50 Best Karaoke Songs for Women That'll Make You a Star (2026)
Finding the perfect karaoke song as a woman can be tricky. Too high? You'll strain. Too low? You'll mumble. Too obscure? No one sings along. Too popular? Everyone's heard it a thousand times.
I've compiled 50 karaoke songs specifically chosen for women's voices — organized by vocal range, energy level, and occasion. Whether you're a powerhouse belter or prefer something more low-key, there's a song here for you.
TL;DR: The best karaoke songs for women combine a comfortable vocal range, memorable melodies, and crowd recognition. "I Will Survive," "Respect," and "Since U Been Gone" are bulletproof choices. For lower voices, try Adele or Amy Winehouse. For higher ranges, go with Whitney or Mariah (if you dare). Scroll down for 50 songs organized by voice type and vibe.
What Makes a Great Karaoke Song for Women?
Before we dive into the list, here's what to look for:
| Factor | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Comfortable range | The song sits where your voice naturally lives |
| Recognition | The crowd knows it and might sing along |
| Emotional connection | You can sell the performance, not just sing it |
| Key flexibility | Many karaoke systems let you adjust the key |
| Memorable moments | Big choruses or iconic lines that feel satisfying |
The best karaoke performances aren't about technical perfection — they're about connection. Pick a song you genuinely love, and that passion will carry you through any rough patches.
Top 10 Karaoke Songs for Women (Crowd Favorites)
These songs work for almost any voice and always get a reaction:
| Song | Artist | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| "I Will Survive" | Gloria Gaynor | The ultimate empowerment anthem |
| "Respect" | Aretha Franklin | Iconic, powerful, and everyone knows it |
| "Since U Been Gone" | Kelly Clarkson | Modern classic with a killer chorus |
| "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" | Cyndi Lauper | Pure fun, forgiving melody |
| "Rolling in the Deep" | Adele | Dramatic, powerful, comfortable range |
| "Dancing Queen" | ABBA | Joy in musical form |
| "I Love Rock 'n' Roll" | Joan Jett | Attitude over technique |
| "Before He Cheats" | Carrie Underwood | Country crossover everyone knows |
| "Material Girl" | Madonna | 80s fun with talk-singing verses |
| "Don't Stop Believin'" | Journey | Works for everyone, always |
Best Karaoke Songs for Beginners (Women)
Starting your karaoke journey? These songs are perfect for first-timers. Beginner-friendly songs typically have simple melodies, limited vocal range, repetitive choruses, and forgiving structures that let you recover if you miss a note. They're songs where the vibe matters more than technical perfection.
| Song | Artist | Why It's Beginner-Friendly |
|---|---|---|
| "Mamma Mia" | ABBA | Simple bouncy melodies, everyone knows it |
| "Call Me Maybe" | Carly Rae Jepsen | Sweet pop melody, easy to follow |
| "Flowers" | Miley Cyrus | Basic vocal range, modern and recognizable |
| "Bad Guy" | Billie Eilish | Easy vocals, no high notes required |
| "Jolene" | Dolly Parton | Simple composition, storytelling focus |
| "Build Me Up Buttercup" | The Foundations | Group-friendly, forgiving melody |
| "Brown Eyed Girl" | Van Morrison | Playful, upbeat, audience sings along |
| "I Love Rock 'n' Roll" | Joan Jett | Basic lyrics, attitude over technique |
| "Material Girl" | Madonna | Talk-singing verses, iconic chorus |
| "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" | Cyndi Lauper | Limited range, pure fun |
| "Wannabe" | Spice Girls | Fun, easy to remember, group energy |
| "Just Dance" | Lady Gaga | Repetitive, forgiving, danceable |
These songs let you focus on having fun rather than hitting perfect notes. The crowd will sing along, which covers any mistakes, and the melodies are straightforward enough that you won't get lost.
