If you’re on the hunt for standout audition songs for altos, you probably already know how tricky it can be to find the right piece. Altos often face the challenge of being overlooked in a world that loves high notes and belting, but the truth is, the alto voice is a powerhouse of warmth, depth, and emotional storytelling. Choosing the right song means finding one that not only fits your vocal range but also shows who you are as a performer. Whether you’re going in for a classic role, a modern musical, or something a little more offbeat, this list is here to help you shine.

These 25 audition songs for altos cover a wide variety of genres and styles—from musical theatre standards to contemporary hits and unexpected gems that’ll make you stand out in the audition room. Let’s dive in.

Audition Song Examples

1. “As Long As He Needs Me” – Oliver!

This ballad is a defining moment for any alto with emotional depth. It captures the heartache, loyalty, and inner turmoil of Nancy, a complex character stuck in an abusive relationship. The song’s long phrases and deep, resonant notes provide a powerful showcase for rich lower tones. It demands sincerity and strong acting choices. If you’re auditioning for a dramatic role, this piece lets you blend vocal strength with vulnerability, building intensity as the song progresses. It’s ideal for showing emotional stamina and character-driven storytelling.

2. “If He Really Knew Me” – They’re Playing Our Song

This underused gem gives you a chance to shine with quiet introspection. It’s a soft and lyrical piece with conversational pacing, perfect for intimate audition settings. The melody sits comfortably in an alto’s chest voice, and its reflective lyrics allow you to show internal conflict without melodrama. Great for roles that require subtlety and self-awareness. Its lesser-known status makes it a smart choice for standing out, while still offering enough emotional meat to leave a lasting impression.

3. “Adelaide’s Lament” – Guys and Dolls

This comic masterpiece lets you showcase more than just your voice—it highlights your timing, personality, and character commitment. Adelaide’s nasal, worried tone is iconic, and the monologue-like delivery lets you stretch your acting chops. The melody hovers in the mid-to-low register, so it’s ideal for altos who shine in character work. Use it to demonstrate range in your acting skills, from anxiety to adoration. It’s also a great contrast piece if your main cut is dramatic or serious.

4. “You’ll Never Walk Alone” – Carousel

This is a powerhouse song for altos who can sustain long lines and deliver emotional weight with control. It’s hopeful and stirring, and while its tempo is slow, the song’s build requires strength and breath support. Audition panels often respond to this song’s spiritual tone and message of resilience. Use it if you want to deliver a classic performance that resonates across generations. It’s also well-suited for audition settings where vocal warmth and sincerity matter more than flash.

5. “I Cain’t Say No” – Oklahoma!

Flirtatious, humorous, and full of Southern charm, this number gives you space to explore comedic acting while staying true to your vocal comfort zone. The melody doesn’t go too high, making it ideal for true altos. The character of Ado Annie is spirited and naive, and this song captures her inner conflict in a fun, upbeat way. Perfect for casting calls looking for quirky, lovable, and slightly misguided female leads. It’s a great way to lighten the mood and make the panel smile.

6. “With You” – Ghost the Musical

A stunning ballad of grief and remembrance, “With You” requires emotional availability and control. It doesn’t demand big belts—instead, it asks for intimacy and restraint. The lyrics are simple but devastating, giving you the chance to connect deeply with your audience. It’s especially effective in auditions for roles dealing with loss or quiet strength. The melody fits comfortably in the alto range, offering a platform for your pure tone and phrasing.

7. “She Used to Be Mine” – Waitress

Though it edges into mezzo territory, this contemporary favorite can work well for altos who focus on storytelling. The song is a rollercoaster of regret, self-reflection, and quiet empowerment. It requires breath control and the ability to shift dynamics naturally. Avoid mimicking popular versions; instead, focus on delivering it from your own emotional truth. It’s a great solo to show vulnerability and growth. Make sure your phrasing is honest and nuanced—audiences can tell when it’s coming from the heart.

8. “Pulled” – The Addams Family

This character-driven song allows you to combine musical precision with quirky comedy. Though often sung by mezzos, it sits well in an alto’s chest voice and is rich with acting opportunities. The song depicts Wednesday Addams grappling with the unfamiliar feeling of love, and it’s filled with dark humor and fast transitions. If you’re auditioning for offbeat roles or teen characters, this is a perfect piece. It shows off your vocal control and your ability to shift between emotional tones quickly.

9. “The Life I Never Led” – Sister Act

This emotional ballad allows you to explore themes of longing and suppressed desire. Sung by a character who is sheltered and quietly brave, the song builds gradually, giving you space to develop intensity over time. It’s an excellent choice for showing personal growth and emotional awakening. Vocally, it sits nicely in the mid to lower register, with plenty of opportunities for expressive phrasing and dynamic variation. Perfect for altos who want to show warmth, depth, and internal strength.

10. “Not a Day Goes By” – Merrily We Roll Along

Sondheim’s songwriting demands clarity and precision, and this song is no exception. It’s a heart-wrenching reflection on love and memory, told through intricate phrasing and lyrical density. For altos with excellent diction and emotional control, it’s a goldmine. The melody hovers in the lower register, allowing for subtle shifts in tone and mood. It’s best used in serious auditions or callback settings, especially when you want to demonstrate both vocal intelligence and artistic maturity.

11. “Back to Black” – Amy Winehouse

This smoky, moody piece is a gift for altos with soul and storytelling instinct. Its vintage vibe and steady rhythm create space for nuanced vocal inflection. The song isn’t about belting—it’s about control, confidence, and attitude. Use it for non-traditional auditions or roles that ask for edge and individuality. It also pairs well with shows that lean jazz, soul, or contemporary pop. Make sure your version channels emotion without overpowering the phrasing.

