Top 20 Best Karaoke Songs For Women

The choice of songs at a karaoke session is generally extensive and, frankly, can be a bit overwhelming. When faced with a selection the size of a telephone directory, it can be hard to pick just one. 

That’s why it isn’t a bad idea to have a best karaoke songs for women playlist tucked away on your phone somewhere. I’ve made a list of a few songs to cut down the choice and get you started. So, let’s get straight to it and take a look at the first of my picks for the greatest karaoke songs for women, starting with…

Top 20 Best Karaoke Songs For Women

We Are Family by Sister Sledge

This is a wonderful, fun, and uplifting song to kick off any karaoke session. “We Are Family” came out in 1979 and was taken as a single from the album of the same name. The single got to #1 in the US and sold over a million copies. The album also went to #1 in the US and enjoyed similarly strong sales.

The song is a true piece of Disco, which was still a popular genre at the time. “We Are Family” is undoubtedly one of Sister Sledges’ most popular songs and one with which we most associate with the band.

Who were these “sisters”?

Sister Sledge has four female members, and as you probably know, they are all sisters. The band still performs and records to this day, though now only with two sisters involved. 

Regardless, the band has been active for over five decades which by any measure is an amazing achievement in such a difficult industry.

It might be an old song… 

But you’ll find that it’s an instantly recognizable women’s karaoke song to most of the audience. This is in part due to the extensive airplay it received when it was released. It was also well frequently played in the clubs, so a lot of the older guys and girls in the audience could have heard it there as well.

“We Are Family” is one to sing with your friends, and it’s a performance that will no doubt end up on someone’s Instagram feed at some point. 

Wannabe by Spice Girls

Let’s keep the mood nice and light before we hit all those teary songs. This is another great song to sing with your girlfriends at karaoke.

It’s hard to believe that this was the Spice Girls’ first-ever single. It was released in 1996 from their debut album, Spice. Incredibly, they were catapulted to international stardom and fame within just a few short weeks. 

And the rest, as they say, is history…

What I find to be a little more surprising is that their debut single also proved to be their biggest seller. It ultimately sold seven million copies and reached #1 in the US and the UK. 

The album was similarly successful achieving sales of 23 million. This all helped them to sell a mind-boggling 85 million records over their careers and become the best-selling girl group in history. An incredible achievement, I’m sure you’ll agree.

“Wannabe” should help get the crowd going and get them smiling in the process. Plus, if you watch the music video, you’ll see that you can have as much of a laugh doing some of the dance moves as the singing. 

It’s a great song to do as a group… 

You all get a chance to sing and dance and join in during the chorus. What’s more, if your singing isn’t the best, then do not worry. Just spend most of the time dancing and pouting in between the choruses, and you’ll be fine.

After all, Victoria Beckham made a career out of looking serious and miserable, minus any singing.

Without You by Mariah Carey

If you ladies are feeling a little nostalgic for a lost love, what better way to get those emotions out than by belting out this classic? It was first released in 1970 by a little-known British band called Badfinger. Although the song is most associated with Mariah Carey, these were the guys that wrote it.

Some of you more mature ladies may also remember the hugely popular “Without You” version from Nilsson, which was also released in 1971. That was a massive hit and made it to #1 in the US and the UK, selling well over a million copies in the process.

Mariah came to the song much later, in 1994. However, despite being late to the table, Mariah’s version of “Without You” is, in my opinion, easily the best. Not only that, but I think it’s possibly one of her greatest vocal performances. 

Her expression and interpretation of this heartfelt song are breathtaking…

Quite rightly, the song has received much critical acclaim. It’s won a Grammy and inclusion on The Rolling Stones’ Greatest of All Time list. This is a much-covered song and a piece of music that’s likely to be around for a long time to the cone.

It’s a wonderful love ballad and a great karaoke song for the ladies. However, just remember that you don’t have a 1,000-octave range like Mariah. Sing your heart out by all means, and you should, but be careful at the choruses. 

Rather than trying to hit the same highs as Mariah, just take things down by an octave or ten, and all should be good.

Don’t Speak by No Doubt

We all love Gwen Stefani, and how could you not love this absolute tearjerker? It was released in 1996 from No Doubt’s third album, Tragic Kingdom. 

Gwen Stefani penned the song with her brother Eric. Since it’s a song about her relationship split with Tony Kanal, also a band member, it can’t have been easy to write.

The song… 

Although sad, it isn’t overly sentimental or filled with pain and suffering. Although there are plenty of emotions on display, the lyrics show acceptance of the situation. 

Something that was mirrored in real life since the band stayed together, despite the decoupling. A lesson to us all to face personal issues with maturity and without malicious intent or bad feelings.

They say that from adversity comes opportunity… 

And “Don’t Speak” is a good illustration of this. Happily, out of this adversity came success. The single ended up being the band’s most successful. It sold five million copies and was their breakthrough for wider international recognition.

There’s no doubt (Sorry!) that it’s a brilliant song. But, I think a large part of its huge popularity is due to its authenticity. 

It’s a great karaoke song for a woman to sing alone. However, if you want some backup, just get your friend or friends to help you out during the chorus. That should add a little bit of extra oomph to one of the best karaoke songs for women.

Someone Like You by Adele 

Adele has the most amazing voice but doesn’t let it put you off singing one of her songs. Karaoke isn’t about sounding great; it’s about having a good time. So, do that and don’t overthink or worry about the delivery. Besides, it would be criminal not to sing at least one of her songs, don’t you think?

“Someone Like You” is another sad break-up song. It is another song where the singer is trying to work through her emotions as the result of a love lost. It’s a common topic that’s always likely to result in a highly charged and emotional song.

It was released in 2011 and was a single from her album, 21, which also came out in the same year. The single sold five million copies in the US and ten million copies worldwide. It also became one of the most streamed songs, with two billion streams to its name and counting.

The album was even more successful… 

It went 14 times platinum and sold 14 million copies in the US alone. Worldwide it chalked up 31 million sales, making it one of the most popular albums by a female artist ever. 

“Someone Like You” is such a powerful song, and although it deals with painful feelings, it also feels inspiring. The way the singer, through the lyrics, deals with these problems and moves on is undoubtedly positive.

It’s a beautiful piece of writing by Adel and Dan Wilson from a musical and lyrical perspective. Enjoy yourself when you sing one of the best karaoke songs for women, but don’t feel the need to belt it out like Adele. 

Like a Virgin by Madonna

This is always a laugh and good to slot in when things are starting to get too serious. “Like a Virgin” came out in 1984 and was released as a single from her album of the same name. It was very popular and reached the top spot in both the US and the UK, selling six million copies.

In many ways, I believe this was the most artistically productive period of her long career. Within a year of releasing “Like a Virgin,” she also released “Lucky Star,” “Borderline,” “Into the Groove,” and “Papa Don’t Preach.”

Like all of these songs, “Like a Virgin” is very well known, and the content of the lyrics is sure to raise a few smiles. Even more so if you happen to have a friend with you who is saving herself for marriage. That was a joke!

More seriously… 

The good news is that whatever Madonna song you sing, it’s never going to be much of a challenge. That’s because Madonna has a relatively narrow range of just one and a half octaves. Compare that to Celine Dion’s three-octave range and Mariah Carey’s five, and you see what I mean.

Simply put, you should have no fears of it being beyond your range or ability.

Baby One More Time by Britney Spears

The Spice Girls made a huge entrance at the start of their careers, but Britain Spears held her own with the 1998 release of “Baby One More Time.” The song was huge and went on to sell ten million copies. It also reached the top spot in the US and the UK.

The same titled album, Baby One More Time, was an even bigger hit. This would eventually sell a staggering 24 million copies and reach #1 in ten thousand countries worldwide. All special stuff for a debut single and album, don’t you think?

How about that music video?

What Britney was most remembered for at this time was the music video. It received extensive play on MTV and mainstream TV. This is what you should tap into when you get up on stage.

The song is probably best sung on your own, but if you’re a bit shy or just want to sing it with your friends, it will work as a group. Happily, it’s an easy girls’ karaoke song to sing without too much challenge vocally other than a couple of very short lines. 

I Kissed a Girl by Katy Perry

This was Katy Perry’s debut single, and my goodness, what a lot of criticism she received as a result. “I Kissed a Girl” came out after she’d toured with Rihanna. On stage, there was a lot of kissing with other girls as part of the musical performance. 

The song is merely recounting the experience and suggesting that it’s something that she might have enjoyed. It hints that a more serious relationship with the same sex could follow.

The LGBT community hated it… 

Although let’s face it, they hate everything and don’t have much of a sense of humor. They argue that it was just done for effect (so what?), Katy Perry wasn’t really into it (so what?), and she was only doing it to sell records. Again, so what?

Why should anyone care, for goodness sake? Of course, far too many people care about things that are not that important.

Fortunately… 

Despite some initial resistance from the record label and radio stations, it eventually got airplay and quickly rose to the top of the charts. It reached #1 in the US and the UK. It went six times platinum in the US and double platinum in the UK.

I’m not a huge fan of Katy Perry or “I Kissed a Girl,” but I say, good for her. 

It is a fun song, and although somewhat badly mixed and produced, it’s still great for karaoke. It will get people laughing and cheering. But watch out for possible over-amorous advances by some of the ladies a little later in the night.

Girls Just Want to Have Fun by Cyndi Lauper

It was originally written and performed in 1979 by Robert Hazard. However, most of you will know it from the Cyndi Lauper cover that was released four years later, in 1983. 

What I find most surprising about “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” is that it was written by a guy. Just a superficial dive into the lyrics make it hard to believe. Frankly, more than anything, it sounds like a feminist anthem.

And that is what it eventually became…

Lyrically, the song was predominantly about female empowerment. It was all about “Girl Power” before we’d even heard of or knew what it meant. It’s about being free from restriction and criticism. It is about women having the freedom to follow their path and to go out and have fun when they want.

This is very much a song for the girls…

The single did well worldwide, hitting the top spot in the US and selling over two million copies. It was released from the album, She’s So Unusual. This was super-successful in terms of sales and critical acclaim.

It sold over 16 million copies and was also nominated for two Grammys in 1995. Happily, it won a Grammy for the Best Album Package. She also won a Grammy in the same year for Best New Artist.

Cyndi Lauper was a great vocalist and performer… 

However, like a few of the female singers on the list of the best karaoke songs for women, she also sang high up in the register. Therefore, I think you’ll need to take this down an octave to have any chance of doing it justice.

But if you can sing it in its original key, I think you should seriously consider joining a band.

Dancing Queen by Abba

This is an absolute Disco classic that will get everyone on their feet singing and dancing. It was released in 1975 from their album, Arrival. It went to #1 in the US and the UK, as well as many other European countries. The single sold over four million copies, and the album was similarly successful.

The song is written by Abba and, like most of their songs, was a Pop song masterpiece. However, what set this song apart was that it was much more Disco-focused than most of their other songs. It has a clear Disco beat and melody that suits the genre perfectly.

Lyrically, “Dancing Queen” is much deeper than it first appears… 

At first glance, it’s about being young and free, going out, dancing, seizing the moment, and having a good time. However, the song isn’t told from the position of the seventeen-year-old dancing queen. 

Instead, it’s told from a much older person looking in and lamenting their lost youth and the approach of the end of their life.

It’s essentially a sad song… 

But it’s deliciously wrapped up in such a catchy, happy up-tempo beat that you’d never know it without taking a much closer look. It’s so clever and even more so when you consider that this was written in the group’s second language. Hats off to them.

