When it comes to the most beautiful songs to sing at a talent show, you can never have enough options to choose from!
Maybe you want to pick a song that showcases your impressive vocal range, or perhaps you want one that shows off your vocal projection.
You might decide to go with a fast-paced, upbeat song or a slower, more dramatic tune. Our list includes the best songs to sing at a talent show that will ensure you and your voice shine.
Whether the talent show is competitive or not, it is a great way to showcase your vocal skills. The goal of taking home the prize can motivate you to master some of the tunes for what could be the performance of a lifetime!
Public performances help you overcome stage fright and gain experience using a microphone while singing with a background track or even a band. With every performance, you’ll learn valuable skills in how to prepare and present your voice. But it does take courage to hit the stage!
If you’re feeling shy, nervous, or just don’t know what song to sing, this article will help you prepare for your big moment on center stage. Experiment with each of these talent show songs to help you narrow down your options and see which ones best suit your vocal range. Check out the 50+ best songs to sing at a talent song, and stick around till the end.
What Songs Should You Sing for a Talent Show?
The best songs to sing at a talent show will depend on your age, vocal range, and personal preferences. Here are some more tips to choose the right song:
- Select songs that showcase your vocal range and abilities.
- Practice the song in advance to become familiar with it.
- Pick up-tempo, upbeat songs for maximum engagement of the audience.
- Choose familiar tunes and melodies so as to entertain the crowd.
- Balance slower, softer pieces with more lively ones to create contrast.
Ready to get started? Sign up for singing lessons today to help you find the best song to sing at a talent show – and check out the other benefits of singing lessons by watching the video below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=huqdwhVX9TI
What Are Some Good Songs to Show Off a Wide Vocal Range?
If proving to the audience that you have strong vocal skills is what you’re after, then you’ll want to consider these songs to sing a talent show:
- “Who Wants to Live Forever”
- “If I Ain’t Got You”
- “Power of Love”
- “Million Reasons”
- “Chandelier”
- “Endless Rain”
If you’re not taking singing lessons yet, make sure you do soon! Taking singing lessons is the best way to become a stronger singer – and to take home first place at the talent show.
Also, make sure you warm up! Failing to warm up before you sing is a big mistake and it can sabotage your chances of winning the competition. Here’s a video of some of the best warm-ups you can do:
50+ Most Beautiful Songs to Sing at Talent Shows
If this is your first talent show or if you’re new to performing, choose a song you know – one that you have practiced a lot and are comfortable singing.
You’ll sound better and look more comfortable on stage when you feel confident with the song you’re singing. After all, you don’t want to worry about remembering the lyrics or trying to nail a tricky part, especially if you’re already feeling a bit nervous. Pick one of your favorite shower tunes or car-singing anthems that you know like the back of your hand, and let it fly!
Some of the most beautiful songs to sing at a talent show are ones with simple lyrics that you can remember. Steer away from overly wordy tunes unless you’re 100% confident in your lyrical recollection!
To help you start brainstorming, here are more than 50 soulful songs to sing for your next performance.
Top 10 Songs to Sing at a Talent Show if You Like Traditional/Folk Music
You can’t go wrong with any of the following tried-and-true favorites. If you’re looking for good songs to sing for a talent show, take these top 10 traditional and folk tunes a spin.
- “Amazing Grace”
- “God Bless America”
- “Danny Boy”
- “This Land is Your Land”
- “Leaving on a Jet Plane” by John Denver
- “Bridge Over Troubled Water” by Simon and Garfunkel
- “The Rainbow Connection”
- “Puff the Magic Dragon” by Peter, Paul and Mary
- “Shenandoah”
- “This Little Light of Mine”
Cool Songs to Sing at a Talent Show if You Like Oldies
The oldies route is always a great choice. Throw it back with some of these classics by the likes of Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder. Belt one of these tunes out, and you just might get the whole audience singing along with you.
