Karaoke is a rite of passage for many friend groups. Belting out classics with your best girls by your side allows you to let loose, have some laughs, and create memories that will last a lifetime. While karaoke songbooks offer plenty of options, having a go-to list of female empowerment anthems, singalong standards, and pop diva ballads is key for an epic girls’ night.
This list curates the definitive karaoke songbook for all women. From Aretha to Adele, Gloria Gaynor to Kelly Clarkson, these ten tracks span decades and genres. They have messages of resilience, independence, and celebrating womanhood that we can all relate to.
Whether you’re a soprano ready to flaunt your high notes or need a song everyone can drunkenly sing along to at midnight, there’s a perfect pick for every karaoke queen.
Here is a table summarizing the 10 best karaoke songs for women:
| Song Title | Artist | Year Released | Genre | Key Message |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I Will Survive | Gloria Gaynor | 1978 | Disco | Female empowerment, overcoming adversity |
| Respect | Aretha Franklin | 1967 | Soul | Demanding equality and respect |
| Man! I Feel Like A Woman! | Shania Twain | 1997 | Country-pop | Celebrating girl power and womanhood |
| Girls Just Want to Have Fun | Cyndi Lauper | 1983 | Dance-pop | Freedom, independence, enjoying life |
| 9 to 5 | Dolly Parton | 1980 | Country | Supporting working women |
| Since U Been Gone | Kelly Clarkson | 2004 | Pop-rock | Getting over a breakup |
| Believe | Cher | 1998 | Dance-pop | Overcoming obstacles, perseverance |
| Wannabe | Spice Girls | 1996 | Pop | Friendship, girl power |
| I Love Rock N’ Roll | Joan Jett & the Blackhearts | 1981 | Rock | Channeling your inner rockstar |
| Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It) | Beyoncé | 2008 | Dance-pop | Independence, confidence |
10 Best Karaoke Songs For Women
1. I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor
Released in 1978, this disco smash is the ultimate female empowerment anthem. With its thumping beat, triumphant lyrics (“Go on now, go walk out the door/Just turn around now/’Cause you’re not welcome anymore”), and message of overcoming adversity, “I Will Survive” is a karaoke classic. Its catchy chorus is perfect for channeling confidence as you belt into the mic.
Some key reasons this song is an essential karaoke pick include:
- Instantly recognizable disco melody that is easy to sing along to
- Inspiring lyrics about female resilience and independence
- A strong message of perseverance and self-confidence
- Thumping beat you can’t help but dance to
- Allows you to channel your inner disco diva
2. Respect by Aretha Franklin
Aretha Franklin demands R-E-S-P-E-C-T in this 1967 smash hit. Known for its signature spelling chorus, “Respect” has one of the most recognizable hooks in music history. The Queen of Soul’s powerful vocals and lyrics about equality make this an ideal karaoke song to show you mean business.
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Some key reasons to sing this classic include:
- Empowering message of demanding respect
- Catchy and recognizable spelling hook
- Aretha’s legendary vocals to channel
- A chance to pay tribute to the Queen of Soul
3. Man! I Feel Like A Woman! by Shania Twain
This upbeat 1997 country-pop track is perfect for feeling yourself and celebrating girl power. Shania Twain’s fun, sassy lyrics (“The best thing about being a woman/Is the prerogative to have a little fun”) and energetic melody will have you singing and dancing along. It’s the ideal singalong for you and your girls’ night out.
Some reasons it’s a top karaoke pick:
- Feel-good lyrics about embracing womanhood
- High-energy country-pop sound
- Fun, sassy tone perfect for a girls’ night
- Catchy and easy to sing along to
4. Girls Just Want to Have Fun by Cyndi Lauper
Cyndi Lauper’s 1983 dance-pop smash remains a carefree ode to girls cutting loose and enjoying life. With its bubbly synth melodies and lyrics about freedom and independence (“Some boys take a beautiful girl/And hide her away from the rest of the world”), it embodies a joyful, youthful spirit. The infectious energy makes it a go-to karaoke staple.
