Professional singers step aside, it’s time for those of us that sound like screeching cats and nails on a chalkboard to have our time in the sun. Of course, I’m talking about the next highly anticipated karaoke night you have circled on your calendar. And since you’ve already gotten a standing ovation (or at least your definition of one) for your rendition of classic Disney tunes, let’s shake things up a bit. Nothing gets the crowd on their feet quite like a duet, and since your bestie will no doubt be by your sideshow about an epic collaboration? Admittedly, you may not know where to start, so I’ve put together a list of the 50 best duet karaoke songs you can use during your next night out that will knock ‘em dead. From iconic 1990s tracks like “The Boy Is Mine” to powerful love songs from the ‘80s, these are sure to bring the fun, laughter and party vibes.
The 63 Best Feel-Good Songs That Will Instantly Put You in a Happy Mood
1. “The Boy Is Mine” by Brandy and Monica
Best for Family Fun
Notable lyrics: “There is no way you could mistake him for your man. Are you insane?”
A suggestion from Beauty and Cultures Editor Chelsea Candelario, this 1998 jam is the perfect duet karaoke song because of its back-and-forth nature. As you probably already know, Ariana Grande recently brought the two iconic songstresses back together for her own rendition of the track, making it a great time to bust out the original at karaoke night.
2. “Summer Nights” by John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John
Best for Family Fun
Notable lyrics: “How much dough did he spend? Tell me more, tell me more. Could she get me a friend?
This memorable track from the 1978 cult classic Grease was suggested by PureWow’s Affiliate Director Pamela Masin, and I can’t think of a catchier song that will automatically be stuck in everybody’s heads by the end of the night. Plus, the ‘70s vibes are elite.
3. “Loveshack” by the B-52s
Best for Family Fun
Notable lyrics: “I'm headin' down the Atlanta highway, lookin’ for the love getaway”
This song was recommended by PureWow’s Editor-in-Chief Jillian Quint, who notes that she “sings the boy parts.”
4. “Oops!...I Did It Again” by Britney Spears
Best for Family Fun
Notable lyrics: “'Cause to lose all my senses, that is just so typically me”
Sure Britney took on this song solo, but I’m here to tell you that this song absolutely has duet potential. Believe me, I tried it with my bestie and our performance was the best of the evening—in my opinion, of course.
5. “Wannabe” by the Spice Girls
Best for Family Fun
Notable lyrics: “Yo, I'll tell you what I want, what I really, really want”
If you want to be my lover…you know the rest. This ‘90s girl-power anthem requires assembling the entire squad like The Avengers—or just you and your bestie will do.
6. “Somebody That I Used to Know” by Gotye
Best for Family Fun
Notable lyrics: “Now and then I think of when we were together, like when you said you felt so happy you could die”
Does anybody else remember just how much of a chokehold this song had on the world circa 2012? A timeless classic.
7. “Hate That I Love You” by Rihanna and Ne-yo
Best for Family Fun
Notable lyrics: “You know exactly what to do, so that I can't stay mad at you for too long.”
Another recommendation from Candelario, this 2007 jam deserves more love in the duet department for its catchy hook and melodies.
8. “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen
Best for Family Fun
Notable lyrics: “Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy?
Somebody must do the honors of the “Galileo” breakdown, and that somebody is you. Oh, and you need at least another singer for the second part of the song.
9. “Endless Love” by Diana Ross and Lionel Richie
Best for Family Fun
Notable lyrics: “You're every breath that I take, you're every step I make”
A little Diana Ross and Lionel Richie does the trick of getting everybody relaxed as the night winds down. Plus, this tune went number one on the charts at the time of its release.
10. “Dilemma” by Nelly and Kelly Rowland
Best for Family Fun
Notable lyrics: “I like your stee*z, your style, your whole demeanor”
Remember how simple life was back in 2002 when Nelly and Kelly Rowland released this song? You’ll bring back the major nostalgia vibes with this duet.