- “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” by Aretha Franklin
- “Imagine” by John Lennon
- “Killing Me Softly” by Roberta Flack
- “Respect” by Aretha Franklin
- “Lean on Me” by Bill Withers
- “In My Life” by The Beatles
- “Dancing in the Street” by Martha and the Vandellas
- “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong
- “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley
- “Sir Duke” by Stevie Wonder
Best Songs to Sing if You Like Broadway/Musicals
Pretend the talent show stage is your debut on Broadway! Bust out a show tune from one of your favorite musicals. Whether you go with a “Mamma Mia!” ballad or a lively song from “Grease,” these talent show songs will make you the star of the show.
- “Dancing Queen” from “Mamma Mia!”
- “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” from “The Wizard of Oz”
- “Anything Goes” from “Anything Goes”
- “The Impossible Dream (The Quest)” from “Man of La Mancha”
- “My Favorite Things” from “The Sound of Music”
- “Tomorrow” from “Annie”
- “Fame” from “Fame”
- “Hopelessly Devoted to You” from “Grease”
- “Beauty and the Beast” from “Beauty and the Beast”
- “Footloose” from “Footloose”
SEE ALSO: How to Sing Better Instantly
Best Rock Songs to Sing at a Talent Show
Consider performing one of the following rock songs at a talent show:
- “Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi
- “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen
- “Purple Rain” by Prince
- “You Shook Me All Night Long” by AC/DC
- “Won’t Get Fooled Again” by The Who
Best Disney Songs to Sing at a Talent Show
Audiences love Disney songs! Here are some great picks to perform at a talent show:
- “A Whole New World” from Aladdin
- “Be Our Guest” from Beauty and the Beast
- “Part of Your World” from The Little Mermaid
- “Colors of the Wind” from Pocahontas
- “Go the Distance” from Hercules
- “Let It Go” from Frozen
Best Country Songs to Sing at a Talent Show
If you’re looking to make an impression at a talent show should consider some of the best country songs around:
- “Friends in Low Places” by Garth Brooks
Best Jazz Songs to Sing at a Talent Show
If you really want to knock the judges’ socks off, why not whip out a jazzy song like one of our picks below? Jazz tunes performed by iconic artists like Ella Fitzgerald and Etta James make great talent show songs as they can really show off your pipes.
- “Summertime” by Ella Fitzgerald
2. “New York, New York” by Frank Sinatra
3. “Misty” by Sarah Vaughn
4. “I Got Rhythm” performed by Judy Garland and others
5. “Georgia on My Mind” performed by Ray Charles and others
6. “At Last” by Etta James
7. “Feeling Good” performed by Michael Bublé and others
8. “Fever” performed by Peggy Lee and others
9. “Blue Skies” performed by Willie Nelson and others
10. “Someone to Watch Over Me” performed by Linda Ronstadt and others
Good Pop Songs to Sing at a Talent Show (80s & 90s)
When it comes to singing at a talent show, there is more to your performance than your voice. You want to show the judges and the audience that you’re having fun! And what better way to show off your style and personality than by performing one of these 80s or 90s hits? Channel the likes of Cyndi Lauper or Elton John, and you’ll be in good shape.
- “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper
2. “Something to Talk About” by Bonnie Raitt
3. “Beat It” by Michael Jackson
4. “Living on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi
5. “Don’t Stop Believin'” by Journey
6. “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)” by Whitney Houston
7. “Total Eclipse of the Heart” by Bonnie Tyler
8. “Turn the Beat Around” by Gloria Estefan
9. “Your Song” by Elton John
10. “Piano Man” by Billy Joel
Best Pop Songs to Sing at a Talent Show (Contemporary)
If you’re on the hunt for a good song to sing at the talent show, the following contemporary pop hits promise to deliver. Go with a slow ballad by Norah Jones, or pick up the tempo and belt out Pharrel Williams. Whatever you choose, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
- “Don’t Know Why” by Norah Jones
2. “You Belong With Me” by Taylor Swift
3. “When I Was Your Man” by Bruno Mars
4. “Rolling in the Deep” by Adele
5. “Wanted” by Hunter Hayes
6. “Happy” by Pharrell Williams
7. “Love Song” by Sara Bareilles
8. “Beautiful” by Christina Aguilera
9. “Stronger (What’ Doesn’t Kill You)” by Kelly Clarkson
10. “Waiting on the World to Change” by John Mayer
Best Duets to Sing at a Talent Show
When it comes to performing at your talent show, you don’t have to go at it alone. Two is better than one, so grab your best friend and take to the stage together! Choose from one of the legendary duets below, and you’ll soon realize why these songs have endured the test of time.
