12 Great Karaoke Contest Ideas

What’s better than a karaoke machine and a group of friends who think they’re the next big thing in pop music? Nothing, that’s what. Karaoke contests are the ultimate way to turn any fun party into a stage-worthy showdown. From power ballad battles to karaoke roulette, these ideas will have your guests belting, laughing and maybe even arguing over who nailed the high notes.

Hosting a karaoke night isn’t just fun—it’s a chance to watch your mate Dave absolutely butcher "Dancing Queen" while everyone cheers him on. So dust off that sound system, line up your favourite karaoke songs and let’s dive into some of the most fun karaoke games to keep the party going all night long!

11 of the Best Karaoke Contest Ideas

Looking for ways to make your karaoke party unforgettable? These karaoke contest ideas are perfect for creating unforgettable memories at gatherings, from casual get-togethers to birthday parties. Get ready to turn your party into a legendary night of music and fun!

1. Blind Karaoke

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably seen blind karaoke challenges doing their rounds on TikTok and Instagram in the last year. We have to admit, we love this game.

While karaoke lyrics are usually the most important part of a karaoke night, this game turns karaoke on its head into a fun game where the audience chooses a song—and then gets to see if you recognise it and how well you remember it. Some people even mix up which song they think it is and start singing lyrics from a totally different song, which is arguably the best bit.

Equal parts fun and embarrassing, why not try a game of blind karaoke next time you have a karaoke party? It works even better with the lyrics on a big screen behind you while you perform your heart out to the audience.

2. Karaoke Roulette

Spin the wheel and let fate decide! Karaoke roulette is a classic way to keep your karaoke party unpredictable and hilarious. Create a playlist of karaoke songs ranging from pop music to rock anthems and let the machine randomly select a tune. The singer sings whatever song pops up, whether it’s a Lady Gaga belter or a cheesy 80s ballad. Misheard lyrics are almost guaranteed, and that's half the fun. This game is perfect for getting everyone involved, even the shy ones who need a little nudge to take the stage.

3. Themed Night Showdown

A fun theme adds extra flair to any karaoke night. Why not host a decade-themed competition? 80s synth hits, 90s grunge, or 00s pop—pick a decade and encourage guests to dress the part. Another idea is to go for a specific genre like power ballads or disco. Bonus points for those who match their outfit to the song they sing. Think glittery jumpsuits for "Dancing Queen" or leather jackets for rock classics. Themed nights are a great way to encourage guests to step out of their comfort zone and own the stage.

You Might Like: 10 Party Theme Ideas For The Ultimate Bash

4. Misheard Lyrics Madness

We’ve all been guilty of singing "Hold me closer, Tony Danza" instead of "Tiny Dancer." This karaoke game turns those lyrical faux pas into a feature. Prepare a selection of popular songs with tricky song lyrics and challenge participants to sing the correct words. The audience votes on who’s the most accurate—or the funniest when they’re not. It’s a lighthearted way to showcase vocal prowess (or lack thereof) while keeping the laughs going.

5. Battle of the Ballads

Some karaoke party games are all about big voices and bigger emotions. Cue the power ballads! This contest is for anyone who’s ever wanted to belt out Whitney Houston or Adele. Set the stage with some dramatic lighting and background music to really set the tone. Singers are judged on their vocal performance, emotional delivery, and the ability to hit those high notes. Whether you’re a seasoned crooner or a first-time belter, this game guarantees some goosebump-worthy moments.

6. Karaoke Survivor

Here’s a game to test endurance. In Karaoke Survivor, participants sing one by one, and after each round, the audience votes on who stays and who’s eliminated. The person left standing is crowned the karaoke king or queen of the night. It’s a great way to keep the energy up and encourage friendly competition. Plus, the more rounds you survive, the more chances you have to showcase your diverse vocal talents—or your knack for picking crowd-pleasers.

7. Name That Tune

Turn your karaoke machine into a game of musical trivia. Play the instrumental intro of a song and see who can guess the song title first. For an added twist, have the person who guesses correctly sing the song. This game is perfect for breaking the ice at your next karaoke party, especially for guests who might be hesitant to sing karaoke right away. It’s a fun way to ease into the evening while keeping everyone engaged.

8. Pop Icon Impersonations

Let your guests unleash their inner pop divas and rock legends. This contest involves picking a popular artist and performing one of their songs in full character. Think oversized sunglasses for Elton John, outrageous outfits for Lady Gaga, or killer moves for Freddie Mercury. Points are awarded for accuracy, creativity, and overall commitment to the role. This game ensures that even the most timid performers get to shine like true stars.

9. Duet Duels

Double the singers, double the fun! Duet duels pair up contestants to perform iconic duets, from "Islands in the Stream" to "Shallow." Whether it’s a heartfelt ballad or a comedic pairing, this game is all about chemistry. To keep things spicy, consider mixing up pairings at random—you might just uncover some unexpected harmonies. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to encourage teamwork and keep the crowd entertained.

10. Karaoke Bingo

Combine two party favourites with a karaoke bingo game. Create bingo cards with common karaoke tropes: someone sings a power ballad, there’s a mic drop, or a singer nails every note. Guests tick off squares as the night goes on, with prizes for the first bingo. It’s an easy way to keep everyone engaged throughout the evening, even when they’re not singing.

Related Reading: 8 Karaoke Party Games & Ideas For Your Next Event

11. Audience Picks

Give the power to the people! In this game, the audience picks a random song for each performer. It could be a genre they’re known to love or a completely left-field choice to throw them off. This is where knowing your guests’ music tastes (or lack of) can come in handy. Watching someone who loves rock tackle a pop anthem or vice versa is guaranteed to get laughs.

12. Last Song Standing

This game works best as the grand finale of your karaoke night. Each contestant sings their strongest number, and the audience votes for their favourite performance. It’s the perfect way to end the night on a high note, quite literally. From powerhouse vocals to comedic timing, this is the moment to go all out and win over the crowd.

Tips for Hosting a Great Karaoke Contest

• Set the Stage: Invest in a quality sound system and ensure your karaoke machine is loaded with a mix of songs to suit all tastes. A good variety of karaoke songs, from pop music to classic anthems, is key.

• Encourage Participation: Not everyone will jump at the chance to sing karaoke, so create a welcoming atmosphere. Fun karaoke games are a great way to break the ice.

• Have Props Ready: Accessories like wigs, hats, and inflatable microphones can add an extra layer of hilarity.

• Keep the Energy High: Use background music during breaks and keep the party flowing with a mix of games and performances.

Read More: 10 Unique Party Entertainment Ideas

Looking for The Best Karaoke Machines For The Ultimate Party?

Karaoke isn’t just about singing—it’s about letting loose, having a laugh, and celebrating the pure joy of music. With these contest ideas, you’ve got everything you need to transform any gathering into a night of unforgettable performances and side-splitting moments. So plug in your karaoke machine, grab the mic, and let your guests discover their inner rock stars.

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