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 (11–20)

Like a PrayerMadonna

Like a Prayer (Choir Version of “Deadpool & Wolverine”) & Carol of the Bells – Extended | Sanctura

Like a PrayerMadonna

Madonna – Like A Prayer (Official Video)

This popular song is known for its powerful vocals and the overwhelming soundscape woven by gospel-style choruses.

Its lyrics skillfully fuse religious themes with human love, making it a work that symbolizes the musical maturity of Madonna, the American artist.

Released in March 1989, it gained widespread popularity as the lead single from the album of the same name, Like a Prayer, topping charts in various countries including the United States and the United Kingdom.

Also featured in a Pepsi-Cola commercial, the song sparked debate over its religious imagery, yet it has continued to enjoy enduring popularity.

If performed as a choral piece, having the entire class sing the gospel-inspired chorus parts can create a grand production that envelops the entire venue.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

The ClimbMiley Cyrus

The Climb (Miley Cyrus) | One Voice Children’s Choir cover

The ClimbMiley Cyrus

Miley Cyrus – The Climb

This piece was released in March 2009 as part of the soundtrack for the Disney film “Hannah Montana: The Movie.” Sung by American artist Miley Cyrus, it’s a powerful ballad with a heartwarming melody that incorporates country-pop elements.

It portrays overcoming life’s trials and hardships, accompanied by gentle piano and guitar and the beautiful sound of violins.

The song reached No.

4 on the U.S.

Billboard Hot 100 and remained on the chart for 28 weeks, becoming a classic.

It also received high acclaim, winning “Best Song From a Movie” at the 2009 MTV Movie Awards.

With lyrics that convey a message of hope and courage and a grand, uplifting sound, it’s perfect for choral performance.

Singing it with classmates is sure to create a moving stage that resonates in everyone’s hearts.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Cruel SummerTaylor Swift

Taylor Swift’s “Cruel Summer”, Choired! | You Have to See This!

Cruel SummerTaylor Swift

Taylor Swift – Cruel Summer (Official Audio)

This song vividly portrays the rush of passionate love and the hidden anguish within it.

Released by American artist Taylor Swift in August 2019 from her album Lover, it features a synth-pop sound marked by distinctive synthesizer tones and a swaying beat, conveying the urgency and addictive feelings of a summer romance.

Reissued as a single in June 2023, it reached No.

1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and won multiple awards, including iHeartRadio Music Awards’ TikTok Bop of the Year.

With lyrics that depict longing for a partner and the emotional turbulence of a secret romance, it’s perfect as a sing-along summer love song—and an ideal choice for students who want to share powerful emotions.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Good Luck, Babe!Chappell Roan

“Good Luck, Babe!” – Gaia Music Collective (One-Day Choir)

Good Luck, Babe!Chappell Roan

Chappell Roan – Good Luck, Babe! (Official Lyric Video)

This song features an emotionally stirring melody about secret love and regret.

It’s an ambitious work unveiled in April 2024 by Chapel Roan, a U.S.-born singer-songwriter born in 1998.

She weaves an earnest longing for a woman into meticulously crafted soundscapes, delivered with a soulful voice.

After earning high praise for her album “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess,” Roan once again teams up with producer Dan Nigro here, seamlessly fusing powerful vocals with refined musicality.

It’s a track that showcases the true essence of an artist whose work has been nominated for the Grammy Award for Album of the Year.

Roan is steadily building her career—she even served as a supporting act on Olivia Rodrigo’s GUTS World Tour.

It’s a superb song that we highly recommend as a choral piece for teens as well.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

All I Want For Christmas Is YouMariah Carey

All I Want For Christmas Is You (Mariah Carey) | One Voice Children’s Choir Holiday Cover

All I Want For Christmas Is YouMariah Carey

Mariah Carey – All I Want For Christmas Is You (Official Video)

This song powerfully sung by American diva Mariah Carey captures a pure wish to spend Christmas with a special someone.

Released in November 1994, it was included on the holiday album “Merry Christmas” that came out the same year and gained attention in Japan as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Christmas at 29.” With its refreshing bell tones and Mariah’s signature soaring vocals, the song conveys a universal message: valuing time with loved ones over material gifts.

With a Japan tour set for 2025, this signature work of Mariah’s is drawing even more attention.

It’s also a wonderful choice for choir competitions, where creating beautiful harmonies together can unite everyone’s hearts.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem