What is karaoke? The ultimate guide to all things karaoke
Karaoke is one of the twentieth century’s most innovative creations, not to mention an engaging, one-of-a-kind social experience that allows people to truly unwind and be their most uninhibited and ridiculous selves, while also creating lasting memories and establishing and strengthening friendships. But do you truly know the origins of this fascinating spectacle? How it came about? And what the industry looks like from other areas of the globe?
In this article, we’ll walk you through the background and culture of karaoke – how it began, where it’s going, and why it’s just so darn fun.
This karaoke guide will cover:
- What is karaoke?
- A brief history of karaoke
- Types of karaoke
- Karaoke around the world
- The most popular karaoke songs around the world
- Interesting facts about karaoke
- Karaoke: questions and answers
What is karaoke?
Karaoke is a form of interactive entertainment where a person sings along to a pre-recorded instrumental track with the lyrics displayed on a screen. It's a beloved activity for a wide range of social occasions and celebrations. Whether you're at a casual company gathering or a vibrant bachelorette party, karaoke always adds an extra layer of fun and excitement.
While in the western world, most people are familiar with karaoke being performed on a stage in front of a crowd, in Asia, karaoke lies in the private karaoke rooms, where friends and family gather to share the joy of singing.
What does karaoke mean?
The term "karaoke" originates from Japanese and comes from a combination of two words: "kara," meaning empty, and "okesutora," meaning orchestra. Makes sense, doesn't it?
How are karaoke songs made?
A karaoke version of the original song is a rendition made specifically for those magical moments at the mic. These versions are produced by karaoke companies and labels, either through their own content creation or by acquiring it from music producers.
Karaoke songs replicate instrumental and backing tracks, excluding the lead vocals, and are achieved through live instrument recording or MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) instruments. With the full mix version, producers synchronize on-screen lyrics with color-changing indicators to guide singers on when to sing. If you want to dive deeper, you can read more about producing karaoke versions here.
Common karaoke terms and definitions
Karaoke Jockey/KJ: A Karaoke Jockey, also referred as Karaoke Host or Karaoke DJ, manages and facilitates karaoke sessions at venues such as bars, or private parties. Their role involves selecting songs, queueing performers, adjusting audio levels, and creating an enjoyable atmosphere for singers and the audience.
Noraebang: "Noraebang" refers to Korean-style karaoke, originating from the words "norae" (song) and "bang" (room), that offers a singing experience in a private room. Noraebang also includes the option to have the singing session serviced with food and drinks.
KTV: "KTV," short form for "Karaoke Television", is a used term for a private karaoke room establishment in China, Taiwan, Singapore, and Cambodia. KTV offers a private space for groups to indulge in singing, along with food and drink services.
Public performing rights: Public Performing Rights licenses are legally required if you plan to run karaoke in a public setting (essentially any location other than a private home). These licenses are generally granted by PROs (Performance Rights Organizations), acting as intermediaries responsible for managing and collecting licensing fees on behalf of songwriters and musicians. The management of public performing rights varies from one country to another, with each having its own set of PROs and regulations.
A brief history of karaoke
The brainchild of Daisuke Inoue, an opportunistic bandleader and musician, karaoke (as we know it today) was technically invented in 1971, in Kobe, Japan, when Inoue shared original music with a local businessman who was looking to impress his clients by singing along to recorded tracks. Upon this unique exchange of ideas, Inoue quickly recognized the value of such a novelty and immediately set to work.
With the help of several friends, Inoue crafted audio machines that played recorded music for listeners to sing along to. Originally dubbed the “8-Juke”, Inoue’s machine (one of the 11 he created and released in that first year without a registered patent) was roughly the size of a small television set and featured a slot for coins. Leased to bars within the Osaka-Kobe area not long after, the machines were a hit with customers. Larger companies eventually took notice, and the rest is history.
While traditionally associated with Japanese culture, especially during its early days, karaoke went on to become equally popular throughout eastern Asia, with many nations incorporating their own unique spin on the concept (for example: when it reached the shores of China in the 1980s, instead of “karaoke”, it was more commonly referred to as KTV… but more on that later). Since its relatively short history, karaoke has gone on to become an international pastime in countries around the world, not to mention a hugely successful industry.
Major moments in the history of karaoke
The history of karaoke is filled with interesting twists and inventions that have shaped it into what it is today. Next, let’s go through the main milestones in karaoke history over the decades, from its humble beginnings to the digital streaming era, in more detail.
1920s – The birth of bouncing ball technique
- In 1924, Max Fleischer invented the bouncing ball technique for his series of animated sound films, "Ko-Ko Song Car-Tunes". This technique presents a precursor to modern karaoke videos, where lyrics are displayed on the screen to assist the singers.
1930s – Sing-alongs in theaters
- The "Screen Song" series continued the tradition of sing-along shorts, featuring beloved melodies and artists in theaters.
1940s – Television's rise in households
- Televisions started entering homes, contributing to the popularity of sing-alongs and karaoke.
1950s – Music Minus One (MMO) & remote control
- MMO revolutionized music practice by offering sing-along and play-along records, enabling soloists to rehearse with a professional orchestra, laying the groundwork for karaoke backing tracks.
- Meanwhile, Zenith's creation of the first wireless remote control added convenience for TV users, including karaoke enthusiasts.
1960s – Sing-alongs' TV debut
- The TV show "Sing Along with Mitch" introduced the concept of community sing-alongs to a national audience.
- Meanwhile, in Tokyo, Shigekazu Negishi crafted a prototype of a karaoke machine, often referred to as a "music box." This early device included a microphone, a tape player, and a lyric sheet.
1970s – The dawn of commercial karaoke
The 1970s marked a pivotal era in karaoke history:
- Introduction of 8-track accompaniment tapes: Toshiharu Yamashita's work in introducing 8-track accompaniment tapes and the "harp" playback device contributed significantly to the popularization of karaoke in Japan and eventually around the world.
- Daisuke Inoue's "8 Juke": Musician Daisuke Inoue introduced the first actual karaoke machine, the "8 Juke" or "Juke 8," featuring an amplifier, microphone, coin box, and eight-track car stereo. Inoue, often called the "father of karaoke," never patented his invention.
- Commercial karaoke production: Enterprises like Taikan, Nikkodo (later BMB), Daiichikosho, Clarion, and Matsushita Electric Industrial began commercial karaoke machine production.
- Roberto del Rosario's sing-along: Filipino inventor Roberto del Rosario patented the Sing Along System, a compact karaoke machine with an amplifier speaker, tape mechanisms, an optional tuner or radio, and a microphone mixer.
- VHS dominance: The 1970s saw the emergence of the VHS (Video Home System), a game-changer in home video recording. This affordable analog cassette format dominated home entertainment, boosting the popularity of home karaoke.
1980s – Global expansion starts
- Private karaoke rooms, known as "karaoke boxes," began to appear in various parts of the world, offering a more intimate singing experience. Notably, Dimples in Los Angeles marked the emergence of North America's first dedicated karaoke bar (that sadly closed its doors in 2015).
- Pioneer Electronics introduced LaserKaraoke or LD-G, a LaserDisc format that featured cover versions of songs with on-screen lyrics and accompanying videos. This multimedia approach enhanced the karaoke experience.
- Philips and Sony published the specifications for CD+G (Compact Disc +Graphics), a format that combined audio with graphical lyrics display. This standardized approach ensured compatibility across various players and devices.
1990s – Karaoke's digital evolution
- World Wide Web revolutionized how we access information, including songs. It laid the foundation for the online consumption and search for songs that we now take for granted.
- In Korea, the Royal Electronic Entertainment Center introduced the first coin-operated karaoke machine, equipped with a lyrics monitor.
- The emergence of the Digital Video Disc (DVD) offered a versatile platform for karaoke song options.
- Moscow's Yanpen Karaoke Lounge opened its doors with a repertoire of 120 songs. Over time, it evolved into one of the world's best karaoke bars, having an extensive library of 50,000 songs.
2000s – Taking the global stage
- In Finland, the first-ever Karaoke World Championships (KWC) marked a significant milestone in the karaoke world. This annual competition now attracts participants from over 40 countries, celebrating karaoke talent worldwide.
- Daisuke Inoue, the inventor of karaoke, was humorously awarded the Ig Nobel Peace Prize. The Ig Nobels commended Inoue's invention for fostering tolerance among people, recognizing the social impact of karaoke.
- The 2000s saw half of all global internet users gaining access to broadband connections. This high-speed internet revolution significantly improved the karaoke experience.
- Delhi welcomed one of its first dedicated karaoke bars, Harry's Karaoke Lounge Bar. This venue introduced theme nights for both English and Hindi songs, contributing to the spread of karaoke culture in India's capital.
2010 – Karaoke entering the streaming era
- Singa, the first truly digital karaoke streaming service, emerged from Finland. Singa offered both user-friendly professional software for venues and a sleek consumer app, broadening karaoke's reach.
- Furthermore, a milestone was achieved as global mobile and tablet internet usage exceeded desktops. Thanks to high-speed broadband, karaoke enthusiasts could now enjoy seamless audio and visual streaming.
2020s – The big birthday
- Karaoke celebrated its 50th birthday in 2021!
Types of karaoke
When it comes to performing your favorite tracks live, there are a few different options available. Here are some of the various types of karaoke:
Live stage karaoke
If you're a newbie, live-stage karaoke is probably the first type of karaoke you think of. It's arguably one of the more popular versions around the globe, but it relies heavily on a dedicated host, or KJ (karaoke jockey).
At a nightclub or restaurant, a KJ might be someone who's bartending or DJ'ing at the same time – some establishments hire an expert karaoke host to make the most out of the evening. For singers, live stage karaoke gives them their moment in the spotlight, and this experience, supported by a great KJ, can make them feel extra excited about coming back.
Self-service karaoke
Self-service karaoke is exactly what it sounds like: a designated karaoke machine station that lives on its own, or inside a private booth or room, that people can walk up to, then switch on, and wild out. Similar to a payphone (for anyone who can remember those), but a million times better.
Self-service karaoke is the best option for when a dedicated host is unavailable (as with live stage karaoke) because it gives users the freedom to run their karaoke machines on their own. These types of devices can be easily set up and installed in business venues or private homes and make for a great escape.
Machine options for self-service karaoke:
- Subscription Service: This is the most popular karaoke option for bar and restaurant owners, and the most convenient and attractive for wannabe singers. Subscription-based karaoke streams provide thousands of song options and require virtually no tech support or advanced updating. Users can customize their personal singing experience, lining up one preferred track after another, seamlessly and efficiently, in a self-service mode for a monthly fee.
- Plug-and-Go Machines: This type of setup is great for venue owners or personal users who are mildly intrigued about trying karaoke out. A simple, straightforward one-time investment that requires minimal setup and can be added to a dedicated room. However, plug-and-go machines do not hold their investment value and often come with minimal song selection, and require manual updates. These are good first-step solutions before moving on to a karaoke subscription service.
Karaoke rooms
Picture a room filled with your best buddies, all ready to belt out your favorite tunes. Karaoke rooms provide the perfect setting for a fun, memorable night with friends without the pressure of performing on a stage.
And from the business side, karaoke rooms' broad appeal to a wide range of customers, private parties and groups makes the concept a profitable option for venues seeking to increase foot traffic and foster repeat business. There are only winners and singers in this karaoke concept.
