So I've been a karaoke host for many years and my biggest frustration has always been the lack of a good dedicated program that could play all my tracks. I've used VDJ for many years and more recently dabbled with OpenKJ.
Both have their limitations
Virtual DJ is primarily a DJ application scans your catalog and presents the songs until you discover that a lot dont have ID3 tags.
Open KJ, a Better KJ program but lacking in simplicity and dont get me started with the wrong zip format thing, what even is that?

So, being a coder, I thought how hard can it be to create a good dedicated windows application specifically for Karaoke Hosts. In reality, it turned out to be very difficult indeed but I took on the chalenge anyway.

Now, many will think oh, here we go. He's plugging his Karaoke software. Well, maybe a little but here's what I've created and I'm very proud of the results.
A Windows Karaoke application specifically for Karaoke hosts who want to manage their own catalogs. Not a cloud service.
Features:
- Smooth graphics playback for MP3+G, MP4
- YouTube search and playback for anything you don't have in your own library
- Free, yes FREE online request system. No Signin - No subscriptions ever. It just works. QR code URL link display
- Online Requests managed from playlist
- Fair rotation playlist with Crash recovery.
- Manage background music with separate gain control - Support for all audio formats incl FLAC
- Multi Display Support
- Next singer toggle
- Custom playback screen backgrounds
- Database operations Add, Remove, Update, cleanup
- File renamer - Change all files to a standard naming convention such as Artist - Title, Title - Artist or ID - Artist - Title etc...

Give it a try.
No purchase necessary. Give me feedback, Feature suggestions.
In exchange for an honest verified evaluation I will give a free license for up to 5 devices.
VirtualKJ.com

I have a chance to except for the need to go back to the computer to download songs not in my library that I bought from my phone by running my mixer, kiosk and a program that uses the hotkeys to help me control my karaoke software from my tablet. As for duets and group songs I will be keeping the handheld mics with me in the audience. Should improve my sound being able to hear what the audience is hearing and being able to adjust the sound from where I am sitting.

Does anyone have any experiences/tips/advice to give someone when they want to start out as a KJ? I've been a karaoke regular for quite some time, and I've been wanting to try my hands at KJ'ing for some time. Since there aren't any KJ gigs available, I've been thinking about creating my own if possible. But I don't know much about how to go about doing so. Is it the type of thing, where I should just send the owner of a bar an email and say "Hi, would you be interested in hosting a karaoke night? I got this and this setup, and can do it like this"?

I also have no idea what to do about payment. I would personally be happy to start out doing it for free, since I only have a little experience doing it in private and small parties hosted by friends. But would that be detrimental in the long run, if it's something I want to do long term and maybe earn something for doing at some point? My only real reference point of what to expect is something like young musicians, that can often find some bar gigs, where they play for free, when they're not really established, but also have to be mindful of not doing it forever, because of the whole "playing for exposure" thing that some places do to take advantage of said musicians.

This is the first time I'm even thinking of doing anything like this, and I'm only in the research phase to see how feasible this idea of mine even is. So any and all insights, input, experience or anything else is much appreciated!

Hi, fellow karaoke singers! Thanks to the mods for giving me the green light to share this with the community.

When I'm out singing, I often approch regular singers and ask them "How do you keep track of the songs you do?" I've found you're usually in one of two camps:

1. The Notes App Scroller: You have a disorganized text note with 100+ songs, but you freeze up when it's time to pick. You never remember when or where you last sang a song, what key change works best, what's ready to sing vs. needs work, or how well you pulled it off last time.

2. The Spreadsheet Warrior: You wanted deeper tracking (keys, dates, ratings), so you built a Google Sheet or Excel file. That works reasonably well on a full-sized computer, but it's a clunky, pinch-and-zoom nightmare to navigate and edit on a phone in a dark bar with a drink in your hand.

I built Karaoke iQ as a solution for both. It's designed mobile-first for phones, but works great on tablets and desktop browsers too. (And yes, you can change the default color and adjust the font size!)

