[2026] Let's Sing at the Chorus Competition! A Roundup of Recommended Western Songs

Let It BeThe Beatles

Let it Be – Melbourne Singers of Gospel

Released by The Beatles in 1970, this song is one of their signature and moving works.

The lyrics reflect the words of McCartney’s late mother—“accept things as they are”—and the song teaches us the importance of facing forward in life even when we encounter inevitable hardships.

Enjoyed across generations, it’s a highly popular choice and an excellent recommendation for a Western choral piece.

Stand By MeBen E. King

Ben E. King – Stand By Me (Official Audio)

It’s a song inspired by African American spirituals.

It’s widely known as the theme song for the movie of the same name, Stand by Me.

Some of you may have heard it in commercials as well.

The singer, Ben E.

King, was also a Japanophile and even appeared on Japanese TV shows in the past.

Livin’ On A PrayerBon Jovi

Livin’ on a Prayer – Sing City™ Rock Choir

If you want an energizing choral piece that can carry you to victory in a competition, I recommend “Livin’ On A Prayer.” It’s a classic Bon Jovi hit that everyone knows.

Many might think its powerful rock edge doesn’t suit choir, but this song actually pairs extremely well with choral performance, and the chorus packs exceptional punch.

Have you seen that video from overseas of a Black man singing this song on a train? If you perform it with that kind of big, bold voice, it’ll bring the house down at a competition.

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DiamondsRihanna

Diamonds – Rihanna (written by Sia) | One Voice Children’s Choir | Kids Cover (Official Music Video)

It’s a beautiful, radiant song with a powerful, striking melody.

The lyrics celebrating the bond with a loved one really resonate.

Rihanna’s clear, transparent vocals capture the song’s world perfectly and are truly overwhelming.

Released in September 2012, the track became a global hit, reaching number one on the charts in the United States and the United Kingdom.

It’s included on the album Unapologetic.

If you perform it at a choir competition, singing with a strong sense of unity will surely make for a moving stage.

You Raise Me UpSECRET GARDEN

“You Raise Me Up” – cover by COLOR MUSIC Children’s Choir

If you’re looking for a moving piece for a choir competition, “You Raise Me Up” is one you can’t afford to miss.

Written as an expression of gratitude to those who support us in difficult times, the song has been covered by many artists.

Its stirring melody deepens the bonds among those who sing together and gives courage and hope to listeners.

The song’s structure also lends itself to rich choral expression, and the lyrics carry a powerful emotional impact.

There are videos of performances from actual competitions as well, which can serve as helpful references for practice.

Believing in the power of music and singing together as one, this song is a perfect fit for choir competitions.

Something Just Like ThisThe Chainsmokers & Coldplay

The Chainsmokers & Coldplay – Something Just Like This (cover by COLOR MUSIC Choir)

The Chainsmokers & Coldplay – Something Just Like This (Official Lyric Video)

If you’re looking for a choral performance that stands out, “Something Just Like This” is the perfect choice.

The collaboration between The Chainsmokers and Coldplay blends electronic and rock to create a comfortably immersive sound.

The song’s message celebrates the beauty of being ordinary and conveys the importance of being yourself without needing any special powers.

The positive energy woven into the lyrics will resonate with the students singing and inspire courage and hope in the audience.

By stepping outside conventional boundaries and opening the door to a new genre, you’ll create a choral stage that’s truly unforgettable.

Beauty and the BeastAriana Grande & John Legend

Ariana Grande, John Legend – Beauty and the Beast (From Beauty and the Beast – Official Video)

This is the theme song from the 1991 animated film Beauty and the Beast, best known for the duet by Celine Dion and Peabo Bryson.

With the release of the 2017 live-action version, the song was re-released with different artists and drew attention again.

It is very popular as a mixed-voice choir piece.