Popular Karaoke: Artist Rankings [2026]

My Past Life, Many Lifetimes AgoRADWIMPS15rank/position

RADWIMPS – Zenzenzense [original ver.] [Official Music Video]

It became a huge hit with the film Your Name, and I also discovered RADWIMPS through this song.

Its driving rock sound and lyrics depicting a “fateful encounter” are iconic; alongside the film’s explosive success, it became a social phenomenon, and the moment the intro plays, the atmosphere instantly brightens—an absolute crowd-pleaser.

The overall vocal range is F#3–F#4, which I think is comfortable for male singers.

In the verse (A-melo), sing as if you’re speaking, phrase by phrase, and in the pre-chorus (B-melo), make sure to ride the drums firmly.

Since the chorus sustains higher notes, be careful not to force it; try lifting your eyebrows and aim your voice into the distance to avoid pushing.

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Kubota Mami

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KanadeSukima Suichi16rank/position

Sukima Switch – “Kanade” Music Video : SUKIMASWITCH / KANADE Music Video

This is the second single by Sukima Switch, released in March 2004.

Featured as an insert song in the film “Rough,” among many other tie-ins, this gem of a ballad portrays parting, growth, and the bonds that continue through music.

In 2006, it was also used as the ending theme for the final day of “Nettou Koshien,” and is widely known as a song symbolizing youthful farewells.

With its relaxed tempo, it’s easy to sing and is a classic that almost everyone has heard, making it perfect for humming along with others at karaoke.

If you can handle the leaps in pitch and the falsetto in the chorus, there are plenty of satisfying moments—an evergreen crowd-pleaser that’s sure to be a hit even at group hangouts.

Peter PanYuuri17rank/position

Yuuri “Peter Pan” Official Music Video (Full)

Major debut song “Peter Pan” by Yuuri, who gained immense popularity through his activity on social media.

Released as a digital single in August 2020 and included on the album “Ichi,” it’s an upbeat tune.

The lyrics, which convey a strong resolve to chase one’s dreams, and the driving rock sound come together as an uplifting anthem.

Since April 2021, it has also been used in corporate commercials for DIP Corporation, so many of you have likely heard it at least once.

With over 100 million streams, the song continues to give listeners a boost.

It’s perfect not only for times when you want to take on a challenge, but also for hyping up the crowd at karaoke.

Donut holehachi18rank/position

Hachi – Donut Hole 2024, HACHI – DONUT HOLE 2024

The “hole in the donut” symbolizes a precious something that’s been lost.

Hachi’s “Donut Hole” poignantly portrays the sense of absence and emptiness left behind by that loss.

Released in 2013, the song’s guitar-rock style is one of its charms, and its rhythmic, singable melody line is another distinctive feature.

It has a great sense of speed, so it feels amazing when you make it through in one go.

Be sure to sing it with all your emotions!

cherrysupittsu19rank/position

Spitz / Cherry

When it comes to Spitz, many people probably think of “Cherry.” In fact, it’s a classic that became a million-selling hit despite having no tie-in.

In karaoke, it’s a popular choice for both men and women because it’s relatively easy to score high.

The key is to sing through to the end without straining.

There are many sustained notes, but try not to use much vibrato—focus on matching the pitch bar.

The chorus suddenly jumps to higher notes, so take solid breaths and aim to resonate in your head voice to sing more easily.

The most important moments are the melody transitions; keep your facial muscles and eyebrows lifted and sing to switch smoothly.

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Kubota Mami

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Only for you, clear skiesYorushika20rank/position

Yorushika – Just Clear Skies for You (MUSIC VIDEO)

This is one of Yorushika’s signature songs, released in 2018.

It’s a bittersweet pop track themed around summer, youth, love, and parting.

The overall vocal range is relatively narrow at D4–D#5, so it’s highly recommended for singers who find higher notes easier than lower ones.

In the verses (A and B sections), it’s more spoken than sung, and the spacing between phrases is a key point.

The solid band arrangement makes it easy to lock into the groove, so you’ll likely feel your energy rise in the chorus.

Listen closely to the drums and be careful not to rush the tempo.

In the last chorus, the key changes and the pitch goes even higher, so try to sing with extra drive and momentum.

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broad daylightKing Gnu21rank/position

King Gnu – Hakujitsu

King Gnu’s signature song, “Hakujitsu.” If you like singing, you’ve probably tried it at least once.

How did it go when you actually sang it? The more you attempt it, the more you realize just how incredibly difficult it is! “Hakujitsu” is a powerhouse ballad that demands delicate emotion and overwhelming vocal ability.

It’s a challenge piece for advanced singers at karaoke, training your range, rhythm, and expressiveness all at once.

I’ve sung it a few times myself and was shocked—“Was it always this hard?” Since King Gnu’s vocals are split between two singers, it’s pretty tough to pull off solo.

Still, you’ll want to master Iguchi’s falsetto parts.

Be very mindful of diaphragmatic breathing! Once you can produce a solid falsetto, the pitches themselves aren’t that hard, so the key is to exhale steadily and generously with a thin stream of air.

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Kubota Mami

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