Introduction
Sir Elton ‘Hercules’ John is an iconic British singer who has released an incredible 31 albums throughout his career since 1969.
The ‘Rocket Man’ as he has been nicknamed after his hit single of the same name is still hitting the right notes in the charts to the present day and gaining a new following of fans.
Elton John karaoke songs are timeless classics that people around the world know and love.
His collaboration with lyricist Bernie Taupin since 1967 has been one of the most successful partnerships in music history. Between them they have created a succession of unforgettable chart topping songs.
From chart success to musical films and theater, Elton John’s has spanned decades.
Rocketman – The Movie
In 2019 a biographical musical drama film starring the talented Taron Edgerton as Elton John depicted his life and career from his early days in England as a prodigy at the Royal Academy of Music through to his musical partnership with Bernie Taupin.
The movie grossed 195 million dollars worldwide. Taron Edgerton received numerous nominations for his outstanding performance including the Golden Globe Best Actor Award in motion picture Musical or Comedy.
The icon Elton John is still making a huge impact in the music industry in 2022 collaborating with talented artists such as Dua Lipa and Britney Spears.
At the age of 75 he still has the amazing ability to write and re-mix both new and old hits to make them current and in the process gaining a new and younger generation of ardent fans.
Choosing 10 of the best Elton John karaoke songs is effortless as every single song he has co-written and recorded deserves a place on our top picks here at Karaoke Kooks.
Elton John Karaoke Songs – Top 10 Classic Hits
10. Rocket Man | Elton John
Released in April in 1972 in the USA as the lead single on Eltons’ Album ‘Honky Chateau’. The song achieved the No.2 spot in the UK charts and No.6 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
Rocket Man has been covered by several artists most notably by the amazing English singer – songwriter Kate Bush, the most unique female artist ever.
She performed her unforgettable reggae version of Rocket Man on the BBC TV show ‘Wogan’ with her own band and with Kate playing a ukulele. As always she added her undeniable ‘quirkiness’ to the song and made it her own.
09. Don’t Go Breaking My Heart | Elton John & Kiki Dee
Elton John and long time friend singer Kiki Dee topped the UK charts for 6 weeks with this song in 1976. Unbelievably, this was the first No.1 single for both artists.
Don’t Go Breaking My Heart was intended as an affectionate ‘pastiche’ of the Motown style, notably the many well known duets Marvin Gaye recorded with Kim Weston and Tammi Terrell.
Elton John karaoke songs such as this are always great fun to perform with your partner at any karaoke party.
08. I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues | Elton John
Bernie Taupin, Elton’s lyricist, wrote this as a love letter to his wife at the time. The song is all about making the most of time and not wishing it away when you can’t be with the one you love.
Beautiful sentiments and a great track for anyone to perform at karaoke.
07. I’m Still Standing | Elton John
Released in 1983 this was the second track from Elton’s 17th studio album ‘Too Low For Zero’.
Basically Elton was saying that he was still relevant and still standing in the 80’s post Punk and New-Romantics break through.
Elton was, and is, ‘Still standing’ to the present day.
06. Crocodile Rock | Elton John
Released in 1973 this classic song relays the story of a guy in the 50’s / 60’s who frequented a restaurant where all the patrons loved an obscure dance called ‘Crocodile Rock’.
This is one of the great Elton John karaoke songs that is sure to get everybody up on their feet Crocodile Rockin’ the night away.
05. Saturday Night’s Alright For Fighting | Elton John
This upbeat, crowd rockin’ track has not only been covered by many artists, it has featured on motion picture, video game and tv soundtracks.
Let’s hope no one takes the lyrics literally at your next karaoke party.
04. Philadelphia Freedom | Elton John
Released in 1975 this song was No.4 of six US No.1 hits in the early and mid 70’s.
Elton asked lyricist Bernie Taupin to write a song to honor tennis player Billie Jean King called ‘Philadelphia Freedom’ as a homage to her tennis team the ‘Philadelphia Freedoms’.
The lyrics to this upbeat pop song are printed on the walls of the ‘Hard Rock Cafe’ in Philadelphia.
Another great track to add to your playlist of Elton John Karaoke songs.
03. Tiny Dancer | Elton John
Bernie Taupin said the song was about California in the 1970’s where:
“It seemed like sunshine just radiated from the populace’
The lyrics were trying to capture the spirit of that time:
“Encapsulated by the women we met especially at the clothes stores, restaurants & bars up and down Sunset Strip. They were these free spirits”
A beautiful song and lyrics, which is why it is one of the many popular Elton John karaoke songs to perform.
02. Hold Me Closer | Elton John
Elton John wanted to record a fun happy track and was delighted when the talented Britney Spears agreed to collaborate on this song with him.
It is a remix of Elton’s hit ‘Tiny Dancer’ re-jigged for the modern dancefloor.
This amazing 2022 track has been a huge success in over 40 countries and Britney Spears is ecstatic as this is her first official single in 6 years.
Elton John karaoke songs don’t get much better than this!!
01. Candle In The Wind | Elton John
This iconic 1973 song is well known throughout the world. Not only because the lyrics reflect a heartfelt look back on the life of Hollywood Star Marilyn Monroe who had died 11 years earlier.
“Goodbye Norma Jean”
In 1997 Elton John performed a re-written version of the song as a tribute at the funeral of the late Princess Diana in England.
“Goodbye England’s Rose”
Lyricist Bernie Taupin said the song is about:
The idea of fame or youth or somebody being cut short in the prime of their life.
This is certainly the case of Marilyn Monroe & Princess Diana.
Everybody has their favorites when it comes to Elton John karaoke songs. Our Top 10 picks reflect only a few of Sir Elton John’s classics.
We hope yours is among them!!