11. “Total Eclipse of the Heart” by Bonnie Tyler
Best for Family Fun
Notable lyrics: “(Turn around) Every now and then, I get a little bit lonely. And you're never coming 'round”
Granted, this one really hits during, you know, an actual eclipse, but better late than never! This song is also a favorite of VP of Design and Branded Content Angela Pares to sing as a pair.
12. “Bye Bye Bye” by NSYNC
Best for Family Fun
Notable lyrics: “I'm doing this tonight, you're probably gonna start a fight.”
This or any NSYNC song for that matter. And then you *must* do “This I Promise You” afterwards for the slow jam encore.
13. “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” by Starship
Best for Family Fun
Notable lyrics: “This world that I found is too good to be true”
Any song title with “us” in it is better with two voices. And this ‘80s song has the word “karaoke” written all over it.
14. “I Want You Back” by The Jackson 5
Best for Family Fun
Notable lyrics: “When I had you to myself, I didn't want you around. Those pretty faces always made you stand out in a crowd”
Gather up five of your friends and sing along to this iconic debut track from The Jackson 5. Gotta love the late 1960s for its eclectic vibe (and bell bottoms).
15. “Can You Stand the Rain” by New Edition
Best for Family Fun
Notable lyrics: “Sunny days, everybody loves them. Tell me, baby, can you stand the rain?”
Since I’m on the topic of boy bands, take those same five friends (or at least one for a duet) and perform “Can You Stand the Rain” by New Edition directly afterwards.
16. “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” by Elton John and Kiki Dee
Best for Family Fun
Notable lyrics: “When I was down, I was your clown”
Madeline Merinuk, Associate Director of Branded Content, says this is a must-perform for karaoke night with your pals.
17. “Shallow” by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper
Best for Family Fun
Notable lyrics: “In all the good times I find myself longin' for change”
Once upon a time Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper joined forces for a lovely duet, so that means you and your partner should give it a shot as well, according to Candelario.
18. “Empire State of Mind” by Jay-Z and Alicia Keys
Best for Family Fun
Notable lyrics: “Concrete jungle where dreams are made of”
The perfect late 2000s duet—especially if you and your friends just so happen to be from the Big Apple.
19. “Ebony and Ivory” by Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder
Best for Family Fun
Notable lyrics: “Ebony and ivory live together in perfect harmony”
A classic from a movie royalty duo: Stevie Wonder and Paul McCartney.
20. “I Want It That Way” by The Backstreet Boys
Best for Family Fun
Notable lyrics: “You are, my fire. The one, desire”
Time to get the gang together again for one of the biggest songs to come out of the late 1990s. If you perform this correctly, the entire crowd should be singing along with you two by the time you hit that final note.
21. “Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi
Best for Family Fun
Notable lyrics: “We gotta hold on to what we got, it doesn’t make a difference if we make it or not”
This track only works at karaoke if you bring out the air guitars. It’s the unspoken rule.
22. Let It Go” by Idina Mezel
Best for Family Fun
Notable lyrics: “The cold never bothered me anyway”
Grab your bestie and sing along to this Disney anthem that had either people screaming along to the top of their lungs or covering their ears in agony a decade ago. Done correctly, you’ll evoke the exact same reactions during your performance.
23. All Too Well” by Taylor Swift
Best for Family Fun
Notable lyrics: “Autumn leaves falling down like pieces into place”
Associate SEO Editor Marissa Wu says the ten-minute version of this song is the one to go with. Five minutes for you, five minutes for your BFF.
24. “A Whole New World” by Brad Kane and Lea Salonga
Best for Family Fun
Notable lyrics: “Soaring, tumbling, freewheeling, through an endless diamond sky”
I know, the last thing you wanted was for this list to take a Disney turn, but I’ve gotta do it. Aladdin brought forth tons of memorable songs, but perhaps none more legendary than a “Whole New World” (which is exactly why you should bust it out at karaoke).
