If you are looking for the best audition songs for sopranos, it isn’t just a case of picking any song. There are some things that this song must do for you at your audition.
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Stand Out From The Others
You want this song to present you in your best light. Likewise, you will want it to make you stand head and shoulders above the others who may be auditioning. And, you will want the song to allow you to show not only your voice but some acting skills as well.
Don’t Overdo It
Most songs have a story, and some have a very emotional tale to tell. Choosing one of those can be a good idea. It will allow you to demonstrate to those watching you can create the emotion required.
However, it is important to remember not to overdo it. If you do, you will lose the value of the natural emotion, and it will all turn a bit cheesy. The best songs will challenge you, that is a given, but they won’t push you into areas where you are not comfortable.
What Will They Look For?
When I auditioned people for various parts in musicals, I tended to look at several things. Some of these, to a certain extent, are out of the control of the applicant.
An example of something you have no control over…
How do those auditioning see the part? And, of course, what the applicant needs to bring to it. Yes, you can show your vocal skills and even some acting ability, but there is something else. You just need to fit the part. It is hard to define, but you can’t influence that.
The casting director, or whoever is making the decision, will know what they want. They might not be able to explain it, but they will just know. They will be looking at you and thinking, can they see you in the part.
Sometimes The Decider
That’s often the difference between success and failure. You need to remember that you are not a failure if you don’t get the part. They just saw something in someone else. It doesn’t mean you did a bad audition. Pick yourself up and try again.
A Big Impression
But above your natural talent is your personality and what you could bring to the role you need to leave them with a good impression. So, choosing the right soprano song for an audition can go a long way in that respect.
Choose a song to sing that you like. You can see that in a singer. They are enjoying singing the song rather than just going through the motions. Make sure you are having fun, and they can see that.
One Last Thing
There could be a situation where you may need more than one prepared song. This could be for several reasons. Possibly the applicant before you sang the song which you had proposed to do. That could be awkward. But, here is something that I experienced when conducting an audition once.
Sometimes you may get a situation where those auditioning want to hear you again while you are there. Maybe they can’t decide between you and another. Make sure you have a song ready; they may want to hear you sing in a different style.
I once had that, and one of the girls at the audition had nothing else prepared. The other one did and won the day. So, they may ask you to sing again and ask you for something different. They may even specify a style. So, what do you do?
Prepare, Prepare, Prepare
What do you think the keyword is? How did you guess? Choose the one that you plan to sing but then choose two more. One a little more uptempo, the other an emotional ballad. And make sure you… what is the word? That applies to all of them.
So, it’s down to what you choose. Let’s have a look at some suggestions for the best audition songs for sopranos.
Top 105 Best Audition Songs for Sopranos
1
Hello Young Lovers from The King And I
Let’s start with this masterpiece of the 50s from Rodgers and Hammerstein. Some may be surprised that this song is included. But, I have included it for many reasons.
Something important is that it will not be the first song that comes to mind if someone is choosing a piece from this musical. But more importantly, because of the subject matter.
It is a much sadder song than is sometimes appreciated…
In it, Anna expresses her feelings firstly as she sees the Burmese slave girl fall in love with Chunglongkorn. Then, she tells the wives of the King about the loss of her husband.
It is a song that needs to be sung well but also needs to project just the right amount of emotion. You will certainly have the chance to act the part of Anna. Something that may work in your favor.
Bear in mind that this musical and its songs are banned in Thailand. They seem to think that it brings disrepute to their country and their royal family. Maybe they have a different historical version. Nevertheless, make sure that there are no Thai connections or a Thai on the audition panel.
2
Shall We Dance? from The King and I
Let’s stay with the King and I for one more while we are here. You could say that Rogers and Hammerstein were one of the best at writing great musicals.
This story is loosely based on the 1860s diary of Anna Leonowens. A governess for the children of King Mongkut of Siam. Siam, of course, is today known as Thailand.
A chance to show some emotion…
Her relationship, which today we might call a ‘love-rather dislike’ relationship, with the King is portrayed. The emphasis, though, is very much on the former. This is the moment when they both realize that the former emotion is the stronger one.
It is a very visual song in the film which you cannot reproduce. Nevertheless, a great song and one that most will be familiar with.
3
Gimme Gimme from Thoroughly Modern Millie
This is a musical with an interesting story regarding its beginnings. It started as a musical in London in 1956 called Chrysanthemum. That prompted a film in 1967 called “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” which in turn prompted a further musical of the same name.
The story is based on a young girl from a small town who goes to the city to marry a rich man. It is a song that has different moods, so it is an ideal audition song to show off a range of emotions. The beginning is quite sedate, but it comes to life with an energetic finale.
Take A Deep Breath
If you are going to consider this song, then breathing exercises will be in order. The final note is a ‘C,’ quite high for a soprano, and it is held for quite a long time.
If you are looking for a unique soprano song for an audition that others are unlikely to attempt, then this might be a good option.
