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[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] Let’s Sing at the Choir Contest! Recommended Western Songs (81–90)

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”?

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Do-Re-MiSound Of Music

The Sound of Music (4/5) Movie CLIP – Do-Re-Mi (1965) HD

Do-Re-MiSound Of Music

In Japan, it’s famous as “Do-Re-Mi,” with lyrics adapted by Peggy Hayama.

Originally, it was a song from the film The Sound of Music.

Many people sang it in kindergarten and elementary school.

Since it’s a song known across all generations, it can be recommended as an introduction.

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