30 Best country karaoke

by

Arden Lambert

Updated

October 20, 2022

Updated

October 20, 2022

Updated

October 20, 2022

Singing country karaoke duets is one of the best ways to have fun with literally everyone – from your partner to family and friends and even down to strangers. First, these songs are very popular and are household staples that everyone would know. If not, there’s a 90 percent chance they have already heard it somewhere! So, they’re at least quite familiar with it. Second, the tunes are mostly easy to follow. No need to be a trained vocalist to actually enjoy singing. As Taylor Swift said, “Haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate,” but you just have gotta shake it off. And third, the duets really are just perfect for pouring your heart out. 

So what are you waiting for? Scroll down, pull a friend, pick a song from the list, grab a mic, and start singing! Oh, and in true country style, don’t forget to take an ice-cold beer out of the fridge while you jam. (It’s a long list, but we promise you, it’s worth it!)

1. “I Will Always Love You” by Dolly Parton and Vince Gill 

There’s probably no soul who doesn’t know Dolly Parton’s country ballad “I Will Always Love You.” The original recording was a massive hit in 1974 and became even more popular after Whitney Houston covered the song two decades later and gave it her own different flavor. 

But aside from these two fiery queens’ versions, the song is also popularly known for its duet format. (As a song Dolly dedicated to her former music partner Porter Wagoner, it just made perfect sense.) Country icons Dolly Parton and Vince Gill first teamed up for an emotional performance of the song at the 1995 Country Music Awards. And their duet rendition became such a hit that they just had to record it together later that year. 

🎤 If you’re looking for a heavily emotional and passionate duet, then this is a perfect choice.

2. “Islands In The Stream” by Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers 

Yes, another Dolly Parton collaboration and not the last on this list. 

“Islands In The Stream,” named after an Ernest Hemingway novel, was written by the Bee Gees and originally made for Diana Ross in an R&B style. But the song ended up getting reworked and recorded by Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers and released in 1983 as the first single off of Roger’s album Eyes That See in the Dark. The song earned the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, which gave both singers their second pop chart-topping hit.

In 2005, Country Music Television (CMT) crowned the song as the number duet of all time. And the iconic pair graced the stage together during the live concert for the first time in 15 years. 

🎤 This is THE Duet for those who are in a romantic relationship. So grab your partner and serenade each other with this song. 

3. “Let It Be Me” by Glen Campbell and Bobbie Gentry

This intimately romantic tune was first popularized in France during the 1950s as “Je t’appartiens.” The Everly Brothers helped further popularize the song with their English rendition in 1959, which reached number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100. But the very first duet version of the song was only recorded in 1964 by Betty Everett and Jerry Butler. 

Ever since then, the song has become popularly covered by different artists, including Glen Campbell and Bobbie Gentry. The two Capitol Records artists had already been actively collaborating back then, but this was their first country single to make it through the Top 15. 

🎤 “Let It Be Me” isn’t only a hit song but a favorite wedding tune as well. So if you and your SO fancy a duet on your big day, this would be a good one!

4. “In Another’s Eyes” by Trisha Yearwood and Garth Brooks

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OSzu5cdZFHc

This chart-topping duet just celebrated its 25th anniversary last August 2022. The couple released the song back in 1997 as the second single from Yearwood’s compilation album, and it became a hit reaching number two on the Billboard Hot Country Singles and Tracks chart. They just had that wonderful blend of voice and natural chemistry, though they weren’t together at the time then, that just made listeners wish they would collaborate more. 

In a recent interview with the couple on Brooks’ Inside Studio G, Brooks put one rumor to rest. He said that the song was actually already there and that it wasn’t written for him and Yearwood to sing, unlike what most people liked to believe. And it was actually keyboardist Bobby Wood who thought it would make ‘a helluva duet’. And when Wood asked Brooks who he was thinking about, he straight up answered Trisha Yearwood. And then that was it. They created a hit song and married a decade later. 

🎤 Don’t miss your chance to impress your crush. Do it with this song. You can thank us later.