Whether you're planning a special celebration or one of those fun night outs, a karaoke room is an ideal destination to go to. There are a lot of cool karaoke room venues out there so if you’re up to some exploring, head over here:
Best karaoke bars & rooms in New York City
Best karaoke bars & rooms in London
Best karaoke bars & rooms in Sydney
Best karaoke bars & rooms in Amsterdam
Best karaoke bars & rooms in Oslo
Karaoke events: Outdoor karaoke
Outdoor karaoke events are great for collaborating because your music will likely attract passersby and you can find yourself meeting new friends. If you are thinking of putting together an al fresco experience, first and foremost, ensure that you have taken out any permits required and are mindful of local bylaws and noise limits. In the summer, you can easily assemble a pop-up event or mini-musical festival in a public park or on the beach. With the right karaoke equipment, the sky is the limit.
Karaoke events: Karaoke party
Who doesn’t love a karaoke party? Even if they don’t wish to participate, there’s nothing like guests showing up to watch others have a ball by singing live, whether good or bad.
Hosting a karaoke party in your home or business is very easy. First, you’ll want to come up with a predetermined playlist for the evening – do some research, as some popular radio tracks don't always translate to the karaoke crowd. Look for big bangers, power ballads, and sing-a-longs as these typically get the party started. Next, if you've got the chops to handle hosting duties for the evening, go for it! Otherwise, consider hiring a high-energy KJ who will introduce singers and keep the party on track. Lastly, get the evening going, and keep it going, with snacks, party favors, and drinks.
Learn more about the different types of karaoke here.
Karaoke around the world
From private karaoke rooms in South Korea to Europe's lively karaoke scene, karaoke's universal appeal has transcended borders. Let's explore the diverse world of karaoke across different cultures and regions.
Korean Karaoke (Noraebang)
Derived from the Korean words for “song” (norae) and “room” (bang), the Korean style of karaoke differs from regular stage karaoke in that your singing experience – whether that features your family, friends, co-workers, or business associates – takes place within a private room. Korean Karaoke is just as fun but with a more personal spin for those members of your party who aren't as comfortable singing in front of strangers. And, of course, like any truly outstanding karaoke experience, you can have your noraebang serviced with food and drinks.
In South Korea, Noraebang venues offer private rooms to rent by the hour (you typically don’t need to make a reservation, but it can be helpful when bringing a large group). Users will often be asked to pay in advance for the number of hours they plan to use for karaoke. Prices can vary depending on the type of establishment, the venue's amenities, and especially the time of day.
Customers can also pre-pay for additions like food, alcohol, and table-style service, if available. Don't be surprised to see signs asking you to remove your shoes when in your room, as this is a very common custom and a sign of respect in Korean culture. Much like live karaoke, users can follow along to the lyrics on video screens. When room time is over, top up your rental and stay longer.
Chinese Karaoke (KTV)
While commonly referred to as "karaoke" or a "karaoke box" in areas like Japan, Macau, and Hong Kong, establishments in which karaoke is performed are called KTV (an informal abbreviation of Karaoke Television – modeled after the earlier MTV "Movie TV" at the height of its popularity in Asia in the late 1980s) in China, Taiwan, Singapore, and Cambodia.
KTV essentially means having the run of your own private karaoke room, equipped with screens, speakers, mood lighting, and comfortable seating – as opposed to the more western-style karaoke that takes place on a stage in front of crowds of people. There is a personalized and intimate theme behind KTV, and various regions of the world embrace them, but typically with their own colloquial naming conventions.
At the end of the day, it’s good old-fashioned singing with friends in your own little hideaway. And, of course, like any other exceptional karaoke experience, KTV also includes having your room serviced with food and drinks.
Filipino Karaoke (Videoke)
To say that Filipinos enjoy karaoke would be a major understatement. In fact, just about every home in The Philippines features a karaoke machine or digital microphone that can be plugged into the television, turning the set into a dedicated performance machine. Many bars and restaurants throughout the country offer karaoke or videoke, a competitive version of karaoke that ranks and records individual performances.
In The Philippines, there are karaoke experiences that cater to all ages, including those that serve food and drinks, and feature private rooms where you can sing with your friends. There are also straightforward karaoke bars that feature machines or a live band to back up customer performances.
