Music

Duet Type: Strength in Numbers

Why It Works: It’s a fun, crowd-pleasing and relatively low-investment pick, with a very equal split of responsibilities: just one verse and one chorus each.

Which Part Is Better Though?: The Swae Lee part for being the one that allows you to pretend you’re Miles Morales sing-rapping along in your dorm room — though with the advantage of having the actual words in front of you. — ANDREW UNTERBERGER

Duet Type: He Said, She Said / Vocal Showdown

Why It Works: Everyone loves a good breakup ballad, especially one written by Burt Bacharach and Carole Bayer Sager that allows for imitations of two obviously distinct singing greats.

Which Part Is Better Though?: Depends how much faith you have in your ability to warble like Michael McDonald. — A.U.

Duet Type: Story Time

Why It Works:  Though released in 1997 before they were a couple, the now-married Brooks and Yearwood are totally convincing as a passionate pair whose respective partners are seemingly oblivious to the deep romance playing out right in front of them.  

Which Part is Better Though? After each taking their own verse at the beginning, Brooks and Yearwood sing the rest of the fiery duet together, so it’s a hard call — but who wouldn’t want to be able to belt like Yearwood when she soars into outer space singing, “It’s a blessing and a curse that love is blind”? — MELINDA NEWMAN

Duet Type: Icons Only

Why It Works: “Take Care” is a good pick for a couple where one person really wants to show off their mastery of a difficult song, and the other just wants a simple and recognizable part that they definitely already know (and so does everyone else).

Which Part Is Better Though? If you’re up for the shifts in tempo and rhythm of the Drake part, it’s certainly less repetitive than Rihanna’s. — A.U.

Duet Type: Endless Love

Why It Works: Romance-charged, power ballad duets are a karaoke mainstay, and for good reason –they provide stellar vehicles for showcasing rafter-scraping vocal power and intense emotional performances.

Which Part Is Better Though? No contest here — Clarkson’s part is a dream for any vocalist who loves hitting the high notes full-throttle. — JESSICA NICHOLSON

Duet Type: Endless Love

Why It Works: For every quirky couple looking to impress at karaoke night, “Love Is an Open Door” provides an ample opportunity to show off your range and keep your audience interested. Whether you’re finishing one another’s sandwiches or flaunting your “mental synchronization,” this song is just ubiquitous enough to keep the whole room singing along while still taking up your share of the spotlight. 

Which Part Is Better Though? The Hans (Fontana) part gets a little more to do in terms of harmonies and acting, so we’re going to give it to him. Be sure to really make a meal of his “doo-oo-oo-oor” riff on the chorus if you want to dazzle your audience. — STEPHEN DAW

Duet Type: Endless Love

Why It Works: Bronco’s sprightly grupera spin on “Adoro” (originally a 1967 somber love song by Armando Manzanero) is hard to resist with those infectious synths. When Julieta Venegas’ soft, emotive voice joins José Guadalupe Esparza’s robust crooning in its live version, the party truly takes off. Just be sure you vibe well with your duet partner — or be ready for a musical meet-cute!

Which Part Is Better Though? It’s tough to pick a winner, but the true highlight emerges when Venegas and Esparza harmonize. Their voices echo their adoration for one another, gripping everyone’s attention, while pulling at a few heartstrings. — ISABELA RAYGOZA

Duet Type: Power in Numbers 

Why It Works: You can choose to flaunt both your ride-or-die friendship and your ear for harmony. 

Which Part Is Better Though? The parts are pretty much equal here, but who wouldn’t want to live out their very own Cowboy Carter fantasy by playing the Queen? — KYLE DENIS

Duet Type: He Said, He Said

Why It Works: The balance between one vocalist detailing a disintegrating relationship, and the other simply repeating “I’ve got a bad feeling about this!” ad nauseam, makes for a blockbuster scream-along between conscious and subconscious, especially if your karaoke compadres don’t mind a little thrashing.

Which Part is Better Though?: Probably the Fred Mascherino backing vocals, especially considering the opportunity to spill your guts with that final “I’VE GOT IT BAAAAAAAAAAAAD!” — JASON LIPSHUTZ

Duet Type: Pure Harmony / Endless Love

Why It Works: Few love duets are this simultaneously powerful and delicate, a good pick to be emotive and even a little showy without looking cheesy for it.

Which Part Is Better Though?: Gotta go Markéta Irglová, so you can hit that soaringly high chorus harmony on “We’ve still got tiiiiii-iiiiiiime.” — A.U.

Duet Type: He Said, She Said

Why It Works: Metalheads need their karaoke duets too, and this staple late-’80s power ballad is as crowd-accessible as it gets without sacrificing the toughness or integrity of its performers.

Which Part Is Better Though? Ozzy will always be just a little more fun to imitate. — A.U.

Duet Type: Endless Love

Why It Works: It’s a love song, and feels winningly sentimental, but it only really gets sappy on the sing-along chorus — most of the verses, particularly J. Lo’s, are more about ignoring rumors and negative energy.

Which Part Is Better Though? Hard to ever turn down the opportunity to kick off a song by barking “What’s my motherf–kin’ name?” a la Ja. — A.U.

Duet Type: Friendly Banter

Why It Works: Trading chorus lines and verses about overcoming the odds to rule rap, The Game and 50 Cent got surprisingly personal in order to explain their triumphant realities on “Hate It or Love It”; think of the song as a dose of swagger, with a little extra heart and friendly support, in a karaoke setting.

Which Part is Better Though? 50, who kicks off the track and gets to declare “I wanna live GOOD” right as the beat kicks in, which is the highlight of the whole song. — J. Lipshutz

Duet Type: Power in Numbers

Why It Works: A crowd-pleasing EDM hoedown with a chorus that everyone knows the words to, “Timber” never runs the risk of being a tree that falls with no one hearing it in the karaoke bar.

Which Part Is Better Though? Pitbull’s (knowingly?) ridiculous verses offer more moments to milk, but watch out – there’s a lot more words here than you probably realize. After all, Mr. 305 takes this one to 100. — JOE LYNCH

Duet Type: Strength in Numbers

Why It Works: “Stay” is just a relentless blast of energy, with its two performers feeding off one another for one of the most crowd-electrifying pop hits of recent years.

Which Part Is Better Though? Kid LAROI wins for getting the most cracks at the song’s obvious money moment: the octave-pogo-ing “I’LL BE F–KED UP if you can’t be right here…” — A.U.

Duet Type: Icons Only

Why It Works: You can probably count the number of younger rock fans on one hand who didn’t grow up wanting to be Stevie Nicks, Tom Petty or both — and “Stop Draggin’” melds their voices and styles for a duet that everyone always wants to be a part of.

Which Part Is Better Though? Tough as it is to go against Petty, few entrances in rock history have ever been as cool as Nicks’ opening “Baby, you’ll come knockin’ on my front door…” here. — A.U.

Duet Type: He Said, She Said

Why It Works: Instead of standing around awkwardly and waiting for the other person’s verse to end, this rapid-fire ratatat trades off lyrics line by line, ricocheting all the ways these lovers are romantically mismatched (but adore each other anyway) and giving each singer something to do for the full four minutes.

Which Part Is Better Though? Though we love Abdul’s “Who-da thought (AHHH)” to start verse two, the edge goes to The Wild Pair, a.k.a. the music video’s famous MC Skat Kat cartoon. Bonus points if you can work in the perfectly early-’90s rap verse that appears exclusively in the video (“Swift and sly and I play it cool with my homegirl Paula Abdul”). – KATIE ATKINSON

Duet Type: He Said, She Said

Why It Works: Theater crowds always pop for The Sound of Music, and the tap-dancing melody and sticky hooks of this Rodgers & Hammerstein duet make it a particular big-room favorite. (And though it may sound creepily partenalistic at first, don’t worry — the end of Rolf’s first verse reveals he’s just a year older than Liesl himself.)

Which Part Is Better Though? Rolf gets both the lead-in intro and the first verse, so it’s hard to imagine too many enthusiastic Liesl volunteers. — A.U.

Duet Type: Endless Love

Why It Works: This Lynn/Twitty duet is fueled by energy and vocal chemistry, as it finds the two declaring that nothing — not even a raging river — can separate them for long. The song pairs a peppy melody with an even stronger call-and-response element, making it a timeless duet choice.

Which Part Is Better Though? Both parts are equally great, depending on how much energy and conviction are poured into them for believability and emotional resonance. — J.N.

Duet Type: Friendly Banter

Why It Works: Millennials are basically born knowing the words to every Lion King song, and perhaps none is as fun to recite along with as this back-and-forth anthem of teenage rebellion and impatience.

Which Part Is Better Though? It’s obviously Simba’s song first and foremost, but don’t be surprised if both you and your partner try to claim the Zazu part first — his voice-of-authority interruptions (“Now, SEE HERE!“) provide most of the song’s true highlights. — A.U.

Duet Type: Pure Harmony

Why It Works: If you and your karaoke partner have an innate grasp of two-part harmony, there are few more gorgeous songs to show it off with than this timeless Everly Brothers classic — bonus points, of course, if you’re siblings yourselves.

Which Part Is Better Though? Don’s is a little easier, but Phil’s is a little dreamier — and on a song like “All I Have to Do Is Dream,” the latter inevitably wins out. — A.U.

Duet Type: Strength in Numbers

Why It Works: It’s a classic rapper/singer showcase — and a smash that everyone remembers fondly — where both the verses and chorus are plenty fun and memorable in their own right.

Which Part Is Better Though? No disrespect to 50, but whenever it’s a choice between playing Nate Dogg and playing another guy, it almost doesn’t matter who the other guy is. — A.U.

Duet Type: He Said, She Said

Why It Works: Few Shakira collaborations sound and feel as sensual as this one with Spaniard powerhouse Alejandro Sanz, whose iconic raspy vocals blend perfectly with the Colombian star’s sultry voice. Although they sing about heartbreak and the “torture” of losing one another, one can only wish to keep hearing them together.   

Which Part Is Better Though? The bridge, where Sanz admits “I know I haven’t been a saint, but I’m not made of cardboard,” and Shakira replies “Man does not live by bread alone, and I do not live by excuses” makes it a win for both. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS

Duet Type: Friendly Banter

Why It Works: Two of the top country artists ever are having a blast on this fun gallop about escaping a dry county to go grab some brews…repeatedly.

Which Part Is Better Though? C’mon! Brooks would be the first to admit that Jones is the greatest country vocalist ever, and even on a lightweight romp like this, who doesn’t want to pretend to be able to sing like the Possum? — M.N.

Duet Type: Endless Love

Why It Works: Gen Z-ers absolutely melt for this contemporary classic, whose gentle acoustic majesty can command a room without ever quite overpowering it.

Which Part Is Better Though? No bad parts on “Best Part,” but H.E.R. goes first and sets the tone — plus she gets to do some pretty lovely backing coos during Caesar’s verse. — A.U.

Duet Type: Icons Only 

Why It Works: Rapid-fire verse, sing-a-long hook and subject matter with limitless choreography potential? What more could you ask for! 

Which Part Is Better Though? Tina Snow made this song viral before the remix for a reason! — K.D.

Duet Type: Strength in Numbers

Why It Works: It’s an instant ’80s flashback — whether you were actually there at the time or mostly know it through Miami Vice reruns (and Vice City radio) — and the giddiness of you and your partner at playing the two Phils will be infectious enough to outweigh the song’s relatively mean-spirited lyrics.

Which Part Is Better Though? Nothing “Easy” about matching Philip Bailey’s skyscraping falsetto, so unless that range happens to be your specialty, better forget it and play it safe with Phil Collins’ less-ambitious part instead. (He gets the best “You’ll be on your KNEEEEEES!” ad lib anyway.) — A.U.

Duet Type: Endless Love

Why It Works: An endlessly chewable piece of bubblegummy ’70s soft rock, “Stumblin’ In” is about as sweet and wholesome a love duet as it gets — somewhat ironically for a performer in Quatro, who was mostly known as a barnstorming rocker.

Which Part Is Better Though? Norman gets the most fun moments on the verses, but “Stumblin’ In” is ultimately all about the chorus, which Quatro’s part inevitably dominates. — A.U.

Duet Type: Friendly Banter

Why It Works: The ultimate number for friends trying to gas one another up, Cole Porter’s “You’re the Top” has become a jazz standard for a reason. This brassy number allows you and your bestie to spar in a battle of compliments, all while keeping the vibe absolutely correct for your rapt audience. 

Which Part Is Better Though? The brassy female lead Reno Sweeney gets just a little bit more to do in this clash of commendations, with some of the songs cheekiest lines coming from her — especially with the self-deprecating declaration that “I’m a worthless check/ A total wreck, a FLOP.” By the time you get to the last chorus, you’ll have the crowd eating out of the palm of your hand with that final, stunning money note. — S.D.

Duet Type: Strength in Numbers

Why It Works: This fantastical love song is all about the contrast between Mark Hoppus’ balanced croon and Tom DeLonge’s piercing-to-say-the-least wail, making for some of the most memorable moments in ’00s pop-punk/emo history.

Which Part Is Better Though? It is a true friend who will glumly concede to taking the Hoppus part, thus clearing the way for you to make that iconic second-verse entrance a la DeLonge: “WHERE ARE YEWWWWWWW???” — A.U.

Duet Type: Endless Love

Why It Works: There are two types of karaoke singers – people who know every word to this song and people who wouldn’t touch it with a 10-foot pole. For the former group, this Moulin Rouge! romancer brings the house down – and the musical haters can take a bathroom break.

Which Part Is Better Though? Ewan McGregor gets a bit more time on the mic than Nicole Kidman, but the high point is undoubtedly the two blending their voices together toward the end to declare “I will love you ‘til my dying day.” This one is a draw. — J. Lynch

Duet Type: Vocal Showdown

Why It Works: A heart-rending duet between two of the premier pop-n-B vocalists of the late ’00s, “No Air” forever holds a special place in the hearts of karaoke-ers of a certain age.

Which Part Is Better Though? Well, performing as Chris Brown became a whole lot more loaded since 2009, so you might be more comfortable taking the Jordin Sparks part if available. — A.U.

Duet Type: Story Time

Why It Works: The lyrics are largely unintelligible, but siblings Marc and Sharon Costanzo’s sun-fried summer-bummer tales remain crucial late-’90s pop ephemera — and with the help of that inspired Andrea True Connection sample, they still get the room going a quarter-century later.

Which Part Is Better Though?: Tough one: Sharon usually gets the biggest pop for her “L-A-T-E-R that week” spelling section, but Marc’s hoarse, out-of-breath delivery will always be more fun to imitate. — A.U.

Duet Type: Story Time

Why It Works: An incisive, hilarious takedown of unwise skeptics who would dare insult, doubt, shade or otherwise malign Elliott and Luda, “Gossip Folks” is a great showcase for rapid-fire rappers wanting to flex a bit and let off some steam.

Which Part Is Better Though? If you can capture Missy’s insouciant confidence, her part is the way to go. But you can’t really go wrong either way. — J. Lynch

Duet Type: Power in Numbers

Why It Works: After Sam Smith spins a web of adultery and betrayal as a narrator in the opening verse, Kim Petras inserts herself as their story’s temptress soon after; together, they turn the oversized hook into the type of big, sultry showcase that will make your friends want to join in during a karaoke duet.

Which Part Is Better Though? Smith has more time on the mic, but Petras is more ecstatic with her verse — only one part of this duet allows you to cry for “my Balenciaga daddy,” after all. — J. Lipshutz

Duet Type: Icons Only

Why It Works: Plenty of songs afford two singers an equal opportunity to flaunt their vocal might – but few of them go as hard as this combustible mélange of Jam & Lewis funk, explosive electronica and pissed-off pop.

Which Part Is Better Though? Both siblings go hard, but the best moment might be when Michael opens the song with a simmering growl followed by those signature falsetto yelps. Good luck hitting ’em, though. — J. Lynch

Duet Type: Power in Numbers 

Why It Works: It’s timeless! Weddings, graduations, karaoke bars, or whatever Whitney Houston said. 

Which Part Is Better Though? Charlie’s. C’mon, that falsetto! — K.D.

Duet Type: Endless Love (duh)

Why It Works: There is only “Endless Love” in our lives when it comes to truly titanic love duets between two all-time pop greats. Might be a bit of a karaoke mood killer if not deployed appropriately, of course, but the right performance at the right time will still bring the house down like no other.

Which Part Is Better Though? Can’t go wrong with either, of course, though the slight edge to Lionel for getting those classic opening lines. — A.U.

Duet Type: Friendly Banter

Why It Works: “Sicko Mode” is one of modern hip-hop’s most brilliant pick-and-rolls, with Travis Scott and an uncredited Drake running offense for five gloriously unpredictable minutes: a high-risk, high-reward karaoke endeavor for those intrepid enough to attempt keeping up with it.

Which Part Is Better Though? It’s all about chemistry here regardless of who’s who — but if you got first pick, you’d probably go with Drake, who has most of the best lines and doesn’t have to say “Jamba Juice” twice. — A.U.

Duet Type: Endless Love

Why it Works: Technically, it shouldn’t, because it’s a little creepy that a father and his formerly estranged daughter (in the karaoke-themed movie Duets, where this version originates from) are singing a love song to each other, including the line, “this is not a one-night stand.” And, yet, it does — in part because, thankfully, their sweet duet ends before they get to the line in the solo Smokey Robinson original, “I can just stay there inside you.” Ewwwww.

Which Part is Better Though? Neither part is particularly showy, but Paltrow’s gets the nod because she got to show off pipes that fans didn’t know she had — and you may similarly wow folks who had no idea of your own vocal chops. — M.N.

Duet Type: Power in Numbers

Why It Works: A love song that plays more like a two-man comedy routine — with laugh lines and recurring bits and (in the right crowd) audience participation — “If I Had $1,000,000” is a solid standby for any aspiring Flight of the Conchords– or Garfunkel & Oates-type performer duos out there.

Which Part Is Better Though? Ed Robertson gets what you’d probably consider the main vocal, but that mostly means he’s basically doing setup for Steven Page’s punchlines; the latter is probably the way to go. — A.U.

Duet Type: Power in Numbers

Why It Works: Easy fun and low stakes are always a great combo.

Which Part Is Better Though? The BX baddie herself, Ice Spice. — K.D.

Duet Type: He Said, She Said

Why It Works: While credited solely to Aaliyah, the song is actually a back-and-forth with writer/producer Timbaland, whose intro and guest verse give the song a vocal tango feeling brilliantly illustrated in the video’s choreography, and turns the song into an underrated couples’ karaoke pick.

Which Part Is Better Though? Still Aaliyah’s of course, but playing the Timbo part does also give you the option of approximating the baby noises surrounding Babygirl in the song’s all-timer chorus. — A.U.

Duet Type: Endless Love

Why It Works: If there’s ever a time when anything Dirty Dancing isn’t a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, we haven’t reached it yet — and “Time of My Life” remains that movie’s singalong peak, even if its obviously ’80s pop production still makes no sense in the 1963-set film.

Which Part Is Better Though? Committing to this song at karaoke also means committing to some kind of approximation of its climactic Patrick Swayze & Jennifer Grey dance move — so depends on whether you’re more comfortable being the leaper or the catcher, really. — A.U.

Duet Type: Endless Love

Why It Works: Melodrama is a cornerstone of any good Broadway karaoke session, and it doesn’t get much more melodramatic than Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “All I Ask of You.” If you’re aiming to move your fellow karaoke-goers to tears with a stirring performance — or to laughter with an over-acted presentation, at that — then this sentimental love song is the perfect pick. 

Which Part Is Better Though? For ladies looking to play prima donna during your next karaoke outing, then Sarah Brightman’s operatic performance as Christine Daaé is the way to go. Be warned that the song is certainly harder than it sounds — with a Eb5 as her high note, make sure you’ve warmed up before warbling your way through this romantic aria. — S.D.

Duet Type: He Said, She Said 

Why It Works: You can bring the house down on this country duet (and crossover smash) without belting your lungs to shreds.

Which Part Is Better Though? Kacey. Getting to sing “you’ll never be the man that you always swore” is non-negotiable. — K.D.

Duet Type: He Said, She Said

Why It Works: Recorded when fun. frontman Nate Ruess was enough of an alt-pop star to be a perfect co-star for a still-radio-dominant P!nk, “Just Give Me a Reason” is a little underrated as far as theatrical megaballads go — soaring in its harmonies and emotions, but with enough muscle in its arrangement to keep from being a drag at peak karaoke hours.

Which Part Is Better Though? Close on the verses (and the brilliantly back-and-forth bridge), but P!nk gets the high harmonies on the chorus that seal the deal here. — A.U.

Duet Type: Power in Numbers

Why It Works: Justin Bieber’s signature early smash is a formative Gen Z pop text, and Ludacris’ guest verse offers just enough of a respite from the teenage bubblegumminess for the older folks potentially in attendance to not be totally taken out of the performance.

Which Part Is Better Though? Still the Bieb, of course. — A.U.

Duet Type: Power in Numbers 

Why It Works: The single packs a punch with its catchy reggaetón-pop beats and sizzling lyrics that radiate empowerment and self-worth. Both Gs blend their individual styles perfectly — with Becky kicking off soulful ranchera vibes, setting the stage for Karol’s smooth, cheeky verses — creating a duet that’s all about brushing off drama and stepping into your power. 

Which Part Is Better Though? The real show-stopper is when Becky G belts out in the pre-chorus, “Don’t call me — my number’s changed/ If you want it, you can dial 1-800-f**k off,” elevating the track’s sass factor to new heights. — I.R.

Duet Type: Story Time

Why It Works: Inspired by an Eddie Murphy bit in 1987’s Raw, “It Wasn’t Me” is a reggae ode to infidelity and gaslighting that’s so sublimely ridiculous you have no choice but to root for the offending party.

Which Part Is Better Though? No contest here: Shaggy chiming in with a blasé “it wasn’t me” every time Ducent describes a situation that unveils his guilt in no uncertain terms is karaoke comedy gold. — J. Lynch

Duet Type: Icons Only

Why It Works: Because if you’re with a group of friends that generally like pop music, chances are that one of you will be a Britney fan, and another will be a Madonna fan — and this slightly campy, highly combustible back-and-forth allows both parties to embody their fave.

Which Part Is Better Though? Britney, especially if you can rattle off that rapid-fire pre-chorus, and hit the “chic-a-TAH!” at just the right speed. — J. Lipshutz

Duet Type: He Said, She Said

Why It Works: This always rousing — if also more than a little bit depressing — Christmas staple is a karaoke must around the holiday season, but it’s also a universally beloved-enough singalong that it goes over pretty well the other 11 and a half months of the calendar too.

Which Part Is Better Though? Gotta go with the late, great and absolutely inimitable (but fun to try) Shane McGowan of The Pogues here — though guest singer Kirsty MacColl gets the best line, answering McGowan’s “I could have been someone” lament with a flat “Well, so could anyone.” — A.U.

Duet Type: Power in Numbers 

Why It Works: The second the chorus hits on this enduring anthem, the crowd will be doing most of the work for you. 

Which Part Is Better Though? Hov’s. If you take karaoke seriously, there are three dope verses for you to nail. — K.D.

Duet Type: Icons Only

Why It Works: A dance-pop banger where two dancefloor divas unleash a flood of emotional catharsis, “Rain on Me” instantly entered the queer karaoke canon, and it’s a reliable pick for anyone looking to crank up the room’s energy when it’s in danger of flagging.

Which Part Is Better Though? Gaga’s spoken word segment in the eye of this vocal storm (not to mention her staccato intonation of “rain – on – me” throughout) is the campy highlight of this duet. — J. Lynch

Duet Type: He Said, She (?) Said

Why It Works: Don’t let the music video’s revolving door of women fool you: This “duet” is actually just Positive K pursuing himself, using sped-up vocals for the female part. But we don’t recommend you go it alone here: Just channel the rapper’s sassy alter ego as you spurn the song’s persistent advances.

Which Part Is Better Though? The woman’s part brings the attitude, but the man’s part has the best one-liners, including, “You got a what?! How long you had that problem?” – K.A.

Duet Type: Vocal Showdown

Why It Works: The pinnacle of Broadway exhibitionism, Irving Berlin’s “Anything You Can Do” is built to be belted at karaoke. As Annie Oakley and Frank Butler show off their respective sharpshooting skills, so to can karaoke goers exhibit their best vocals, trying their hardest to blow their competition out of the water. 

Which Part Is Better Though? If you’re looking to win the battle, then Annie Oakley should be your choice — but be prepared to earn your crown. Throughout the song, the sharpshooter gets to best her male companion with a stellar money note and a seemingly never-ending sustained belt. The song will make you work for your victory, but that only makes it taste that much sweeter when you ultimately succeed. — S.D.

Duet Type: Endless Love

Why It Works: Nabbing Rihanna and Ne-Yo at the peak of their late-’00s powers, the romantic ache of “Hate That I Love You” left an indelible mark on anyone that grew up with it — and thanks to the song’s Stargate-helmed mid-tempo acoustic groove, it can pierce the hearts of those in attendance without also making their eyes droopy.

Which Part Is Better Though? Very close, but let’s give this one to Ne-Yo — he’s not winning too many other showdowns with Rihanna in 2024. — A.U.

Duet Type: He Said, She Said

Why It Works: Though only officially credited to Meat Loaf, an enormous part of the success of “Paradise by the Dashboard Light” is in the late rock great’s heated exchanges with singer/actress Ellen Foley, making this one of the funniest, highest-charged and most action-packed love duets in any karaoke book.

Which Part Is Better Though? Honestly? Probably Foley: She gets an all-time moment in the interrupting “STOP RIGHT THERE!” and then kicks off the whole climax of the song with her “Before we go any further, do you love me?” questioning. — A.U.

Duet Type: Endless Love

Why It Works: Juanes and Nelly Furtado sing with the right amount of longing and pathos about missing someone they can only see now in photographs. It’s something that most of us can relate to, and the sweet blend of their voices offers hope in a beautiful bridge where they sing verses in Spanish like: “And in the distance I can see you … In the stars I can see your eyes, when I sit to see your photos.”

Which Part Is Better Though? Although the collab thrives in the chorus’ simple yet pleasant harmonies, Nelly’s solo verses are a win — so much so, that the song opened a whole new market for her and has remained a staple in her live shows. — S.R.A.

Duet Type: Strength in Numbers

Why It Works: Billy Ray Cyrus’ late-added “Old Town Road” verse turned it from viral phenomenon to world-conquering super-smash, because his country authority and winning dad energy made for the perfect complement to LNX’s genre-hopping and youthful brashness — in karaoke, as in all other facets of turn-of-the-decade pop culture.

Which Part Is Better Though? Tough to turn down that Cyrus part: “Ridin’ down Rodeo in my Maserati sports car!” — A.U.

Duet Type: He Said, She Said 

Why It Works: Aside from the fact that anything Taylor Swift tends to work these days, “Exile” is also a rare contemporary pop duet that favors the male vocalist’s lower range 

Which Part Is Better Though? Bon Iver. Going that deep is just fun, there’s nothing else to it! — K.D.

Duet Type: Endless Love

Why It Works: One of the biggest love songs in hip-hop history, “Dilemma” works not just because Nelly’s tender delivery and Kelly Rowland’s effusive hook blend so well, but because there’s a little edge to its story — since the romance at its center is one that can never be, with Rowland already married with a kid.

Which Part Is Better Though? Definitely Rowland’s, since she gets both the song’s chorus and its Patti LaBelle-quoting secondary hook. — A.U.

Duet Type: Endless Love (With an Endless Bank Account)

Why It Works: This one works for two generations: The people who lived through the Dutchess’ early-2000s Black Eyed Peas-fueled pop reign and the younger folks who primarily know this as the song Jack Harlow sampled for “First Class.”

Which Part Is Better Though? While Fergie does the heavy lifting here, the Ludacris part could easily expand if you work in some of the “First Class” highlights to the chorus (we’re thinking Harlow’s full G-L-A-M spelling lesson). – K.A.

Duet Type: Friendly Banter

Why It Works: One of Shakira’s most joyous and celebrated collaborations, “La Bicicleta” with Carlos Vives brought together two of the most beloved and international figures in Colombian music and gave their fans a reason to celebrate by uniting the rhythms of their respective birthplaces: Barranquilla and Santa Marta. The tropical tune invites you to dance and leave your sorrows behind to enjoy the simplest pleasures in life, like riding a bike with your loved one, despelucado (disheveled) and barefoot.