12. “Someone Like You” – Adele

One of Adele’s signature songs, this ballad taps into raw vulnerability and quiet strength. The melody allows for dynamic variation, with verses that sit in a hushed tone and choruses that open up without demanding full belts. It’s a powerful choice for auditions focused on emotional authenticity rather than vocal acrobatics. If you want to show that you can connect with a song in a personal, grounded way, this is an ideal pick. Just be sure to make it your own.

13. “No One” – Alicia Keys

A soulful declaration of love and resilience, this song thrives on groove and conviction. It allows altos to explore vocal tone, rhythm, and steady power without going too high. It’s a strong choice for pop-centric auditions or shows looking for emotionally grounded vocalists. Because it relies on repetition, your interpretation needs to bring freshness to each phrase. Use it to show confidence, positivity, and a full-bodied tone.

14. “Valerie” – Mark Ronson feat. Amy Winehouse

This retro-inspired song blends sass and swing with a bluesy undertone, making it ideal for altos with personality. It’s fast-paced and rhythm-driven, giving you room to show off stylistic phrasing and breath control. Though not a traditional audition song, it’s great for settings that allow a little more flair and funk. Use it to highlight confidence, charisma, and a fun sense of rhythm. Bonus points if you add a touch of choreography or playful eye contact.

15. “Stay” – Rihanna

Intimate and minimalist, “Stay” strips away production and lets your voice take center stage. It’s a slow burn, requiring emotional sincerity and phrasing finesse. The melody is repetitive, which means you’ll need to rely on your tone and dynamics to keep the listener engaged. It’s an excellent choice for showing vulnerability and control, especially if you have a subtle vibrato or breathy tone. Use it to create a moment of stillness in the audition room.

16. “Simple Little Things” – 110 in the Shade

This beautiful ballad offers a wistful look at quiet dreams and a longing for simplicity. It’s a masterclass in subtlety, asking the singer to communicate depth through stillness and gentleness. The melody supports a warm, low vocal tone, making it a great fit for true altos. It’s particularly effective in auditions for grounded, authentic characters. Let the words lead your performance—the power here lies in understatement and sincerity.

17. “He Wasn’t You” – On a Clear Day You Can See Forever

A lush, sweeping ballad with lyrical beauty, this song is perfect for romantic leads or mature roles. Its gentle rise and fall let you showcase breath support and control, while the lyrics allow for emotional nuance. It’s rarely used in modern auditions, giving you a unique edge. The song is best suited to quiet but powerful singers who can draw an audience in with graceful delivery. Let the melody flow naturally, and focus on intention behind each word.

18. “Come to Your Senses” – tick, tick… BOOM!

This explosive song offers dynamic contrast—from whispered verses to powerful choruses. It’s perfect for altos with flexible range and theatrical energy. The lyrics convey frustration, passion, and determination, which lets you tell a rich emotional story. The rhythmic variation and mixed style (pop-rock meets theatre) also show vocal versatility. Use it to stand out when you’re called to deliver something bold, emotional, and unexpected.

19. “Raining” – Rocky

A hidden gem that sits beautifully in the alto range, “Raining” is full of longing and hope. It’s a quiet ballad with strong emotional undercurrents, perfect for showing vulnerability without vocal strain. The phrases are simple but meaningful, and the song gives you space to breathe between thoughts. It’s especially effective for characters experiencing change, transition, or emotional growth. The key to performing it well is restraint—let the emotion build naturally and don’t oversell it.

20. “Easy to Be Hard” – Hair

This soulful protest song asks big questions in a personal way. It’s melancholic and dramatic, allowing you to show frustration and sadness without oversinging. The melody hovers in the lower register and is deceptively simple. It’s a great pick for socially aware productions or more emotionally raw audition contexts. If you have a rich, expressive lower voice, this piece will let you dig deep and connect with the audience.

Quick Tips for Altos Preparing for Auditions

Finding the right song is just the beginning. How you deliver it matters just as much as what you sing. These tips are especially important for altos who want to showcase their best qualities in a short audition window.

Know your vocal comfort zone.

Choose a song that fits your range naturally—don’t try to stretch too high just to impress. Your strength is in tone and storytelling, not vocal acrobatics.

Start strong.

Pick a cut that begins with impact. Many auditions only allow 16 or 32 bars, so make sure you’re grabbing attention from the first line.

Tell a story.

Altos often shine in songs that require depth and emotion. Focus on acting through your voice—every lyric should feel like it means something to you.

Stay away from overdone pieces—unless you bring something fresh.

If you go with a popular choice like “She Used to Be Mine,” make sure your interpretation feels personal and different. Otherwise, opt for something less commonly heard.

Prepare a contrast.

If possible, have a second piece ready that shows a different side of your voice—something playful if your main song is dramatic, or something classic if your first pick is modern.

Rehearse with accompaniment.

Make sure you’ve practiced with a pianist or backing track before the audition. It helps with timing, confidence, and polish.

Breathe and believe.

Your voice is enough. Walk in with confidence in your tone, your story, and your song choice. Audition panels respond to honesty and presence more than perfection.

Your Voice, Your Strength

Being an alto is a gift. You bring something deep, grounded, and emotionally rich to the world of music and theatre—something that can’t be faked or replaced. The right song will do more than just showcase your vocal range; it will let you step into a character, share a piece of your heart, and leave an impression that goes far beyond the notes on the page.

So as you prepare for your next audition, choose a song that fits not just your voice, but your spirit. Trust your instincts. Lead with sincerity. And remember: your voice isn’t less—it’s rare, it’s resonant, and when paired with the right song, it’s unforgettable.