It’s a great song for women at karaoke, and I’d advise you to forget the sad stuff and dance and sing your hearts out.

Before He Cheats by Carrie Underwood

There’s plenty of anger here. And Carrie Underwood is as mad as hell. She doesn’t mind telling everyone, and she sure as hell doesn’t mind performing some petty forms of vandalism to get the anger out of her system. 

The song tells the sorry tale of a male cheater who’s had his fun and moved on. Sadly, that leaves our Country sister in pieces and seeking some serious revenge. It’s a story of sadness, bitterness, love, and a thousand other emotions all rolled into one.

It’s a brilliant Country song… 

And, despite the somewhat pessimistic lyrics, it has a rather surprising upbeat tempo. This nicely reflects the satisfaction at the end of the song that she derives from destroying her ex-boyfriend’s car. Not a criminal act because she’s a woman and is upset.

Carrie Underwood is a Country superstar, and since she left the TV series, “American Idol,” in season four as a winner, everything she’s touched has turned into gold. “Before He Cheats” is no exception. 

It was a big hit, and the debut album it’s taken from, Some Hearts, also enjoyed similar success. It sold 10 million copies globally and won a host of Country Music Awards. If Carrie Underwood can get rid of all that pent-up aggression and emotion, then so can you. Don’t resort to vandalism, though.

Hopelessly Devoted to You by Olivia Newton-John

After all the anger and venom, let’s get a bit soppy and turn the clock back over forty years. The song is a track from the hit musical movie, “Grease,” released in 1978. 

If you haven’t had the pleasure of watching it, you should. It’s a tale of two young would-be lovers from opposite ends of town and on different sides of the tracks.

A familiar story…

The “bad boy,” Danny, is played by John Travolta. The “good girl” is played by Olivia Newton-John. It’s a wonderful tale of young love told against a backdrop of some of the best music and dancing you’re ever likely to see in a movie.

At the time, the movie was the highest-grossing box-office musical of all time. If you do watch it, you’ll get the chance to see why and also get to see John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John in the primes of their lives. 

“Hopelessly Devoted to You” fits into the movie as a mission of love for Sandy. This is unconditional love towards Danny, regardless of his intentions or of how he treats her. 

Tell me more, tell me more, tell me more…

The song featured as a track for Grease: The Original Soundtrack from the Motion Picture. It was released in the same year as the movie. Both the song and the soundtrack sold well. Although, the album sold in much greater numbers, 30 million copies to be precise.

There’s no doubt that “Hopelessly Devoted to You” is a highly sentimental song. So much so that it’s almost certain to be sung ironically. I’m sure John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John wouldn’t mind.

Shake It Off by Taylor Swift

Here’s a great song for all you grown-up Swifties. “Shake It Off” was taken from her smash album, 1989, which was released in 2014. They were both hugely popular. The single became her best-selling and reached the top spot in the US. The album was equally successful and sold north of six million copies.

“Shake It Off” is a very catchy Pop song that has a strong Dance beat. It’s perfect for dancing to and also a great song for letting yourself go while blasting out the lyrics. Since the range is also nothing too arduous, it lends itself nicely to karaoke.

So, what’s it about?

It’s about rising above criticism and not worrying about the negative things people say about you. It’s a reference to herself and all the negativity she received in the past for her awkwardness, her serial dating, or her political views.

I commend her for the positive message and hope it helps people who sometimes feel the burden of criticism from bullies. Holding your head high and not bowing to hurtful and unjust hate is a good attitude and a perfect response to all the haters.

Sing out loud, shake it off, and give all those bullies the metaphorical finger.

Don’t Stop Believin’ from Glee

I’m sure you’ll all remember this one from the guys and girls from Glee. “Don’t Stop Believin’” was released in 2009 and taken from the album Glee: The Music, Volume 1. The single got to #4 in the US and sold two million copies. The album got the top spot in the US and sold over a million copies.