Karaoke Songs for Women by Vocal Range
Low to Mid Range (Alto/Contralto)
If your voice is naturally deeper or you struggle with high notes, these songs sit perfectly in the lower female register:
| Song | Artist | Range Notes |
|---|---|---|
| "Rehab" | Amy Winehouse | Jazzy, low, attitude-driven |
| "Back to Black" | Amy Winehouse | Emotional, comfortable range |
| "Someone Like You" | Adele | Builds but stays manageable |
| "Chasing Pavements" | Adele | Lower Adele, easier than "Rolling" |
| "Crazy" | Patsy Cline | Classic country with staying power |
| "At Last" | Etta James | Jazzy standard, beautiful low tones |
| "Piece of My Heart" | Janis Joplin | Raw, emotional, no high belts needed |
| "Me and Bobby McGee" | Janis Joplin | Storytelling song, low range |
| "House of the Rising Sun" | The Animals | Dramatic and powerful |
| "Dreams" | Fleetwood Mac | Dreamy, mid-range perfection |
Mid to High Range (Mezzo-Soprano)
The sweet spot for most women — these songs have some range but nothing too extreme:
| Song | Artist | Range Notes |
|---|---|---|
| "Since U Been Gone" | Kelly Clarkson | Big chorus, manageable verses |
| "Respect" | Aretha Franklin | Powerful but not too high |
| "I Will Survive" | Gloria Gaynor | Disco perfection, middle range |
| "Hit Me with Your Best Shot" | Pat Benatar | Rock energy, not too demanding |
| "What's Love Got to Do with It" | Tina Turner | Iconic, mostly talk-sung |
| "Valerie" | Amy Winehouse | Upbeat, catchy, mid-range |
| "Walking on Sunshine" | Katrina & The Waves | Pure happiness |
| "Wannabe" | Spice Girls | 90s fun, group singalong |
| "Man! I Feel Like a Woman" | Shania Twain | Country-pop anthem |
| "Independent Women" | Destiny's Child | R&B empowerment |
High Range (Soprano)
For those blessed with higher voices — or feeling adventurous:
| Song | Artist | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| "I Wanna Dance with Somebody" | Whitney Houston | ⭐⭐⭐ Challenging but achievable |
| "Total Eclipse of the Heart" | Bonnie Tyler | ⭐⭐⭐ Big notes, big drama |
| "Take Me Home Tonight" | Eddie Money | ⭐⭐ Duet potential |
| "Alone" | Heart | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Big 80s power ballad |
| "Holding Out for a Hero" | Bonnie Tyler | ⭐⭐⭐ Dramatic and powerful |
| "Listen to Your Heart" | Roxette | ⭐⭐⭐ 80s power pop |
| "Chandelier" | Sia | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Only if you can REALLY sing |
| "And I Am Telling You" | Jennifer Hudson | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Show-stopper territory |
| "Vision of Love" | Mariah Carey | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ The melisma challenge |
| "I Will Always Love You" | Whitney Houston | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Legendary for a reason |
Pro tip: Most karaoke machines let you change the key. If a song is slightly too high or low, adjust it. There's no shame in singing "I Will Always Love You" down a few semitones.
Want to practice before karaoke night? Use StemSplit to remove vocals from any song and create your own karaoke track. Get a free 30-second preview — no signup required.
2024-2026 Karaoke Hits for Women
Stay current with these recent hits that are already becoming karaoke favorites. These songs combine modern production with singable melodies, making them perfect for women who want to showcase their knowledge of current music while still delivering a crowd-pleasing performance.
| Song | Artist | Vibe/Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| "Die with a Smile" | Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars | Powerful duet potential, emotional depth |
| "APT." | Rosé & Bruno Mars | Smooth, modern R&B vibes |
| "Popular" | Ariana Grande | From Wicked, theatrical and fun |
| "Espresso" | Sabrina Carpenter | Catchy, playful, easy to sing along |
| "Please Please Please" | Sabrina Carpenter | Emotional, relatable, modern pop |
| "BIRDS OF A FEATHER" | Billie Eilish | Dreamy, accessible range |
| "WILDFLOWER" | Billie Eilish | Atmospheric, unique vibe |
| "Good Luck, Babe!" | Chappell Roan | Retro-pop energy, fun to perform |
| "That's So True" | Gracie Abrams | Intimate, emotional, singer-songwriter feel |
| "Flowers" | Miley Cyrus | Empowering, modern classic |
These recent hits give you the advantage of being fresh in everyone's memory while still being singable. They're perfect for showing you're up-to-date with current music trends.