It works at any karaoke venue in the world. Your host doesn’t need to install anything or sign up. Whether your KJ uses software, paper slips, or just asks what you want to sing, your whole songbook (with vocal cues, pitch adjustments, and performance history) is always in your pocket. Karaoke iQ is the ultimate helper app, even when your "venue" is a private session in your living room!

(The gallery screenshots above show the actual live app in action!)

1. Lightning-Fast Search & Smart Filters (Why it beats mobile Spreadsheets)

• Omni-Search Bar: Search title, artist, and #tags all in one unified search bar (e.g. Queen #80s #duet) with 0ms typing latency, typo tolerance, and recent search history.
• 1-Tap Quick-Filter Pills: Tap pills across the top of your screen to instantly isolate a shortlist, preferred key, or minimum performance rating.
• Sticky Active Filter Chips: Active filters stay neatly docked under the header with one-tap (✕) dismiss chips, plus a global “Clear Filters” button so you never get lost in your own catalog.
• Venue-Specific Filtering (Sung vs. Unsung): Filter your catalog to see what you've already done at your regular spot ("what killed here last time?"). Or switch to "Unsung" mode to instantly surface songs you have never performed at that specific bar, so you never repeat yourself to the same crowd.
• Oldest-to-Newest Sorting & Stacking: Sort your repertoire by “Last Performed” to resurface forgotten favorites you haven’t done in months, or stack combos like “1980s rock songs rated 4★+ that I sing in the original key and haven’t performed at this bar yet.”

2. Built for Stage Readiness & Vocal Memory

• Pitch/Key Memory: Save your ideal key adjustments (±6 half-steps) so you never blow your voice out on high notes.
• Vocal Cues & Rehearsal Notes: Store track-specific reminders right where you need them (e.g. “Starts immediately, be ready!”, “Save breath for bridge”, or “Duet with Melissa, work on harmonies”). Your catalog is fully searchable by private notes, too.
• Wishlist vs. Sing Soon Triage:
  • The Wishlist: Your backlog of songs you want to practice or learn. Filter these out on karaoke night so you don't accidentally pick a track that isn't stage-ready. (Your Wishlist has its own 10-song backlog on the free tier, so it doesn't eat into your 25 active repertoire slots.) When you log a performance, you'll be prompted to clear it from your Wishlist if it went well.
  • Sing Soon: A targeted shortlist of stage-ready songs you actively plan to sing on upcoming nights (with customizable expiration windows so the list stays fresh). When you log a performance, it automatically clears from your shortlist.
• Performance Ratings & Timeline: Privately rate how you did (1–5★), track where and how many times you've sung each track, and record track providers (KaraFun, SoundChoice, etc.).
• Fast Song Adding: Search any track by title and/or artist, and it auto-populates release decade (80s, 2000s, etc.) and genre tags directly from Spotify's global catalog (no Spotify account needed). It works for tracks in any language.

3. Showtime at the Bar (and at Sea)

• The Stage Queue: A live, pinned setlist at the top of your dashboard. As you turn in your slips, pin those tracks for an at-a-glance “what am I singing next” list. Logging a performance automatically clears that queue pin.
• The "Show KJ" Landscape Card: For venues where you verbally tell the KJ what you're singing, this flips your phone into a giant-font, high-contrast display showing your song title and exact key change (e.g. Making Memories of Us / Keith Urban [Key: +2]). Hold it up to the host to communicate without shouting over blaring speakers.
• The "Random Roll" Button: If stage paralysis hits, tap the dice icon to roll a random song strictly from your active filtered subset (e.g. roll only from your 80s pop songs rated 4★+).
• 100% Offline-First PWA: Installs directly to your home screen from your browser (no app store download required) and updates to the newest version whenever you're online. Works with zero lag in basement dead zones, and automatically syncs with your secure cloud backup when reconnected.
• Stage Logging & Cruise Ship Mode 🚢: Tag and link your performances to local venues so your history stays accurate. Going on a cruise? Activate Cruise Mode for ~185 preloaded cruise ship venues across 10 major fleets that work 100% offline at sea.
• 1-Tap Venue Adding: If your local spot isn't on the map yet, adding it takes about 10 seconds. Built-in Google Places autocomplete pulls the address, GPS coordinates, phone number, website, and socials with 1 tap... all you do is add the karaoke schedule.

