Karaoke Drinking Game – Guide and Rules

What is the Karaoke Drinking Game?

The Karaoke Drinking Game combines the classic karaoke concept with simple drinking game rules. Instead of just singing for entertainment, there are now consequences tied to the performance – and that makes everything ten times more fun.

The game works for everything from 2 to 20 people, and really requires nothing more than a platform with song lyrics and music – and of course something to drink. Our app gives you a ready-made setup with songs, rules and drinking penalties that makes it easy to get started.

There is no technical barrier to playing – everyone can sing. In fact it is often those who sing worst who create the funniest moments. The point is not to impress; the point is to have fun and dare to look a little silly in front of your friends.

The basic rules

The Karaoke Drinking Game has five simple rules that always apply regardless of which variant you play:

1. Miss the lyrics: Every time a singer forgets the lyrics and stops, they take one sip. Apps that show lyrics in real time are allowed – but then you drink one extra sip for using help.
2. Off-key: The audience can shout "off-key!" if the singer is clearly singing out of tune. If the majority agree, the singer takes two sips. A false accusation means the accuser takes one sip.
3. Total collapse: If the singer quits mid-song without a valid reason, they take three sips and must choose the next song for another player.
4. Audience laughs: If someone in the audience laughs so hard they cannot help it during the first 30 seconds of the song, that person takes one sip. The singer decides who counts.
5. Standing ovation: If the singer delivers an impressive performance and receives spontaneous applause from everyone, they can hand out two sips to whoever they want.

It is not about singing well – it is about daring to try. The worse you sing, the more fun it is for everyone.

The best songs for the Karaoke Drinking Game

Song choice is everything in the Karaoke Drinking Game. You want songs that are well known, have clear lyrics and preferably some difficult parts that can trigger drinking penalties. Here are some favourites:

Norwegian songs

• Kaizers Orchestra – Begravelsespolka – Demanding lyrics, fast pace and guaranteed chaos.
• Ylvis – What Does the Fox Say? – The incomprehensible sounds are perfect for missing-lyrics penalties.
• Marcus & Martinus – Playa – Everyone knows the lyrics, which means no excuses.
• Turboneger – City of Satan – Demanding for most, but always entertaining.
• Postgirobygget – Lyset fra sølvfatet – Fast and confusing lyrics.

International songs

• Bohemian Rhapsody – Queen – The classic. The opera section alone gives at least three drinking penalties.
• Wannabe – Spice Girls – Everyone thinks they know it. Most are wrong.
• Lose Yourself – Eminem – The rap is almost impossible. Perfect for high drinking intensity.
• Mr. Brightside – The Killers – Everyone knows verse one, but verse two is a minefield.
• Total Eclipse of the Heart – Bonnie Tyler – The high notes are merciless.
• Don't Stop Believin' – Journey – Everyone knows it, but the chorus goes fast.

Variants of the Karaoke Drinking Game

Team karaoke

Divide the group into two teams. Each team sings every other song. The team that accumulates the most "miss" points drinks the most at the end of the round. Perfect for large groups where not everyone wants to sing alone.

Solo challenge

One player chooses one song – but the group chooses which part of the song they have to sing. Often that means the singer gets the hardest chorus or bridge. Extra drinks for the hardest part.

The wheel decides

Use a random wheel (preferably our app!) to decide which song the next player MUST sing. Nobody can opt out of difficult songs. This is the most hardcore format and suits the friend group that can handle a bit extra.

Tips for the best karaoke evening

A few simple steps lift a karaoke evening from ok to legendary:

• Have a good sound setup. Even a simple Bluetooth speaker is much better than a phone speaker. Good sound makes it easier to sing and more fun to listen to.
• Create a shared playlist. Let everyone suggest one song in advance. Then everyone knows there are songs they can sing, and no one feels excluded.
• Set aside time. The Karaoke Drinking Game often takes longer than you think. Budget 3–5 minutes per person per song.
• Start with a well-known song. Let the most confident person in the group open with a song everyone knows. It sets the tone and lowers the threshold for the rest.
• Always applaud. Whatever the performance – applaud. It creates a safe atmosphere where everyone dares more.

Handling shy participants

Not everyone is comfortable singing in front of others, and that is completely understandable. Here are some ways to include everyone without forcing anyone:

• Allow duets. Shy players can always choose to sing with a partner. Two voices are always safer than one.
• Allow humming. If you cannot manage the lyrics, you can hum the melody. You take one extra sip, but avoid the worst embarrassments.
• Alternative challenge. Instead of singing, shy players can choose a small challenge: say the lyrics aloud as a rap, or dance while someone else sings.
• Never pressure anyone. Karaoke should always be voluntary. The person who does not want to sing can take a voluntary sip and pass the turn. No drama.

The Karaoke Drinking Game is the highlight of the evening – not a performance. Set low ambitions for voice quality and high ambitions for fun.