The Worst Karaoke Songs of All Time: Do You Dare to Disagree?
Karaoke. A glorious mix of bravery, banter, and belting out songs you haven’t rehearsed since that one road trip in 2009. It brings people together, tears friendships apart (temporarily), and gives everyone the chance to believe they’re on The X Factor, for three minutes, anyway.
But not every song is karaoke gold. Some tracks are cursed. Doomed from the first note. Whether they’re too long, too high, or so slow you can hear your audience ageing, these songs haunt karaoke night like a ghost with a dodgy mic.
Here, we dig into the songs that never should’ve made it to the karaoke screen. And if one of your go-to bangers is on this list? Well... we’re not saying you’re wrong. But we are raising an eyebrow.
Let’s Set the Scene: The Power (and Pain) of Karaoke
You’re in a booth. The lights are low. You’ve had just enough fizzy drink to feel bold. The screen flashes. The music kicks in. And there it is: your song. Or is it?
Karaoke is a strange beast. It can make shy people shine and confident people crumble. One moment you’re soaring like Adele; the next, you’re halfway through a key change you didn’t know existed, while your mates record you for Instagram.
And that’s the charm. Karaoke isn’t about being good. It’s about going for it, laughing, and maybe hitting one note out of ten. But still, some songs make it really hard to have a good time. These are those songs.
What Makes a Bad Karaoke Song, Anyway?
Not all bad karaoke songs are bad songs. Some are chart-toppers. Some are classics. But under a karaoke mic, they transform into chaotic nightmares.
What sends a song into karaoke infamy?
- It’s way too long (we’re looking at you, "Bohemian Rhapsody").
- No one knows the words past the chorus.
- It's too clean, too slow, or just too sad (fun!)
- Key changes from the underworld.
- It seems like a good idea until it’s too late.
These songs aren’t just hard to sing, they suck the fun out of the room. They’re crowd killers. And we’ve all either sung one... or suffered through someone else’s.
The (Kinda Brutal) List: Karaoke Songs We All Regret Picking
Right. Here we go. The top “please-don’t-pick-this” songs, are lovingly judged.
1. Bohemian Rhapsody – Queen
Legendary? Yes. Iconic? Yes. A group karaoke classic? Maybe. But let’s be honest, it’s a six-minute emotional rollercoaster with opera, screaming, and 12 key changes. By minute four, your audience has aged five years.
2. My Heart Will Go On – Celine Dion
It starts off calm. Then you hit the chorus, realise it’s in a pitch only whales can reach, and suddenly you’re gasping like you’re on the Titanic.
3. Total Eclipse of the Heart – Bonnie Tyler
A dramatic masterpiece with no chill. You need lungs of steel and the stamina of a marathon runner. And unless you’re fully committed to the drama (and have rehearsed), it turns into a slow-motion meltdown.
4. American Pie – Don McLean
Eight minutes. EIGHT. MINUTES. Of vaguely political lyrics and awkward sing-along pauses. No one remembers verse four. Not even Don.
5. I Will Always Love You – Whitney Houston
This should be illegal unless you are Whitney Houston. Spoiler: no one is Whitney Houston.
Honourable (or Dishonourable?) Mentions
These songs didn’t make the top five, but still... karaoke kryptonite.
- Hallelujah – So beautiful. So sad. So slooooow. We’re here for a party, not a funeral.
- Mr Brightside – Controversial! We love it, but the verses are hard. Everyone mumbles until the chorus, then chaos erupts.
- Wonderwall – It’s not awful. It’s just... overdone. Your audience has heard it 364 times this year alone.
- Stairway to Heaven – Legendary song. But it’s basically a 3-minute whisper followed by 5 minutes of guitar screaming. Hard pass.
Plot Twist: When Bad Karaoke Becomes Brilliant
Now here’s the thing, sometimes the worst karaoke songs make the best memories. Why? Because they’re ridiculous. Because no one expects perfection. Because someone will shout “TURN AROUND” during Total Eclipse of the Heart, and it will bring the house down.
These so-called disasters become moments of karaoke legend. The kind your mates talk about for years. “Remember when Dave tried to do all the parts of Bohemian Rhapsody alone?” Iconic. Horrifying. Glorious.
So maybe the secret is this: if you’re going to pick a bad karaoke song, commit to it. Go full drama. Do the hand gestures. Belt it out like your nan's watching. That’s the real win.
Choosing the Right Chaos: Tips for Karaoke Glory
Want to avoid being that person who clears the room? A few handy tips:
- Go shorter. Under 4 minutes = safer.
- Know your limits. If you can’t hit the notes even in the shower, skip it.
- Crowd energy matters. Don’t follow “Uptown Funk” with a Coldplay ballad. Read the room.
- Duets are gold. More voices = less pressure. Plus, harmonies (sort of).
- Have a backup plan. If nerves hit, change your pick. Fast.
Above all: pick something you love, even if it’s daft. Confidence makes up for everything else.
Karaoke Nights at Tenpin: Sing Loud, Sing Proud
If you’re going to risk your dignity and sing in public, make sure you do it somewhere fun. At Tenpin, we’ve got private karaoke rooms across the UK, with massive song libraries, big screens, and zero strangers judging your Mariah Carey impression.
Want to follow up your karaoke fail with a game of bowling? Done. Need to cool off in the arcade after your unforgettable rendition of Angels? We’ve got you.
And the best part? Everyone’s there for a laugh. Whether you’re the next Beyoncé or the king of off-key chaos, you’ll fit right in.
Book your karaoke night at Tenpin Karaoke and unleash your inner diva. Or at least have a giggle trying.
Final Note: Did We Get It Wrong?
Got a bone to pick? Think My Heart Will Go On is the greatest karaoke track of all time? Think Mr Brightside deserves to stay?
We dare you to tell us.
Better yet - book a karaoke room and prove it.