Wonderful school festival / cultural festival

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

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.
Editor-in-Chief, RAG MUSICHane Keisuke
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. After working in a music studio and handling wedding sound, joined the RAG MUSIC editorial team in 2016. Experienced with a variety of instruments: marching band in elementary school, clarinet in junior high school wind ensemble, and drums in a band from high school onward. Drawing on my own musical activities and the experience gained through my work, I produce daily articles, including various song introductions, features on music festivals around the country, and live reports. In music, I enjoy not only rock from Japan and abroad but, lately, a wide range of J-pop as well.

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 Choir Competition! Recommended Western Songs (51–60)

See You Again ft, Charlie PuthWiz Khalifa

Charlie Puth & Wiz Khalifa – See You Again | One Voice Children’s Choir Cover (Official Music Video)

See You Again ft, Charlie PuthWiz Khalifa

If you’re looking for Western pop music that resonates with a wide range of listeners—from young people to adults—“See You Again ft.

Charlie Puth” is a great recommendation.

This song was created when Paul Walker, the star of the Fast & Furious series, passed away, and as the title suggests, it centers on the theme of farewell.

While the rap verses require some ingenuity, it lends itself not only to gospel-style arrangements but also to choral arrangements.

Consider performing it at occasions such as graduation ceremonies.

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Rain On MeLady Gaga, Ariana Grande

Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande – Rain On Me – Official cover by AMPLIFY of Rise Up Children’s Choir

Rain On MeLady Gaga, Ariana Grande

A collaboration between Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande that races through the heart like a gale.

A Grammy-winning track, it’s truly worthy of being called a power anthem.

Riding a downpour-like surge of melody, it gives us the strength to overcome challenges and hardship.

Released in May 2020, it became a worldwide hit and is included on Gaga’s album Chromatica.

When performed at a choral competition, its energetic, uplifting vibe will resonate as a powerful force shared with your teammates.

It’s a hopeful number that gives courage to those who listen and unites those who sing.

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When You Wish Upon A StarCliff Edwards

When You Wish Upon A Star – sung by Jiminy Cricket (Cliff Edwards)

When You Wish Upon A StarCliff Edwards

It’s the theme song from the animated film Pinocchio.

There are many cover versions, including one by Louis Armstrong.

Its Japanese title is Hoshi ni Negai wo (“When You Wish Upon a Star”), and there are said to be multiple Japanese translations.

With its slow tempo and clear English pronunciation, it’s also recommended for children’s choirs.

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Bad DayDaniel Powter

Daniel Powter – Bad Day (Official Music Video) [HD]

Bad DayDaniel Powter

This is Daniel Powter’s debut single.

Its Japanese title is “Bad Day: An Anthem for Unlucky Days.” It’s a gentle song that stays close to your heart, saying that everyone has down days and today was just a bit unlucky.

If you sing it while clapping along to the rhythm, it might create a sense of unity.

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I Just Called To Say I Love YouStevie Wonder

Stevie Wonder – I Just Called To Say I Love You (Live in London, 1995)

I Just Called To Say I Love YouStevie Wonder

Stevie Wonder, an artist who was hugely active in the New Soul scene of the 1970s.

I think many younger people know him as well.

He has left behind numerous masterpieces, and among them, “I Just Called To Say I Love You” is particularly well-suited for choral performance.

The verses (A and B sections) are simple, while the chorus can be challenging timing-wise.

However, since the lyrics are relatively short overall, it should work perfectly as an assignment piece even for a choir made up of beginners.

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