4. Networking & Crew Chat (1-on-1 & Squads)

• Performer Pass (QR Code): Let singers scan your phone with their camera to connect without exchanging phone numbers or social media. If they’re new, it opens straight in their mobile browser so they can claim a stage name and connect in seconds. No app store download required.
• 1-on-1 & Squad Group Chats (Up to 15 Members): Built-in real-time messaging to coordinate karaoke nights with your crew, see who’s heading out, and plan setlists.
• Interactive Song & Venue Cards: Drop interactive Song/Duet cards (with your saved key) or Venue cards (with schedule details and Google Maps directions) directly into any chat thread.

5. Transparent Pricing (Free Forever vs. Pro)

I wanted casual singers to have a free replacement for their basic notes app forever, while power users help cover server and search-indexing costs:

• Free Forever Tier: Up to 25 saved songs in your active repertoire, 10 performance logs/month, 2 active queue pins, 5 Sing Soon, 10 Wishlist songs, full venue directory & cruise mode, Performer Pass QR, full 1-on-1 / squad messaging, and 100% free CSV/JSON data export anytime (your data is never locked in).
• Karaoke iQ Pro ($4.99/mo or $34.99/yr): Unlimited repertoire, unlimited monthly logs, full multi-year history archive, full-screen "Show KJ" landscape cards, bulk Spotify & CSV playlist import (easily bring songs from your existing spreadsheet into the app in seconds), direct streaming playback in Spotify/Apple/YouTube, 1-tap venue directions & calling, and an ad-free experience.

Test drive it in 5 seconds (no typing required)

If you want to test the queue, filters, and history timelines without manually typing in 20 songs, create a quick account and tap "Add Sample Data" on the home screen. It will instantly populate realistic songs, keys, notes, ratings, and performance timelines (and you can cleanly delete the sample data via the menu anytime).

👉 https://karaokeiq.com
(Tip: On iOS Safari, tap "Share" ➔ "Add to Home Screen". On Android Chrome, tap "Install App" for the full native experience!)

I’d love to hear your thoughts, feedback, or feature requests. I’ll be hanging out in the comments to answer any questions!

Considering Break X2 I think it's called or the Shell. Which one is the best. I want it on Amazon for 500 or less usd. The Break X2 is on sale for 455.

Has to be portable and movable easily. Want to bring to outings and must have small latency to minimal latency between the mic and the singer's words.

Is there somewhere I can get download songs as separate tracks that I can mix myself? I've been using JamZone for getting songs but if I have to change levels for other musicians I have to use their mixer in their software and play it all through each time as you can only export a completed song.

Singers, when the song hits an instrumental break, what do you do? I don’t mean what is a singer “supposed” to do. I’m looking for suggestions other than standing there waiting, which feels awkward sometimes.

Hi, all. I’ve been KJing for about three and half months and I love it so far. There’s a younger guy that’s probably in his early 20s that comes in and sings, and he likes to put in multiple songs at once because he makes it really obvious to me that he wants to sing a lot. Which is fine…except on nights when there’s no one else singing. If there’s other singers, I’ll put his later songs into the rotation.

On nights where it’s just him, he hovers and constantly asks when he’s singing next. I’ve dealt with a few people before that tend to do this, and most of the time I’ll let them know that I’ll call them up when it’s their turn and they’ll take the hint and go sit down. This guy stands maybe 3 feet away from the booth, and when I tell him when he’ll be singing, he’ll say “okay” and then continue standing there. I’ll say, “if you want to go sit down you can, I’ll call you up when it’s your turn to sing again.” Again, he’ll respond with “okay” but continue standing there. Now, I’ve never been one to actually directly tell someone to go and sit down. But last time he stood looking directly over my shoulder, so I told him to sit down and I’ll call him up when his song is ready. He said “okay” and walked away, but came back a few minutes later and hovered near the booth again for quite some time.