25. “Under Pressure” by David Bowie and Freddy Mercury
Best for Family Fun
Notable lyrics: “These are the days it never rains, but pours”
Shall I suggest a little Freddy Mercury and David Bowie for the night out? If you really want to get jiggy with it, do “Ice Ice Baby” right after.
26. “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” Theme Song by Will Smith
Best for Family Fun
Notable lyrics: “In West Philadelphia born and raised, in the playground is where I spent most of my days”
Speaking of getting jiggy with it, you and your buddy definitely need to alternate lines on the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air theme song for ‘90s night at the bar.
27. “Say My Name” by Destiny’s Child
Best for Family Fun
Notable lyrics: “I am not the one to sit around and be played”
Speaking from personal experience, “Say My Name” is a fun karaoke track to perform with the girlies during a night out. The harmonizing on the song makes it even more of a challenge to sing, which means you have to practice in the car on the way there.
28. “No Scrubs” by TLC
Best for Family Fun
Notable lyrics: “Also known as a buster”
And since I’m already on the topic of late 1990s hit songs from girl groups, might I suggest kicking the scrubs (i.e. those who act they’re too good for karaoke) to the curb with this powerful anthem?
29. “I Got You Babe” by Sonny and Cher
Best for Family Fun
Notable lyrics: “They say we're young and we don't know. We won't find out until we grow”
Sonny and Cher are an obvious choice here, right? This is without a doubt the “mother” of all duet karaoke songs.
30. “My Boo” by Usher and Alicia Keys
Best for Family Fun
Notable lyrics: “Even before all the fame and people screaming your name, girl I was there, and you were my baby”
While performing “My Boo” with your actual boo would elevate your routine to the next level, anybody will work from a collaboration standpoint–even Rick from accounting. This song is also another one of Candelario’s karaoke favorites by the way.
31. “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell
Best for Family Fun
Notable lyrics: “Ain’t no mountain, ain’t no valley low”
Whether it’s 1960s night or just a regular karaoke evening at the club, “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” is a surefire crowdpleaser.
32. “Bring Me to Life” by Evanescence
Best for Family Fun
Notable lyrics: “How can you see into my eyes like open doors?”
Another personal experience of mine, “Bring Me to Life” was a heavy hitter for my friends and I—it took us from novice to intermediate in the karaoke world.
33. “Genie in a Bottle” by Christina Aguilera
Best for Family Fun
Notable lyrics: “I’m a genie in a bottle baby, come on in let me out”
“Genie in a Bottle” is another solo song I think could work as a duet because of the vocal layering. Plus, it’s a super fun track to sing that brings you right back to 1999.
34. “We Belong Together” by Mariah Carey
Best for Family Fun
Notable lyrics: “When you left, I lost a part of me, it’s just so hard to believe. Come back, baby please”
To that point, I definitely have to include “We Belong Together” on this list. Yes, you can do it by yourself, but it’s way more fun with another person. Good luck with that high note at the end though.
35. “More Than a Woman” by The Bee Gees
Best for Family Fun
Notable lyrics: “You got me working day and night, just tryin' to keep a hold on you”
Quint also recommends giving this iconic music track from The Bee Gees a try during your next karaoke event. According to her, you have to sing it with a close friend, it’s the law.
36. “Take Me or Leave Me” by the original broadway cast of “Rent”
Best for Family Fun
Notable lyrics: “A tiger in a cage can never see the sun”
Ah…the show tunes. Candelario suggests “Take Me or Leave Me” from Rent for the ultimate musical vibes (cue the jazz hands).
37. “Gotta Go My Own Way” by Vanessa Hudgens and Zac Efron
Best for Family Fun
Notable lyrics: “Something about us doesn’t seem right these days, life keeps getting in the way”
Justice for High School Musical 2 being the best film in the trilogy. That is a topic for another day, but Candelario offers the best song in this second installment (another topic for another day) as potential karaoke suggestion.
