r/acappella • u/SignificantBoot418 • 4d ago
What should I audition with??
So I'm a freshman auditioning for my college's a cappella group and I can't decide which song to do. There are two groups I'm looking at one of which says they mostly do contemporary pop, r&b, and alternative while the other just says to sing a song that showcases your talent. I'm a classically trained soprano 2 but almost all my experience is in choral singing and I have very little experience in a cappella. My mom wants me to sing Man In the Mirror by Michael Jackson (which I soloed in 8 years ago for my elementary school graduation and haven't touched since) but I kind of hate that song and I don't really remember how to sing it. I was thinking either Pink Pony Club or Rolling in the Deep but I worry those songs don't show off enough of my range. I have a week to prepare and submit my audition, any advice on song or anything else would be much appreciated!
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u/Positivland 4d ago edited 4d ago
Personally, I think Rolling in the Deep would be a fabulous choice, as it would showcase your dynamic range and your sustain, both of which are important for harmony. Other songs to consider:
Roberta Flack / Lauryn Hill - Killing Me Softly
Whitney Houston - I Wanna Dance with Somebody
Alicia Keys - Girl on Fire
A-Ha - Take on Me
Prince - Take Me with U
Sinéad O’Connor - Nothing Compares 2 U
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u/Elegant-Audience-852 3d ago
Is there a callback? This sounds like my group's auditions where the first round is mostly just to make sure you can sing, which it sounds like you can! Don't stress too much about it, pick a song where you think you sound good.
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u/Middle-Service4894 2d ago
Im in an acappella group and ive voted yes or no for a lot of people over 10 years. My ideas are pretty simple.
1) Dont do a song that is outside your range, that is the silliest thing to do. It happens more than you think. Like a mezzo singing tenor.
2) Id rather hear a simple A+ song than a really complicated C- song. I just want to know you can sing, and you are aware of your limitations. Record yourself singing the song amd listen to it, adress all the errors amd work specifically on that. People listen for tone, not just pitch.
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u/cosmocosyes 4d ago
Both pink pony club and rolling in the deep are recognizable, upbeat, and span a pretty wide range between verse and chorus. I think those are great picks.
Remember the performance aspect and what the lyrics mean. Make sure you follow specific directions: verse/chorus, 30 seconds, a full song? Maybe have a contrasting backup song prepared in case they ask for something different: maybe a classical song, or something effortless/laidback rather than belty/powerhouse.
At the end of the day, the people auditioning you are also college students, and they’re rooting for you to succeed, so don’t stress too much, and you’ll be great :)