4
I Could Have Danced All Night from My Fair Lady
You may have noticed. I will be selecting quite a lot of these audition pieces from the very best of the musicals. And here is another one. This is based on George Bernard Shaw’s play Pygmalion written in 1913.
It is a charming story about a poor London girl, Eliza Doolittle. She is a flower seller who takes speech lessons to try and improve her status. At first, Mr. Higgins, her tutor, acts rather cynical toward her but eventually falls in love with her.
It opened on Broadway in 1956 with an original cast featuring Julie Andrews, of course, who else, and Rex Harrison. We were all spared Dick Van Dykes attempts at a London Cockney accent.
The Longest Broadway Run At That Time
It was a huge success and recorded the longest uninterrupted run at that time. The London production with virtually the same cast was also a big hit. It is a veritable goldmine for great soprano audition songs, and “I Could Have Danced All Night” is just one of them.
The song is sung by Eliza, originally played by Julie Andrews, and she sings about her excitement of a dance she has just had with Mr. Higgins.
It is a joyful song that demands a great vocal performance. But, it also offers a chance to demonstrate character recognition and perform the song accordingly.
5
I’ve Got Confidence from The Sound Of Music
A song that was written solely by Richard Rogers as Oscar Hammerstein had died before the film was conceived. They needed a way to take Maria from the abbey to the Von Trapp household, and this song did the trick.
Maria sings this song on her way to the Von Trapp’s, experiencing life outside the abbey for the first time in a while. She is nervous and wonders what her future holds and if she will cope. The song she sings in an effort to convince herself she will be fine.
Plenty Of Positive Feelings
It is a great song for an audition. If people are looking to choose a song from The Sound of Music for their audition, this probably won’t be the first they think of. It is a song full of positivity and creates a nice feeling of enthusiasm that may be an asset in your audition.
In the movie, she portrays Maria in a slightly comedic way while riding her bike. In that respect, it offers opportunities for some creativity in your presentation.
6
I Feel Pretty from West Side Story
Over now to another classic from the world of musicals, and another that could be considered one of the best ever. Bernstein and Sondheim’s take on William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. They picked it up and put it down in New York. Doesn’t sound like it would work, but it did.
This is another song that would not be one of the first those going to an audition might prepare. But that is one of the reasons for considering it as one of the best soprano songs for auditions.
A Joyful Song
Maria sings the song where she works in the bridal shop. She is excited and feels good because she is loved “by a pretty wonderful boy.” It is a song full of joy and hope, despite the way it all turns out in the end.
At this moment, it is all good, which is the basis of a positive performance in front of those auditioning you.
7
Hopelessly Devoted To You from Grease
If you don’t mind taking a risk that someone else might choose this song, then “Hopelessly Devoted To You” is a good choice.
It is taken from Grease, which everyone and their dog are familiar with. It is one of those songs that might be considered a little out of context with most of the other songs in the show. Included for Olivia to do her thing, it is an excellent song and not too hard to perform vocally.
However, it does need to be handled very carefully. It is easy to go ‘over the top’ with this and try to be too dramatic. That kills it a bit, as it doesn’t need it.
One Of The Modern Day Greats
One of the advantages of picking a song from Grease is that just about everybody remembers it fondly. It portrays a time of innocence that probably wasn’t there. But, a bit of artistic license doesn’t hurt occasionally.
It was good fun, with some great music and plenty of energy. Could be a good choice.
8
As Long As He Needs Me from Oliver
As we move towards the end of this selection of the best audition songs for sopranos, we start to bring out the “big guns.” This is another musical created from an English masterpiece of literature. This time it is Charles Dickens and his view of Victorian London, Oliver Twist.
Lionel Bart adapted the story to create one of the greatest musicals of the last 50 years. This is a powerful song that once again needs careful handling. In the musical, the song is sung by a petty thief, Nancy, about the head of the gang of child thieves, Bill Sykes.
A Powerful Song
Despite his mistreatment of Nancy, she still affirms her undying love. Of course, later in the production, he kills her, so this becomes an even more powerful song to sing.
Possibly the best version is by Shirley Bassey. She was able to take a great song and add her emotional slant to it. And that’s how it needs to be performed.
Love that is linked with future tragedy. You will need to be brave to take this on, but get it right, and you are onto a winner.
9
Somewhere from West Side Story
There have been some ‘tear-jerkers’ in musicals, but possibly none quite like this from West Side Story. Leonard Bernstein’s song has become legendary in status. That makes this an apt way to close this list.
It is an emotionally charged song sung mainly by Maria’s friend Consuelo as Maria’s love, Tony, lies dying from a gunshot.
A Big Performance
Once again, this is going to take a big performance, both vocally and emotionally, to create the right atmosphere around the song. You will need to think carefully about this one because it doesn’t just have to be good. It needs to be very good.
