Bon Jovi’s ‘Livin’ on a Prayer’ ranked the greatest karaoke song by mathematician

Oxford University’s Dr Tom Crawford has devised a formula

Author: Scott ColothanPublished 22nd Jul 2025
Last updated 22nd Jul 2025
Bon Jovi’s timeless 1986 anthem ‘Livin’ on a Prayer’ is the greatest karaoke song of all time, according to research conducted by a leading mathematician.

To compile his Top 10 list, Oxford University’s Dr Tom Crawford concocted a complex mathematical formula to ascertain the ultimate mood-boosting karaoke classics.

Dr Crawford’s formula grades each song with a score out of 100 (K). In the equation, which was developed using data from 2,000 karaoke lovers, V refers to the number of verses, C repetition of chorus, BPM to the song’s beats per minute and Y to the year the song was released.

Taking the coveted top spot with a score of 91% was Bon Jovi’s ubiquitous classic ‘Livin’ on a Prayer’, while Whitney Houston’s ‘I Wanna Dance with Somebody’ was in second place (90%).

Imbued with optimism in the face of adversity, ‘Livin’ on a Prayer’ tells the story of a struggling working-class couple, Tommy and Gina, who refuse to give up hope despite what the world throws at them.

Dr Tom Crawford says: “People love a fast-paced song with an average 126 BPM and 3 repeated chorus’ for every 2 verses, just like most pop songs – hence why common favourites are scoring highly in the research.”

The research was commissioned by Three UK and Samaritans, who are launching new ‘Kathartic Karaoke’ booths at selected festivals this summer.

Fans at this weekend’s Latitude Festival (Thursday 24th to Sunday 27th July) can sing along to Dr Crawford’s Top 10 at the ‘Kathartic Karaoke’ booth, and the booth will then move to The Mound at Edinburgh Fringe on Friday 15th and Saturday 16th August).

The experience has been uniquely designed to help festival goers boost their mood with music and singing. And in partnership with Samaritans, singers can head to Samaritans tent at Latitude if they want to talk or scan a QR code to seek additional support.

Nicki Lyons, Chief Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Officer at VodafoneThree, said:“As the Official Connectivity Partner of some of the UK’s biggest festivals this summer, we understand the power and importance of making connections that matter, whether it’s through technology or shared experiences like music.

“We are delighted to be partnering with Samaritans for the first time at music festivals, to create joyful spaces for people to connect to one another and experience our ‘Kathartic Karaoke’ for themselves.”

Sonya Trivedy, Executive Director of External Engagement at Samaritans, adds:“Music has a unique power to have a positive impact on our mental health. Singing, in particular, can help people process emotions, ease stress and boost mood.

“Through this pitch-perfect partnership with Three, we’re turning up the volume on wellbeing, using music as a carefree way to connect, express, and take care of your emotional health.”

The 10 greatest karaoke songs, according to mathematician Dr Tom Crawford:

1 – Livin’ On a Prayer: Bon Jovi (91%)

2 – I Wanna Dance with Somebody: Whitney Houston (90%)

3 – Don’t Look Back in Anger: Oasis (89%)

4 – Man! I Feel Like a Woman: Shania Twain (88%)

5 – 500 Miles: The Proclaimers (88%)

6 – Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight): ABBA (85%)

7 – Unwritten: Natasha Bedingfield (84%)

8 – Someone Like You: Adele (84%)

9 – Wannabe: Spice Girls (84%)

10 – Let Me Love You: Mario (83%)