Top 10 Hardest Duets to Sing

Songs from “Grease” have been karaoke favorites for decades. Some are definitely more challenging than others. Those final notes in “Summer Nights” would make it a contender for our list, but there’s another number that tops it. “You’re the One That I Want” makes for a fun and flirty duet. This sassy number between a leather-clad Olivia Newton-John and slicked back John Travolta is harder to sing than you might think. It’s fast-paced and requires playful charisma as well as plenty of bouncy energy. It can easily become cheesy, but when the singers go all in on the tricky harmony, it’s definitely a show-stopper.

There ain’t no mountain high enough to hide behind if you can’t hold the notes on this popular song. Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell make it sound easy to belt out these lyrics, but don’t let their effortless style fool you. The duet requires tons of control. Great chemistry between the performers doesn’t hurt either. The chorus is especially challenging, as each singer has to hold their own in exuberant fashion. It’s not a Motown classic for nothing. And to really pull it off, you can’t hold back on the big notes.

This ballad was featured in a movie of the same name, but it has proven more timeless than its silver screen companion. It was named the biggest duet by Billboard, and for good reason. It’s the definition of romance, and has been a top choice for couples’ skate and slow dances for decades. Don’t even think about taking on this number without filling it full of emotion and longing like Lionel Richie and Diana Ross, though. It’s also not a song to just jump into without some practice. As Chandler and Phoebe demonstrated on “Friends,” the harmony is very tricky. Luther Vandross and Mariah Carey weren’t intimidated though, and their version was also a hit.

This ballad from 2018’s “A Star Is Born” is nothing short of gorgeous. In the film, Jackson, who’s played by Bradley Cooper, gets Ally, portrayed by Lady Gaga, to join him on stage for a song. The result is cinematic magic. Any duo trying to recreate this scene better be prepared for a daunting task. The beginning of the song is deceptively simple. Still, the accompaniment is mostly guitar, so there isn’t a lot of musical help or camouflage. Later, when the chorus kicks in, the challenge becomes apparent. Lady Gaga pours all of her significant emotional punch into an impressively high belt. From that moment on, it’s a musical marathon with no time to rest.

This duet is a perfect combination of Jay-Z’s stellar rap skills and Alicia Keys soul-stirring vocals. These two styles of music aren’t always easy to pair successfully together, which makes the track equally challenging to perform. Jay-Z’s rhythm and delivery are the essence of cool. The lyrics are complicated, and definitely not as easy to deliver as the rapper makes it seem. Meanwhile, Keys’ voice flying above, especially on the chorus, is simply gorgeous. The cast of “Glee” once converted “Empire State of Mind” into a group number and tried to recapture the magic. However, it’s hard to imagine anyone surpassing the original pair.

Two strong voices, two strong personalities, and a relationship in conflict. No pressure, it’s only an iconic number from “Rent”! This song requires a pair of vocalists with serious skills. They’ve got to be willing and eager to go all in on big notes and bigger emotions. Menzel’s voice runs up and down the tricky melody like it’s no big deal. Tracie Thoms’ soulful runs accept the challenge and match her. These two confident women are in a vocal battle about life and love, and neither is willing to lose. In other words, either fully commit or just walk away from this one.

The voices of David Bowie and Queen’s lead singer Freddie Mercury are instantly recognizable. If you choose to perform this track, should you imitate their iconic style or risk something new? Adding to the difficulty is the chaotic nature of the composition. At times, Bowie and Mercury seem to be singing completely different songs. So any lack of consistency in tune, rhythm, or style could result in a jumbled mess. With Mercury and Bowie at the helm though, it comes together to create a perfect track that will live in your head for days. The vocalists both have the ability to nail those higher notes and sing in a gorgeous lower range. Trying to live up to these legends would put anyone under significant pressure.

Taking on a solo by either Whitney Houston or Mariah Carey is incredibly nerve-wracking. These two music icons defy imitation. Now, imagine singing a duet that includes both of them. The intimidation factor is strong when faced with such powerful divas, and rightfully so! The version of “When You Believe” performed by Houston and Carey can notably be heard during the end credits of “The Prince of Egypt”. Both singers are free with their runs, showing everyone exactly how it should be done. You might believe that you’re up for singing this duet. But even for a skilled vocalist, pulling it off with as much flair and skill as the original singers might require a miracle.

As of 2023, “The Phantom of the Opera” is the longest-running musical on Broadway, so it’s no wonder this duet is so well-loved. It requires not only passion, but an ability to master some very challenging notes. Strong lungs and good vocal support are necessary throughout the number. The way both singers come together for the finale alone means you can't come at this as an amateur and expect to do it justice. However, just because it’s difficult doesn’t mean there haven’t been some amazing versions.“The Phantom of the Opera” movie pairing of Emmy Rossum and Patrick Wilson delivered a duet full of romance. We’re also big fans of Kelly Clarkson and Josh Groban's effortless rendition of the classic ballad.

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

"Just Give Me a Reason" (2012), Pink feat. Nate Ruess
Strong Vocals, Killer Harmony & Two Powerhouses to Live Up To

"I Knew You Were Waiting (for Me)" (1987), Aretha Franklin & George Michael
Two Legends with Different Styles Making It Look Easy When It Isn’t

"Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" (1991), George Michael & Elton John
Emotional Performances with Killer Dynamics

"El Tango de Roxanne" (2001), Ewan McGregor, José Feliciano & Jacek Koman
A Gut Wrenching Mash-Up with Complicated Rhythms

“ME!” (2019), Taylor Swift feat. Brendon Urie of Panic! at the Disco
A Fast-Paced Bop That Requires Good Range & High Energy

Who knew that pairing the “Queen of Power Ballads” with an Italian tenor would result in such an epic song? Both Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli know how to make the most difficult notes float effortlessly across an arena. Their voices blend perfectly as each one is flawlessly sustained. Did we mention the entire sections harmonized in Italian? It’s an inspirational ballad that has amazing dynamics. In one moment it’s epically powerful, and in the next soft and gentle. If you’re taking on this duet, better send out your own prayer that your breath control is up for the challenge.