20 underrated karaoke songs

There are lots of duets in the world to sing in karaoke, but “Picture” by Kid Rock and Cheryl Crow is one of the most underrated. A soft rock hit with an emotional pull? What more could you ask for in a karaoke song? 

“I Write Sins Not Tragedies” by Panic! at the Disco is like “Mr. Brightside,” only a little bit darker. Still, everyone will know the words and belt along with you at maximum volume. If you’re looking for an unexpected crowd-pleaser, this is it. 

No one can resist a classic Disney song on karaoke, and “I’ll Make a Man Out of You” is universally loved. It’s totally unexpected, and the audience will be thrilled with the choice. 

There’s one lyric in “Burnin’ Up” by the Jonas Brothers that the entire crowd will go feral over: “red dress.” Whether you can sing the song by heart or you’ve only heard it once, you can hear it being sung in your head. Those two words make this song the superior Jonas Brothers tune to sing at karaoke. 

The Weeknd doesn’t often get chosen for karaoke, and that’s a crime. His catalog is full of beloved hits that everyone can sing along to, like “Can’t Feel My Face,” the song that catapulted The Weeknd into bona fide superstardom. We owe it to The Weeknd to sing his songs at karaoke more often than we are. 

“Express Yourself” isn’t the obvious choice for Madonna songs when it comes to karaoke, but it deserves more love. Though it’s not quite as popular as some of her other hits, it’s just as fun and easy to sing. 

Karaoke always needs at least a sprinkle of Broadway. “Seasons of Love” is skipped when it comes to karaoke because it’s hard to sing, but even sworn Broadway enemies know and love this song, and it’s got the power to bring people together no matter how off-pitch everyone is on the high notes. 

Most people probably jump to “Misery Business” when it comes to Paramore karaoke songs, but don’t be like most people. Sing “Still Into You” instead. It’s just as good and has a lot more positive subject matter, which always raises the spirits of a good karaoke audience.  

There’s always someone who sings “Don’t Stop Believin’” at karaoke, but “Any Way You Want It” is just as good. Let’s collectively agree to give “Don’t Stop Believin’” a break for about 10 years so we can miss it, and in the meantime, let’s give “Any Way You Want It” a chance. 

Some rap songs seem to be known purely through osmosis, and “Super Bass” by Nicki Minaj is one of those songs. Don’t get up on stage and put everyone through another karaoke version of “Lose Yourself.” Instead, treat them to a beloved hit by the Queen of Rap because we all know the lyrics to it. 

Some karaoke songs are sung purely for therapy, and “good 4 u” by Olivia Rodrigo is one you need to add to your repertoire if you’re someone who releases pent-up emotions on stage. It’s much less depressing than “drivers license,” but it’s just as favored. 

The quintessential R&B duet of the early aughts, “My Boo” has gained a slew of new fans thanks to its resurgence in popularity on TikTok. There’s never been a better time to give this song the credit it deserves on the karaoke stage. 

Songs About Jane had hit after hit after hit, and while most people gravitate toward “She Will Be Loved” when choosing a Maroon 5 karaoke song, they should be singing “This Love” instead. It’s just as strong of a tune, and it’ll have everyone in the crowd remarking that they forgot about this fantastic jam. 

“Whatcha Say” is another song that went viral on TikTok thanks to the epic Gossip Girl Thanksgiving scene trend. And while most people in the crowd of a certain age will be thinking about the TikTok trend when you sing this song on karaoke, anyone born before the year 2000 will be singing right along with you. 

“No Scrubs” by TLC is one of those songs that everybody knows but rarely hears while they’re out. It’s a travesty that needs to be remedied, and it can start with karaoke singers around the country singing it on stage. Perfect the rap, and do Lisa Lopes proud. 

The Wreckers didn’t make enough music in the 2000s, but what they made was excellent. “Leave the Pieces” is a perfect karaoke song for anyone who wants to usher in a chill mood with a known and loved song — even better if you have a friend who can join in singing the harmonies. 

Now, if you want the opposite vibe of “Leave the Pieces," sing “Use Somebody” by Kings of Leon. It’s gritty and intense, but the crowd will love it. And if you can deliver a great rendition, you’ll have everyone listening, wondering why more people don’t choose it for karaoke. 

“Hey Ya” is the perfect karaoke song, yet it’s not chosen enough. It’s not particularly hard to sing, it’s well-known, and it puts everyone in a good mood. If you need to elevate the vibes at the karaoke bar, sing “Hey Ya.”

Gavin DeGraw is underrated in every aspect of his musicianship, but especially in karaoke songs. “I Don’t Want To Be” is one of the greatest soft rock bangers of its time, and if karaoke singers want to surprise their audience while simultaneously treating them to a spectacular choice, this is the song to pick. 

Basically, every song on Rumours makes for a great karaoke song, but “Silver Springs” is an especially great choice. The song builds in a way that “Dreams” doesn’t, is far less depressing than “Landslide,” and is more unexpected than “Go Your Own Way.” It deserves its time on karaoke stages.