RAG MusicSchool Festival
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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] Let’s Sing at the Choir Contest! Recommended Western Songs (101–110)

Someone You LovedLewis Capaldi

Choir! Choir! Choir! sings Lewis Capaldi “Someone You Loved”
Someone You LovedLewis Capaldi

This song is marked by a poignantly bittersweet melody.

The piano’s timbre and his soul-stirring vocals capture the pain and loneliness of heartbreak without leaving anything out.

Unfolding at a gentle tempo, it’s sure to seep deep into the listener’s heart.

Featured on Lewis Capaldi’s debut album, Divinely Uninspired to a Hellish Extent, released in May 2019, the track sparked a huge response, including spending six weeks at No.

1 on the UK Albums Chart.

It resonates not only with those who’ve experienced a breakup, but also with anyone who has lost someone dear.

HeroMariah Carey

Hero (Mariah Carey) | One Voice Children’s Choir cover
HeroMariah Carey

If you’re looking for a song that inspires emotion and courage to resonate in a choir competition, Mariah Carey’s “Hero” is highly recommended.

This ballad draws out the strength that wells up from deep within.

Its lyrics, which sing of the courage to face forward even amid loneliness and hardship, will surely deeply touch the hearts of those who sing it.

The song’s clear, transparent quality becomes even more beautiful when layered with clean harmonies—perfect for fostering unity on the choral stage.

Another appeal is that by enunciating the English clearly, you can share a moving experience that transcends language barriers.

Why not create shared emotion and lasting memories at your choir competition through “Hero”?

Made You LookMeghan Trainor

Cleveland Heights Women’s Barbershoppers – Made You Look (Meghan Trainor cover)
Made You LookMeghan Trainor

A sparkling pop number from Meghan Trainor that inspires you to reevaluate your own worth.

This track is a single from her fifth major album, “Takin’ It Back,” released in October 2022.

Blending doo-wop style with a horn section, the song’s light rhythm delivers a buoyant, positive vibe.

Its lyrics convey the message that you’re attractive even without wearing expensive designer brands—perfect for anyone looking to boost their self-esteem.

It’s the kind of song that makes you want to belt it out confidently on a choir competition stage.

Don’t Look Back In AngerOasis

GSC Brexit Special – DON’T LOOK BACK IN ANGER (Oasis)
Don't Look Back In AngerOasis

Oasis’s classic song, “Don’t Look Back in Anger.” Since it was used in the 2010 film BECK, which is based on a manga, many of you may remember it well.

At first glance, the lyrics might seem to portray a romance, but according to Noel Gallagher, it was created based on his childhood experiences.

That aspect also makes it suitable for a choral competition.

The melody is very catchy, but since the chorus requires a fair amount of vocal power, it would work well for mixed-gender or all-female choirs.

SailingRod Stewart

Rod Stewart – Sailing (Official HD Remastered Video)
SailingRod Stewart

The original song was a 1972 single by the Sutherland Brothers, later covered by Rod Stewart.

His husky voice is wonderful, but the song takes on a different kind of charm when sung as a chorus.

Let’s sing it with a gentle heart.

[2026] Try Singing These at Your Choir Competition! Recommended Western Songs (111–120)

True ColorsCyndi Lauper

Cyndi Lauper – True Colors (Official HD Video)
True ColorsCyndi Lauper

This is a single released from Cyndi Lauper’s second album.

The song questions the true beauty within a person and has also been used as an anthem for human rights movements.

Singing it together might help convey its message even more powerfully.

SeñoritaShawn Mendes & Camila Cabello

Shawn Mendes, Camila Cabello – Señorita (Acapella version by Bahiyya Haneesa)
SeñoritaShawn Mendes & Camila Cabello

If you’re looking to take on a sexy number for your choir competition, we recommend “Señorita.” Released in 2019 by Camila Cabello and Shawn Mendes, the song gained worldwide popularity, helped by the fact that the pair confirmed they were dating after its release.

With just piano and choir, you can fully bring out the essence of the original.

If you want to incorporate Latin music or a love song into your choir competition program, this is a must-check!