The 20 best to audition with for a cappella songs

A cappella singing is a unique and challenging art form that requires exceptional vocal talent and precision. Auditioning for an a cappella group can be a daunting experience, as you need to showcase your skills and impress the judges with your musicality. Whether you prefer soaring ballads, catchy pop tunes, or energetic rock anthems, there's a song out there that perfectly captures your vocal strengths and allows you to shine. Choosing the right song can make all the difference in your audition, so we've compiled a list of songs that will help you impress any a cappella group. This list spans diverse genres and eras, from the heartfelt melodies of a beloved singer-songwriter to the iconic power ballads of pop royalty, ensuring that every aspiring a cappella vocalist has the perfect opportunity to showcase their talent and passion.

The 20 best to audition with for a cappella songs
SongArtistAlbumListens
1. Thinking out Loud Ed Sheeran x (Deluxe Edition) 4B+
2. Hello Adele 25 3B+
3. Wake Me Up Avicii True 2B+
4. Bohemian Rhapsody Queen A Night At The Opera (Deluxe Remastered Version) 2B+
5. I Will Always Love You Whitney Houston The Bodyguard - Original Soundtrack Album 2B+
6. Someone You Loved Lewis Capaldi Divinely Uninspired To A Hellish Extent 909M+
7. Crazy In Love Beyoncé
JAY-Z
Dangerously In Love 804M+

1. Thinking out Loud (2014)

Ed Sheeran's "Thinking Out Loud" is a classic ballad that demands a strong vocal range, showcasing both powerful belting and delicate nuances. Its soaring melody and emotionally resonant lyrics make it a perfect choice for a cappella, allowing singers to explore harmonies and dynamic shifts with ease. The song's structure and arrangement lend themselves well to a cappella renditions, offering opportunities for creative vocal layering and captivating arrangements. While "Thinking Out Loud" shines as a solo piece, it also excels in group settings, providing a platform for showcasing individual vocal strengths while blending seamlessly. This versatile ballad is a captivating audition piece for singers of all levels, particularly those who want to express their passion for heartfelt and enduring love.

Ed Sheeran's repertoire is filled with captivating ballads and upbeat anthems, and "Thinking Out Loud" is just one example of his songwriting prowess. If you're looking for more Ed Sheeran gems, be sure to check out our comprehensive list of his top  songs, where you'll find an eclectic mix of heart-wrenching melodies and infectious rhythms.
Thinking out Loud - Ed Sheeran

2. Hello (25)

Opening with a gentle piano melody and Adele's iconic, soulful vocals, "Hello" evokes a poignant sense of longing and nostalgia. The song's heartfelt lyrics explore themes of lost connections and the yearning to reconnect, resonating deeply with listeners. For a cappella auditions, "Hello" presents a powerful opportunity to showcase vocal range and emotional expression. The song requires a singer to navigate a wide dynamic range, from soft, delicate moments to soaring, emotive belts, demonstrating their ability to control vocal power and nuance. Its natural harmonic structure and catchy melody lend themselves well to a cappella arrangements, allowing for creative harmonies and vocal layering that can enhance the song's emotional impact. While "Hello" can be performed effectively as a solo piece, its emotional depth and intricate vocal lines also make it a strong choice for showcasing a group's blend and vocal versatility.

Adele's rich and powerful vocals are showcased brilliantly in "Hello" making it a standout choice for a cappella auditions. For an in-depth exploration of Adele's musical genius and the other exceptional tracks that have defined her career, be sure to check out 19 Best Adele Songs: Top Tracks That Define Her Career.
Hello - Adele

3. Wake Me Up (2013)

Avicii's "Wake Me Up" bursts onto the scene with a powerful blend of electronic beats and soulful vocals. The song's unexpected fusion of EDM and acoustic guitar, featuring a captivating performance by Aloe Blacc, immediately captured the attention of listeners worldwide. Initially met with some resistance within the EDM community for its departure from traditional electronic music, "Wake Me Up" quickly transcended genre boundaries, achieving critical acclaim and topping charts in numerous countries. The song's universal appeal lies in its relatable message of finding peace amidst the chaos of everyday life, perfectly captured by Blacc's emotive delivery.

