Are you ready to turn your karaoke nights up a notch? If so, we’ve got a spicy challenge for you: The 20 Hardest karaoke songs to Sing. These tunes are not for the weak – they demand skill, passion, and a daring spirit that’s not afraid to miss a few notes.
From the soaring highs of Mariah Carey to the rhythmic complexity of Eminem, we’ve scoured music history to find songs that’ll test your vocal cords and rhythm. These are the kind of tracks that make seasoned karaoke singers break into a cold sweat – and that’s exactly why they’re so much fun!
Contents
- 1. “Chandelier” by Sia
- 2. “My All” by Mariah Carey
- 3. “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston
- 4. “Hurt” by Christina Aguilera
- 5.”Rap God” by Eminem
- 6. “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana
- 7. “Listen” by Beyonce
- 8. “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen
- 9. “Stone Cold” by Demi Lovato
- 10. “Who’s Loving You” by The Jackson 5
- 11. “Dream On” by Aerosmith
- 12. “I Believe In A Thing Called Love” by The Darkness
- 13. “Welcome to The Black Parade” by My Chemical Romance
- 14. “Imagine” by Ariana Grande
- 15. “I Have Nothing” by Whitney Houston
- 16. “Crawling” by Linkin Park
- 17. “Titanium” by David Guetta feat. Sia
- 18. “Since U Been Gone” by Kelly Clarkson
- 19. “Loving You” by Minnie Riperton
- 20. “Stay With Me” by Sam Smith
- Conclusion
1. “Chandelier” by Sia
Pop queen Sia gave us “Chandelier,” an electrifying anthem with dramatic high notes that could give the Eiffel Tower vertigo. Off her sixth album, this mega-hit tells a gut-wrenching tale of addiction through its melancholic lyrics and heart-pounding chorus.
It took the world by storm when released in 2011, earning rave reviews and blasting the airwaves worldwide. If you’re up for a daring vocal challenge, take a swing at this gem!
2. “My All” by Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey is the embodiment of vocal gymnastics, with her signature whistle notes and intricate riffs. A true icon, her discography is a treasure trove of vocal challenges. Among these, “My All” stands out with its tale of passionate, all-consuming love, brought to life by Mariah’s breathtaking vocal range. Trying to hit those notes? You’re in for an exhilarating ride!
3. “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston
Everyone knows that if you can sing this Whitney Houston song from beginning to end, you’re a fantastic vocalist. Sung by the Queen of Power Ballads, Houston’s songs will test your vocal prowess. The chorus will do more than enough to blow your wits away because of the large belting notes you’ll have to hit.
4. “Hurt” by Christina Aguilera
This song by another powerhouse vocal is on the list because of the song’s overall complexity. You’d have to concentrate not only on hitting the high notes, but also on the dramatic pauses, key changes, and the wide vocal range throughout the song. Give it a shot and see if your vocal cords can keep up with you!
5.”Rap God” by Eminem
Karaoke isn’t just about belting out notes; it’s about rhythm and flow too. Eminem’s “Rap God” is a lyrical whirlwind that’ll leave you breathless. The sheer speed and wordplay complexity of this track are enough to tie your tongue in knots. Got the rhythm and courage to spit these verses? Go ahead and channel your inner Slim Shady!
6. “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana
“Smells Like Teen Spirit” is perhaps one of Nirvana’s most well-known songs, propelling them to fame in the early 1990s. This legendary song is a seminal grunge single that took their album to the top of the charts and marked the beginning of alternative rock’s mainstream acceptance.
It was dubbed the “ultimate hymn for apathetic youngsters” and is extremely difficult to sing due to its loud-quiet dynamic, which can be difficult to master.
7. “Listen” by Beyonce
Of course, this list wouldn’t be complete without Queen B making an appearance. The trouble is that just hearing the song makes you doubt your ability to sing it because of the tremendous vocal skill required to pull it off successfully. Singing this powerhouse tune can feel like climbing Everest, but conquering it will be oh so sweet!