5. “Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man” by Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty

Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty are undeniably one of the legendary duos in country music history who scored a string of hits. And the song “Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man,” written by Becki Bluefield and Jim Owen, was their third number one on the country charts. But the more interesting part about this was that it was Mooney, Loretta’s husband, who pushed the song because he knew it was perfect for them. And he was 100 percent right!

Fifty years later, this duet still has its charm. This time around though, it’s their grandchildren, Tayla Lynn and Tre Twitty, who are taking on the challenge of performing the song. 

🎤 This would definitely be a great date night song for couples who are miles away from each other. 

6. “Remind Me” by Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood

Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood took on the role of a married couple seeking to rekindle the flame their relationship once had with “Remind Me.” Unfortunately, the song didn’t achieve major chart success. Nevertheless, the duet still touched a lot of listeners and was named by Taste of Country as their Song of the Year in 2011. 

Paisley co-wrote this song with Kelley Lovelace and Chris Dubois, and they pitched the song to Underwood, with Sheryl Crow singing the female part for the demo. Underwood saw potential in the song, decided to give the duet a try, and the rest is history. 

🎤 Rekindle the flame of your married life with this song. Sometimes, it’s all about the small things. 

7. “You and Tequila” by Kenny Chesney and Grace Potter

Sometimes, the best duets happen with just a strong gut feeling. 

“You and Tequila” was penned by songwriter Matraca Berg and singer-songwriter Deana Carter and was originally recorded by Carter herself. And it was featured on her 2003 album I’m Just A Girl. 

When Kenny Chesney heard Berg’s demo of the song, he knew he wanted to cut the song as a duet. And he also knew who he wanted to sing the song with: Grace Potter from Grace Potter and the Nocturnals. Chesney hadn’t met her before he offered the song to her. He didn’t even know who she was besides how she grew up in the woods in Vermont and how her voice sounded. And he did make the right call because the song with Grace’s vocals in it just made it perfect. 

🎤 When the weight of all the hurt and pain feels like you’re drowning, then let it all out to someone with this duet. 

8. “It’s Your Love” by Faith Hill and Tim McGraw

Faith Hill and Tim McGraw’s first debut song, “It’s Your Love,” just celebrated its 25th anniversary. This was the first single off McGraw’s album Everywhere, and it easily snagged the top spot on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. It also became their first top-ten hit as a duo on the Billboard Hot 100.

The song was pitched to McGraw by Missy Gallimore, wife of his producer Byron and a successful hit song finder. And the moment he heard the tune, he knew he wanted to sing it with Faith. At the time, Faith and Tim were dating and touring together, and the song just really fit like a puzzle piece for the couple. 

🎤 This one’s for all the people who are drowning in love right now. Come on! Don’t be shy to sing this song with your partner.

9. “Don’t You Wanna Stay” by Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson

“Don’t You Wanna Stay” is a classic power ballad written by Andy Gibson, Paul Jenkins, and Andy Sellers. It was recorded by Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson and was released back in 2010 as the second single off of Aldean’s fourth studio album My Kinda Party. 

After its release, it became a mega duet hit. It topped the Billboard Hot Country Songs and took a spot on the Top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100. It also went double-Platinum and even earned the country superstars a GRAMMY nomination for Best Country Duo/Group Performance. And it was so strongly demanded on radio stations that Clarkson had to include it in the deluxe edition of her 2011 album Stronger. 

🎤 Catch one last moment with your lover before they leave with this heart-wrenching duet.

10. “Does He Love You” by Reba McEntire and Linda Davis

This chart-topping, award-winning duet about a love triangle was written by Billy Stritch and Sandy Knox and was originally recorded by a trio (Stritch and two women members). Then it was pitched to Barbara Mandrell and Liza Minnelli but ended up with McEntire, who chose Linda Davis as her duet partner. 

“Does He Love You” won three vocal collaboration awards, including a Grammy. It also held the number one spot for 28 years for the female duet on the Billboard country music chart based on airplay until it was dethroned by Elle King and Miranda Lambert’s “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home).” 

🎤 You don’t have to be in a love triangle with your bestie to sing this duet with her. But if there’s beef, then this would make for a real tea-spilling performance. 

