Last month, we gave you some good songs to sing for auditions. But sometimes it helps just to see a list of what to stay away from. As with anything, these lists are flexible and highly depend on context. There are a couple of rules you should follow when choosing the songs. Try to avoid the following.
What type of songs should you avoid for auditions?
Overdone Songs That Directors Are Sick Of
A song that’s overdone at Broadway auditions might be a perfect choice for a high school audition. And if you put a different spin on a song that makes your way completely unique and special, there’s always room for that being an exception to the rule. Keep that kind of flexibility in mind as you go through our list of 10 songs not to sing at auditions.
Anything that is on Broadway right now
Singing a song from a show on Broadway that is currently on stage at an audition could seem cool, but it’s not the best option. It may be challenging for you to stand out if there are numerous other people also auditioning for that. Also, people might compare you to the stars already singing those songs. It’s a better idea to choose a song that isn’t as well-known so you can highlight your unique qualities.
Songs You Don’t Know the Meaning Behind
Choosing a song without knowing its story can weaken your audition. Every piece of music has a message and an emotional backstory. Your performance may come out as hollow if you choose a song solely based on its catchy melody without understanding its deeper meaning. Selecting a music that resonates with you more deeply is crucial. You’ll come off as more convincing and memorable in this approach. Therefore, before performing, always learn about the song’s history and make a connection with it.
10 Songs Not to Sing at Auditions
Here are 10 songs you might want to think twice about before bringing them to your next audition:
1. Popular – Wicked
I know, I know. It’s adorable, a fun comic piece, and even oddly insightful, but it’s been done too many times. While you’re at it, you should probably stay away from most of the Wicked score, especially “Defying Gravity.”
2. On My Own – Les Miserables
Yes, it’s beautiful. Yes, the whole show is incredible. But I’d avoid “On My Own.” Leave behind “I Dreamed a Dream” and “Castle on a Cloud” as well.
3. Think of Me – The Phantom of the Opera
That cadenza at the end is so pretty and impressive, but there other wonderful choices to show off your soprano range that haven’t been done as many times. Also ditch “All I Ask of You.”
4. Tomorrow – Annie
Please just skip this one. To a lesser extent, don’t come in with “Maybe” or “A Hard Knock Life” either.
5. Memory – Cats Musical
I love this song, and the lyrics are really moving and powerful. You just don’t want to compete with Betty Buckley on this one.
6. Don’t Rain on My Parade
Speaking of not wanting to compete, you should typically avoid this Barbara Streisand, later turned Lea Michele, classic. It’s a phenomenal song, but Glee brought it back into the limelight, and it’s become especially overused since then. The Glee songs in general are usually on the “avoid” list.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0ULgXjo4Yo
7. Corner of the Sky – Pippin
There are probably fewer songs for men at auditions that desperately need to be avoided, but this is one of those really popular ones. Pippin is one of my all-time favorite musicals, and this song is gorgeous. It’s just done a lot.
8. Part of Your World – The Little Mermaid
This one’s fun, but unfortunately, most kids have been watching The Little Mermaid since the age of 5, and “Part of Your World” is the big solo in it.
9. Let It Go – Frozen
And speaking of Disney, this is a big to-avoid song. A couple years ago, every girl I knew was belting this one out. Not only is it incredibly difficult to pull off, but it’s also overused.
10. Burn – Hamilton
Hamilton is beloved (as we know from the $1000 tickets). This is a great song, both for vocals and acting, but you may want to wait a while before going to an audition with it in hand.
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Of course, there are plenty of other things to avoid at an audition. In general, if you’re going to a musical theatre audition, you’ll want to bring a musical theatre song instead of walking in with Adele or Taylor Swift. The exception to this is when you’re trying out for a rock musical and specifically asked to bring a pop or rock song.
