RAG MusicSchool Festival
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[2026] Let's Sing at the Chorus Competition! A Roundup of Recommended Western Songs

[2026] Let's Sing at the Chorus Competition! A Roundup of Recommended Western Songs
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[2026] Let's Sing at the Chorus Competition! A Roundup of Recommended Western Songs

When it comes time to choose a piece for the chorus competition, I think many people are thinking, “We don’t want to overlap with other classes!” Since it’s a special competition, you want to pick songs that are uniquely yours and show a performance that stands out from the rest.

In times like that, singing Western music is highly recommended! So in this article, I’ll introduce lots of Western songs that are great for choral performances.

I’ve included not only timeless classics but also recent pop hits, so please use this as a reference when selecting your piece.

[2026] Try Singing at the Chorus Competition! Recommended Western Songs (1–10)

We Are the WorldUSA For Africa

U.S.A. For Africa – We Are the World
We Are the WorldUSA For Africa
U.S.A. For Africa – We Are the World

USA for Africa is a charity music group formed with the aim of helping the poor in Africa.

It drew attention because top artists like Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder came together.

The chorus of We Are the World is arranged as a group sing-along, which makes it very compatible with typical choral performances and easy to sing.

If you want to make it more powerful, have strong vocalists perform Cyndi Lauper’s and Stevie Wonder’s parts as solos.

Wake Me UpAvicii

Wake Me Up – Avicii | One Voice Children’s Choir | Kids Cover (Official Music Video)
Wake Me UpAvicii
Avicii – Wake Me Up (Official Video)

Avicii’s “Wake Me Up” is a captivating song with an exhilarating, moving melody.

Its fusion of country sounds and electronic freshness has kept it beloved across generations.

Singing it wholeheartedly in a choral competition can feel surprisingly uplifting and may even help you discover a new side of yourself.

With a simple yet powerful beat, it’s enjoyable and approachable for everyone—from beginners to seasoned performers.

Beautiful ThingsBenson Boone

Beautiful Things – Benson Boone – DF Malan High School Choir | Boston ChoirFest 2024
Beautiful ThingsBenson Boone
Benson Boone – Beautiful Things (Official Music Video)

This work is notable for its wistful melody and powerful vocals.

Hailing from the United States, Benson Boone is a singer-songwriter who rose to prominence from his activity on social media and broke through with his debut single, “Ghost Town.” This piece was released to the world as the lead single from his debut album, “Fireworks & Rollerblades,” which came out in January 2024.

It’s a gem of a ballad that conveys gratitude born from love as well as the fear of losing something precious, and it has ranked high on charts around the world.

It has also received high acclaim, including winning Best Alternative Video at the MTV Video Music Awards.

In a choral competition, you can create a moving stage by leveraging the emotionally rich lyrics and beautiful harmonies.

MemoriesMaroon 5

Maroon 5 – Memories | One Voice Children’s Choir | Kids Cover (Official Music Video)
MemoriesMaroon 5
Maroon 5 – Memories (Official Video)

“Memories” is a warm-toned ballad released by Maroon 5, a song for remembering loved ones we’ve lost.

With its soothing melody, the lyrics resonate by evoking a connection to the past.

Choosing this piece for a choir competition will convey something more than just a performance to both participants and the audience.

Its simple structure makes it easy to learn, and it’s accessible for singers of all vocal ranges.

It creates a moving moment and supports a dynamic performance that will become a lasting memory of the choir competition.

Die With A SmileLady Gaga, Bruno Mars

Die With A Smile – Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars – cover Happy Choir Skłodowska
Die With A SmileLady Gaga, Bruno Mars
Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars – Die With A Smile (Official Music Video)

This song is striking for its grand message interweaving love and death—a soul-stirring duet by American artists Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars.

Released in August 2024, it beautifully blends a retro atmosphere reminiscent of 1970s soft rock with contemporary sensibilities.

Gaga’s dramatic vocals and Mars’s soulful voice intertwine exquisitely, elevating the piece into a sweeping ballad that portrays the end of the world and an eternal bond with a loved one.

It was also featured as the theme song for the film “Eternal Love” and gained attention as music in an Apple commercial.

For choir competitions, it’s a piece that can fully showcase a group’s vocal abilities and create a moving, heartfelt performance.

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