11. “Jackson” by Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash

If “Remind Me” by Underwood and Paisley doesn’t get your struggling relationship through, then “Jackson” would probably be the next song on your duet list. 

This song, written by Billy Edd Wheeler and Jerry Leiber, became highly popular after two successful 1967 releases, including Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash’s rendition, which peaked at number two on the Billboard Country Singles chart and won a Grammy in 1968 for Best Country & Western Performance Duet, Trio or Group. 

🎤 One last duet for one last trip together. Highly recommended to blast this song in the car to get all the feels. 

12. “Whiskey Lullaby” by Brad Paisley and Alison Krauss

“Whiskey Lullaby” opens with a crisp, bright-sounding guitar picking, then unfolds into a gut-wrenching narrative of a couple who went down the same sad ending from their painful separation. 

This 2004 song was written by Jon Randall and Bill Anderson. According to the songwriters, the song wasn’t actually meant to be a duet, and it was Paisley’s idea to include a female vocalist (either Dolly Parton or Alison Krauss, as he believed they were the only ones who could pull it off). And that musical decision turned out to be a really good one because Krauss’ angelic soprano gave the song a bittersweet layer that really helped tell the story better. 

🎤 This is the song for all those who experienced a painful breakup. Cheers with an ice-cold beer. 

13. “Lead Me On” by Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty

This is the second duet from the legendary duo on this list. Honestly, all of their duet deserve a spot on this list, but that would make it too long, so we’re picking the best out of their discography (which is definitely hard). 

“Lead Me On” was written by Leon Copeland and was the second song that earned the duo their number one on the US Country Singles chart. This short song has such a ‘moment in time’ kind of feeling that can’t be replicated just by anyone. 

🎤 If you’re finding a way to express your feelings, then this might be the duet you need.

14. “Hello Darlin'” by Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty

Though not romantically involved, the chemistry between Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty has always been off the charts. And there’s just so much love and respect between the two of them. In their iconic hit “Hello, Darlin,” Twitty would open the performance by addressing the line to Loretta. And even in jam-packed stages, his eyes never once left his duet partner. He would even tell her, “I love you,” after they concluded the performance. 

And that’s why it was no wonder that this song earned Twitty his fourth number-one hit on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and became his signature song as well as his standard concert opener. 

🎤 Invite your lover to a duet with “Hello Darlin’,” and trust us, it will bring sparks into their eyes. 

15. “We Loved It Away” by George Jones and Tammy Wynette

“We Loved It Away,” penned by George Richey and Carmol Taylor, was George Jones and Tammy Wynette’s last duet before their final divorce in 1975. Their marriage has always been a tough, stormy one, and each duet marked either a new crisis or reconciliation in their relationship, which the audience was slowly getting tired of. But despite sounding like yet another commentary, the song still managed to get into the Top 10 of the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. Because context aside, their duet was immaculate. 

🎤 This song is for the ones seeking closure after years of tough goings. 

16. “Rockin’ Years” by George Jones and Dolly Parton 

This song was written by Floyd Parton and originally recorded and released as a duet by Dolly Parton and Ricky Van Shelton as the lead-off single for their individual 1991 albums. But unknown to many, George Jones and Dolly Parton actually recorded the song in 1988, but it remained unreleased until Jones’ 2008 album Burn Your Playhouse Down – The Unreleased Duets. 

🎤 This duet is for all the grandmas and grandpas who are standing by each other even when they’re old and gray. 

17. “Easy Loving” by Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty

This 1972 duet was written by Freddie Hart and performed by the legendary country duo. It’s definitely an easy duet to follow and an awesome song to have fun to. 

🎤 Enjoy a very sexy duet with your lover care of Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty. 

18. “Golden Ring” by Dwight Yoakam and Emmylou Harris

“Golden Ring” is a popular duet written by Bobby Braddock and Rafe Van Hoy and recorded by country icons George Jones and Tammy Wynette. The song was released in 1976 as the title track and first single of their same-titled duet album and topped the Billboard country chart. 

One of the cover versions of the song was by Dwight Yoakam and Emmylou Harris. Their version wasn’t listed as an official one, but they did perform it live. And it’s one of those duets that you really don’t want to miss out on. 