Which Part Is Better Though? While the chorus is pure magic, Shakira steals the show in the super-catchy bridge, part of which says: “Lleva, llévame en tu Bicicleta/ Óyeme Carlos, llévame en tu Bicicleta/ Quiero que recorramos juntos esa zona/ Desde Santra Marta hasta La Arenosa” (Take me, take me on your bike/ Hey, Carlos, take me on your bike/ I want us to tour that area together/ From Santra Marta to La Arenosa). — S.R.A.

Duet Type: Strength in Numbers

Why It Works: Well, it might not work for every audience, but in certain situations — like, say, at a bachelorette party that’s already gotten Beyoncé’d out — “WAP” will absolutely tear the roof off the sucker with just a minimum of commitment.

Which Part Is Better Though? Cardi gets it for her parking instructions alone. — A.U.

Duet Type: Endless Love

Why It Works: How could one do a Romeo & Juliet adaptation without an emotional ballad about the cruelty of forbidden love? Bernstein & Sondheim’s “Somewhere” stands the test of time as one of the all-time great love songs, especially when sung in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. 

Which Part Is Better Though? It’s a tossup, but we’re going to give it to Maria. She gets just a few more big moments, especially as she hits the high note on “We’ll find a new way of living.” Tony certainly shines throughout the number, but Maria takes the spotlight once she enters this hopeful ballad. — S.D.

Duet Type: Endless Love

Why It Works: Even The Chainsmokers’ biggest critics had to acknowledge they hit on something classic with this Halsey collab, the crossover peak of EDM’s pop moment and a sweetly emo love duet that already hits a nostalgic sweet spot not even a decade after its release.

Which Part Is Better Though: Both have their charms, but only Halsey gets to rhyme “Blink-182 song” with “Tuscon.” — A.U.

Duet Type: Strength in Numbers

Why It Works: Singer Chester Bennington’s and rapper Mike Shinoda’s vocals are so interwoven throughout nu-metal anthem “In the End” that it feels like they’re performing from two different parts of the same consciousness, making it a perfect karaoke choice to show off yours and your partner’s lockstep chemistry.

Which Part Is Better Though? Bennington gets the chorus and the money notes, but Shinoda’s rapping on the verses is still the heart of the song — plus, you get the rare opportunity to fake your own vocal glitch on the “acting like I was part of your prop-errrrrrr-ty” digital hiccup. — A.U.

Duet Type: Endless Love & Pure Harmony

Why It Works: This 1956 rock n’ roll hit re-entered the pop culture pantheon thanks to the blockbuster soundtrack to 1987’s Dirty Dancing. Nostalgic but naughty, it effortlessly exudes an aura of sweet, family-friendly virility.

Which Part Is Better Though? Do you even need to ask? The call-and-response segment is the song’s highlight, and you can’t go wrong as Sylvia, alternately barking out and cooing those come-ons to a coy lover boy who still doesn’t answer. — J. Lynch

Duet Type: Icons Only

Why It Works: What pair of female (or any gender really) friends wouldn’t want to recreate this classic force-joining between Gaga and Honey Bee, likely the most iconic pop team-up of its era?

Which Part is Better Though? Gaga just gets more to work with throughout, though Bey’s third-verse “sometimes I feel like I live in Grand Central Stay-shunnnn” is certainly a highlight. — A.U.

Duet Type: Friendly Banter

Why It Works: In all of karaoke history, there is truly only one “Barbie Girl,” a gleeful, gently satiric ode to plastic love with some of the most outrageous Europop line readings of the late 20th century. Guaranteed to delight any attendee over 30 — and thanks to 2003’s Barbie blockbuster, most under 30 now too.

Which Part Is Better Though? Apologies to main vocalist Lene “Barbie” Nystrøm, but you just know you’re going to be fighting over who gets to gruffly deliver such timeless René “Ken” Dif lyrics as “come jump in, bimbo friend, let us dooooo it again.” — A.U.

Duet Type: Vocal Showdown

Why It Works: In this battle between the wife and the other woman, neither one cedes any ground —vocally or otherwise — making it a classic battle over a man who, frankly, isn’t good enough for either of them.

Which Part is Better Though? McEntire not only gets the higher moral ground here since she’s the wife being cheated on, but she’s the only one still standing at the end of the ultra-’90s, still-meme-spawning video — and who lives to sing another day. — M.N.

Duet Type: He Said, She Said

Why It Works: As you’re following along with the tense lyrics between the two Human League vocalists onscreen, some of the darker moments might catch you off-guard (like Philip Oakey’s “Don’t forget it’s me who put you where you are now/ And I can put you back down too”) – but fear not, because all the audience is going to care about is the danceable ’80s synth beat and shout-along chorus.

Which Part Is Better Though? We love when Susan Ann Sulley’s part starts and we realize we’re going to get a very different story in her verse (“I was working as a waitress in a cocktail bar/ That much is true”). – K.A.

Duet Type: Endless Love

Why It Works: There’s always that one duet that takes both performers and audience back to their childhood: “My Boo” is an instant nostalgia rush, not only for Usher’s peerless Confessions era (as well as prime Alicia Keys), but for the idealized version of young love that the star pair capture so well.

Which Part Is Better Though? Well, 2004 Usher is 2004 Usher. — A.U.

Duet Type: He Said, She Said

Why It Works: A churning rhythm and that unmistakable opening line—“We got married in a fever/ hotter than a pepper sprout”—immediately signals that this duet is perfect for performers who don’t mind trading some smart-mouthed banter and playing up the song’s theatrical elements.