8. “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen
“Bohemian Rhapsody” is not just a song; it’s an epic saga. This timeless classic is a karaoke staple, ranking third most popular on Singa Karaoke in 2020. Navigating through its rich tapestry of overlapping vocals and vast range is no small feat. Gather your friends and attempt this legendary musical adventure!
9. “Stone Cold” by Demi Lovato
Demi Lovato’s “Stone Cold” is in the same league as Sia’s “Chandelier” when it comes to karaoke popularity. Its soaring high notes make it a favorite among ambitious karaoke enthusiasts, many of whom have shared their successful attempts on YouTube. Dare to join them?
10. “Who’s Loving You” by The Jackson 5
The Jackson 5’s “Who’s Loving You” is a soulful journey of heartbreak and longing. The song’s deep emotion and the group’s powerful harmonies make it a challenging tune to master. But don’t let that deter you – embrace the emotion and make this classic your own.
11. “Dream On” by Aerosmith
Time to let your inner rockstar loose with Aerosmith’s “Dream On.” This iconic power ballad is among the band’s biggest hits, known for its escalating intensity and striking high notes. It’s a tall order to fill Steven Tyler’s shoes, but remember, the bigger the challenge, the greater the triumph!
12. “I Believe In A Thing Called Love” by The Darkness
Sung by the popular English rock band, the Darkness, “I Believe in A Thing Called Love” incorporates a heavy rock and roll theme that requires you to have an expansive upper vocal range to sing successfully. It may also be worth saying that this song’s highest note is G#5.
13. “Welcome to The Black Parade” by My Chemical Romance
A song that has resonated deeply with fans, “Welcome to The Black Parade” by My Chemical Romance is more than a tune – it’s an anthem of resilience. This track isn’t just about hitting the right notes but also connecting with its profound, empowering message. Can you take on the challenge and join The Black Parade?
14. “Imagine” by Ariana Grande
The famous singer is widely admired for her wild vocal runs and belting notes. But besides this, Ariana has also made a name for herself when it comes to songs with fast-paced tempos and rhythms. Written in the F minor key, this R&B and pop ballad song has a 125 BPM tempo, with insane whistle notes that are difficult to pull off.
15. “I Have Nothing” by Whitney Houston
Of course, another Whitney Houston song makes the list. This vocally challenging song is almost impossible to get right, but pulling it off is considered a great feat already. Not only will you have to worry about hitting the high notes, but also make sure you’re controlling your breathing perfectly.
16. “Crawling” by Linkin Park
This song by the famous American rock band Linkin Park revolves around finding flaws and mistakes in yourself and the anxiety that comes with wanting to change these things. If you want to know why this song is on the list, the band itself says that this is one of the hardest songs of theirs to ever sing live.
17. “Titanium” by David Guetta feat. Sia
Don’t let this song’s amazing beat and melody fool you. Once you get to the chorus, you may find yourself struggling to reach those notes without pausing to catch your breath. What else can we say? It’s just a testament to the singer’s incredible vocal skills.
18. “Since U Been Gone” by Kelly Clarkson
You’ll immediately know why this song makes the list just from its first lyric and melody alone. Good luck sustaining those high notes in extended periods – if you can, that is.
19. “Loving You” by Minnie Riperton
Minni Riperton is a phenom when it comes to singing high notes that are impossible for the average person to pull off. Her song “Loving You” is a great proof of that.
20. “Stay With Me” by Sam Smith
The song focuses on the moments that occur in the morning after an impulsive one-night stand, where you’re finally left alone by yourself. Sam Smith’s rich, soulful voice and the song’s bass make it challenging to pull off the song’s vocals while keeping the emotions it aims to convey.
Conclusion
There are a lot of songs you can choose to sing in karaoke. While you can always dial in your go-to songs and favorites, it’s fun to take a little challenge. You may have tried to sing a song you enjoy but struggled to reach the notes, or the rhythm may be something you can’t quite grasp.
When it comes to the most difficult karaoke songs to sing, everyone’s answer will be slightly different. Female vocalists may find it more difficult to perform songs with exaggerated bass tones, whilst male singers may find it more difficult to sing songs written for sopranos.
Whatever the case, dial at least one of these songs to put your vocal abilities to the test!