Best Karaoke Songs for Group Performances & Duets
Karaoke is even better with friends. Group performances create energy, share the pressure, and turn karaoke into a shared experience. Whether you're doing a duet with your best friend or getting the whole group on stage, these songs are designed for multiple voices.
Female Duets
Perfect for two voices that complement each other:
| Song | Artist | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| "MONOPOLY" | Ariana Grande & Victoria Monét | Playful back-and-forth, modern R&B |
| "Kiss Me More" | Doja Cat ft. SZA | Smooth, sultry, great chemistry song |
| "Prisoner" | Miley Cyrus ft. Dua Lipa | Powerful, rock-infused pop |
| "When You Believe" | Whitney Houston & Mariah Carey | Epic ballad, show-stopping potential |
| "Telephone" | Lady Gaga ft. Beyoncé | High energy, iconic collaboration |
| "Defying Gravity" | Wicked (Cynthia Erivo & Ariana Grande) | Theatrical, powerful, emotional |
| "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" | Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell | Classic duet (women can sing both parts) |
| "Shallow" | Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper | Emotional, dramatic (women can sing both parts) |
Group Performance Songs
Get everyone on stage for maximum fun:
| Song | Artist | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| "Wannabe" | Spice Girls | Built for groups, everyone gets a part |
| "Independent Women" | Destiny's Child | Empowerment anthem, multiple voices |
| "Survivor" | Destiny's Child | Group harmony, powerful message |
| "9 to 5" | Dolly Parton | Great for groups, everyone knows it |
| "Dancing Queen" | ABBA | Everyone sings along, pure joy |
| "Don't Stop Believin'" | Journey | Works for mixed groups, universal appeal |
Group performances take the pressure off individual singers and create memorable moments. Assign parts beforehand, or just let everyone join in on the chorus — both approaches work beautifully.
Karaoke Songs for Women by Mood
Empowerment Anthems
When you need to feel powerful:
| Song | Artist | Vibe |
|---|---|---|
| "Stronger" | Kelly Clarkson | Comeback energy |
| "Fighter" | Christina Aguilera | Defiant and powerful |
| "I Will Survive" | Gloria Gaynor | The original |
| "Respect" | Aretha Franklin | Demand it |
| "Roar" | Katy Perry | Modern empowerment |
| "Run the World (Girls)" | Beyoncé | Statement song |
| "Survivor" | Destiny's Child | Group anthem |
| "Beautiful" | Christina Aguilera | Self-love ballad |
Heartbreak & Emotion
When you need to feel your feelings:
| Song | Artist | Emotional Level |
|---|---|---|
| "Someone Like You" | Adele | 😢😢😢 |
| "Un-Break My Heart" | Toni Braxton | 😢😢😢😢 |
| "Nothing Compares 2 U" | Sinead O'Connor | 😢😢😢😢😢 |
| "All By Myself" | Celine Dion | 😢😢😢😢 |
| "I Will Always Love You" | Whitney Houston | 😢😢😢😢😢 |
| "Total Eclipse of the Heart" | Bonnie Tyler | 😢😢😢😢 |
| "Torn" | Natalie Imbruglia | 😢😢😢 |
| "Cry Me a River" | Julie London | 😢😢😢 (classy) |
Party Starters
When the goal is pure fun:
| Song | Artist | Dance Factor |
|---|---|---|
| "I Wanna Dance with Somebody" | Whitney Houston | 💃💃💃💃💃 |
| "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" | Cyndi Lauper | 💃💃💃💃💃 |
| "Dancing Queen" | ABBA | 💃💃💃💃💃 |
| "Shake It Off" | Taylor Swift | 💃💃💃💃 |
| "Single Ladies" | Beyoncé | 💃💃💃💃 (choreography optional) |
| "Wannabe" | Spice Girls | 💃💃💃💃 |
| "Toxic" | Britney Spears | 💃💃💃💃 |
| "Hollaback Girl" | Gwen Stefani | 💃💃💃💃 |
Chill & Soulful