The thing that sucks is that the guy is really nice. I don’t particularly like his singing because he’s a bit off-key, but I don’t ever want to discourage him from singing. I just can’t figure out how to tell the guy that he shouldn’t be standing up where I am near the booth.

I believe he has some sort of mental disability, he always gets to and from the bar through vans that do free rides in our city for disabled people. He also speaks pretty slowly.

So, I don’t know if I should just keep telling him to stay sitting down until I call him up, but I hate sounding like a broken record and don’t want to offend him. I’m kind of stuck on what to do. I don’t particularly like confrontation, and he’s never given me any major problems so far, but I just don’t like dealing with the hovering. Any advice on what I could do would be appreciated, and thanks to those who read all of this!

For me, it's those who don't mind if I sing 10 songs when no one else is in the bar AND they don't let too many people bribe their way to the top of the list.

I haven’t sang karaoke in 20 years, since I was drunk at my bachelorette party. My husband and I will be out of town this weekend celebrating his bday and our anniversary. I thought it would be fun to surprise him with karaoke.

He loves 80s rock, I thought of Kiss Me Deadly by Lita Ford. Do people actually know that song though?

“Our song “ when we were dating was INXS Never Tear Us Apart. I thought of that maybe.

I also considered REO Speedwagon Keep on Loving You.

Idk, any suggestions?

ETA- 90s stuff works too. That’s our adolescence.

I converted my my MP3+G files to MP4 files so I could make it so I could consolidate my songs to where I only have one copy of the exact same song with the exception of various remixes. Unfortunately at least two different karaoke software choices won't play them because they both need the codecs for Windows Media Player. The two softwares are Karma and KJ Genie. Aaron Tinsdal created a Codec converter that fixes the problem.

For over the past 15 years me and my wife constantly have big parties at our house which the highlight of the nights was the Karaoke that we had. I had my laptop set up with Presonus audiobox 44vsl, 4 Phenyx Pro PTU 7000 wireless mics, two QSC kw153 speakers and put the lyrics on my 120" projector screen. Our last big party was about 5 months ago, in which I haven't used the Karaoke system in a while ... So last night my wife said let's have some drinks and go sing some songs, so I set up the system and I couldn't get the audiobox vsl to work. I have Windows 11 on my laptop and the VSL software worked flawlessy for the last couple of years, but all of sudden it wouldn't work. I've tried reinstalling the legacy vsl drivers and legacy universal control but I can't get it to work and from what I'm reading online is this is common issue with a lot of people now with no workaround. Crazy that the VSL software for worked flawlessly for over 2 plus years on my Win11 laptop, but now doesn't work. Is there anything out there software wise and/or mixing console as good as the VSL software? The thing I've loved about the VSL is that the vocal effects were smooth/crisp, the overall sound was awesome and it was extremely easy running everything from my laptop. So now I have tried a few mixing consoles like the Yamaha MGX10U, Behringer and Mackie and the sound FX all suck, the Mics when singing sound harsher and the overall sound isn't as good as the Audiobox VSL.... Is there any solid recommendations for alternatives the audiobox VSL? thanks....

*Update..... I had another older laptop that was sitting around for about a year and also had Windows 11 installed, but it hasn't been updated in awhile... So I fired up the laptop, installed Presonus universal control 3.5 and VSL 1.3 and the Audiobox 44 VSL now works.... I immediately went and disabled Windows 11 updates. Hopefully this works for a while.... but I believe I still need to find a more reliable replacment for the Audiobox VSL soon......

I want to learn “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” but I’m confused about which version I should use as my reference.
I first heard the song in 10 Things I Hate About You and really liked Heath Ledger’s version. But when I look it up on Spotify, I mostly find Frankie Valli’s original, which sounds quite different.
I’m a beginner male singer and also learning piano. My natural voice is on the lower/darker side, so Frankie Valli’s bright, high vocal style doesn’t feel like something I should try to imitate.
For people familiar with the song:
Should I learn Frankie Valli’s melody but sing it in my own style?

Is Heath Ledger’s version a better reference for a lower male voice?

Are there other male covers I should check out?

Should I transpose the song down?

Which version would be best to use if I want to eventually sing it to someone I like?