Unfortunately, karaoke has also a dark side: over the past twenty years, at least half a dozen people have been murdered in the Philippines after singing Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” in public karaoke bars.
These incidents, known as the “’My Way’ Killings”, have gone on to become a fascinating phenomenon in Asia. There are many possible explanations for the crimes, but many have blamed the Western song’s lyrics for evoking excessive pride and arrogance in whoever sings it. As a result, the song, and even Sinatra’s catalog, can be hard to find on machines in The Philippines.
Karaoke in Scandinavia
The people of Norway, Finland, Sweden, and Denmark are typically known for being reserved and mild-mannered – but they really have no problem letting loose when handed a microphone. In fact, karaoke is such a huge phenomenon in Finland alone, that the Nordic country features over 2,000 dedicated venues (which is wild considering the total 5.5 million population).
The fascination with karaoke might have something to do with the embrace of arts and culture in this part of the world. Scandinavian countries are dutiful supporters of music education, with many Finnish libraries containing music sections with a variety of different styles that come in the form of vinyl records, CDs, cassette tapes, and sheet music.
The Tikkurila Library in Vantaa even made karaoke more accessible to the nation’s more introverted citizens by installing a soundproof karaoke room in the building.
Sweden's karaoke landscape has undergone a remarkable transformation. What was once just a few karaoke bars across the country has now evolved into a thriving scene with hundreds of karaoke venues. This rapid expansion has occurred within the past five years, marking a significant shift in entertainment culture.
One Nordic success story is Sing Sing, a stylish karaoke box venue in Sweden. Combining elements of Japanese-style karaoke with both private karaoke rooms and open bar karaoke, Sing Sing has become a must-visit destination for both local residents and tourists looking to enjoy karaoke in Sweden.
Karaoke in rest of the world
Karaoke has become a widespread and popular form of entertainment in many parts of the world, including the United States. From 1982 when the renowned Los Angeles establishment and the first karaoke bar, Dimples, opened its doors, the karaoke culture has spread its popularity across the country, from New York to Las Vegas, with many regions boasting vibrant karaoke communities and numerous karaoke venues.
Karaoke has found its way into numerous TV series and movies, adding entertainment value and emotional depth to scenes, from iconic shows like "Friends" to "Breaking Bad". And who can forget James Corden's "Carpool Karaoke" on "The Late Late Show"? Featuring some of the biggest music artists, this segment entertained audiences for a remarkable eight years, until its conclusion in 2023, coinciding with the final year of the talk show. Was fun while it lasted!
The most popular karaoke songs around the world
Karaoke songs are subjective – that’s why so many people love it. However, there are a few staples that always manage to incite warm and fuzzy feelings from audiences. From classic rock, disco, alternative, Britpop, and bubblegum pop…the spectrum is wide.
The 10 most popular English karaoke songs
Looking for some inspiration for your next group or solo event? Some of the most popular English-language songs around the world (based on recent plays by Singa users), can be found below.
1. ABBA – Dancing Queen
One of the most iconic karaoke songs – and just, in general – "Dancing Queen" by ABBA is, to many, the standard by which all performance is measured. Spawning countless memes, movies, and even a Broadway musical, the music of ABBA is universally adored and can always be trusted to bring audiences onto the dancefloor.
Sing Dancing Queen karaoke here.
2. Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper – Shallow
Despite being a relatively new addition, this Oscar and Grammy-winning track has already reached “legendary” status after its featuring in the film, “A Star is Born”. A classic ballad perfect for a his-and-hers duet, “Shallow” is campy karaoke personified.
3. Backstreet Boys – I Want It That Way
Harkening back to a time when bubblegum pop boy bands were all the rage, this classic track from the Backstreet Boys is nostalgia, harmony, cheesy, and genuine emotion all rolled into one. It's not only catchy, but it's also perfect for group karaoke sessions.
Sing I Want It That Way karaoke here.
