Entering a singing competition can feel both exciting and intimidating. Many performers (both famous and novice) spend weeks worrying about their song choices, overall stage presence, and how they'll come across to the judges - only to realise too late that raw vocal ability alone is not enough.
In this guide, we'll focus entirely on what you can do to prepare for your next singing competition. From choosing the right song and rehearsing effectively, to understanding what exactly it is the judges are looking for, each section will help you feel more confident and in control on the day. You'll also find advice on how to stand out on stage, manage your nerves, and avoid the common mistakes that can undermine an otherwise brilliant performance.
Song Selection for Singing Competitions
Choosing the right song for a singing competition is the most important decision you'll make during preparation. Judges hear dozens of strong voices in a single day, so your song choice needs to do more than just sound impressive
Alongside suiting your voice and the competition format, it should give you room to communicate something convincing within a short audition window.
Ideally, the song you've chosen should sit comfortably within your natural vocal range, while still allowing you to show some variation in tone or dynamics. Generally, most judges value control and consistency over extreme high notes or risky key changes. If a song feels difficult or unreliable during rehearsals, it's likely to become even harder when nerves and pressure come into play.
Song Selection by Voice Type (Examples Guide)
Below, we've written out a simple guide to help you think about song selection based on your voice type. Every voice is different, and many singers sit between different categories1, so use this as a reference rather than something to restrict you.
| Voice Type | Song Title | Original Artist | Genre | Why It Works for Singing Competitions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alto | Somewhere Over the Rainbow | Judy Garland | Ballad | Clear melody and emotional control without extreme range demands |
| Alto | Hometown Glory | Adele | Pop | Gradual build that showcases tone and phrasing |
| Alto | Since U Been Gone | Kelly Clarkson | Pop-Rock | Strong energy with manageable vocal range |
| Tenor | Thinking Out Loud | Ed Sheeran | Pop | Storytelling focus and warm mid-range delivery |
| Tenor | Earned It | The Weeknd | R&B | Controlled falsetto and sustained phrasing |
| Tenor (Falsetto) | Redbone | Childish Gambino | Soul/R&B | Contrast between chest voice and falsetto |
| Mixed Range | God Is a Woman | Ariana Grande | Pop | Flexible phrasing and expressive dynamics |
| Female Alto/Tenor | Maps | Yeah Yeah Yeahs | Rock | Emotional intensity without vocal excess |
🎭 Credibility and Emotional Match
Typically, judges respond the most positively to performances that feel believable. That doesn't mean the song has to mirror your life story, but the emotional tone should at least suit your age and personality. Often, when there's a disconnect between performer and material, the judges will pick up on this regardless of whether your singing is amazing. This is also true for major competitions like the Eurovision Song Contest.
Before the competition rolls around, ask yourself: Would someone believe I mean this lyric if they’d never heard the original song? If the answer is no, reconsider the choice or rethink your interpretation.
⏱️ Choosing Songs That Work in Auditions
As a rule, most singing competitions give you a very short window to make a lasting impression (usually around 60 to 90 seconds). Because of this, your song needs to work well when performed as a short extract rather than a full track.
A strong audition cut generally has:
- A clear opening line that gets into the song straight away
- Something engaging is happening early, so the judges aren't waiting for the performance to “start”
- A section that shows control and musicality, not just volume and power
- Little to no instrumental introduction, so your voice is the main focus
⭐ Standing Out Without Overdoing It
Originality in a singing competition rarely comes from being or sounding unusual just for the sake of it. Instead, things like small changes in tempo or phrasing are more likely to catch their attention, especially when it comes to a familiar song they've heard over and over again. Some ways you could make a song your own include:
What Judges Look For in Singing Auditions
On the day of the competition, the judges are going to be hearing a large number of singers back to back. With limited time and mental bandwidth, they'll be making quick decisions instead of analysing every technical detail of each new singer. With this in mind, what's the best way you can stand out from the crowd?
