Top 10 BEST Songs to Audition With

If you want to paint the town, there’s no better pick than “All That Jazz.” You might think this number is more appropriate for a dance audition, but while it’s definitely a great way to prove that you can move, it’s also a great singing audition choice. “All That Jazz” is sultry and sexy – the perfect song to go for if that’s the type of role you’re auditioning for – and it gives you a plethora of fun dynamics to play with. Whether you want to take it slow and ramp it up, or show off your more energetic side, “All That Jazz” is sure to be a hit.

Speaking of sultry, this is another perfect pick if you’re going out for a role that’s a little more sensual. “How ‘Bout a Dance” is from 2009’s “Bonnie & Clyde,” and while the musical may not have taken off, the songs certainly did. “How ‘Bout a Dance” starts off nice and easy, giving the actor the chance to play with pacing and dynamics, and then moves into a big, belty chorus that’s sure to delight any casting director. If you’re looking to channel Bonnie Parker and steal this role for yourself, there’s no better pick.

We know what you might be thinking – is it really a good idea to sing one of the most popular songs in musical theater at an audition? Surely the casting directors have heard it a million times before, right? In our opinion, this might be one case where you can let it slide. “Some Enchanted Evening” is one of the most romantic songs in all of musicals, and if you can nail it, you’re sure to land yourself a romantic leading role in no time. The song is great for baritones, and really gives you a chance to show off what you can do vocally and emotionally.

Now, let’s go for one on the opposite side of the spectrum. “110 in the Shade” is not as well known as “South Pacific,” and “Simple Little Things” is definitely not as much of a standard as “Some Enchanted Evening” – but that’s just the reason that it might work. “Simple Little Things” is a lovely little “I want” song, but isn’t as big and bombastic as some other numbers in that canon, giving the actor the chance to go for a more nuanced approach. Plus – besides being a stunningly pretty tune – there’s a good chance the casting director hasn’t heard it twenty times that day.

Now, if the role you’re auditioning for requires you to go big and bombastic, have we got a song for you! We almost went with “Fortune Favors the Brave,” but when it comes to “Aida,” “My Strongest Suit” is the real showstopper. It’s everything that you would expect from a musical by Elton John – brassy, showy, and proud of it. If you’re looking to show off your comedic talents, start near the beginning and play up those funny one liners. If you’re looking to show off that belt, take it from a verse into the chorus and belt to your heart’s content! Bring the energy to this one and you’re bound to land that starring role.

A song about heartbreak is a standard in so many musicals. If that’s the sort of song you’re going for in your audition, you might have trouble thinking of one that can stand out from the rest of the crowd. Well, look no further than “There’s a Fine, Fine Line” from “Avenue Q.” This tune offers the singer the chance to show off multiple aspects of their voice, whether it be their belt or mix. It also has plenty of emotional beats to hit, and if your acting chops are up to snuff, you’re sure to wow any casting director.

Altos, your time has come! You might remember “Shy,” the more famous song from “Once Upon a Mattress,” but if you want to impress, we recommend choosing the less overdone and just as funny “Happily Ever After.” So many people choose princess songs for auditions, and while there are some that work, it might be a breath of fresh air for a casting director to hear this hilarious number, which is a little more off beat. Channel your inner Carol Burnett, let your inner comedian shine, and you’ll live happily ever after too.

Speaking of comedy, we have another one for all you funny guys out there. “The Impossible Dream” is without a doubt the signature song of 1965’s “Man of La Mancha,” but we say – why not try the titular number instead? “Man of La Mancha” is a great choice for those lower, baritone voices, and has rich notes that are sure to highlight the great things about your voice. It’s not only a way to show off your voice, but it also features such large, sweeping, hilarious emotions that you’ll get a chance to show off your comedics and theatrics as well. Don Quixote, onward to glory you go!

We said earlier that a lot of people choose princess songs for auditions – and in this case, there’s a reason why. We could have gone with another great song from “Beauty and the Beast,” “A Change in Me,” or a more recent princess song like “In My Dreams” from “Anastasia,” but nothing beats the classic “Home.” “Home” is another tune that really gives a singer the chance to show off multiple aspects of their voice, as well as the chance to play with dynamics to their heart's content. It might be a song that the casting director hears a few times that day, but if you can nail it, we recommend you go ahead.

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

“On the Street Where You Live”, “My Fair Lady”
Be a Leading Romantic Lead

“Pulled”, “The Addams Family”
We Hope You Get Pulled in This Direction

“Before It’s Over”, “Dogfight”
Don’t Be That Girl Who Fades Away

“One Perfect Moment”, “Bring It On: The Musical”
One Perfect Moment, One Perfect Audition

“My Defenses Are Down”, “Annie Get Your Gun”
And So Are the Casting Directors’

There are some musical numbers that are a little too overdone to be good audition songs, and then there are some songs that are so good, it doesn’t really matter. Such is the case with “Stars” from the incomparable “Les Miserables.” There are so many pretty chord progressions and long, sustained notes in this tune bound to highlight the finer points of your voice. If you’re interested in showing off your range, the end is the perfect section to choose, or you can show off your softer beats and acting chops with the beginning. It’s a stellar song all around, and one we highly recommend.