English-language karaoke hits to get the crowd going: Latest rankings [2025]

Hotline BlingDrake71rank/position

Drake – Hotline Bling

When it comes to songs you heard everywhere in 2015, this one is a must: “Hotline Bling” by Canadian rapper Drake.

This video spawned all kinds of memes.

It’s guaranteed to be a hit when a guy sings it to a girl at karaoke.

Make sure to copy Drake’s moves, too!

Just The Way You AreBruno Mars72rank/position

Bruno Mars – Just The Way You Are (Official Music Video)

When you go to karaoke with someone special, the song I want you to sing is “Just The Way You Are.” Released by Bruno Mars in 2010, it’s a track whose charm lies in its melody overflowing with happiness.

Within its hip-hop-based arrangement, you can feel elements of R&B and funk, which really showcases his multifaceted talent.

If you practice while looking up the meaning of the lyrics, you’ll notice the song’s appeal even more.

When you want to express your honest feelings to a lover or someone you like, try singing this song with all your heart.

Smells Like Teen SpiritNirvana73rank/position

Nirvana – Smells Like Teen Spirit (Official Music Video)

For any man in his 40s who knows Western music, it’s inevitable that he’s gone through the leading band of the alternative/grunge scene, Nirvana, and their world-famous album Nevermind.

The first track has to be Smells Like Teen Spirit.

It gets you fired up right from the intro riff (though it’s a bit hard to keep the groove in the middle).

Watch MeSilentó74rank/position

Silentó – Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae) (Official)

Silentó’s “Watch Me,” which went viral worldwide in 2015.

From this music video, various dance moves like the “whip” and the “nae” spread everywhere.

They’re still loved as fun references around the world, so it might really get the crowd going if you go to karaoke with foreign friends.

Bad RomanceLady Gaga75rank/position

Lady Gaga – Bad Romance (Official Music Video)

This is an empowering anthem by the ever-commanding Lady Gaga, who enjoys immense support for her distinctive fashion and uncompromising vocal approach.

It’s an upbeat track with a refreshing punch that resonates with women in their 30s and makes you want to sing it at karaoke.

Bohemian RhapsodyQueen76rank/position

Queen – Bohemian Rhapsody (Official Video Remastered)

Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody,” by the British rock band, is one of their signature songs and also the title of the film depicting the life of lead vocalist Freddie Mercury.

Released as a single in 1975, it was a massive hit, spending nine weeks at number one on the UK Singles Chart.

It’s famous for its highly distinctive structure, starting as a ballad, moving into an operatic section, and shifting into hard rock.

The operatic part, in particular, features call-and-response passages that can’t really be sung by one person alone, so it’s great fun at karaoke when sung by a group to capture the atmosphere.

SeñoritaShawn Mendes & Camila Cabello77rank/position

Shawn Mendes, Camila Cabello – Señorita

A song I recommend when going to karaoke with a man and a woman is Señorita.

It’s by Camila Cabello and Shawn Mendes, and the two started dating because of this track.

Fitting that background, the song has a very passionate feel.

Since it’s a duet, I think it will be a big hit if a man and a woman sing it together.

However, your partner may not always be able to carry it through.

While it might seem difficult, it’s surprisingly manageable to sing solo as well, so give it a try.