How They Typically Assess a Performance
Knowing what exactly judges look for will give you a pretty big advantage over other singers who rely purely on talent. Check this out below for a better idea:
| Area Judges Focus On | What They Are Looking For |
|---|---|
| Vocal control | Consistent pitch, steady breathing, and reliability |
| Song interpretation | Clear understanding of lyrics and emotional intent |
| Musical awareness | Good timing, phrasing, and use of dynamics |
| Stage presence | Appearing comfortable, settled, and engaged on stage |
| Professionalism | Confident entrance, calm responses, and a clear finish |
In many auditions, judges make up their minds surprisingly quickly. The first half a minute is usually all they need to get a handle on how well you control your voice, your stage presence, and how clearly the song is coming across 2. Additionally, a steady opening tends to land better than a dramatic moment right at the end.
Understanding how performances are judged can help you stop overthinking. Rather than trying to do too much, you can concentrate on giving a performance that feels controlled and makes sense all the way through.
✅ What Tends to Work Well with Judges
Singers who progress through early rounds often do a few simple things consistently well. Nothing flashy - just good choices that help the performance land quickly.
🚫 Common Reasons Judges Lose Interest
Judges rarely switch off because of one small mistake. More often, it’s a pattern that makes the performance harder to follow or trust. You can see this for yourself in shows like The Voice.
Don't forget to thank the judges and ask what they thought of your performance, too. Be open to their critique and implement their suggestions. After all, you don't want your X-Factor legacy to be on YouTube's 'worst auditions' reel, right?
🎶 Rehearsal & Singing Competition Preparation
The groundwork for a strong audition should be laid well before you step on stage. While knowing your song inside out is important, there's a lot more to preparation than just repeating it until it’s completely memorised.
A singing competition environment brings its own challenges after all - from nerves kicking in at unexpected moments to having limited time, or even space, to warm up properly. So what can you do to make sure you're properly prepared?
🧠 Prepare for pressure
Unfortunately, auditions rarely happen when you're relaxed. Practising at times of the day, or with somebody listening, helps make the experience feel familiar when nerves kick in.
🔥 Keep warm-ups realistic
You may not have much time or space to warm up properly. Getting comfortable with a short routine will help you avoid feeling rushed or underprepared before you sing.
🎤 Practise the audition itself
Likewise, rehearsing from silence and singing straight through will also help you get used to starting calmly and finishing with intention, rather than having to rely on restarts
Also, keep atop of changes. Song contests evolve over time; what might have floored the judges in past editions could leave them unmoved today.
Remember, you’re ready when you can sing your audition through without stopping or correcting yourself. If you're still hoping it will come together on the day, then it's probably a sign your rehearsal needs a bit more time.
Final Checklist Before You Apply for a Singing Competition
Before you apply, it's worth running through a simple checklist to make sure the practical details are covered, and nothing catches you out on the day of the competition. Many of these tips are the same ones that contestants on some of the UK's top singing competitions swear by.
| Final check | Why this matters |
|---|---|
| You’ve read the competition rules carefully | Each competition has different time limits, formats, and backing track rules |
| You know exactly what the audition requires | Some auditions require one song, others ask for alternatives or a cappella sections |
| Your backing track or accompaniment is ready | Technical issues can distract from an otherwise strong audition |
| You’ve checked dates, locations, and deadlines | Avoids unnecessary stress or missed opportunities |
| You’ve chosen appropriate clothing | Comfort and confidence matter more than making a statement |
| You know how the audition will run | Understanding the process helps you stay calm and focused |
| You’re clear on why you’re entering | Having a clear purpose helps steady nerves and expectations |
References
- Amy. (2025, October 8). A guide on choosing songs for vocal competitions. AFD Vocal & Performance Coaching. https://afdsinging.co.uk/news/choosing-songs-for-vocal-competitions/
- Writer, S. (2025, May 20). What judges look for in a singing Contest audition. Ask.com. https://www.ask.com/tv-movies/judges-look-singing-contest-audition
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