Why these songs work
A duet is the easiest way to get a nervous friend on the mic: you share the spotlight, trade lines, and meet in the middle for the big chorus. The songs below are proper two-voice songs (most of them male/female, but any pair can sing them) where each singer gets their own verse and a moment to shine.
Duet tips: agree who takes which part before the song starts, stand where you can both see the lyrics, and if one of you is shy let the other take the verses first. If a key doesn't suit, swap parts: the "high" part doesn't have to go to the higher voice.
The list
Tap 🎤 Sing this to open a free room and search for that song on your phone, ready to add to the queue.
- Islands in the StreamKenny Rogers & Dolly Parton🎤 Sing thisThe ultimate party duet; easy verses and a huge chorus.
- Don't Go Breaking My HeartElton John & Kiki Dee🎤 Sing thisFast back-and-forth lines; pure fun.
- ShallowLady Gaga & Bradley Cooper🎤 Sing thisStarts gentle, ends with a big belt. A real showstopper.
- You're the One That I WantJohn Travolta & Olivia Newton-John🎤 Sing thisFrom Grease; playful and very well known.
- Summer NightsJohn Travolta & Olivia Newton-John🎤 Sing thisGrease again, with group "tell me more" parts for everyone.
- I Got You BabeSonny & Cher🎤 Sing thisLow, simple and sweet. Good for beginners.
- Endless LoveDiana Ross & Lionel Richie🎤 Sing thisSlow romantic ballad; take your time on the long notes.
- Up Where We BelongJoe Cocker & Jennifer Warnes🎤 Sing thisBig 80s ballad with clear separate parts.
- (I've Had) The Time of My LifeBill Medley & Jennifer Warnes🎤 Sing thisLow start, then an explosive chorus. Dirty Dancing classic.
- Ain't No Mountain High EnoughMarvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell🎤 Sing thisJoyful Motown call-and-response.
- It Takes TwoMarvin Gaye & Kim Weston🎤 Sing thisUpbeat, mid-range and easy to share.
- Don't You Want MeThe Human League🎤 Sing thisHis verse, her verse, everyone on the chorus.
- Under PressureQueen & David Bowie🎤 Sing thisTwo strong voices trading lines; save energy for the end.
- Something StupidFrank Sinatra & Nancy Sinatra🎤 Sing thisSoft and low; a cosy duet for any pair.
- Leather and LaceStevie Nicks & Don Henley🎤 Sing thisGentle ballad with a calm range.
- Stop Draggin' My Heart AroundStevie Nicks & Tom Petty🎤 Sing thisRock duet with an easy, talk-sung feel.
- PictureKid Rock & Sheryl Crow🎤 Sing thisCountry-rock storytelling; each singer gets a verse.
- Need You NowLady Antebellum🎤 Sing thisMale and female lead lines that meet on the chorus.
- Say SomethingA Great Big World & Christina Aguilera🎤 Sing thisSlow and emotional; quiet start, big finish.
- SeñoritaShawn Mendes & Camila Cabello🎤 Sing thisModern, sultry and mid-range.
- Separate LivesPhil Collins & Marilyn Martin🎤 Sing thisDramatic 80s ballad with alternating verses.
- Beauty and the BeastCeline Dion & Peabo Bryson🎤 Sing thisDisney ballad with plenty of room for harmony.
- A Whole New WorldBrad Kane & Lea Salonga🎤 Sing thisThe Aladdin duet everyone can hum.
- Love Is an Open DoorKristen Bell & Santino Fontana🎤 Sing thisFrozen's quick, silly duet; great for friends or a parent and kid.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best karaoke duet for a couple?
"Islands in the Stream", "Endless Love", "Shallow" and "Something Stupid" are favourites for couples. Pick fast and playful ("Don't Go Breaking My Heart") if you want laughs rather than romance.
What are good duets for two friends?
"Under Pressure", "Don't You Want Me", "Summer Nights" and "Love Is an Open Door" work well for any pair, because the parts are fun rather than romantic.
Do duet singers need two microphones?
No. On Encoreverse the music plays on the TV and you just sing along, so two people can share the room together. If you want one singer's voice scored, that singer keeps their phone close.
Can we sing a duet with someone far away?
Yes. Share the room code, and the other person can join from their own phone and queue songs. For singing in sync over a video call, see our guide to online karaoke with friends.
Ready to sing?
Create a free room on your TV. Guests scan the QR code and queue songs from their phones. No app, no sign-up.