4. Queen – Bohemian Rhapsody
There are iconic songs from the late 70's – and then there is "Bohemian Rhapsody". One of Queen's many universally adored tracks, this one is probably the most exuberant and party-starting. From the unique harmonies to the, at times, nonsensical lyrics that everyone manages to know by heart, it's a perfect karaoke song for starting or ending the evening.
Sing Bohemian Rhapsody karaoke here.
5. The Killers – Mr. Brightside
An indie-rock staple of the early 2000s, “Mr. Brightside” is a wistful song with sleek, pop-infused production that lends itself to karaoke night. Perfect for male or female vocalists, the track is a three-and-a-half-minute earworm that lifts the spirits of everybody in the audience before sending them to the dancefloor.
Sing Mr. Brightside karaoke here.
6. Oasis – Wonderwall
A few simple guitar chords feature in the instantly recognizable opener of this mid-90s jam, followed by some of the most memorable intro lyrics in Britpop history. Oasis has a number of fantastic karaoke tracks, but the wistful “Wonderwall” is the one that truly tugs at the emotional heartstrings.
7. Miley Cyrus – Flowers
Whether you’ve heard this song on TikTok or Spotify, “Flowers” has been un-escapable since its release in late 2022. Because it’s so catchy and memorable, it has taken on a life of its own with karaoke audiences everywhere.
8. Elvis Presley – Can't Help Falling In Love
Can you get any more iconic than Elvis? Taking on one of the King’s signature songs is no easy feat – especially if you can’t carry the gravitas and swagger in person – but crooning your way through “Can’t Help Falling in Love” on stage is a great opportunity to command the room and leave no dry eyes in the house.
Sing Can't Help Falling in Love karaoke here.
9. Neil Diamond – Sweet Caroline
Another classic that brings all the guests together, Neil Diamond’s famed singalong, “Sweet Caroline”, is pure happiness. There is really nothing like the sensation of humming the first few bars and connecting with audiences from around the world who instinctively know when to jump in and join.
Sing Sweet Caroline karaoke here.
10. Alexandra Burke – Hallelujah
While some purists might tell you that Leonard Cohen’s or Jeff Buckley’s version is the superior take, there is much to be said about the popularity of the arrangement of “Hallelujah” as sung by British X-Factor-winner, Alexandra Burke, who infuses the somber song with powerhouse vocals and magic.
The 10 most popular Spanish karaoke songs
Over a 12 month period, these are the 10 most popular Spanish karaoke songs that have captured hearts and voices worldwide, according to Singa singers.
- Calma – Pedro Capó, Farruko
Sing Calma karaoke here. - Como La Flor – Selena
Sing Como La Flor karaoke here. - Corazón Sin Vida – Aitana, Sebastián Yatra
Sing Corazón Sin Vida karaoke here. - Rosas – La Oreja de Van Gogh
Sing Rosas karaoke here. - La Bikina – Luis Miguel
Sing La Bikina karaoke here. - Callaíta – Bad Bunny
Sing Callaíta karaoke here. - Torero – Chayanne
Sing Torero karaoke here. - Sofia – Alvaro Soler
Sing Sofia karaoke here. - Con Altura – Rosalía, J Balvin, El Guincho
Singa Con Altura karaoke here. - A Través Del Vaso – Banda Los Sebastianes
Singa A Través Del Vaso karaoke here.
Read more on the most popular Spanish karaoke songs here.
The 10 most popular Finnish karaoke songs
From timeless classics to BIG hits (Cha Cha Cha, I'm looking at you), these songs have become the soundtrack to countless karaoke nights among Finnish singers.
- Cha Cha Cha – Käärijä
Sing Cha Cha Cha karaoke here. - Lapin kesä – Vesa-Matti Loiri
Singa Lapin Kesä karaoke here. - Paratiisi – Rauli Badding Somerjoki
Sing Paratiisi karaoke here. - Surujen kitara – Topi Sorsakoski, Agents
Sing Surujen kitara karaoke here. - Sininen huivi – Souvarit
Sing Sininen huivi karaoke here. - Pyydä vain – Kirka
Sing Pyydä vain karaoke here. - Villieläin – Ramses II
Sing Villieläin karaoke here. - Syntisten pöytä – Erika Vikman
Sing Syntisten pöytä karaoke here. - Tuomittuna kulkemaan – Samuli Edelmann, Vesa-Matti Loiri
Singa Tuomittuna kulkemaan karaoke here. - Vihreät niityt – Olavi Virta
Sing Vihreä niityt karaoke here.