And if you're looking to keep the party going after your audition, be sure to check out The 28 best dance bar music playlist songs for the ultimate dance party playlist. It's got all the best party anthems to keep you moving all night long.
Wake Me Up - Avicii

4. Bohemian Rhapsody - A Night At The Opera (Deluxe Remastered Version)

"Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen is a timeless masterpiece that continues to resonate with audiences decades after its release. Written by Freddie Mercury, the six-minute suite defies traditional song structure with its diverse segments, ranging from a soaring ballad to an operatic passage and a hard-rocking finale. The song's innovative approach and Mercury's powerful vocals propelled it to the top of the charts in numerous countries and made it one of the best-selling singles of all time. While the song's unique composition is widely lauded, it's the raw emotion and intricate instrumentation that truly captivate listeners. From the soft intro to the dramatic operatic section, "Bohemian Rhapsody" is a musical journey that has cemented its place as one of the greatest songs ever recorded.

Bohemian Rhapsody - Queen

5. I Will Always Love You (The Bodyguard - Original Soundtrack Album - 1993)

'I Will Always Love You' by Whitney Houston transcends the realm of music; it's a testament to raw, unfiltered emotion. The song's soaring melody and poignant lyrics, originally penned by Dolly Parton, have become a universal anthem for love, loss, and letting go. Whitney Houston's rendition elevates the song to a breathtaking level, showcasing her unparalleled vocal range and emotional depth. The song demands a powerful, expressive soprano voice capable of hitting the highest notes with ease, making it ideal for a cappella auditions. The arrangement lends itself perfectly to a cappella, with its rich harmonies and dynamic shifts offering opportunities for creative interpretation. A singer who chooses this song at an audition demonstrates their technical prowess and their ability to deliver emotionally resonant performances, leaving a lasting impact on the audience.

I Will Always Love You - Whitney Houston
  • Someone You Loved
    6

    Someone You Loved

    Lewis Capaldi

    2019

    Divinely Uninspired To A Hellish Extent

  • Crazy In Love
    7

    Crazy In Love

    Beyoncé,JAY-Z

    2003

    Dangerously In Love

  • She Will Be Loved
    8

    She Will Be Loved

    Maroon 5

    2004

    Songs About Jane: 10th Anniversary Edition

  • Somewhere Only We Know
    9

    Somewhere Only We Know

    Keane

    2004

    Hopes And Fears (Deluxe Edition)

  • Can't Help Falling in Love
    10

    Can't Help Falling in Love

    Elvis Presley

    1961

    Blue Hawaii

  • Hey Jude
    11

    Hey Jude

    The Beatles

    1968

    With The Beatles (Remastered)

  • Alone
    12

    Alone

    Heart

    1987

    Bad Animals

  • I Want to Know What Love Is
    13

    I Want to Know What Love Is

    Foreigner

    1985

    Agent Provocateur

  • Don't Stop Believin'
    14

    Don't Stop Believin'

    Journey

    1981

    Escape (2022 Remaster)

  • Hallelujah
    15

    Hallelujah

    Leonard Cohen

    1984

    Various Positions

  • My Way
    16

    My Way

    Frank Sinatra

    1969

    My Way (Expanded Edition)

  • Let It Be
    17

    Let It Be

    The Beatles

    1970

    Let It Be (Remastered)

  • Rather Be
    18

    Rather Be

    Pentatonix

    2014

    PTX, Vol. III

  • Bless The Broken Road
    19

    Bless The Broken Road

    Rascal Flatts

    2004

    Feels Like Today

  • Perfect
    20

    Perfect

    Pentatonix

    2016

    PTX Presents: Top Pop, Vol. I