When you want something smooth:
| Song | Artist | Vibe |
|---|---|---|
| "Valerie" | Amy Winehouse | Warm, soulful |
| "At Last" | Etta James | Classic romance |
| "Dreams" | Fleetwood Mac | Dreamy, mystical |
| "The Way You Look Tonight" | Standard | Timeless elegance |
| "Crazy" | Patsy Cline | Country soul |
| "Fever" | Peggy Lee | Jazzy, confident |
| "Summertime" | Ella Fitzgerald | Jazz standard |
| "Put Your Records On" | Corinne Bailey Rae | Sunshine vibes |
Best Country Karaoke Songs for Women
Country music offers storytelling, emotional depth, and songs that showcase vocal character. These country classics work beautifully for karaoke because they prioritize emotion and narrative over vocal gymnastics.
| Song | Artist | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| "Jolene" | Dolly Parton | Simple composition, iconic storytelling |
| "9 to 5" | Dolly Parton | Upbeat, relatable, group-friendly |
| "Before He Cheats" | Carrie Underwood | Powerful, everyone knows it |
| "Man! I Feel Like a Woman" | Shania Twain | Fun, empowering, singable |
| "Crazy" | Patsy Cline | Classic country with staying power |
| "Gunpowder & Lead" | Miranda Lambert | Attitude-driven, powerful |
| "Follow Your Arrow" | Kacey Musgraves | Modern country, positive message |
| "The House That Built Me" | Miranda Lambert | Emotional, beautiful storytelling |
Country songs excel at karaoke because they tell stories everyone can connect with. The vocal style is often conversational, making them accessible even if you're not a trained singer.
Best R&B Karaoke Songs for Women
R&B songs showcase soul, emotion, and vocal style. These classics combine powerful vocals with emotional depth, making them perfect for women who want to show off their soulful side.
| Song | Artist | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| "Respect" | Aretha Franklin | Iconic, powerful, universally loved |
| "At Last" | Etta James | Classic romance, beautiful low tones |
| "Valerie" | Amy Winehouse | Upbeat, catchy, mid-range friendly |
| "Independent Women" | Destiny's Child | Empowerment anthem, group energy |
| "Un-Break My Heart" | Toni Braxton | Emotional, powerful ballad |
| "No Scrubs" | TLC | Fun, sassy, everyone knows it |
| "Say My Name" | Destiny's Child | Smooth, recognizable, singable |
| "Try Again" | Aaliyah | Modern R&B classic, smooth vocals |
R&B songs let you showcase vocal style and emotion. They're perfect for women who want to add soul and character to their performance, even if they don't have the biggest range.
Best Oldies Karaoke Songs for Women (60s-70s)
These timeless classics never go out of style. They're universally recognized, emotionally resonant, and perfect for women who appreciate music history. These songs have stood the test of time for a reason — they're simply great karaoke songs.
| Song | Artist | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| "Respect" | Aretha Franklin | The ultimate empowerment anthem |
| "At Last" | Etta James | Classic romance, timeless elegance |
| "Crazy" | Patsy Cline | Country soul, emotional depth |
| "I Will Survive" | Gloria Gaynor | Disco perfection, empowerment |
| "It's My Party" | Lesley Gore | Fun, dramatic, singable |
| "Son of a Preacher Man" | Dusty Springfield | Smooth, sultry, iconic |
Oldies songs have a built-in advantage: everyone knows them, and they've proven their karaoke worth over decades. They're perfect for creating a nostalgic atmosphere while still delivering a great performance.
