The 20 Best Musical Theater Songs for Female Singers - Musical Mum (2023)

Do you love singing musical theater songs? If so, you’re in luck! We have put together a list of the 20 best songs for female singers. These tunes are sure to inspire you and help you showcase your amazing vocal abilities.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced singer, these songs will be perfect for any performance. So get ready to belt out some of your favorite show tunes!

1. “On My Own” by Les Misérables

Lea Salonga – On My Own (Les Misérables) [720p]

“On My Own” is one of the most iconic songs from the musical Les Misérables. The song is sung by the character Éponine, who is in love with a boy named Marius. If you have watched the play, you know that this scene is a very emotional one.

2. “As Long As He Needs Me” by Oliver

As Long As He Needs Me Oliver! (1968) Sountrack

“As Long As He Needs Me” is a heart-wrenching ballad sung by the character Nancy in the musical Oliver. The song is about Nancy’s love for the young orphan boy Oliver Twist, and how she would do anything for him. This tune is perfect for any singer who wants to show off their vocal range and emotion.

3. “She Used To Be Mine” by Waitress

Waitress Tony Performance She Used To Be Mine

“She Used To Be Mine” is a beautiful and introspective song from the musical Waitress. The song is sung by the main character Jenna, who is reflecting on her life and past relationships. It was originally written by Sara Bareilles.

4. “I Don’t Know How To Love Him” by Jesus Christ Superstar

Jesus Christ Superstar (’73) I don’t know how to love him

Another one on the list is from the musical “Jesus Christ Superstar” with the song “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” sung by Mary Magdalene. The lyrics of the song show the internal conflict that she is feeling as she tries to understand her feelings for Jesus.

5. “Still Hurting” by The Last Five Years

“Still Hurting” from The Last Five Years | Southwark Playhouse performance

“Still Hurting” is a powerful ballad from the musical The Last Five Years. It is sung by the character Cathy, who is reflecting on her failed marriage. This song is perfect for female singers who aim to show off their vocal range and it makes a good audition piece.

6. “No One Else” by Natasha, Pierre, and The Great Comet of 1812

No One Else – Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812 (Original Broadway Production)

“No One Else” is a beautiful and haunting song from the musical Natasha, Pierre, and The Great Comet of 1812. It is sung by the character Natasha, who is in love with Anatole but is married to another man. This piece is renowned as one of the most difficult vocal pieces in musical theater.

7. “All That Matters” by Finding Neverland

All That Matters – Finding Neverland

“All That Matters” is a touching song from the musical Finding Neverland. It is sung by the character Sylvia Davis, who is the mother of four young boys in the play. The song is a perfect piece for mezzo-sopranos.

8. “Mama Who Bore Me” by Spring Awakening

1. Mama Who Bore Me w/ Lyrics

Another famous theater song is from the rock musical Spring Awakening entitled “Mama Who Bore Me”. It is sung by the character Wendla, who is reflecting on how she wasn’t taught ways how to handle life by her mom. This piece is set on an angrier tone and is perfect for singers who want to show off their rock vocal abilities.

9. “Think of Me” by Phantom of the Opera

Think of Me – Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera

Next on the list is “Think of Me” which is a beautiful and classic song from the musical Phantom of the Opera. It was originally sung by Sarah Brightman in 1987. This award-winning musical play is based on the novel by Gaston Leroux.

10. “Take Me or Leave Me” by Rent

Rent – Take me or leave me (HD)

“Take Me or Leave Me” is an up-tempo and fun song from the musical Rent. It is sung by the character Maureen, who is a bisexual performance artist. This tune is perfect for female singers who want to show off their vocal range and belt out some high notes.

11. “Doin’ What Comes Natur’lly” by Annie Get Your Gun

Doin’ What Comes Naturally (Complete)

“Doin’ What Comes Natur’lly” is a classic song from the musical Annie Get Your Gun. The song is sung by the character Annie Oakley, who is a famous sharpshooter in the play. Over the years, several versions of the song have been made as the play has been revived multiple times.

12. “I’d Give My Life For You” by Miss Saigon

Lea Salonga – I’d Give My Life for You (Miss Saigon in Manila)

Miss Saigon is an iconic musical that tells the story of forbidden love between an American GI and a Vietnamese woman. The song “I’d Give My Life For You” is sung by the character Kim, who is expressing her love for Chris. Lea Salonga’s version became the most popular and is considered a standard for future artists who will play the role of Kim.

13. “Burn” by Hamilton

Burn

“Burn” is a heart-wrenching song from the musical Hamilton. It is sung by the character Eliza. The piece is considered to be one of the most difficult vocal pieces in musical theater because it needs more effort than it sounds.

14. “Don’t Rain on My Parade” by Funny Girl

DON’T RAIN ON MY PARADE – BARBRA STREISAND

“Don’t Rain on My Parade” is a classic and well-loved song from the musical Funny Girl. It is sung by the character Fanny Brice, who is a famous singer and actress in the early 1900s. This piece demands great rhythm and a powerful chest voice to perfect.

15. “Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again” by The Phantom of the Opera

Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again – Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera

Another song from The Phantom of the Opera that made it to this list is “Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again”. It is sung by the character Christine, who is reminiscing about her deceased father. This song requires a lot of emotion and feeling to connect with the audience.

16. “Requiem” by Dear Evan Hansen

“Requiem” from DEAR EVAN HANSEN performed by Mallory Bechtel | DEAR EVAN HANSEN

“Requiem” is a powerful and moving song from the musical Dear Evan Hansen. It is sung by the character Zoe, Cynthia, and Larry who are having second thoughts about grieving for Connor because of their different beliefs. The song is perfect for female singers who want to show their emotional range.

17. “Pretty Funny” by Dogfight

Pretty Funny

“Pretty Funny” is sung by the character Rose, who is trying to make light of the situation she’s in. The character is crying while singing the entire song in the play, so if you’re planning on using this piece, make sure you are also emotionally ready.

18. “Memory” by Cats

Memory (Reprise) | Cats the Musical

Cats is a musical based on the poems of T.S. Eliot. The song “Memory” is sung by the character Grizabella, who is a former Glamour Cat. It was originally sung by Elaine Paige who then earned a spot in the UK charts with her jaw-dropping performance.

19. “There Are Worse Things I Could Do” by Grease

GREASE – “There Are Worse Things (I Could Do)”

“There Are Worse Things I Could Do” is a song from the romantic-comedy musical Grease. It is sung by the character Rizzo, who is pregnant and doesn’t know what to do with her life. The song is perfect for female singers who want to show their feisty side.

20. “So Big / So Small” by Dear Evan Hansen

So Big/ So Small (Julianne Moore in Dear Evan Hansen)

“So Big / So Small” is a dual-purpose song from the musical Dear Evan Hansen. It is sung by the character Heidi, who is assuring her son that, unlike his father, she is not going anywhere. This piece can be used to show off your vocal range and emotional depth.

Final Thoughts

These are just some of the amazing musical theater songs for female singers. If you are planning on auditioning for a musical, make sure to pick a song that will showcase your strengths and help you stand out from the rest.

And always remember to have fun with it! Musical theater is all about telling a story and connecting with the audience. So go out there and tell your story!