Top 5 Songs to Avoid in Auditions (And What to Sing Instead)
- Garry Anderson
- Sep 11
- 5 min read
Choosing an audition song can feel like a minefield. Do you go with the big showstopper? The classic ballad? The one everyone knows? The one no one knows?
The truth is, some songs are best left off your audition list - not because they're bad, but because they're overdone, vocally risky, or awkward out of context. Casting teams have heard them hundreds of time, and unless you bring something truly original, they'll tune out before the final note.
But don't worry - we've got you.
This blog breaks down five audition songs to avoid and offers smarter, fresher alternatives that let you stand out without sending up red flags. Whether you're auditioning for a school show, college program, or professional production, these swaps will help you hit the right note from the moment you walk in.
Why Certain Songs Should Be Avoided
Not every popular song is a good audition choice. even if you love it, there are a few common pitfalls that can work against you in the audition room:
🚫1) Overdone to Death
If it's on every other auditionee's setlist, it's hard to stand out. Casting teams have heard it a hundred times - often that same week. Even a brilliant performance might get lost in the noise.
😬2) Too Technically Demanding
Some songs are filled with huge vocal leaps, tricky rhythms, or intense high notes. Unless you're absolutely rock solid, it's safer to go for something you can nail confidently.
🤷♀️3) Out of Context
Some songs don't land outside the full show. Without the surrounding story or character arc, they can feel flat, confusing, or melodramatic. Great for the stage - not great for 16-bar cuts.
❌4) Age or Type Inappropriate
Singing something that doesn't suit your age, character type, or the show you're auditioning for can make you feel miscast before you've even started. Sing for the part, not despite it.
😩5) Emotionally Draining
We all have those songs that wreck us emotionally - but in an audition? tears, shaking hands, or tense breath control won't help you perform at your best.
Top 5 Audition Songs to Avoid (And What to Sing Instead)
We've all heard them - the go-to audition songs that pop up time and time again. They're popular for a reason, but that also means they've become predictable, risky, or just plain tired in the audition room.
Below are five songs that often do more harm than good at auditions - and a fresher, smarter alternative for each one. These swaps still capture the same mood, character type, or vocal quality, but without setting off any "not this again" alarms for the panel.
1) "Let It Go" - Frozen
Why It's a Problem
It's iconic - and that's the problem. As soon as you start singing it, the panel will hear Idina Menzel in their head, not you. Plus, it's technically demanding with big sustained notes, a wide range, and very little room for subtle interpretation. It's also heavily associated with kids' performances, which can make it feel less mature in certain audition settings.
Sing Instead
"Waiting for Life" - Once on This Island
It still delivers a powerful "I want" moment with soaring energy and vocal build - but it's fresher, more rhythmic, and far less overused. It shows off vocal control and emotional range without the pop-diva baggage.
2) "Defying Gravity" - Wicked
Why It's a Problem
It's one of the most over-sung audition pieces of all time. Not only is it technically brutal (massive range, sustained belting, breath control chaos), but it also doesn't work well in cut format. Unless you're Elphaba with a wind machine and a cherry picker, it just won't land the way it does in context - and panels have heard a lot of wobbly versions.
Sing Instead
"Astonishing" - Little Women
It still delivers a big, emotional climax and shows off a similar vocal range, but with more opportunities for nuance and acting. It's empowering, theatrical, and ambitious - without being quite so infamous in the audition room.
3) "Waving Through a Window" - Dear Evan Hansen
Why It's a Problem
This song is everywhere in teen and young adult auditions. It's emotionally heavy, rhythmically complex, and vocally exposed. Plus, without the full emotional build of the show, it can come off as overdramatic or disconnected. The panel has likely heard it five times before lunch.
Sing Instead
"Boy Falls From the Sky" - Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark
It's got that same angsty, soaring, introspective energy, but it's far less expected. It lets a male-presenting performer show off emotional range, pop-rock tone, and intensity - without falling into the Evan Hansen trap.
4) "On My Own" - Les Misérables
Why It's a Problem
This song is a classic audition cliché - especially for young female performers. It's been done to death, and unless you bring something radically fresh, it's hard to make it stand out. Vocally, it sits in a repetitive range and can feel emotionally one-note in a cut. Plus, without the full weight of the show behind it, it can feel overly earnest.
Sing Instead
"One Perfect Moment" - Bring It On
It still offers a strong "I want" moment with youthful energy and vulnerability, but with more rhythmic variety and contemporary flair. It's ideal for modern theatre auditions and gives performers space to act, not just sing.
5) "Corner of the Sky" - Pippin
Why It's a Problem
This song used to be a standout - but now it's a go-to for every tenor who wants to sound introspective and earnest. it's frequently overused in auditions, and many versions lack the depth and clarity it needs to land. The lyrics are vague, and without strong storytelling, it can feel emotionally empty. Plus, it's tough to sing well and make interesting.
Sing Instead
"Run Away With Me" - The Unauthorized Autobiography of Samantha Brown
It keeps that longing, idealistic tone - but feels much more current and emotionally grounded. The vocal build is beautiful, and it gives the performer a clear narrative arc to act through. Bonus: it's still lesser-known to many audition panels.
Final Thoughts
Choosing an audition song isn't just about picking a fan favourite or something that's fun to sing in the shower. It's about showing you - your voice, your choices, your character, your confidence. The truth is, even the most iconic songs can work against you if they're too common, too risky, or too out of context.
The good news? There are so many underrated songs out there that give you everything you're looking for - without blending into the background. So be bold. Be smart. And sing something that makes the panel lean in, not tune out.
🎭 What song are you sick of hearing in auditions?
💬 Drop your “avoid at all costs” picks in the comments - and let us know your go-to hidden gem!
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