26 Best Songs for Your Voice Audition: Guaranteed to Impress

Choosing the right song for a vocal audition can be daunting, but the perfect selection can be the key to unlocking your potential. This isn't just about hitting high notes; it's about showcasing your unique vocal style and emotional range. To help navigate this crucial step, we've compiled a list of exceptional songs that span diverse genres and eras, highlighting the power of vocal storytelling. From ballads that demand emotional depth and control, reminiscent of a certain iconic performance of a power ballad that defined a generation, to upbeat tracks that demonstrate energy and charisma, this selection offers a taste of the incredible spectrum of human expression through song. Think about the vulnerability in a heartfelt confession, the raw energy of a rock anthem, or the infectious groove of a soul-infused pop hit—all crucial elements in a successful audition.

This curated list celebrates the artistry of songwriting and the enduring power of great vocal performances. It's a journey through musical history, featuring songs that have touched millions and continue to inspire. Whether you prefer the intricate harmonies of a legendary rock band, the soulful delivery of a pop icon, or the breathtaking power of a powerhouse vocalist, this collection aims to provide a springboard for your own audition preparation. Ultimately, this isn't just about choosing a song—it's about choosing a statement, showcasing your vocal ability, and leaving a lasting impression. We hope this exploration inspires you to find your perfect audition piece and confidently step onto that stage.

26 Best Songs for Your Voice Audition: Guaranteed to Impress
SongArtistAlbumListens
1. Thinking out Loud Ed Sheeran x (Deluxe Edition) 4B+
2. Bohemian Rhapsody Queen A Night At The Opera (Deluxe Remastered Version) 2B+
3. 24K Magic Bruno Mars 24K Magic 2B+
4. I Will Always Love You Whitney Houston The Bodyguard - Original Soundtrack Album 2B+
5. Bring Me To Life Evanescence Fallen 1B+
6. Wrecking Ball Miley Cyrus Bangerz (Deluxe Version) 1B+
7. Baby One More Time Britney Spears ...Baby One More Time (Digital Deluxe Version) 965M+

1. Thinking out Loud - x (Deluxe Edition)

"Thinking Out Loud" Ed Sheeran's timeless ballad, is more than just a song; it's an emotional journey resonating deeply with listeners. Its heartfelt lyrics about enduring love, spanning a lifetime, create a powerful and memorable impact. This makes it an ideal choice for a vocal audition. Suitable for tenors and baritones, the song features a comfortable vocal range, showcasing emotional control and phrasing without demanding overly complex technical skills. Its moderate length is perfect for audition time constraints, allowing a singer to demonstrate vocal range and expression effectively within the allotted time. While not extremely difficult technically, "Thinking Out Loud" requires nuanced phrasing and emotional delivery to truly connect with the audience, making it a strong choice for showcasing artistry and leaving a lasting impression on judges.

For a more in-depth exploration of Ed Sheeran's musical repertoire, check out Top 46 Ed Sheeran Songs of All Time, featuring a comprehensive list of his greatest hits and a deeper dive into his artistry.
Thinking out Loud - Ed Sheeran

2. Bohemian Rhapsody

Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" opens with a captivating piano ballad, building to operatic heights and culminating in a powerful hard rock crescendo. Its unconventional structure, encompassing diverse musical styles within a six-minute epic, defied genre conventions upon its 1975 release. The song's enduring popularity is undeniable, evidenced by its continued presence on charts and streaming services decades later, a testament to its innovative composition and lasting emotional resonance. Its impact on music history is secured by numerous accolades, including a Grammy Hall of Fame induction and consistent ranking among the greatest songs ever recorded.

Bohemian Rhapsody - Queen

3. 24K Magic (24K Magic - 2024)

Bruno Mars's "24K Magic" released in 2016, is a vibrant celebration of funk and disco. The infectious track, co-written by Mars, Philip Lawrence, and Christopher Brody Brown, instantly captivated audiences with its irresistible groove and exuberant energy. Its broad appeal transcended generational divides, resonating with listeners of all ages – older fans appreciating its old-school vibes and younger audiences embracing its contemporary flair. A commercial triumph, "24K Magic" topped charts globally, achieving multi-platinum certifications and even earning a Grammy for Record of the Year. The song's undeniable success cemented its place as a defining hit of the 2010s, a testament to Mars's musical prowess and his ability to seamlessly blend retro influences with modern sensibilities.

