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 Contest! Recommended Western Songs (61–70)

HonestyBilly Joel

Billy Joel – Honesty (Official Video)

HonestyBilly Joel

This is one of Billy Joel’s signature songs.

It’s especially popular in Japan; although it wasn’t included on the U.S.

edition of his greatest hits album, it was included on the Japanese edition.

It has been covered by many artists, including Beyoncé.

With its slow tempo, it’s an easy ballad to sing.

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Your SongElton John

Choir of the Sound: Your Song

Your SongElton John

It was originally a B-side, but thanks in part to radio DJs who loved playing it, the song became a huge hit.

Elton John himself is fond of it, and it has become an essential part of his live performances.

It sings of feelings for a loved one, and it’s sure to fill the competition venue with a heartwarming atmosphere.

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A Million DreamsPasek and Pau

A Million Dreams – The Greatest Showman Broadway | One Voice Children’s Choir Cover

A Million DreamsPasek and Pau

A heartwarming song born from the 2017 musical film The Greatest Showman.

With lyrics centered on childhood dreams and hope for the future, beautifully harmonized with a gentle, embracing melody, this piece is featured in a memorable scene early in the story.

Included on the film’s soundtrack album, The Greatest Showman: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, the song has been performed by choral groups around the world and has gained widespread popularity.

A variety of scores for different ensembles have been published, making it appealing for its flexibility in choosing the best arrangement to suit your members.

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Alone, Pt. IIAlan Walker & Ava Max

Alan Walker & Ava Max – Alone, Pt. II _ cover by COLOR MUSIC Choir

Alone, Pt. IIAlan Walker & Ava Max

I also recommend “Alone, Pt.

II,” which really lets you make the most of powerful vocals.

It’s a work by Norwegian trackmaker Alan Walker and American singer-songwriter Ava Max.

The first half is calm, and it builds up rapidly toward the chorus, so you can showcase a dynamic, impactful voice.

Another appeal is that the lyrics portray a bond with someone important.

It should help deepen your connection even more through choral performance.

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Heal the WorldMichael Jackson

Heal The World – André Rieu (Tribute to Michael Jackson)

Heal the WorldMichael Jackson

A ballad by Michael Jackson from the United States that gently sings a message of love and peace.

Included on the album “Dangerous,” it was released as a standalone single in November 1992.

With its magnificent orchestral and choir harmonies and its beautiful melody, the song voices a wish for peace together with children around the world, making it a piece that can faithfully express its worldview even when performed as a choral work.

Why not sing it with your companions, uniting your hearts and sharing the desire to make the world a better place?

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