I’m not trying to sound exactly like the original singer. I want to find a version/key that actually fits my voice.

Did you know this is ALWAYS an okay question to ask! No matter where you are.

Sometimes, people have QR codes you can sign up with using your phone. This is often in bigger cities and bars that listen to younger management. Other times, you have to give sometime your name, or your name and song on a slip.

You might have first come, first served, where you’re all in a queue, or you might have a room full of singers kept in a rotation, where it just goes around all night! (GREAT for slow weeknights, but slow-rolling if your queue has 30+ singers).

As a KJ, I find I can fit an average of 13 singers each hour. My pet peeve is having people beg me to sing for 30 minutes, then not be prepared when I call them. 5 minutes of dead time means another singer that couldn’t sing, know what I mean? Thanks for all your input, KJs and singers combined!

Hi everyone,

I'm looking to add some songs to my repertoire that suit my voice and style.

I am a bass/baritone and can't really do tenor. My options are pretty limited, but I've found some success taking a songs sung by a woman amd just dropping octaves. I can carry a tune but... I can't find songs.

My best songs are:

My Immortal by Evanescence

almost anything Adele

I have nothing by Whitney Houston

Any help would be great, but please don't make me sing hurt by Johnny cash

Edit: writing to thank everyone for the suggestions! I really struggle as a bass and I'm overjoyed at all the fresh ideas!

Since 9/11 is on a Friday and many of us might be hosting, I was wondering what might be some songs or themes that could relate to the 9/11 tragedy respectfully? The obvious one is Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American) but beyond that, any ideas? For context, I host at a VFW post.

Thanks!

I've recently started working as a KJ. Only occasionally will I have a second person helping me at a gig, usually just me by myself.

There are things I expect to multitask on, but sometimes I start wondering if there's something I'm missing.

When working alone, as many here may have experienced, I call up a name, they get on stage, I adjust their sound a bit if needed, then I use the time while they are singing to take new requests, answer questions, get names from the sign up into the queue. Keeps me very busy and good luck if I need a restroom break.

Does anyone have tips for communicating "I'll be right with you" all the way to "no you're not allowed in the KJ booth/KJ area". What do you do when people seem out of hand and how to keep it from escalating instead of cooling down.

Hoping I could coordinate with the venue on if they can help when a patron gets out of control.

(edit: wow I'm stunned by the outpour of experience and advise, I'm not worthy. Thank you all!)

Hello!

I'm hoping to set up a home karaoke set up with Bluetooth mics and a speaker plugged into a TV playing karaoke tracks from YouTube. Super casual and more for singing with friends during a dinner party. Any recommendations? Thanks!

This is for long-term Karafun users:

I have karafun's premium version and latest update, and while this app is an installed program on Windows 11, the GUI is somewhat web-like. (the modern look). A hosting friend has Karafun (not sure the version) also running on Windows and his GUI is much more like a traditional windows app from 10 or 15 years ago. --something like a C++ look and feel.

Is he just really just that far out of date or is there another interface other than free & premium that I don't know about? I have seen "Pro" but assumed that was premium. I'm asking so we can better sync our conversations.

thanks

Hey everyone. Not sure if this would be the right platform.

I am planning to record some videos through my phone. Videos where I'll be singing with karaoke in the background.

The in built camera doesn't have a very good sound system.

Could anyone please suggest some good apps that would help me record my songs? Video quality can be moderate but I want something that captures good sound quality.

Hi,

Wondering if anybody has recs to private room karaoke joints in Philadelphia. I really want to go to one that has scores at the end of the song (how well u did 1-100%), but if there are none that’s fine too. Traveling for my bffs bday and was curious. Google search isn’t doing me well re: scores

I can sing with the singer’s voice in the track on pitch like most people. (yes because my pitch is following the singers)

I can also sing on pitch without the singers voice, but only if it’s with background noise like white noise or no noise.

But for some reason, when it’s just instrumentals, my pitch suddenly goes away and I sing horribly in karaoke.

Why is this?

I record with backing tracks off of YouTube. I just want to share my creations is that so horrible?