38. “Breaking Free” by Vanessa Hudgens and Zac Efron
Best for Family Fun
Notable lyrics: “We’re soarin’, flyin’. There’s not a star in heaven that we can’t reach”
Now let me take it back to the very first High School Musical for some more 2000s throwback vibes. If you’re doing “Gotta Go My Own Way” first, then “Breaking Free” has to follow. It’s another mandatory law.
39. “Rain” by SWV
Best for Family Fun
Notable lyrics: “Sometimes it’s soft as a misty rain that gently touches my soul”
Nobody will ever be able to outperform SWV on this one, but if you can manage to secure at least a polite round of applause from the crowd, you’ve done your job efficiently.
40. “Me Against the Music” by Madonna and Britney Spears
Best for Family Fun
Notable lyrics: “I’m up against the speaker, tryna take on the music”
The only question here is who is going to be Britney and who is going to be Madonna? This song remains underrated duet in my honest opinion.
41. “Barbie Girl” by Aqua
Best for Family Fun
Notable lyrics: “Come on Barbie, let’s go party”
I know, I know. I’m a year late to the Barbie party with this one, but it still doesn’t change the fact that this is an epic karaoke song that you can sing with your friends.
42. “California Dreamin’” by The Mamas & The Papas
Best for Family Fun
Notable lyrics: “Stopped into a church, I passed along the way”
Take it from the expert (me), “California Dreamin’” is a challenging song to attempt at karaoke because it can either go really good, or really bad with the crowd. It’s all in the harmonizing guys.
43. “Toxic” by Britney Spears
Best for Family Fun
Notable lyrics: “Too high, can’t come down. It’s in the air and it’s all around”
“Toxic” is most definitely a challenge, but a nice one once you get the rhythm down. Add a couple of dance steps in if you really want to shock the crowd.
44. “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes
Best for Family Fun
Notable lyrics: “I’ve been waiting for so long, now I’ve finally found somebody to stand by me”
You and your friends will have the time of your lives (bad pun intended) singing this tune from the ‘80s. This song has been sampled quite a bit, but nothing does it like the original.
45. “Hakuna Matata” by ‘The Lion King’ cast
Best for Family Fun
Notable lyrics: “It means no worries for the rest of your days”
Yes, I’m back to Disney. Why? Because “Hakuna Matata” means “no worries for the rest of your days” that’s why.
46. “Let’s Go Crazy” by Prince
Best for Family Fun
Notable lyrics: “Are we gonna let the elevator bring us down?”
If you want to set the tone for the evening, hit the audience with this funky track from The Purple One—it’s the perfect opening karaoke song.
47. “Anything You Can Do” by Betty Hutton
Best for Family Fun
Notable lyrics: “I can do anything better than you”
You can’t go wrong with a competition song at karaoke night, and this is an elite one. You’ve got to bring the attitude, though, or the performance might fall through.
48. “Telephone” by Lady Gaga and Beyoncé
Best for Family Fun
Notable lyrics: “Sorry I cannot hear you, I’m kinda busy”
How could I almost forget “Telephone” from Lady Gaga and Beyoncé? This song kicked off the 2010s in a powerful way, and in my opinion, is quite possibly the greatest duet from the decade. That is just my opinion of course.
49. “Kiss from a Rose” by Seal
Best for Family Fun
Notable lyrics: “You remain my power, my pleasure my pain”
Sometimes you have to pull out all the stops and go with a song that just about everybody knows, but doesn’t always remember for an event like karaoke. Not only can you do this as a duet, you can also get the audience involved during the chorus. Full audience participation to the max.
50. “End of the Road” by Boyz II Men
Best for Family Fun
Notable lyrics: “It’s unnatural. You belong to me, belong to you”
If there is one song on the universe everybody (at least of a certain age) can agree they like, it’s “End of the Road” by Boyz II Men. Taking on this melodic challenge means everybody has to bring their A-game, but it’s so worth it.
Wait, How Much Is Celine Dion Getting Paid to Perform at the Paris Olympics?
Why You Should Trust Us
PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.