🎤 Be careful when you duet this song because it sounds romantic at first, but it doesn’t end so well. 

19. “Faded Love” by Willie Nelson and Ray Price

First duet song on the list by both male country artists. This a sentimental song about lost love was inspired by an 1856 ballad titled “Darling Nelly Gray.” It was originally recorded by Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys and became a major hit, peaking at number 8 on the Country charts. The song also became Wills’ signature song. 

“Faded Love” has also been covered by various artists like Leon McAuliffe and Patsy Cline. But its only duet version was performed by Willie Nelson and Ray Price featuring Crystal Gayle singing harmony in the chorus. Their rendition earned the highest chart position for the song at number three. 

🎤 If you want to reminisce the feeling of losing love, then this song is for you. But don’t take it all alone and grab someone to sing this with you!

20. “Don’t Let Me Cross Over” by Dolly Parton and Raul Malo

“Don’t Let Me Cross Over”, a country heartbreak song made famous by the husband-and-wife country music duo Carl Butler and Pearl, was originally released in 1962. And in just four weeks, it snagged the number one spot on the Billboard Country Singles chart spending 11 non-consecutive weeks on the throne. The song also became successful as cover versions, including Dolly Parton’s rendition with Raul Malo lending harmony vocals. It’s definitely one of the underrated duet songs by the Country Music Queen.

🎤 Go ahead and pour out all the pain of getting your heart broken into a million little pieces with this song. And don’t forget to get your own Raul Malo to blend in!

21. “We’ve Got Tonight” by Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton

Kenny Rogers first shared a duet of this song in 1983 with Scottish pop star Sheena Easton as the title track of his We’ve Got Tonight album. According to Rogers, the stark contrast between their vocal styles made the song work out so well. And listeners definitely agreed to that as it landed at the top of the Billboard Country Singles chart. 

But did you know that Kenny Rogers also did a duet of this song with Dolly Parton back in 1985? Yes, you heard that right. It’s not an officially recorded song, but they did a live performance. And that’s something you should definitely see. 

🎤 If you find yourself asking for another chance with your lover, then an invitation to a duet might be a good way to do so. 

22. “We Must Have Been Out Of Our Minds” by George Jones and Loretta Lynn

Melba Montgomery, songwriter and frequent collaborator of George Jones, penned this song herself in a used van on her way to California. According to her, she wrote the whole song on the back of a postcard and finished it in less than a hundred miles of the trip. She also performed the song as a duet with George Jones, which peaked at number 3 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles Chart. 

George Jones also performed the song with two other duet partners: Connie Smith during a TV appearance in 1988 and Loretta Lynn on his own TNN show.

🎤 Duet this song with someone you once shared being out of your mind with and watch things unfold. 

23. “When I Stop Dreaming” by Jim and Jesse

“When I Stop Dreaming” was originally recorded by the Louvin Brothers, a 1950s country act that took on the Appalachian traditions of the genre in a time of heavy pop influences. The song is as country-sounding as it gets talking about dreams and love. And throughout the years, the song has been covered by various artists as singles and in duet formats as well. One of these duet cover versions was by Jim and Jesse in 1969. 

🎤 Sing this track with someone you’ll never stop loving. 

24. “Just Someone I Used To Know” by Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton

This song is a duet cover version of George Jones’ “A Girl I Used To Know” which was penned by Jack Clement. The single reached the top five on the charts. Then he went on to record the song again as a duet with his then-wife Tammy Wynette but changed the title to “Someone I Used to Know” for their 1970 debut album, We Go Together. 

The country duo Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton also covered the song as a duet for their 1970 album Porter Wayne and Dolly Rebecca. Their rendition earned them the ninth spot on the chart. 

🎤 This might be awkward to sing with someone you actually just used to know, so maybe go with a friend?

25. “We’re Gonna Hold On” by George Jones and Tammy Wynette

“We’re Gonna Hold On” was the most successful out of their first three number-one hits on the US Country chart. The 1973 duet single co-written by George Jones with Earl Montgomery earned fourteen weeks on the chart. But the interesting part about this song was that it was released not long after the couple reconciled. Back in August, Tammy filed for divorce, citing George’s drunkenness.