Bruno Mars' "24K Magic" is a dance-floor anthem that will surely get the judges moving. For more unforgettable hits from the 2000s and 2010s, check out our list of [25 Unforgettable Hits: The Best Songs of 2000 to 2010].
24K Magic - Bruno Mars

4. I Will Always Love You (Whitney Houston - 1993)

Experience the timeless power of Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You" This soaring ballad, originally penned by Dolly Parton, showcases a wide soprano range, demanding significant vocal control and breath support. While technically challenging, particularly in its melismatic sections and sustained high notes, its manageable length makes it an ideal audition piece. The emotional depth of the lyrics and the iconic melody create an unforgettable impact, leaving a lasting impression on listeners. Its power and emotional resonance, combined with its proven success, make "I Will Always Love You" a strong choice for showcasing vocal prowess in a variety of audition settings. The song's memorability and emotional impact are sure to resonate with judges, making it a powerful choice for any aspiring vocalist.

I Will Always Love You - Whitney Houston

5. Bring Me To Life (Evanescence)

Evanescence's "Bring Me to Life" released in 2003, instantly captivated audiences with its powerful blend of rock and orchestral elements. The song's dramatic build-up and Amy Lee's soaring vocals created a visceral listening experience, resonating deeply with listeners. Its inclusion in the Daredevil soundtrack catapulted it to international success, achieving top ten chart positions globally and earning a Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance. While commercially triumphant, the song also holds personal significance for Lee, reflecting themes of awakening and rediscovering oneself, drawing inspiration from a transformative personal experience. Its enduring popularity, evidenced by continued streams and online discussions years after its release, solidifies its place as a cornerstone of early 2000s rock.

"Bring Me to Life" is a powerful rock anthem that showcases a wide vocal range, making it well-suited for auditions. If you're looking for more rock-influenced audition songs, be sure to check out Top 30 Essential Tracks from The Jam: Their Best Hits for a comprehensive list of classic tracks from the legendary band, The Jam.
Bring Me To Life - Evanescence
  • Wrecking Ball
    6

    Wrecking Ball

    Miley Cyrus

    2013

    Bangerz (Deluxe Version)

  • Baby One More Time
    7

    Baby One More Time

    Britney Spears

    1999

    ...Baby One More Time (Digital Deluxe Version)

  • Redbone
    8

    Redbone

    Childish Gambino

    2016

  • Everything I Do
    9

    Everything I Do

    Bryan Adams

    1991

  • I Want to Know What Love Is
    10

    I Want to Know What Love Is

    Foreigner

    1985

    Agent Provocateur

  • If I Ain't Got You
    11

    If I Ain't Got You

    Alicia Keys

    2004

    The Diary Of Alicia Keys

  • Teenage Dream
    12

    Teenage Dream

    Katy Perry

    2010

    Teenage Dream

  • Fly Me To The Moon
    13

    Fly Me To The Moon

    Count Basie,Frank Sinatra

    1964

    Sinatra/Basie: The Complete Reprise Studio Recordings

  • Hometown Glory
    14

    Hometown Glory

    Adele

    2008

  • Since U Been Gone
    15

    Since U Been Gone

    Kelly Clarkson

    2004

    Breakaway

  • I Hope You Dance
    16

    I Hope You Dance

    Lee Ann Womack

    2000

    I Hope You Dance

  • Unchained Melody
    17

    Unchained Melody

    The Righteous Brothers

    1965

    Just Once In My Life

  • Against All Odds
    18

    Against All Odds

    Phil Collins

    1984

    Face Value (Deluxe Editon)

  • Angel
    19

    Angel

    Sarah McLachlan

    1997

  • Feeling Good
    20

    Feeling Good

    Nina Simone

    1965

  • My Heart Will Go On
    21

    My Heart Will Go On

    Celine Dion

    1997

  • Somewhere
    22

    Somewhere

    Barbra Streisand

    1985

  • What A Wonderful World
    23

    What A Wonderful World

    Louis Armstrong

    1967

    What A Wonderful World

  • Over the Rainbow
    24

    Over the Rainbow

    Judy Garland

    1939

  • The Sound of Music
    25

    The Sound of Music

    Julie Andrews

    1959

  • Don't Rain On My Parade
    26

    Don't Rain On My Parade

    Barbra Streisand

    1964

    Funny Girl - Original Soundtrack Recording