Singing with another person adds an entirely new layer of magic to music. When two voices blend just right, balancing harmony, emotion, and rhythm, it creates a connection not only between the singers but with the audience as well. Whether you’re preparing for a performance, building your repertoire, or simply want to enjoy the thrill of a shared musical moment, having go-to duets is a must.
Over the years, I’ve sung many duets with partners of all vocal types, and I’ve learned that the best ones aren’t just vocally satisfying, they tell a story, give both singers their moment, and offer room to play with dynamics and delivery. Some are emotional, some are fun, and others are vocally challenging in the best ways.
If you’re looking to explore options that suit a variety of voices and moods, here are 10 duets every singing pair should try. Each one has something special to offer and will help develop your timing, phrasing, and collaborative skills.
“Shallow” – Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper
This is one of the most emotionally raw and powerful modern duets. It begins quietly, offering space for interpretation, then builds into a soaring second half. The contrast between the gritty male verse and the powerful female chorus creates a dynamic energy that works well in live settings.
I’ve sung this one at open mics, and it never fails to captivate the room. What makes it one of the 10 duets every singing pair should try is how it pushes both vocalists to express vulnerability and strength.
“Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” – Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
This duet is a classic for a reason. It’s upbeat, full of spirit, and instantly recognizable. Both parts are fairly balanced in terms of vocal lines, which makes it a great choice for pairs who want to trade energy and create a sense of joyful interaction on stage.
Whenever I want something that lifts the crowd and gets everyone clapping, this is one of my first picks. It’s not too vocally demanding, so it works well even if you’re just starting out.
“The Prayer” – Celine Dion & Andrea Bocelli
This duet offers a stunning mix of English and Italian, giving it an elegant, timeless quality. It’s perfect for singers who are classically trained or looking to practice powerful phrasing and control.
The vocal ranges are wide, and the emotional intensity is high, so I usually only recommend this when both partners are confident in their technique. That said, it’s one of the 10 duets every singing pair should try at least once, it’s a true showstopper when done well.
“Lucky” – Jason Mraz & Colbie Caillat
This sweet, mellow tune is ideal for pairs with soft vocal textures. I’ve always loved performing this in intimate settings or acoustic gigs. It doesn’t require powerhouse vocals, but it does rely on a sense of connection and subtle harmonies.
It’s also a great practice piece for learning to sing in parallel motion, where both voices move together in a way that complements each other. It’s simple, heartfelt, and works beautifully for almost any voice combination.
“Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” – Elton John & Kiki Dee
This is one of the most playful duets I’ve ever sung. It’s catchy, flirty, and full of character, which makes it a great crowd-pleaser. The song allows for both voices to have fun with timing, little ad libs, and attitude.
I usually bring this one out when I want something upbeat but not overdone. It’s less about vocal gymnastics and more about performance chemistry, which is why it’s on my list of 10 duets every singing pair should try.
“Say Something” – A Great Big World & Christina Aguilera
This haunting ballad is minimalist in style, but incredibly rich in emotion. I find it’s a fantastic exercise in restraint and control. You don’t have to belt to move people with this one, just sing with sincerity.
The harmonies are subtle, and much of the power comes from silence and space. I love this duet for moments when I want to connect deeply with my partner and the audience. It demands focus and feeling more than vocal tricks.
“You’re the One That I Want” – John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John
For singers who enjoy theatrical numbers, this Grease classic is always a hit. It’s fast-paced, character-driven, and packed with playful energy. I like this one for group karaoke nights or themed shows where nostalgia and personality are welcome.
It also encourages movement and stage interaction. It might not showcase every vocal skill you have, but in terms of showmanship, it’s one of the most fun options among the 10 duets every singing pair should try.
“Come What May” – Nicole Kidman & Ewan McGregor (from Moulin Rouge!)
This song is epic, romantic, and dramatic, in the best way. The crescendo toward the final chorus gives both voices a chance to shine. I love performing this in formal recitals or cabaret-style settings.
It’s particularly great for vocalists who enjoy theatrical delivery and can maintain emotional intensity while singing in harmony. If you’re looking to build a duet that creates a lasting impression, this one should be near the top of your list.
“Falling Slowly” – Glen Hansard & Markéta Irglová
This song is delicate and emotional, with harmonies that feel organic and real. It’s one of my favorite duets because of its simplicity and honesty. You don’t need a full band, just a piano or guitar and two voices blending gently.
The song builds beautifully, and its folk-pop feel suits a wide range of voice types. It’s especially effective in acoustic sets, and I’ve used it for auditions, open mics, and even weddings. For emotional storytelling, this one’s hard to beat.
“Beauty and the Beast” – Celine Dion & Peabo Bryson (or the original film version)
This timeless Disney ballad is ideal for classical-leaning voices or singers who want to explore dynamics and phrasing. It has that magical quality that can really shine with good breath control and expressive delivery.
I enjoy singing this when I want a mix of nostalgia and vocal warmth. It gives both singers room to interpret without over-singing. Whether you’re in a formal performance or a themed event, it’s one of the 10 duets every singing pair should try for its elegance and versatility.
How to Choose the Right Duet for Your Pair
When picking a duet, I always consider vocal ranges, styles, and emotional tone. Some songs need a strong lead and a supportive harmony, while others work best with equal interplay. Here are some of the things I keep in mind:
- Blend: Do our voices complement each other in tone and texture?
- Range: Does the song sit comfortably for both of us?
- Emotional connection: Can we interpret the story together convincingly?
- Stage chemistry: Does the song let us interact and engage with the audience?
The best duets feel like a conversation. They allow both voices to contribute something unique, while also blending into a seamless whole. If one singer dominates too much, it loses the collaborative spirit. That’s why experimenting with several of the 10 duets every singing pair should try is a great way to discover what works for you.
Tips for Rehearsing Duets
Once you pick a song, rehearsal becomes key. I’ve found a few strategies that help polish the performance and make the duet feel cohesive:
- Sing each part separately first. This helps each person gain confidence before blending.
- Work on breathing together. Matching phrasing and dynamics creates a smoother sound.
- Decide on harmonies early. Whether you use the original arrangement or create your own, consistency matters.
- Record your practice. Listening back helps identify spots where timing or blend could improve.
- Practice stage presence. Whether you face each other or perform to the audience, physicality adds to the impact.
Final Thoughts
Singing duets has helped me grow not only as a performer but also as a communicator. There’s something incredibly satisfying about building something musical with another person, matching breath, emotion, and timing until the result feels effortless.
Whether you’re exploring these pieces for fun or preparing for something more formal, trying these 10 duets every singing pair should try will enrich your skills and deepen your musical connection. It’s not just about what sounds good, it’s about what feels good to sing together.
So grab a partner, pick a song, and start singing. You never know which duet will become your signature piece.
