Top 10 Hardest 2000s Songs to Sing

From “The X-Factor” champion to international sensation, Leona Lewis took the 2000s by storm with this track. “Bleeding Love” encompasses all of the passionate work that ultimately won her the singing competition. Not only are Lewis’ vocals perfect, she gives the performance an extra quality that’s hard to match. She’s able to glide gracefully into high notes like it’s no big deal, even though it definitely is. She makes every note seem easy, but any attempt to do this at karaoke will quickly put you in your place. Don’t forget about the big notes near the finish either, which prove that Lewis is much more than your average contest winner.

If there’s a reason you know Josh Groban, it might just be this song. After all, his breathtaking cover of the track put him at the top of the adult contemporary chart. Operatic in scope, his voice is the perfect delivery vehicle, and the result is inspiring. The almost-anthemic feel running through the music can only work if a truly talented performer tackles it. Thankfully for listeners, Groban easily soars to the highest notes. The final chorus in particular highlights his ability to rise to the occasion and deliver an unbeatable performance. Recreating what he pulls off is next to impossible!

This band doesn’t get enough credit for their truly staggering and diverse work. With Amy Lee as lead singer, Evanescence continually shows that they’re a force to be reckoned with. “My Immortal” places Lee at the top of her game in a delicate arrangement. Embracing the emotional edge of the track, she beautifully sustains a number of extended notes. That, and the way she’s able to carry the weight of a more minimal composition with her voice alone isn’t something just anyone can do. Nothing short of haunting, “My Immortal” is difficult to master on both technical and personal levels.

After teaming up with members of Rage Against the Machine, the late Chris Cornell impressed as the singer of this supergroup. “Cochise” is a single off the band’s debut that roars to life and announces them as an unstoppable force. Along with the musical talents of the other bandmates, this song belongs to the unmatched voice of Cornell. He’s able to channel all of the fury of rock history into one explosive note after another, screaming like no other. It goes without saying, but it takes a level of skill and passion to do so effectively, which means this isn’t a track for beginners. Cornell hasn’t been referred to as one of the exceptional rock voices by accident.

We’re not exaggerating when we say “I Believe in a Thing Called Love” is a good time from the first second, with fans fully rejoicing at Justin Hawkins’ amazing vocal range. Indeed, he indulges in all of the eccentricities of glam and hard rock styles. Of course, a good time doesn’t mean an easy one! The entire chorus functions like a minefield that’s hard to travel through without absolute control of your voice. With one high note after the other, Hawkins flies up and down his register without missing a beat. This melodically-sophisticated throwback never ceases to stump even the most capable artists.

“Grace Kelly” flies in the face of subtlety, and is all the better for it. It’s a bold song that Mika sings with a supreme confidence that’s tailored to his voice. Given that it’s such a unique vocal part, it’s rare to find anyone that even wants to attempt a cover of it. The singer’s falsetto has a crystal-clear sound that really shines during the chorus. Plus, through all the references, Mika manages to properly salute pop culture giants. Even putting the technical prowess required aside, this can only be sung convincingly if you’re in an incredible mood.

Blending rock and metal, System of a Down defy classification with songs like “Chop Suey!” Lead vocalist Serj Tankian shouts into the microphone in a terrifying opening. Through melodic changes, he reveals his speed and tenacity. Indeed, he’s able to both scream and whisper, switching between styles practically within seconds. Almost no one can catch up to Tankian’s sheer ferocity as a performer. Even if you survive the first verse and chorus, there’s still a bridge that’s full of additional shouting. The lung capacity needed to perform it well is reserved for the most elite musicians.

Her career is full of hits and anthems, and Beyoncé sounds as good as ever in “Halo.” With compelling lyrics and music, the song has everything needed for Queen Bey’s greatness to shine through. It’s a triumphant number that reminds everyone of her ability to deliver a defining performance in any genre. In a few cases near the end of the song, she lands some of the most complicated and immaculate notes we’ve ever heard. Watching her, it seems effortless, but the amount of practice needed to nail this one, even if you’re a trained vocalist, is significant. To even rival her excellent performance, one has to be incredibly gifted and be willing to push their range to the limit.

In terms of pop vocalists who defy expectations with their raw talent, you can’t get much better than Christina Aguilera. She established herself long before “Hurt,” but few of her other hits are quite as hard to pull off. This is a song that needs an experienced singer to bring it to life. Next to Aguilera’s impeccable range, she also brings a vulnerability that can be especially hard to channel. She hits some dizzying heights by the end of this track, and you can’t underestimate the difficulty level there. Plus, this richly-layered production demands so much from a performer beyond hitting glorious notes – you also have to bring emotion.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

"1 Thing" (2005), Amerie
You Need Oodles of Energy For This One

"Since U Been Gone" (2004), Kelly Clarkson
The Chorus Alone Gives Any Singer a Run for Their Money

"Misery Business" (2007), Paramore
Hayley Williams Slays Earth-Shattering Notes Most Would Struggle to Hit

"Valerie" (2007), Mark Ronson feat. Amy Winehouse
This Cover Requires Someone Who Can Perform Any Genre with Ease

Mariah Carey’s singing prowess and dominating range are next-level, to put it mildly. Some might’ve thought that her whistle notes peaked in the 1990s. On the contrary, the singer continued to impress with “Fly Like a Bird,” off of her “The Emancipation of Mimi” album. The song lets her go all out in a showstopping performance that’s basically impossible for the average person to deliver. With a finale that ranks among her best, this sometimes underrated track is wonderfully bold. You’ll likely have to pick your jaw up off the floor after hearing this one. And then go do a bunch of vocal exercises before even attempting to sing it!