Key reasons to add this ’80s classic to your setlist:
- Carefree lyrics celebrating independence
- High-energy new wave sound
- Nostalgic throwback for millennials
- Cyndi’s iconic and exuberant vocals
5. 9 to 5 by Dolly Parton
Country icon Dolly Parton wrote the ultimate working woman anthem with her 1980 hit “9 to 5.” The rallying cry against the patriarchy features one of Dolly’s most memorable melodies and remains beloved for its message of empowerment. From the first notes of its recognizable intro, it’s the perfect group singalong for you and your office crew.
Reasons it’s ideal for karaoke:
- Catchy melody that’s easy to sing along to
- Empowering lyrics celebrating working women
- Chance to try your best Dolly impression
- Recognizable enough that everyone will know it
6. Since U Been Gone by Kelly Clarkson
Kelly Clarkson’s 2004 post-breakup triumph has one of the biggest pop-rock choruses of the 2000s. The anthemic “since U been gone!” hook is a blast to belt out. With its driving guitar riffs and lyrics about moving on, it’s the perfect song to channel your inner rock star.
Key reasons this makes a great karaoke pick:
- Huge singalong chorus
- Kelly’s incredible powerhouse vocals to emulate
- Cathartic lyrics about getting over heartbreak
- High-energy pop-rock sound
7. Believe by Cher
Cher’s 1998 dance-pop smash is all about overcoming obstacles, with the singer’s Auto-Tuned vocals soaring over thumping electronic beats. The lyrics (“Do you believe in life after love?”) and Cher’s vocal acrobatics make “Believe” a dramatic karaoke choice to show off your range. It’s ideal for any diva moments.
Reasons to add this ’90s classic to your lineup:
- Cher’s signature Auto-Tuned vocals
- Sweeping chorus to showcase your range
- Dramatic lyrics about perseverance
- Dance-pop sound that’s fun to perform
8. Wannabe by the Spice Girls
As one of the best-selling girl group hits in history, the Spice Girls’ 1996 debut single “Wannabe” is downright fun. With its bubbly beat and lyrics celebrating friendship (“If you wanna be my lover, you gotta get with my friends”), it taps into carefree 90s nostalgia. Grab your best friends and recreate the Spice Girls’ magic.
Reasons it makes a fun karaoke song:
- Ultra catchy bubblegum pop sound
- Lyrics about the power of female friendship
- Recognizable from its very first line
- Brings out carefree vibes with your besties
- Gives you a chance to channel Baby, Posh, Sporty, Scary, and Ginger
9. I Love Rock N Roll by Joan Jett & the Blackhearts
With its gritty rock energy and an anthemic chorus, Joan Jett’s 1981 smash remains a classic. Originally written in the 1970s, Joan Jett & the Blackhearts’ version has become one of the most recognizable karaoke hits. Channel your inner rock star when those first guitar riffs kick in.
Some reasons it makes a great karaoke pick:
- Gritty rock sound with an arena-ready chorus
- Joan Jett’s rebellious rock and roll spirit
- Air guitar-worthy electric guitar riffs
- All about the liberating power of rock music
- Gives you a chance to rock out like Joan Jett
10. Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It) by Beyoncé
Queen Bey’s 2008 dance-pop hit is a modern classic for independent women. Its slick production and lyrics celebrating self-confidence (“I bought it for myself, I depend on me”) make it a perfect girls’ night out track. And its signature “all the single ladies” hook is impossible not to sing and dance along to.
Reasons it’s essential karaoke:
- Features Beyoncé’s powerhouse vocals
- Catchy lyrics about embracing independence
- Contemporary pop sound with retro flair
- Makes you want to sing the “Uh oh uh oh” chorus
- Channels confidence like Queen Bey
Conclusion
Karaoke may just seem like carefree fun, but the right song choices allow us to connect over shared experiences and tap into what makes us feel joyful, confident, and alive. This collection of beloved hits old and new will have you and your squad living your best lives.
The dancefloor is calling. Grab that mic, rally your girls, and belt out these anthems like you’re performing at Madison Square Garden!
Karaoke is about letting go and having fun, so put these tracks on your list and get ready to create memories that you’ll be reminiscing and laughing about for years. Now get out there and sing your hearts out, ladies!
