Have you been learning how to belt, and feel ready to show off your skills at your next audition? Check out these recommendations from voice teacher Molly R. for good belting songs that are also great for a Broadway audition…
Broadway belting is something audiences have loved to hear since the 1940s, when the Queen-of-All-Belters, Ethel Merman, was the main attraction.
Belting is a style of singing in which we bring the chest voice higher than you usually would, to convey extra power or emotion. While some people (and teachers) shy away from it, it’s an exciting singing style that, when done correctly, can be very impressive!
Want a quick intro to belting? Check out this video:
What Are Good Belting Songs?
Many musicals feature incredible songs to belt out. So if you’re looking for some great picks for a singing audition or performance, I’ve pulled together a list of 6 songs that represent a wide variety of time periods, styles, and personalities.
- “Johnny One Note” – Babes in Arms
- “Wherever He Ain’t” – Mack and Mabel
- “City Lights” – The Act
- “All Falls Down” – Chaplin
- “I’m The Greatest Star” – Funny Girl
- “Live Out Loud” – A Little Princess
1. “Johnny One Note” – Babes in Arms
Made famous by the great Judy Garland, this number will have you belting several big B flats… with gusto!
‘Johnny One Note’ is a 1937 show tune. It’s a solid classic if you’re auditioning for an older show. It’s also a great choice for teen belters with a good middle voice. ‘Johny One Notes’ provides enough of a challenge without too much of a chance to strain the voice, as it doesn’t sit too high. This is one of the easier belting songs you can choose!
2. “Wherever He Ain’t” – Mack and Mabel
What a showstopper! Although Jerry Herman’s “Mack and Mabel” was not a hit, critics agree the music is sublime, and ‘Wherever He Ain’t’ is no exception! This sassy number requires you to sing some high notes, so it’s best for an advanced adult belter with a more secure technique.
3. “City Lights” – The Act
Kander and Ebb wrote “The Act” for another legendary belter: Ms. Liza Minnelli. But don’t worry. You can make this one your own, and you should!
‘City Lights’ sits lower, so range-wise it’s not very difficult. But it runs for six minutes, so if you’re singing it for an audition, make sure you perform the cut that shows off your voice best.
This one is also one of the best songs to belt out if you’re a belting dancer. After all, these ARE the composers of “Chicago.” Not only will you be showing off your belting chops, but you’re expected to bring it as far as showmanship, too!
Related Video: How to Choose the Best Broadway Songs for Your Voice
4. “All Falls Down” – Chaplin
‘All Falls Down’ is one of my favorite Broadway audition songs! And, it’s even from another flop musical.
So, what makes this Broadway song so great? It’s completely sassy and has a memorable “cakewalk” style. You get to belt this one full out. It’s probably the most challenging number on this list, as you need to belt pretty high again and again. So this is one of the more advanced belting songs.
5. “I’m The Greatest Star” – Funny Girl
It’s been said “People” should be off-limits, as it belongs to Barbra (and I’ll have to agree with that!). But as far as I’m concerned, singers should feel free to use the rest of the great songs in Funny Girl, including ‘I’m the Greatest Star.’
The big belting doesn’t really come until the end of this song, so I’d say this is more for the intermediate belter. The bulk of the song is mid-voice and is meant to be sung with TONS of conviction… and serious comedic chops!
6. “Live Out Loud” – A Little Princess
‘Live Out Loud’ is ideal for younger belters. It’s a wonderful, uplifting tune that is sure to wow. It’s also one of the best songs to belt out if you have more of a soprano-ish voice quality.
That’s right. Soprano/belt is definitely a voice type! The melody of ‘Live Out Loud’ is gorgeous and quick-moving, and the song is just under three minutes.
Choosing Belting Songs for Auditions or Performances
Before you choose one of these songs to belt out, remember that belting is a specific vocal skill that doesn’t come easily to most of us. It’s super easy to hurt yourself if you do it incorrectly. The last thing you want is to strain your voice when getting ready for a performance or audition.
Some voice teachers specialize in this technique, so make sure you’re working with someone who can help you achieve the sound you’re after! TakeLessons has many talented instructors who can help you achieve your belting goals. Good luck!
Do you have any other good belting songs to add to our list? Let us know in the comments below!
Post Author: Molly R.Molly R. teaches online and in-person singing lessons in Hayward, CA. Her specialties include teaching beginner vocalists, shy singers, children, teens, lapsed singers, and older beginners. She joined TakeLessons in November 2013. Learn more about Molly here!
Suzy S.