driven by a soft piano arrangement, which is combined with Ariana’s powerful vocal performance. The lyrics are about longing for a world without pain, suffering, or hate. The chorus is particularly memorable, with Ariana singing, “Imagine a world like that, we could all find serenity.” The overall mood of the song is hopeful and optimistic, making it a great choice for anyone who wants to express their feelings of peace or love.
15. “I Have Nothing” by Whitney Houston
“I Have Nothing” is a soulful ballad by the late American diva, Whitney Houston. The song was featured on the soundtrack for the 1992 film “The Bodyguard” and became one of Whitney’s biggest hits. The song’s melody is driven by a lush piano arrangement, which is combined with Whitney’s powerful vocal performance. The lyrics are about the pain of losing someone you love and the struggle to find the courage to move on. The chorus is particularly memorable, with Whitney singing, “I have nothing, nothing, nothing, if I don’t have you.” The overall mood of the song is emotional and introspective, making it a great choice for anyone who wants to express their feelings of heartache or loss.
16. “Crawling” by Linkin Park
“Crawling” is a powerful rock ballad by the American alternative metal band, Linkin Park. The song was released as the second single from the band’s debut album “Hybrid Theory” in 2001. The song features intense and emotional lyrics, exploring themes of self-doubt, guilt, and the struggle to overcome inner demons. The verses are delivered with a quiet intensity, building to a powerful chorus that showcases the raw energy and passionate delivery of lead vocalist, Chester Bennington. The song’s heavy and aggressive instrumental elements, including distorted guitar riffs and intense drumming, add to the overall intensity of the track. “Crawling” is widely considered one of Linkin Park’s signature songs, and remains one of the band’s most popular tracks to this day.
17. “Titanium” by David Guetta feat. Sia
“Titanium” is a powerful electronic dance track by French DJ and producer David Guetta, featuring Australian singer Sia. The song was released in 2011 and quickly became a worldwide hit, reaching the top of the charts in multiple countries. The song’s lyrics, delivered with emotional power by Sia, are a statement of resilience and strength in the face of adversity. The driving beat and lush electronic production, combined with Sia’s powerful vocals, create a high-energy and uplifting anthem. “Titanium” has been praised for its blend of electronic and pop elements, as well as for its emotional and inspiring message. The song continues to be a popular choice for karaoke and remains a staple of dance music and popular culture.
18. “Since U Been Gone” by Kelly Clarkson
“Since U Been Gone” is a upbeat pop rock song by American singer Kelly Clarkson. Released in 2004, the song quickly became a hit, reaching the top of the charts in multiple countries. The song’s lyrics are about moving on after a break-up, with a confident and empowered message of independence. The song’s driving beat, catchy chorus, and upbeat energy have made it a popular choice for karaoke and a staple of pop rock radio playlists. Clarkson’s powerful vocals are a standout feature of the track, with her delivering the lyrics with a mix of attitude and emotion. “Since U Been Gone” remains one of Kelly Clarkson’s most recognizable and beloved songs, and has cemented her place as a pop rock icon.
19. “Loving You” by Minnie Riperton
“Loving You” is a classic soul ballad recorded by American singer Minnie Riperton in 1975. With its smooth and sultry vocals, the song showcases Riperton’s incredible range and showcases her unique ability to convey deep emotions through her music. The song’s lyrics express the singer’s deep love and affection for her significant other, describing how they make her feel complete and whole. The song’s lush instrumentation and sweet melodies provide a lush backdrop to Riperton’s heartfelt delivery, making “Loving You” a timeless love song that has stood the test of time. Despite its release over four decades ago, the song remains a popular choice for romantic occasions and continues to be a staple of the R&B and soul music genres.
20. “Stay With Me” by Sam Smith
“Stay With Me” by Sam Smith is a soulful ballad that showcases the singer’s powerful vocals. The song was released in 2014 and was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 in charts worldwide. It features simple yet emotional piano instrumentals that complement the heartfelt lyrics, which speak of heartbreak and the yearning for someone to stay with the singer. The song has a strong sense of vulnerability, making it a poignant expression of love and loss. Sam Smith’s powerful performance in the song has made it a karaoke favorite, challenging singers to do justice to its intense emotions.
Erica Henderson 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.
