Broadway’s Go-To Karaoke Songs

What Broadway Singers Pick When They Step Up to the Mic

Some people take karaoke too seriously. Others pick songs they can’t actually sing. The best karaoke moments happen somewhere in between—when the song fits your voice, the crowd gets into it, and you feel like a star for three minutes.

Broadway performers know how to pick songs that land. Whether they’re belting in a private room or leading a packed bar in a singalong, they understand what works. Here’s a list of their go-to picks—songs anyone can pull off with confidence.

Karaoke Songs That Always Work

These are the songs Broadway singers choose when they want a guaranteed good time—crowd favorites, duets, and pop anthems that get people singing along.

Feel-Good Group Songs

• Sweet Caroline – Neil Diamond
  Why it works: The “ba ba ba” singalong is automatic. No one stays quiet.

• Don’t Stop Me Now – Queen
  Why it works: High-energy, fun to sing, and gets the whole room involved.

• Don’t Stop Believin’ – Journey
  Why it works: People can’t resist that chorus.

• Livin’ on a Prayer – Bon Jovi
  Why it works: The key change turns a room into a stadium.

• Dancing Queen – ABBA
  Why it works: Upbeat, nostalgic, and impossible not to move to.

• I Wanna Dance with Somebody – Whitney Houston
  Why it works: Pure joy from start to finish.

Duets That Always Hit

• Ain’t No Mountain High Enough – Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
  Why it works: Built for two voices, with energy that keeps building.

• Summer Nights – Grease
  Why it works: Playful back-and-forth makes it fun for both singers.

• Don’t Go Breaking My Heart – Elton John & Kiki Dee
  Why it works: Fun, lighthearted, and easy for both singers.

• A Whole New World – Aladdin
  Why it works: Classic, smooth, and easy to harmonize.

Pop Songs That Bring the Energy

• I Want It That Way – Backstreet Boys
  Why it works: Nostalgia factor is through the roof.

• Like a Prayer – Madonna
  Why it works: Gospel-style chorus makes it feel huge.

• Take On Me – a-ha
  Why it works: That high note. The crowd will cheer whether you hit it or not.

• Shake It Off – Taylor Swift
  Why it works: Upbeat, easy to sing, and impossible not to dance to.

Songs for a Dramatic Moment

• Total Eclipse of the Heart – Bonnie Tyler
  Why it works: Big, theatrical, and over-the-top in the best way.

• I Will Survive – Gloria Gaynor
  Why it works: The ultimate empowerment anthem.

• Love Shack – The B-52’s
  Why it works: Half-sung, half-spoken, and ridiculously fun.

• Let It Go – Idina Menzel (Frozen)
  Why it works: A modern power ballad built for belting.

Broadway Songs That Work for Karaoke

• I Just Can't Wait to Be King – The Lion King
  Why it works: Fun, familiar, and easy to sing with a group.

• All I Ask of You – The Phantom of the Opera
  Why it works: A powerful duet that’s both recognizable and dramatic.

• Seasons of Love – Rent
  Why it works: A simple, heartfelt ensemble song anyone can join in on.

• Defying Gravity – Wicked
  Why it works: If you can hit the notes, this one owns the room.

Making the Most of It

• Know your strengths. Don’t pick something out of your range just because you love it.

• Commit. The best karaoke isn’t about being perfect—it’s about selling the song.

• Read the room. “Creep” by Radiohead? Probably not the move if the crowd wants a party.

In Summary

The best karaoke songs aren’t the hardest ones—they’re the ones that connect. Broadway singers know how to pick songs that feel good to sing, get a reaction, and work in any setting. Next time you’re up, pick one from this list and own it.

Sing with the Stars produces Broadway-hosted karaoke nights for corporate and global brands in the New York City area. Interested? Register for our next free karaoke night to learn more.