10
Not for the Life of Me from Thoroughly Modern Millie
11
The Beauty Is from The Light in the Piazza
12
Maybe This Time from Cabaret
13
The Lusty Month of May from Camelot
14
On My Own from Les Misérables
15
Part of Your World from The Little Mermaid
16
Popular from Wicked
17
Shadowland from The Lion King
18
Someone Like You from Jekyll & Hyde
19
Some Things Are Meant To Be from Little Women
20
Still Hurting from The Last Five Years
21
Something Wonderful from The King and I
22
Take Me Or Leave Me from Rent
23
The Movie In My Mind from Miss Saigon
24
There’s a Fine, Fine Line from Avenue Q
25
Think Of Me from Phantom of the Opera
26
Vanilla Ice Cream from She Loves Me
27
Watch What Happens from Newsies
28
When He Sees Me from Waitress
29
Whispering from Spring Awakening
30
With You from Ghost
31
Home from Beauty and the Beast
32
I Know Him So Well from Chess
33
I Dreamed a Dream from Les Misérables
34
I Enjoy Being a Girl from Flower Drum Song
35
If I Loved You from Carousel
36
In My Own Little Corner from Cinderella
37
It Might As Well Be Spring from State Fair
38
Just Around The Riverbend from Pocahontas
39
Journey to the Past from Anastasia
40
My Favorite Things from The Sound of Music
41
Out of My Dreams from Oklahoma!
42
No One Else from Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812
43
Second Star to the Right from Peter Pan
44
So In Love from Kiss Me, Kate
45
Someday from The Hunchback of Notre Dame
46
Somewhere Over The Rainbow from The Wizard of Oz
47
Summertime from Porgy and Bess
48
The New World from Songs for a New World
49
The Music and the Mirror from A Chorus Line
50
What I Did For Love from A Chorus Line
More 55 Best Audition Songs For Sopranos
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- Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again from The Phantom of the Opera
- Castle on a Cloud from Les Misérables
- In My Life from Les Misérables
- I Could Have Been a Sailor from The Last Five Years
- I Never Knew His Name from The Civil War
- Loving You from Passion
- Good Morning Baltimore from Hairspray
- Don’t Rain on My Parade from Funny Girl
- People from Funny Girl
- I’m the Greatest Star from Funny Girl
- Defying Gravity from Wicked
- I’m Not That Girl from Wicked
- Someone Else’s Story from Chess
- Think Twice from Wonderland
- Not a Day Goes By from Merrily We Roll Along
- A New Life from Jekyll & Hyde
- The Night Was Alive from Titanic
- Simple Little Things from 110 in the Shade
- A Little Brains, A Little Talent from Damn Yankees
- Whatever Lola Wants from Damn Yankees
- I Got the Sun in the Morning from Annie Get Your Gun
- They Say It’s Wonderful from Annie Get Your Gun
- Can’t Help Lovin’ Dat Man from Show Boat
- Make Believe from Show Boat
- What Good Would the Moon Be? from Street Scene
- This Place Is Mine from Phantom
- I Am the Starlight from Starlight Express
- A Heart Full of Love from Les Misérables
- Christmas Lullaby from Songs for a New World
- The Human Heart from Once on This Island
- I Don’t Know How to Love Him from Jesus Christ Superstar
- Come to My Garden from The Secret Garden
- What Baking Can Do from Waitress
- Breathe from In the Heights
- Gimme Love from Kiss Me, Kate
- The Music That Makes Me Dance from Funny Girl
- She Used to Be Mine from Waitress
- A Little Bit of Good from Chicago
- If I Were a Bell from Guys and Dolls
- Falling in Love with Love from The Boys from Syracuse
- The Sweetest Sounds from No Strings
- With One Look from Sunset Boulevard
- Far From the Home I Love from Fiddler on the Roof
- Once Upon a Dream from Jekyll and Hyde
- My New Philosophy from You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown
- There Are Worse Things I Could Do from Grease
- If He Walked Into My Life from Mame
- Glitter and Be Gay from Candide
- A Spoonful of Sugar from Mary Poppins
- Meadowlark from The Baker’s Wife
- Anything You Can Do from Annie Get Your Gun
- Follow Your Heart from Urinetown
- I Am Changing from Dreamgirls
- Someone to Watch Over Me from Crazy for You
- Taylor, the Latte Boy from …Attachments
Need Some Help Finding the Right Audition Song?
We can help with that. Take a look at our detailed articles on Audition-Friendly Pop Songs for Sopranos, Audition-Friendly Pop Songs for Baritones, the Best Audition Songs for Basses, the Best Audition Songs for Altos, and the Best Audition Songs for Kids for more information.
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The Best Audition Songs For Sopranos – Conclusion
Just a selection, of course; there are so many others that I haven’t included. I have stuck to musicals and musical plays. Mainly because that may well be what they are looking for.
However, it may be worth considering songs that are not included in what we know as musicals. If the songs are well-known and can allow you a bit of ‘performance freedom,’ they might be worth considering.
The most important thing, though, is that you choose the songs that are best for you. And, then be positive and confident in your ability and go prepared to do the business.
Until next time, good luck and make yourself heard.