All solid numbers and no doubt because the music was associated with the TV hit series, “Glee.”

So, who wrote it, and when was it released?

What many of you may not know is that Glee’s recording was a cover of the original song released in 1991 by the American rock group Journey. You may also not know that their original song was even more successful than the cover. It sold four million records worldwide.

They’re both great versions, and both feature an infectious, high-intensity beat with an excellent melody and chorus. However, I think the Glee cover is better to focus on during Karaoke. 

Why?

Because if you think of the TV series, you can visualize all the fun choreographed dancing. So, it’s therefore much easier to relax and get into the right head space for belting out those choruses.

Torn by Natalie Imbruglia

This is a song full of relationship angst. It was written by Scott Cutler, Phil Thornalley, and Anne Preven. It was first performed in Danish by Lis Sorensen in 1995. However, the best-known version of “Torn” is the 1997 cover sung by Australian singer Natalie Imbruglia.

It enjoyed huge success, as did the debut album the song was taken from, Left in the Middle. The single sold over four million copies going triple platinum in the UK. The album enjoyed similar success and sold over six million copies.

So, what’s it about?

It deals with a breakup and dissatisfaction with a relationship from a female perspective. Following the end of her romance, she realizes that her partner wasn’t the man she thought he was. She believed that she’d had the perfect man but began to see this was all an illusion. 

Subsequently, the reality of her situation hits her as she begins to accept her expectations were unrealistic. This all sounds like fertile territory for any woman to get their teeth into.

Just one caveat if you choose to sing it… 

Natalie Imbruglia sings in a relatively high voice, which may make it a bit tricky when trying to hit the higher notes. If you don’t have a naturally high voice, just try coming down an octave. It is common advice, I know, but it will be a lot easier, and it will still sound great.

Your So Vain by Carly Simon

Carly Simon would appear to have had a similar kind of problem with her man as Natalie Imbruglia. In this instance, Carly’s experience with an ex-lover seems to have been less than satisfactory. The man she ended up being with wasn’t the man she thought he was before the hook-up. 

When she found out the real character of her lover, she was fast to point out his shortcomings to the world in her song. I wonder if she’s friends with Taylor Swift.

Back to the song…

The name of the man involved has long been pondered, and we still don’t know for sure. However, over the years, Carly Simon has given more than a few hints about the person’s identity. 

The best guess is that it’s Warren Beatty. Although Mick Jagger, David Bowie, and James Taylor are also in the frame.

Wait, who’s the vain one here?

“Your so Vain” was written by Carly Simon and was released in 1972. It went to #1 in the US and also sold over a million records. Additionally, it received a large amount of critical acclaim. It got into The Rolling Stones’ Greatest Songs of all Time list, though admittedly, it just scraped in at #495.

If you choose to sing this, then no doubt you’ll be doing so with an ex in mind. So, just make sure you let him have it with both barrels. 

Price Tag by Jessie J

This was Jessie J’s best-selling single. She wrote it, with the help of a few others, and released it in 2010. It’s a Pop/R&B song that also features rapping from the US rapper B.o.B. What kind of name is that?

“Price Tag” was taken from the album, Who You Are. The single sold over three million copies worldwide and went to #1 in nineteen countries. These figures don’t include streaming stats, which at this time, were beginning to play an ever more important part in record sales figures.

At first glance… 

The single is about the superficiality of consumerism. People are more concerned about the cost of something, and this is somehow equated to happiness. That possessions and wealth will bring you a happy life. 

However, the song is not about living free, but more about enjoying what you have, and not concerning yourself with what other people buy or own.

Another dimension of the song relates to how the music industry has turned music into a business rather than something that should be fun. I see where she’s coming from, but kind of disagree, as I think the music industry has always been this way.

