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)

Oh My GodAdele

OH MY GOD – A CAPPELLA COVER (opb. Adele)

Oh My GodAdele

When you think of choir competitions, gentle harmonies are the standard, right? This is a common trend in Japan, whereas overseas it’s not unusual for stylish or powerful, impactful pieces to be used in choir contests.

This piece, “Oh My God,” is the complete opposite of the Japanese choir competition style, and it was released by Adele in 2022.

It’s a work that can maintain high quality with vocals alone, but adding stomping will make it even more powerful.

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True ColorsCyndi Lauper

True Colors by Justin Timberlake from TROLLS (Cyndi Lauper) | Cover by One Voice Children’s Choir

True ColorsCyndi Lauper

For those looking for a song that can uplift listeners, “True Colors” is also recommended.

This track was released by Cyndi Lauper in 1986 and was later covered as a featured song in the animated film Trolls.

That cover version is sung by Justin Timberlake and Anna Kendrick, who voiced characters in the movie.

The lyrics offer comfort to those who are hurt, so singing it could wrap the venue in a warm atmosphere.

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Some NightsFun

Some Nights – Stellenbosch University Choir

Some NightsFun

“Some Nights” is a masterpiece by the American indie pop band fun.

It’s a message-driven song that passionately gives voice to the anxieties and struggles of the millennial generation, resonating with many listeners.

Riding on a sweeping chorus, it depicts a confrontation with the self and an exploration of identity that truly moves the audience.

The lyrical depth hidden within its poppy, catchy sound is precisely what makes it a classic.

Why not capture the song’s world in a choral performance of this signature track that brought fresh air to the music scene? It’s sure to make for an unforgettable stage.

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DANCE MONKEYTones and I

‘Dance Monkey’ Galway City Children’s Choir

DANCE MONKEYTones and I

Tones and I, an Australian female singer-songwriter who broke through in 2019.

Her musical style and vocal timbre are highly distinctive—you can recognize her songs instantly when you hear them.

The piece that cemented her popularity is “Dance Monkey.” At first, the original track might seem ill-suited to choral arrangements.

However, as you can see in the video, it actually pairs very well; as long as you use the piano like a percussion instrument, you can successfully recreate the original’s atmosphere.

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Bridge Over Troubled WaterSimon&Garfunkel

Simon and Garfunkel – Bridge Over Troubled Water

Bridge Over Troubled WaterSimon&Garfunkel

It’s a big hit by Simon & Garfunkel.

It was reportedly created with inspiration from gospel music.

In the United States, it’s considered a staple of the gospel genre, and it remains highly popular even long after its release.

Give it a try!

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