Which Part Is Better Though?June Carter seems to have way more fun here, sassing and growling her way through the lyrics, and calling Cash’s bluff at every turn, while Cash’s commanding voice plays a straight-laced foil. — J.N.

Duet Type: He Said, She Said

Why It Works: Few duets feel as electrically intense as Gotye and Kimbra’s break-up back-and-forth, both in the intimacy of the quieter parts and the severity of the louder ones. (Make sure you know your duet partner well first, though — or at least that you want to get to know them a lot better very quickly.)

Which Part is Better Though? The money moment is definitely Gotye’s, as his dolorous warble becomes a blood-curdling wail at the first “But you didn’t have to CUUUUT ME OOUUUUUUT!” — snapping anyone in attendance who zoned out through the opening verses to immediate attention. — A.U.

Duet Type: Strength in Numbers

Why It Works: The climactic ballad duet from the generational Disney Channel original movie High School Musical, “Breaking Free” accomplishes a lot without demanding too much of its lead vocalists, or of the dozens of ’00s kids singing along in the back.

Which Part Is Better Though? Troy’s part, mostly sung by Drew Seeley in the movie, is definitely the slightly showier vocal — but “Breaking Free” is always more about the community than the individual. — A.U.

Duet Type: Vocal Showdown

Why It Works: The two vocal parts on “Bring Me to Life” — Amy Lee’s sweeping, operatic lead, and 12 Stones member Paul McCoy’s clipped, grunted exclamations in between — could not be more different… but somehow, both of them are enjoyable as hell to rip into during a karaoke marathon.

Which Part is Better Though?: It’s a true toss-up! If you want to let your emotions soar, become Evanescence’s crystal-voiced leader on the mic, and if you just want to yell phrases like “Wake me up!” and “Save meeeeee!,” there is no shame in your 12 Stones game. — J. Lipshutz

Duet Type: Friendly Banter

Why It Works: Furtado’s Hot 100 No. 1 smash is a true pop-song-as-conversation, with the Canadian pop star and producer Timbaland exchanging flirtations and pushing each other’s buttons as they trade two-line actions and reactions; really, “Promiscuous” can only be performed as a duet, and it remains sweaty fun.

Which Part is Better Though? Although Timbaland gets to say “They call me Thomas, last name Crown,” Furtado is the more commanding presence on “Promiscuous,” AND has the line “Is your game MVP like Steve Nash?,” so she’s the winner here. — J. Lipshutz

Duet Type: Endless Love

Why It Works: A staple showtune from the Menken-Ashman writing team, “Suddenly Seymour” is a mostly sweet and sincere singalong moment between Little Shop of Horrors‘ two (human) leads — though even in its absurd title alone, there’s enough comedy to keep it from ever getting mawkish.

Which Part Is Better Though? C’mon, you haven’t practicing Audrey’s comical New York accent for nothing. — A.U.

Duet Type: Endless Love

Why It Works: “I Got You Babe” is such an archetypal love duet that 60 years later it still has never really been replaced in pop culture, and will still guarantee a room full of smiles (and just a hater or two, tops) at an average karaoke night.

Which Part Is Better Though? Sonny gets the part everyone has burned into their brain from the Groundhog Day alarm clock scene (“Then put youuuuur little hand in miiiiiine…”) — but Cher gets to be Cher, which is usually a trump card. — A.U.

Duet Type: Story Time

Why It Works: “Regulate” is simply one of hip-hop’s great story songs, with Nate Dogg and the G Child passing the mic from bar to bar with such free-flowing energy that it often feels like you’re sitting in between them at a bar while they’re telling the tale in tandem.

Which Part Is Better Though? When you get to Nate Dogg’s “16 in the clip and one in the hole/ Nate Dogg is about to make some bodies turn cold” part at the end of the first verse, it’s basically the closet you’ll ever get at karaoke to playing James Bond. — A.U.

Duet Type: Story Time

Why It Works: Part of why Wicked became such an astounding success on Broadway was due to the immediate appeal of “Defying Gravity.” Equal parts soaring (literally) vocals and tender moments, this Act I closer to the musical phenomenon is sure to make even the most lifeless of arm hairs stand at attention. 

Which Part Is Better Though? Elphaba’s, and it’s not close. Glinda (formerly known as Galinda) certainly gets her moments in the middle of the song, but the star-making moment of this theatre staple is the final bridge, where Elphaba declares that you can find her in the Western Sky, condemns the Wizard, and lets out her now-iconic battle cry (feel free to have some fun on that final “ahh-AH-AH-AHHHHH!”). — S.D.

Duet Type: Power in Numbers

Why It Works: A four-minute rock odyssey about society’s stressors doesn’t seem like it should be a rollicking good time, but thanks to that insanely catchy guitar riff and an octave-spanning vocal run from Queen frontman Freddie Mercury, “Under Pressure” is a helluva crowdpleaser.  

Which Part Is Better Though? Freddie sticks the orgiastic landing on this duet (“Why can’t we give looooove, give loooove, give looooove”), so you’re better off taking his part – otherwise you’re merely in his orbit. — J. Lynch

Duet Type: Friendly Banter

Why It Works: “American Boy” isn’t anyone’s first thought when it comes to big karaoke duets, but it’s one that just about everyone knows and likes, and one with two extremely distinct, flirty and fun parts that go brilliantly together — no one ever schedules their bathroom break for when “American Boy” is on.

Which Part Is Better Though? In any average pair of karaoke performers, chances are one would lean Estelle and one would lean Ye here. But we’ll give the nod to Estelle here, since to our knowledge, she’s never made any public gaffes that would make you uncomfortable to spend 4:44 playing her. — A.U.

Duet Type: He Said, She Said

Why It Works: While slower songs can be a tough sell at karaoke, the twang and nostalgia of this one overrides its heartbroken lyrics. Just lean in to the Southern drawl and give the delicate harmonies your best shot.