Explore the Singa catalog of Finnish karaoke songs here.
The 10 most popular French karaoke songs
From "Voyage Voyage" to the soul-stirring "La Vie En Roser", these French songs have charmed audiences both near and far.
- La Vie En Rose – Édith Pilaf
Sing La Vie En Rose karaoke here. - Voyage Voyage – Desireless
Sing Desireless karaoker here. - Non Je Ne Regrette Rien – Édith Pilaf
Sing Non Je Ne Regrette Rien karaoke here. - Alors On Danse – Stromae
Sing Alors On Danse karaoke here. - La Bohème – Charles Aznavour
Sing La Bohème karaoke here. - Je Suis Malade – Lara Fabian
Sing Je Suis Malade karaoke here. - L'oiseau Et L'enfant – Marie Myriam
Sing L'oiseau Et L'enfant karaoke here. - Je T'aime – Laura Fabian
Sing Je T'aime karaoke here. - Ne Me Quitte Pas – Jaques Brel
Sing Ne Me Quitte Pas karaoke here. - Et Si Tu N'existais Pas – Joe Dassin
Sing Et Si Tu N'existais Pas karaoke here.
Read more on the most popular French karaoke songs here.
The 10 most popular Italian karaoke songs
From iconic love ballads to infectious pop tunes, these Italian songs made it to the top 10 most popular Italian karaoke songs.
- Con Te Partiro – Andrea Bocelli
Sing Con Te Partiro karaoke here. - Strani Amori – Laura Pausini
Sing Strani Amori karaoke here. - L'italiano – Toto Cutugno
Sing L'italiano karaoke here. - Zitti E Buoni – Måneskin
Sing Zitti E Buoni karaoke here. - Per Elisa – Alice
Sing Per Elisa karaoke here. - Caro Mio Ben – Luciano Pavarotti
Sing Caro Mio Ben karaoke here. - Il Mondo – Il Volo
Sing Il Mondo karaoke here. - Adagio – Il Divo
Sing Adagio karaoke here. - Sarà Perché Ti Amo – Ricchi e Poveri
Sing Sarà Perché Ti Amo karaoke here. - Parla Piu Piano – Patrizio Buanne
Sing Parla Piu Piano karaoke here.
Read more on the most popular Italian karaoke songs here.
The 10 most popular Polish karaoke songs
Let's take a journey through Poland's vibrant music scene with this selection of the 10 most popular Polish karaoke songs.
- No sory – sanah
Sing No sory karaoke here. - Zawsze tam gdzie Ty – Lady Pank
Sing Zawsze tam gdzie Ty karaoke here. - Małomiasteczkowy – Dawid Podsiadło
Sing Małomiasteczkowy karaoke here. - I Ciebie też, bardzo – Męskie Granie Orkiestra 2021
Sing I ciebie też, bardzo karaoke here - Etc. (na disco) – sanah
Sing Etc. (na disco) karaoke here - Kryzysowa narzeczona – Lady Pank
Sing Kryzysowa narzeczona karaoke here - 51 – TSA
Sing 51 karaoke here - Pokaż na co cię stać – Feel
Sing Pokaż na co cię stać here - Za ostatni grosz – Budka Suflera
Sing Za ostatni grosz here - My Słowianie – Cleo, Donatan
Sing My Słowianie here
Read more on the most popular Polish karaoke songs here.