How to Choose the Right Song for Your Voice
Step 1: Know Your Range
Sing along to a few different songs and notice:
- Where does your voice feel strongest?
- Where do you start straining?
- Can you hit the climax notes comfortably?
Step 2: Consider the Key
Most karaoke systems let you adjust the key up or down. If a song feels slightly too high or low:
- Too high: Lower the key 1-3 semitones
- Too low: Raise the key 1-2 semitones
Step 3: Practice the Tricky Parts
Every song has that one moment — the big note, the fast section, the key change. Practice just that part until it feels comfortable.
Step 4: Create Custom Practice Tracks
Can't find a karaoke version? Use StemSplit's vocal remover to create your own:
- Upload the original song
- Select "Instrumental Only"
- Practice with your custom karaoke track
- Nail the performance
How to Improve Your Karaoke Performance
Great karaoke performances come from preparation, technique, and confidence. Here's how to take your karaoke game to the next level:
Find Your Vocal Range
Most women have a natural range of 1.5-2 octaves. To find yours:
- Test at home: Sing along to songs you know and notice where your voice feels strongest
- Identify your limits: Where do you start straining? Where does your voice feel weak?
- Match songs to your range: Pick songs that sit comfortably in your strongest octave
Your vocal range isn't fixed — it can expand with practice. But for karaoke, stick to songs that showcase your natural strengths rather than pushing your limits.
Master Your Breathing
Proper breathing is the foundation of good singing:
- Sing from your diaphragm, not your throat: Place your hand on your stomach — it should expand when you breathe in, not your chest
- Practice the hand test: Put one hand on your chest, one on your stomach. When you breathe correctly, only your stomach hand should move
- Breathing exercises: Practice taking deep breaths and releasing them slowly while making a "sss" sound
Good breathing gives you power, control, and the ability to hold notes longer. It's the difference between a weak performance and a confident one.
Warm Up Your Voice
Never go into karaoke cold. Warm up your voice first:
- Humming exercises: Start with gentle humming, moving up and down your range
- Vowel patterns: Practice "ma-me-mi-mo-mu" on different pitches
- Why it matters: Warming up prevents strain, improves tone, and helps you hit notes more accurately
Even 5 minutes of warm-ups can dramatically improve your performance. Do them in the car on the way to karaoke, or find a quiet corner when you arrive.
Hold the Microphone Correctly
Microphone technique affects your sound:
- Distance from mouth: Hold it 2-4 inches away — not touching your lips, not at arm's length
- Angle positioning: Point it slightly toward your mouth, not straight up
- What not to do: Don't cup the microphone head (it creates feedback), don't cover it with your hand
The microphone amplifies your voice, so proper technique ensures you sound your best. Practice holding it at home while singing along to music.
Practice with Custom Tracks
The best way to prepare? Practice with the actual song:
- Use StemSplit to create practice tracks: Upload any song and remove the vocals to create your own karaoke track
- Practice difficult sections: Focus on the chorus, the big notes, the fast parts
- Build confidence: The more you practice, the more confident you'll be on stage
Custom practice tracks let you rehearse exactly what you'll perform. You'll know every note, every pause, every moment to breathe. Walk into karaoke night prepared, not hoping for the best.
Work with Your Voice, Not Against It
The biggest mistake? Trying to sound exactly like the original artist. Whitney Houston sounds like Whitney Houston because she's Whitney Houston. You should sound like you.
Use the Full Performance
Karaoke isn't just singing — it's performing. Use the microphone, make eye contact, move a little. A confident performance of an "easy" song beats a technically perfect but stiff performance every time.
Pick the Right Moment
- Early in the night: Go with something upbeat and familiar
- Peak energy: Bring the power anthems
- Late night: Emotional ballads hit harder
- Opening song: Something you know COLD
Don't Apologize
Never start with "I'm not a good singer" or "Sorry in advance." Own your song choice, commit to the performance, and have fun. Confidence is 50% of a great karaoke performance.