Which Part Is Better Though? Has to be Kid Rock, with the song’s ultimate growled wail: “I was off to drink you away!” – K.A.

Duet Type: Strength in Numbers

Why It Works: Grunge might not be much of a go-to karaoke genre, but one-off supergroup Temple of the Dog’s “Hunger Strike” has a chorus worthy of Bon Jovi and belting worthy of Whitney and Mariah — courtesy of Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder and Soundgarden’s Chris Cornell, also probably the two most fun-to-mimic singers ’90s rock produced.

Which Part Is Better Though? Do you dare attempt those Cornell “GOING HUNGRYYYY-AYYYYYYY!!!” yowls? Of course you dare. You’re a karaoke-er. You go big or you go home. — A.U.

Duet type: Icons Only

Why It Works: “Despacito” captured a cultural zeitgeist, transforming reggaetón into a global pop phenomenon. The seamless interplay between Fonsi’s smooth vocals and Daddy Yankee’s exhilarating rap created a sonic juggernaut that conquered Billboard charts and shattered records. 

Which Part is Better Though? While the entire track keeps listeners hooked, Daddy Yankee’s rapid-fire rap verse injects a thrilling dose of energy that raises the stakes. His delivery is crisp, fast-paced, and perfectly timed, providing a stark, rhythmically exciting contrast to Fonsi’s smooth, melodious lines. — I.R.

Duet Type: She Said, She Said

Why It Works: Where much of Rent can feel saccharine and melodramatic, “Take Me or Leave Me” is pure, unadulterated fun. With the characters of Maureen and Joanne going through a bombastic fight, karaoke-goers get to flex not only their vocal chops but their acting skills, playing the parts of two scorned lovers finally putting all their cards on the table.

Which Part Is Better Though? Maureen’s part (sung by the legendary Idina Menzel) is certainly the more flamboyant of the two, making it all the more fun to saunter around your local karaoke bar. Not only do you get to punch up all her most dramatic lines (“This diva needs her stage/ Baby let’s have fun” is a sure-fire crowd-pleaser), but you get to neg your duet partner, calling them a “lovable droll geek” and “a snob, yet over-attentive” while they’re mid-belt. — S.D.

Duet Type: Strength in Numbers

Why It Works: Just ask Maverick and Goose: Any two guys attempting this timeless blue-eyed soul classic together are going to come off charming, no matter how off-key and poorly coordinated their performance.

Which Part Is Better Though? Bobby Hatfield gets his by the end of the song — especially with the falsetto bits on the bridge climax — but there’s a reason Mav goes first in Top Gun: Bill Medley’s part is simply one of the great lead vocals in pop history. — A.U.

Duet Type: Endless Love

Why It Works: It is, indeed, electrifyin’: The vocals from two of the biggest stars of the late ’70s — though only one of them was most famous for music — intertwine marvelously on this Grease sugar-rush throwback that’s endured for generations past both the period it came from and the period it evoked.

Which Part Is Better Though: John Travolta’s opening verse is the song’s greatest marvel — though it also pretty much demands that you drop to your knees for the climactic lyric, so be ready. — A.U.

Duet Type: Endless Love

Why It Works: As Aladdin’s lynchpin love song, “A Whole New World” was always going to make for a karaoke magic carpet ride: beyond the standalone verses and showy harmonies of the refrain, the song tucks in plenty of mid-line interjections (“Don’t your dare close your eyes,” “Hold your breath, it gets better”) that are microphone gold when handled properly.

Which Part is Better Though? Give it up for Jasmine, whose euphoric verse — “Unbelievable siiiights/ Indescribable feeeeeling!” — arrives right as the song is lifting off of the ground. — J. Lipshutz

Duet Type: Power in Numbers

Why It Works: Are you looking to just bring fun vibes? This is the ticket, with a spoken-word male part that requires more swagger than singing skills and a female part that will show off your most talented friend’s pipes.

Which Part Is Better Though? Gotta go with the ladies here. Even though it’s not the part that shows off the singing chops, there’s no more fun and confounding line than Kate Pierson’s “Tiiiiiiiin ROOF! Rusted.” – K.A.

Duet Type: Icons Only

Why It Works: Two titans at the top of their game, given killer material written by the Bee Gees, deliver a song about a love that is meant to go the distance and provide refuge. It’s a song that allows each singer time to shine, but it is truly an equal share, like real love.

Which Part Is Better Though? Parton’s, because her voice is showier than Rogers and she gets to vow, “Baby, I will hurt you never.” — M.N.

Duet Type: Endless Love

Why It Works: Motown duets are their own kind of ageless, and Marvin and Tammi’s signature team-up still sparkles six decades later — the kind of unruinable song with such natural good vibes that it just makes whoever’s performing it seem more likeable.

Which Part Is Better Though? Listen, baby…. no shame in getting beaten by Marvin on this one. — A.U.

Duet Type: Power in Numbers

Why It Works: This song of being just drunk enough to call up an ex-lover makes for a perfect late-night, angst-filled karaoke song. Two-thirds of trio Lady A command the mic here, with Hillary Scott and Charles Kelley showcasing vocal takes that were restrained yet powerful, with a chorus made for karaoke singalongs. Plus, from those first moody piano notes, every karaoke listener knows they are in for a sultry duet.

Which Part Is Better Though? The verses are consistent, but the back half of the song gives Kelley enough space for his signature soulful vocal inflections. — J.N.

Duet Type: She Said, She Said 

Why It Works: This is the crown jewel of karaoke duets: a dramatic story, plenty of opportunity for show-stopping riffs and harmonies, and high-wattage star power. You can play this as an outright competition – maybe you re-enact this backstory for some extra razzle dazzle – or you can use this lyrical and harmonic tug-of-war to deliver a performance greater than the sum of its parts.

Which Part Is Better Though? Do I have to answer? — K.D.