- “I’ll Be There” by The Jackson 5
2. “When You Believe” by Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston
3. “Lucky” by Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat
4. “(I’ve Had) the Time of My Life” by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes
5. “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell
6. “Anything You Can Do” from “Annie Get Your Gun”
7. “Summer Nights” from “Grease”
8. “All I Ask of You” from “Phantom of the Opera”
9. “I Got You Babe” by Sonny and Cher
10. “One” by U2 and Mary J. Blige
Best Songs for Kids to Sing at a Talent Show
If you’re a kid or teen looking for songs to sing at a school talent show, these are some of the best picks to choose from:
- “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by Judy Garland
- “Tomorrow” from Annie
- “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley
- “Respect” by Aretha Franklin
- “This Land is Your Land”
- “This Little Light of Mine”
- “Beauty and the Beast”
How Do You Win a Talent Show Singing?
Now that you have an idea of the most beautiful songs to sing at a talent show, it’s time to start preparing.
Practice Often
If you really want to “wow” the crowd, practice is crucial! Chances are, singing along with the tune on the radio isn’t enough to prepare you for the show. To start, take a video of a mock performance of yourself, where you sing along with a backing track.
Focus on Your Appearance
Not only is this a good chance to review your singing, but it’s an opportunity to see how you look when you perform.
Do you look happy and confident? How is your posture? How are you carrying yourself? Keeping an eye on these details will help you bring your performance to the next level.
Think About Your Attitude
Always maintain a professional attitude throughout the talent show. This includes showing up on time, being courteous and respectful to everyone you interact with, and handling any technical glitches with grace. Taking the time to create an impressive introduction and thanking the judges and audience can go a long way in creating a lasting impression.
Emotions play an integral role in connecting with your audience and can evoke positive vibes. Hence, it’s essential to understand the lyrics of the song and emote as you sing. It’s important to recognize that performing with confidence and self-assurance can give you an edge over your competitors!
Sign Up For Singing Lessons
To make the most of your singing skills, there’s no better way to prepare than with vocal lessons. Try taking some free online singing classes for starters. You can also team up with a private voice teacher leading up to the big performance. With every private lesson, you’ll receive a personalized plan to knock your talent show gig out of the park!
Finding the Best Songs to Sing at a Talent Show
Whether you’re looking for songs to sing at a school talent show, a talent show at the local fair, or some other kind of competition, there’s one piece of advice that always holds true. Find a great singing teacher!
A teacher can help you choose the best song for your voice, overcome stage fright, and polish up your overall performance. Even if you have natural singing talent, you’ll still need to practice making the most of your voice. The right vocal coach can help you reach your full potential! You’ll be ready for the spotlight in no time.
Have Fun With It!
Above all, remember to have fun! When the nerves start to kick in about hitting that high note, remember these helpful tips:
- Know your material well, and bring extra copies of the music. This will help in case something goes wrong with the equipment or you lose your sheet music.
- Bring water and hydrate yourself regularly. One side effect of nerves is a dry throat, so drinking water will help.
- Do some meditation, yoga, or stretching right before you go on stage. This will help those tight muscles and body jitters.
- Be sure to warm up your voice! Follow your vocal teacher’s recommended warm-up regimen to loosen up your singing muscles and get your voice in tip-top shape.
- Bring headphones and listen to your song right before going on stage. You will sing much better if it’s fresh in your mind.
- Have fun, and don’t take things too seriously. Your friends and family will be supporting you and cheering you on.
From show tunes to pop anthems, pick any of these incredible songs to sing at a talent show, and you’ll be ready to take center stage. We wish you the best of luck at your talent show!
Do you have favorite talent show tunes? Let us know in the comments below!
Post Author: Liz T.Liz T. teaches online singing and acting lessons. She is a graduate of the Berklee College of Music with a B.M. in vocal performance and currently teaches all styles of music including musical theater, jazz, rock, and pop. Learn more about Liz here!
Liz T