There are loads of songs from people of color that are some of the most legendary songs ever. They are music that has inspired me and made me dance. Loads of them are great to break out on karaoke night. Check out some of these legendary songs to add to your next playlist.
1. “Respect” – Aretha Franklin
This is one of the best songs of all time, it has become an anthem that has been popular for years. And a great song to sing on karaoke night. Just make sure that you can spell, R-E-S-P-E-C-T.
Not many people realize that this was a cover of another song. But Aretha made it her own and all these years later people still love her version.
There is nothing like belting out the words to this song and really feeling them. Of course, it is not that easy to sing and no one would quite be able to do it like Aretha. But if you just let loose and have fun, this could be an awesome song for your moment in the spotlight.
2. “Single Ladies” – Beyoncé
From another queen comes another awesome karaoke song, Single Ladies. Beyoncé has some amazing songs to sing to. But this is still one that will get a lot of people up and dancing. It is just such an upbeat awesome bop.
You don’t have to be single, or a lady for that matter, to love this song and throw your all into singing it. You just have to believe the words in the moment that you sing it. You can be sure that the entire karaoke club would be singing right along with you. So, it is a great song if you have a touch of stage fright.
And of course, you get a few bonus points if you can still pull off some of the signature moves from this song.
3. “Hot in Herre” – Nelly
Feel like getting your groove on and also showing off some of your rapping skills? Then Hot in Herre by Nelly could just be your perfect pick for karaoke night. It is a really fast song so you better keep up in some places.
But it is so entertaining to sing. It is a bit of a challenging one, since knowing all of the words can feel like a lot. But if you are a die-hard Nelly fan then they will probably come naturally as you sing. And remember you do always have the lyrics on display in front of you.
It is a bit of a unique choice for karaoke night but that is what makes this song even better to choose.
4. “No Scrubs” – TLC
If you were around during the time that this song was played all of the time, then you probably won’t need a karaoke night to start singing it. Many of us won’t even need the music to start belting out the chorus.
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It was just so good, and that is why it has remained in our minds rent free for all of these years. I just need to hear the word scrub and my mind immediately goes:
“I don’t want no scrub, A scrub is a guy that can’t get no love from me, Hangin’ out the passenger side of his best friend’s ride, trying to holla at me.”
Okay, now that everyone else will also have the song stuck in their head once again, why don’t you pull it out at your next karaoke night. There are sure to be loads of fans that will love to hear it just as much as you would enjoy singing it.
5. “Hey Ya!” – Outcast
If you can’t shake it like a polaroid picture, then this song might not be the one to perform. It is the ultimate party song. And when you sing it at karaoke night then you have to bring that same spirit to the music.
Dance and have fun. Even if the Outcast has recently revealed that the meaning behind the lyrics is a lot sadder than any of us have ever realized. He said that it was one of the saddest songs ever written. Doesn’t sound like he is speaking about the same song that we all love, does it? But he really was.
He explained it is a song about modern relationships and how many people just stay together because they would rather be with someone they don’t love, than be alone. That is pretty grim. But don’t let that stop you.
Choose a song for your next karaoke night and belt it out.
6. “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” – Whitney Houston
You can’t have a karaoke night without someone bringing a little Whitney Houston to the party. It just isn’t the same.
She has so many incredible songs that it is almost impossible to choose just one to sing at karaoke night. But if you only pick one it has to be, I wanna dance with Somebody. It is an upbeat love song that is just incredible to sing.
Now, no one sounds like Whitney Houston, and that is okay too. She had an incredible voice that was completely unique and trying to copy her will only end in disaster. But these are great songs to sing in your own way and have fun. And if you dance with somebody while doing it, then that is even better.
7. “We are Family” – Sister Sledge
Another staple for karaoke night, this is a really fun song to sing as a group. It will for sure get everyone into the spirit of the night, on their feet and having fun.
Plus, this is just an incredible song that has a great message about unity. And it is very entertaining. It became the group’s signature song and one that inspired many people to share their stories of family with the group.
It has also given millions of people hours of entertainment and uplift-ment. I don’t really think you can sing We are Family and still feel sad or depressed. It just isn’t possible. It is a song that so many people love and one that is perfect for karaoke night.
8. “I’ll Make Love to You” – Boyz II Men
Want to slow things down with a romantic song that is still fun to sing? Then this Boyz II Men classic is the perfect song to take it down a notch. And if you are singing it to that special someone then that is even better.
It is good for singing in a group, since they are a boy band, but you can still sing this one solo too. After all, it is almost assured that when it comes time to sing the chorus that you will have plenty of audience participation to fill in the missing voices.
If you don’t want to dance too much and would rather have your voice speak for itself, then this is the song to go for.
9. “Umbrella” – Rihanna
Not the easiest song to sing, but so much fun, Umbrella is great for fans of Riri that really want to try one of her biggest hits. There are a few parts of the song that are burnt into most of our brains and they would be easy to keep up with. It is just the few pieces that are less widely known that might give you a few moments of pause.
If you feel like Umbrella might be a step too far but you still want to sing a Rihanna song, then Unfaithful might be a better option. It is a bit slower and easier to sing. Just be careful that it doesn’t land you in hot water with your significant other.
Rihanna has some amazing songs, and many of them are fun to sing for karaoke night. Plan on having a few on your next karaoke playlist.
10. “Celebration” – Kool & The Gang
If you are having a really good night and just share that with the world then there is no better song to sing at karaoke than Celebration. And if you are having a really bad night, then this is the song that will get you out of any bad mood too.
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It is sure to get the party started. The lyrics aren’t too hard to remember and it is all about the presentation. Have fun and everyone will have fun with you. Then you can celebrate the good time that you had while singing this song for karaoke.
So come on, just go for it.
11. “Say My Name” – Destiny’s Child
We already had a Beyoncé song on the list. But rounding it off is this hit by Destiny’s Child. It is sassy and shows off your voice. But at the same time, you still need to perform while you sing or you won’t pull it off.
This is the ultimate karaoke song. You can sing it solo or you can do it as a group. It really is the complete package and a song that anyone can have an awesome karaoke night with.
Create an awesome playlist
There are so many incredible artists that are people of color, naming all of the awesome songs that you can add for karaoke night is impossible. Hopefully some of these on the list can get you started.