Overall… 

It’s a fun karaoke song for women with a very nice melody with a catchy chorus. One word of warning before I finish, though. If you don’t fancy yourself as a rapper, make sure you get one of your girlfriends, who fancies the job, to help you out on stage with B.o.B.’s contribution.

Can’t Get You Out of My Head By Kylie Minogue

I’m getting toward the end of my list, and there’s no way to complete it without finding space for the Princess of Pop. Shen has an incredible back catalog to choose from. But I eventually settled on “I Can’t Get You Out of My Head.”

Why?

Because it’s a great Pop song with a fantastic dance beat that also has an easy-to-sing and catchy chorus. The entire song is relatively easy to sing. Plus, the music video should give you some great ideas for a few simple dance moves to liven things up a little.

“Can’t Get You Out of My Head” was released a fair way into her career in 2001. It was written by Rob Davis along with Cathy Dennis and was the first single released from the album, Fever. 

Not surprisingly, both the single and album chartered and sold well. The single sold five million, and the album seven million copies.

Lyrically… 

The song is about a woman that is emotionally infatuated with a guy. It’s clear that despite her attachment, her feelings haven’t been reciprocated and that her love is very much unrequited. The lyrics, quite frankly, make her sound more than a bit crazy and a bit of a bunny boiler.

Happily, it’s a fun song and a solid choice at any time of the night.

Survivor by Destiny’s Child

I’m finishing the list with a couple of songs about determination and positivity. So, this seems to be the perfect accompaniment to “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor. It’s a great feel-good song that also has a brilliant music video to help bring it alive.

“Survivor” was released in 2001 and quickly climbed the charts to the top spot both in the US and the UK. The album it was taken from, also named Survivor, made it to #1 in both countries and chalked up ten million sales. All very impressive figures.

The lyrics concern the past difficulties surrounding relationships and work. Additionally, it touches on other difficult topics, such as physical and mental health problems.

Despite the serious subjects… 

Both the music and lyrics are essentially upbeat. The overall message is one of being able to overcome hardship and come out on top. It’s a powerful song in many ways and one that I’m sure a lot of you will relate to.

I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor

I’ve finished my best karaoke songs for women playlist with this absolute classic. That is because it is a great one to round off any karaoke night. What’s more, as the most requested karaoke song for girls, it kind of feels appropriate.

It’s a song about survival, no surprises there…

Its popularity is undoubtedly down to the common experiences of difficulty and hardship that we all face at some point. This is predominantly from a female perspective and is a song that hits the spot for women, lyrically speaking. 

The single came out in 1978. It was released from Love Tracks. “I will Survive” went on to sell a whopping 14 million copies and simultaneously became a Disco anthem for a generation. It’s a song that still lives strong and, aided with multiple covers, will no doubt continue to do so. 

Closing a night with this should leave everyone feeling happy. Additionally, since you only have an octave of range to deal with, even if you are feeling a little ‘tired,’ the song is easy to sing. Plus, it also lends itself to a solo or group performance. It’s a belter of a song to wrap up your night.

Looking for More Awesome Karaoke Songs?

If so, take a look at our detailed articles on the Best Karaoke Songs for Alto Females, the Most Popular Karaoke Songs of All Time, the Easiest Karaoke Songs, the Top Funny Karaoke Songs, and the Best Duet Karaoke Songs for more great karaoke song ideas.

Also, check out our in-depth reviews of the Best Karaoke Microphones, the Best Karaoke Microphones for iPhones and Smartphones, the Best Karaoke Speakers, the Best Karaoke Machines, the Best Party Speakers, as well as the Best Tailgate Speakers that you can buy in 2023.

Best Karaoke Songs For Women – Final Thoughts

So, there you have it. I hope that has helped. If your favorite song didn’t make my best women’s karaoke songs playlist, then apologies. However, I hope it’s at least given you a few ideas and a little musical food for thought.

Until next time, enjoy your next karaoke session and give them your best!