Recommended karaoke crowd-pleasers: Popular artist rankings [2026]

cherry (sweet cherry; cherry fruit)Otsuka Ai1rank/position

Ai Otsuka / Sakuranbo

From a 2003 song, Ai Otsuka is exactly my generation.

It’s a national love-pop hit that has brightness, cuteness, and a great groove all in one.

It’s stayed popular for karaoke and is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser across generations.

When you sing it, it might be especially good to use a cute voice like Ai Otsuka’s! My usual singing voice is lower and more rock-style, but when I sing Ai Otsuka’s songs people often tell me, “Sing it in a cute voice!” (lol).

Also, there’s the classic chant in the last chorus, and I’m sure many people are waiting for that phrase! Just be aware that the repeated choruses can tire you out, so try not to overdo it—aim for a lighter delivery.

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Kubota Mami

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Naughty SunORANGE RANGE2rank/position

ORANGE RANGE – Naughty Sun (Reiwa ver. Music Video)

ORANGE RANGE is a rock band from Okinawa with numerous hit songs like “Shanghai Honey” and “Hana.” Released in July 2007 as their 17th single, this track boasts a fully summer-ready sound.

Chosen as the opening theme for the Fuji TV drama “Hanazakari no Kimitachi e ~ Ikemen Paradise ~,” its provocative lyrics and up-tempo rhythm really fire you up.

The irresistibly danceable mixture rock makes it perfect BGM for workouts or for charging your energy in the morning.

It also topped the 2007 “Most Hype Karaoke Songs” ranking overall, making it ideal for blowing off steam by singing with friends.

It’s a song brimming with healthy energy—just listening to it will make you break a sweat.

Ojamajo Carnival!!MAHO dō3rank/position

Ojamajo Carnival!!

Ojamajo Carnival!! is an upbeat, bright, and energetic song.

It’s surprisingly popular at karaoke, and I sing it often too! When you listen, it can sound tricky, but once you actually try singing it, the range isn’t that demanding; as long as you lock into the rhythm, it’s an anime song where high scores are easy to aim for.

That said, the tempo is fast, so the lyrics will end up being a bit of a tongue-twister.

If you move your body too much to keep the beat, you might slip off, so it might help to keep a slightly forward-leaning posture! Interestingly, Masaaki Endoh, known for his tokusatsu songs, has also covered Ojamajo Carnival!! His version is pretty rock-heavy—so much so that from the intro you might be like, “Huh?” because it barely resembles the original—but men should definitely give Endoh’s version a listen!

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Kubota Mami

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New Treasure IslandSakanakushon4rank/position

Sakanaction / New Treasure Island -Music Video-

A signature dance track by Sakanaction, released in September 2015 as the theme song for the film Bakuman.

The balance between its somewhat nostalgic synth tones and overwhelming catchiness is superb, isn’t it? Even when anxiety wavers you, the strong will to keep crafting with care is sure to resonate with anyone giving their all.

Its popularity is high, and its power to ignite crowds at live shows is truly one of a kind.

Paired with its surreal, unique choreography, dancing it as a group for a skit or performance will undoubtedly make for an unforgettable memory!

Charlesbarūn5rank/position

[Drinking Song] Tried Drinking to 'Charles' [Chant Tutorial]

This song was released in 2016 by Balloon, the Vocaloid producer alias of Keina Suda, who is now active as a singer-songwriter.

It’s still loved today as a popular, staple Vocaloid track, and many of you may have heard it before! With its rock-inspired, fast-paced accompaniment and catchy beat, it’s sure to hype up the room if you sing it at karaoke.

There are numerous drinking-song variations using this track shared online, so if you’re at a drinking party with Vocaloid fans, definitely give it a try.

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Hane Keisuke

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ultra soulB’z6rank/position

B’z / ultra soul【B’z LIVE-GYM Pleasure 2018 -HINOTORI-】

This is a hard rock number by B’z that powerfully expresses a soul’s cry to keep pushing the limits.

The lyrics, which portray facing oneself and chasing dreams, brilliantly capture the doubts and inner struggles we all encounter at life’s crossroads.

Takahiro Matsumoto’s dynamic guitar and Koshi Inaba’s soaring vocals blend perfectly, injecting a strong surge of energy into the listener’s heart.

Released in March 2001, it was chosen as the official theme song for the FINA World Swimming Championships in Fukuoka that same year.

Also included on the album “GREEN” and performed on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen, this track gives a boost to anyone striving in their work or life.

It’s the perfect cheer song to belt out with close friends when you get together.

PretenderOfisharu Higedan Dism7rank/position

Official HIGE DANDism – Pretender [Official Video]

This is the second single by Official HIGE DANDism, released in 2019.

It was written as the theme song for the film The Confidence Man JP: Episode of the Romance and has become widely recognized as a signature song for the band.

The lyrics portray the sorrow of an unrequited love, realistically expressing the pain of a relationship that cannot come true despite deep affection for the other person.

The protagonist’s yearning for a different meeting under different circumstances—and the struggle to accept the reality that it won’t happen—really hits home.

The beautiful piano melody and dramatic sound further amplify those emotions.

It’s the perfect song for anyone who’s experienced heartbreak in love or wants to sing with real feeling.

Belt it out at karaoke and it’s guaranteed to get the crowd going.