Interesting facts about karaoke
Karaoke is a unique phenomenon in and of itself. But there are still some people out there who can take it to another level of uniqueness – whether that uniqueness is strange, record-setting, record-breaking, tragic, or otherwise. Here are some truly one-of-a-kind fun facts about karaoke you probably didn’t know:
- According to the Guinness World Book of Records, the longest karaoke marathon by a single person is held by Italian Leonardo Polverelli who, incredibly, sang a total of 1,295 songs from September 19 to 23, 2011 – totaling over 101 hours of performing.
- The largest recorded karaoke party took place in 2009 in Bristol, Tennessee, where an astonishing 160,000 people got together and sang Garth Brooks’ "Friends in Low Places" at the Bristol Motor Speedway.
- As mentioned, karaoke is a big deal in Scandinavia, too. So big that in 2003, Finland hosted the very first Karaoke World Championships, which originally featured seven participating countries. Since then, the universal event has featured over thirty nations, with the USA taking the top place for the most gold medal wins.
- The fourth week of April is officially designated as National Karaoke Week around the world, with contests and major events taking place in bars, restaurants, and clubs.
- Believe it or not, karaoke is actually good for your health. Singing has been shown to increase confidence, decrease stress, and improve social interactions. The bonding that takes place as a result of live karaoke also fosters new relationships and strengthens existing ones.
Karaoke Q&A
You’ve got karaoke questions – we’ve got karaoke answers. Whether you’re a fan of the pastime, or completely in the dark, these are some of the most popular queries that come up when discussing karaoke.
What is the easiest karaoke song to sing?
There are many songs that are suited for first-time karaoke singers. It’s all about being comfortable with your performance skills – if, of course, you care about things like that. If you are looking to really wow an audience with your technical prowess and vocal chops, you can probably skip the beginner list. However, for those looking to introduce themselves to the pastime slowly and surely, something nice and easy is your best bet.
You probably want to avoid the heavy-duty power ballads for your first attempt – no Celine, no Mariah, no Whitney. Try something a little tamer, ideally, something that your audience will immediately recognize and join in with (even better if they can help to drown out your voice).
Discover more karaoke options for beginners right here.
What is the most fun karaoke song?
Karaoke can be as fun or as serious as you choose to make it. While a good time is always the end goal, getting to the end of the song and experiencing that applause from an audience is like no other feeling. When the mood calls for it, always try to make your karaoke experience, and the audience’s experience, fun.
Whether you opt for a universally relatable track with insanely catchy hooks (think “9 to 5” by Dolly Parton or “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” by Bobby McFerrin), or a club track banger that gets everybody’s arms in the air, the keyword is “fun”.
Discover a range of perfect party songs right here.
How do I set up karaoke at home?
Setting up your own in-house karaoke system has never been easier – especially if you are using a quality software like Singa. Depending on your layout, and how extensive you want your home karaoke to be, there are a wide range of options.
For simple setup, you need:
- Karaoke app, like Singa
- Screen for connecting your mobile phone or laptop (with the app installed) either with cable or screen mirroring feature
- Speakers (if you wish)
Discover more about the best way to do a karaoke setup at home right here.
How can I sing karaoke better?
The beauty of karaoke is that you don’t need a set of golden pipes to enjoy yourself. But if you want to take a serious approach to singing, there are ways to go about it, such choosing a song that you feel comfortable singing and remembering to warm up before the the show. Discover some of the best tips for singing karaoke as best as you can right here.
Also, if you are wondering what karaoke song would be the best option for your vocal range, we've done the research for you. Find the best songs for you voice here.
What is the best karaoke app?
We don’t necessarily mean to toot our own horn here, but when you love karaoke as much as we at Singa do – and when we can back it up with the goods like easy-to-use app, ability to find karaoke places near you, innovative & seamless features, and continuously updating song catalog with all the best classics and hits…you brag about it.
To learn more about why Singa is THE app for karaoke convenience, check us out here.
Where can I learn more about karaoke?
We love to spread the word about the awesomeness of karaoke whenever we can –so much so, in fact, that we’ve got a blog that features a ton of insightful articles and guides covering just about every karaoke subject, from the inclusiveness of karaoke to fun themes for karaoke parties.