Popular Karaoke: Artist Rankings [2026]

The Howling of the Lost OneNeru64rank/position

Neru – The Wail of the Lost One (Lost One’s Weeping) feat. Kagamine Rin

The suffocation of the classroom, the anxiety of not seeing any answers, the loneliness of being understood by no one.

There may be no other song that captures the pains of adolescence this vividly.

Released by Neru in 2013, the track later surpassed 10 million views.

Its edgy guitar sound and Kagamine Rin’s emotional vocals intertwine perfectly, giving voice to a cry from the heart.

Included on the major-label album “Seikaisefuku,” the song is still sung by many to this day.

Belt it out at karaoke, and the haze you carried back then will blow away.

Recommended for those who want to revisit their school days and for anyone still fighting their own battles now.

A Cruel Angel’s ThesisTakahashi Yoko65rank/position

“Cruel Angel’s Thesis” MUSIC VIDEO (HD ver.) / Zankoku na Tenshi no Te-ze “The Cruel Angel’s Thesis”

As you know, it’s an ultra-popular song that even people who aren’t into anime recognize.

It’s up-tempo and incredibly catchy, with a striking, multi-layered theme that feels like a prayer for those heading toward a harsh destiny.

Sung by Yoko Takahashi, it was released as a single in October 1995.

Created as the opening theme for the hit TV anime Neon Genesis Evangelion, it became a massive success, boosted by the anime’s popularity.

The song consistently ranks near the top in karaoke charts.

Since then, it has been covered by many artists and truly stands as an anime song Japan can be proud of.

Since everyone knows it and can sing it, it’s a must-pick when you want to hype up a karaoke session or event with friends!

DESIRENakamori Akina66rank/position

DESIRE -jounetsu-

This is one of Akina Nakamori’s signature songs, themed around burning love and singing of fiery passion.

First aired in February 1986 as a TV commercial song, it was later released as a single and became a huge hit.

With this song, Nakamori won the Japan Record Award for the second consecutive year, establishing her status as a singer at the young age of 20.

Showcasing dramatic expressiveness and powerful vocals, this track is perfect for livening up a karaoke session or when you want to experience a classic from the Showa era.

Be sure to check out the modern twist on traditional Japanese attire and the unique choreography, said to be inspired by a baseball pitching motion.

rainbow-coloredayaka67rank/position

Ayaka / Nijiiro Music Video

“Nijiiro” was sung by many people in vocal training as well.

Of course, many also chose “Mikazuki,” but “Nijiiro” was especially popular because people said, “I can sing it without straining!” Indeed, during lessons, everyone seemed to relax well and found it easy to sing.

The overall range is F#3 to D5, which looks wide if you only consider the range, but since F#4 is used the most, there’s no need to be overly tense.

Also, for the flowing melody in the pre-chorus, if you don’t articulate every word too clearly and just go with the flow, you can avoid getting stuck.

For the last part of the chorus, if you sing each note carefully, it feels good and helps you stay on pitch.

There are points to focus on for each section of the melody, but you’ll likely find it easy to sing—so definitely try learning it.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Kubota Mami

Report a problem

Night Sky Patrol of TomorrowOrangestar68rank/position

Orangestar – Asunoyozora Shoukaihan (feat. IA) Official Video

Posted in 2014, this Vocaloid song was the first track using the voice synthesizer IA to be inducted into the “Legendary” category on Nico Nico Douga.

As one of Orangestar’s signature songs, it captivates with its driving rock sound and shimmering, shifting synthesizers.

The lyrics, which intertwine anxiety about whether tomorrow will come with the determination to keep moving forward, have resonated with many listeners.

It’s included on the album “Mikansei Eight Beats,” and a later band-arranged version was also released.

If you sing it at karaoke, aim for a natural, unforced vocal delivery to bring out the song’s atmosphere.

With numerous covers by singers, it’s a track that can liven up karaoke even with people who aren’t very familiar with Vocaloid.

DramaturgyEVE69rank/position

Dramaturgy – Eve MV

Eve, whose song “Kaikai Kitan,” the opening theme for the anime Jujutsu Kaisen, became a hit and gained recognition across generations.

Although Eve’s songs might seem a bit challenging to sing at karaoke, many of them are absolute crowd-pleasers.

“Dramaturgy” is one of Eve’s signature tracks and is included on the 2017 album Culture.

There’s no way this danceable, fast-paced song won’t get people hyped! The slightly quick chorus can be sung smoothly with a bit of practice!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

utatane

Report a problem

HeroAmuro Namie70rank/position

Hero – Namie Amuro (Full)

A rousing cheer song by Namie Amuro that powerfully sings of the “courage” and “hope” needed at every stage of life.

Released in July 2016 as NHK’s broadcast theme for the Rio de Janeiro Olympics and Paralympics, it captured the hearts of a wide audience—from athletes to the general public.

When she made a special appearance at the 68th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen in 2017, her stunning performance set a remarkable peak viewer rating of 48.4%.

If you choose this song when enjoying karaoke with someone special, you’ll surely share a moment of true connection.