FAQ
What is the best female karaoke song?
The best female karaoke song depends on your voice type, but "Respect" by Aretha Franklin is universally great — it's powerful, instantly recognizable, and achievable for most vocal ranges. "I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor and "Since U Been Gone" by Kelly Clarkson are also bulletproof choices that work for almost everyone. These songs combine crowd recognition with vocal accessibility, making them reliable picks for any karaoke night.
What is the top 5 most sung karaoke songs?
The most popular karaoke songs across all genres are:
- "I Will Survive" (Gloria Gaynor) — The ultimate empowerment anthem
- "Respect" (Aretha Franklin) — Iconic and powerful
- "Don't Stop Believin'" (Journey) — Works for everyone, always
- "Dancing Queen" (ABBA) — Pure joy, everyone sings along
- "Since U Been Gone" (Kelly Clarkson) — Modern classic with killer chorus
These songs have earned their popularity through decades of karaoke nights. They're recognizable, singable, and always get a reaction.
What is an easy song to sing female?
"Girls Just Want to Have Fun" by Cyndi Lauper is the easiest female karaoke song — it has a limited range, talk-singing verses that are forgiving, and the crowd always joins in. Other easy options include "Material Girl" by Madonna (talk-singing verses, iconic chorus), "I Love Rock 'n' Roll" by Joan Jett (attitude over technique), and "Call Me Maybe" by Carly Rae Jepsen (sweet pop melody, easy to follow). These songs prioritize fun over vocal perfection.
What is the easiest song to sing in karaoke?
For women, "Build Me Up Buttercup" by The Foundations or "Brown Eyed Girl" by Van Morrison are extremely forgiving — they have simple melodies, and the audience sings along even if you miss parts. Also consider "Mamma Mia" by ABBA (simple bouncy melodies) or "Bad Guy" by Billie Eilish (easy vocals, no high notes required). The easiest karaoke songs are ones where the melody is simple, the range is limited, and the crowd participation covers any mistakes.
What's the easiest karaoke song for women?
"Girls Just Want to Have Fun" by Cyndi Lauper. It has a limited range, talk-singing in the verses, and the crowd always joins in. Other easy options: "I Love Rock 'n' Roll," "Material Girl," and "Respect."
What karaoke songs are good for alto voices?
Women with lower voices should try Amy Winehouse ("Rehab," "Valerie"), Adele ("Someone Like You," "Chasing Pavements"), or classic artists like Etta James and Patsy Cline. These songs showcase lower registers beautifully.
What's the best karaoke song to show off my voice?
If you want to impress, try "Respect" by Aretha Franklin (powerful but achievable), "Rolling in the Deep" by Adele (dramatic with room to add your style), or "Since U Been Gone" by Kelly Clarkson (modern and energetic). Avoid Whitney/Mariah unless you can truly deliver.
Should I pick a song in my range or challenge myself?
Start in your range. Karaoke is about entertainment, not auditions. Once you're comfortable performing, you can gradually push into more challenging material. Nothing kills a performance faster than reaching for notes you can't hit.
Can I change the key of a karaoke song?
Yes! Most karaoke apps and machines have a key change feature. Don't be afraid to use it. Professional singers perform in different keys all the time based on their voice that day.
What if I don't know any of these songs?
Pick something you genuinely love, even if it's not on this list. Your connection to the song matters more than whether it's a "classic karaoke song." That said, crowd recognition helps — if no one knows your song, they can't sing along.
The Bottom Line
The best karaoke song for women is one that fits your voice, matches your energy, and makes you feel confident. Don't chase songs that are "impressive" if they're outside your range. A joyful, committed performance of "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" will always beat a strained, anxious attempt at "I Will Always Love You."
Start with the crowd favorites, find what works for your voice, and build your karaoke repertoire from there. And if you want to practice any song before the big night, create your own karaoke tracks with StemSplit.
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