According to Montgomery, Jones’ co-writer, he was inspired to write the song from the title suggested by Jones himself and the sense of shame that overcame the singer with the pain that he had inflicted not only on his wife but also on his children. 

🎤 When the tough times come, sometimes the best we could do is just hold on. So grab the mic and duet this with your partner as a promise to stay with them through it all. 

26. “Don’t Fall In Love with a Dreamer” by Kenny Rogers and Kim Carnes

Kenny Rogers has been stacking his duet list, and this is one of his interesting ones. “Don’t Fall In Love with a Dreamer” was written by his duet partner Kim Carnes alongside David Ellingson as the first single from his 1980 album Gideon. And while recording the song, the two had to face each other with live musicians, and Carnes had to improvise singing the melody using a key different from what she had prepared. Nevertheless, she nailed the song, and it hit number three on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart.

🎤 This song is going to hurt you in more ways than you think. So make sure you’re ready to take on this duet before you hit the mic. 

27. “Welcome To My World” by Lorrie Morgan and George Jones

Aside from Kenny Rogers, George Jones also has his very own collection of duet songs. One of those is a cover of an Eddy Arnold song titled “Welcome To My World” with Lorrie Morgan. The song was written by Ray Wrinkler and John Hathcock. Though this might not have been an achiever in the singer’s discography, this remains to be a good duet and a must-listen. 

🎤 A short duet song that will make you feel all the feels. You’ll know when you hear it. 

28. “Today I Started Loving You Again” by Merle Haggard and Tammy Wynette

Merle Haggard and Bonnie Owens penned the song “Today I Started Loving You Again” as a B-side track for his number-one hit “The Legend of Bonnie and Clyde.” While it failed to chart, it became a favorite song among artists to cover. But probably the most favorite and most unforgettable classic performance of the song was the duet between Merle Haggard and Tammy Wynette.

In their live performance, Merle rocked a casual leather jacket and started off the performance. Tammy Wynette, who was sporting a white skirt suit set, joined in on the chorus, and the crowd went insane. Then Merle took over the bridge with a guitar solo which made the crowd even more excited. And when the duet concluded, Tammy yelled, “My hero!” and went in to kiss Merle goodbye. 

🎤 It’s a bittersweet song that will make you remember the past hurt you’ve endured. But call in a friend to join you to help you get through it. 

29. “Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain” by Willie Nelson and Shania Twain

Two music legends and one iconic tune. Shania Twain joined Willie Nelson in his 2003 star-studded tribute album Willie Nelson and Friends: Live and Kickin’ as his duet partner on the moving cover of “Blue Eyes Crying In the Rain.” Twain sang the sorrowful lyrics while Nelson provided the harmony and guitar accompaniment. 

The song was written by Fred Rose back in the 1940s and was originally recorded by Roy Acuff. Many cover versions of the song were released in the next years, including Willie Nelson’s for his 1975 album Red Headed StrangerHis rendition ended up being his first number-one on the Billboard charts, which ultimately saved his career. 

🎤 This duet is the perfect way to mourn lost love. 

30. “You Are My Sunshine” by Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash

Literally, everyone knows this song. “You Are My Sunshine” was published in 1940 by Jimmie Davies and Charles Mitchell, and ever since then, it has been recorded by over 350 artists. And that includes the couple Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash. While their rendition did not achieve the same chart success as it did for Davies, it was still a favorite duet in their discography.

🎤 This feel-good song will always be a nice duet you can share even with strangers! 

So there you have it! Next time you have a party, these 30 country karaoke duets will come in very handy. Or you can also try these other country karaoke songs. Enjoy!


Tags

Bobbie Gentry, Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood, conway twitty, Dolly Parton, faith hill, Garth Brooks, glen campbell, Grace Potter, Jason Aldean, Kelly Clarkson, Kenny Chesney, kenny rogers, Linda Davis, Loretta Lynn, Reba McEntire, tim mcgraw, trisha yearwood, Vince Gill


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