“Kids” is an undefined age; a kid auditioning could be any age from 5-16 years old. And what suits a 5-year-old will probably not suit a 16-year-old. It is, therefore, a difficult task to decide what are the best audition songs for kids. Therefore, I will need to break it down a bit into age groups.
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Also, there is a slight problem with defining things by age. It is possible a 13-year-old could land a role as an 8-year-old if they look and sound perfect for the part. Nevertheless, I will assume that if the child is going to audition for a younger part, they will adjust the song accordingly.
A Choice or No Choice
I am also going to assume that you have been given the freedom to choose your own song for the audition. Where the casting people are looking for a comfortable voice and are not going to be specific, then that will be the case.
However, there might be occasions when they will give you two or three to choose from. That is because they are looking for a certain kind of singer, either by tone or style. In that case, you have no or fewer options to choose your own song.
It is best to always go with your own song prepared, just in case they decide to spring it on you. Or, if they can’t make up their mind between you and another applicant and ask you to do an extra song.
Some Considerations When Choosing
I don’t mean to put a damper on the performance, but being sensible is the best idea. If you are allowed to choose your own song, don’t try and sing a song just because you like it. That is usually a recipe for disaster.
Remember, you are probably not capable of singing like some of your musical heroes, even though you may think you can. Pick something to sing based on the following:
- Preferably choose a well-known song.
- Make sure it is in a key you can sing comfortably.
- Make sure you know the song very well.
- Choose a song appropriate for your age.
- Keep away from the more intense genres.
- Check to see if they have requested a particular style of song.
So, I will divide the age groups into three sections: under-8, 8-12, and 12-16. It will probably be possible for a singer to drop down an age category if they wish. That is, a 12 to 16-year-old can also sing a song from the 8-12 grouping.
I will also keep the songs mainly theatrical or with a theatrical style. As this is likely to be an audition for either a stage or film performance, I have made my choices to suit either. Some will be from stage shows that have been made into films, as most have.
Best Audition Songs for Kids Under 8 Years Old
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When You Wish Upon A Star – Disney’s PinocchioWhen people think of Disney movie songs, this is always one they will remember before most. Typically Disney in its production, this song came from the 1940 adaptation that was made of the story of Pinocchio.
The original version had Cliff Edwards cast in the character of Jiminy Cricket. It was recognized as being such an influential piece that is heard firstly with the opening credits. But also in the final scene of the film.
A song that will allow you to demonstrate vocal control and also express a little emotion in the words.
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Beauty And The Beast – Disney’s Beauty and the BeastA memorable song from a film that became enormously popular on its release in 1991. There have been two previous versions of this story. One was made for TV in 1976. The other was part of a group of fairy tales in 1984. It is the Disney version, though, that is now what we know best.
It is an old fairy tale as loved as Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty. Angela Lansbury played the voice of Mrs. Potts as she describes the relationship between the two main characters. It is a story with a message that is often overlooked.
How two people can overlook their differences, learn to accept them, and then both change for the better. It sends the message that love is timeless and ageless and is as old as time itself. If you can get this right, then it will be agreat song to sing for a kid’s audition.
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So Long, Farewell – The Sound of MusicThe first of four songs from what many people think is the greatest musical ever. It certainly contains somegreat songs that kids can sing at an audition.
The Sound of Music was written by Rodgers and Hammerstein and released in 1959. It has been a stage show, and it has also toured. But it is the original film version that shines above all other versions.
This is one of only two songs that were written mainly for the children. They perform it first at a party for the guests quite early on, and once again at the end. It does offer you the chance to portray various age ranges using your voice which may be something that impresses those auditioning you.
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Castle On A Cloud – Les MiserablesA song set in the 1820s, it is sung by little Cosette as she works away. She is dreaming in her imagination of a castle in the clouds where she is loved and all children are free to play and be happy.
The song is interrupted by the Madam of the house, who sends her out to get water. An emotional song and agood song option for a child’s audition.
If you can get to grips with the song, it is ideal for demonstrating your vocal abilities. And if you are so inclined, acting out the part would also be an advantage.
5
Truly Scrumptious – Chitty Chitty Bang BangTruly Scrumptious is a fictional character that appears in the film and in the stage production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Released on the back of similar successful films in a similar light-hearted vein in 1968, it was written by James Bond creator Ian Fleming.
The character doesn’t appear in the original book, but the filmmakers wanted some romantic interest. It has three people singing it, but one can handle it well. It is later revised as a counterpoint to another song towards the end.
An easy enough song to sing and being well-known, it won’t need too much in the way of understanding.
Best Audition Songs for Kids 8-12 Years Old
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My Favorite Things – The Sound of MusicAnother memorable song from this musical, one that has a bittersweet back story to it. Hammerstein was struggling with his cancer in 1958 while writing with Rodgers. He wrote down a list of all of his favorite things and things he was thankful for.
It became the basis of this memorable song from both stage play and movie. Another song that will go down well at an audition and another song that will demonstrate your vocal ability.
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Consider Yourself – OliverIt may be that you prefer a song to lighten the mood and inject a bit of fun into the audition. Nothing wrong with that if you choose the right song, and this song is exactly that. It could be described as a light-hearted romp.
It is sung by the Artful Dodger to Oliver Twist, who doesn’t know what is going on. They want Oliver to join their gang of pickpockets. Oliver was a Lionel Bart classic loosely based on the book by Charles Dickens.
It was Dickens’ second novel written about the lives of poor kids in Victorian London. It is sometimes called the “Parish Boys Progress.” Afun song for kids to sing at an audition, and you can act out the parts if you so choose.
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Yellow Submarine – The BeatlesYou may feel you want something a little more up to date. Yellow Submarine was an animated film by the Beatles. The song “Yellow Submarine” was written by Lennon and McCartney and sung by Ringo In the film.
Not in the strictest sense a theatrical song. But having something like this available can show you have a wide music range and ability.
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Who Will Buy – Oliver TwistWe return to Charles Dickens’ story of Victorian slums in London to take this song. When you see the musical, not the film, for the first time, this is a stand-out song. Whilst it has several singers in the stage song, all the parts can be taken by one person.
It is just a song about various people selling their wares on the streets. The melody is very touching, and the content, very thought-provoking.
A great song for an audition because it is a song that captures emotions and allows the singer to portray them.
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A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes – Disney’s CinderellaA charming song from the 1950s Disney version of Cinderella. The song was written by Mack David, Al Hoffman, and Jerry Livingston. It is a charming little song where Cinderella is sitting encouraging her animal friends. She tells them they must never give up on their dreams.
A nice tune if you are looking for something not as well-known as some of the songs we have included this far.
Best Audition Songs for 12-16 Years Old Kids
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I am Sixteen Going on Seventeen – The Sound of MusicBack to the Austrian mountains again for this song from the Sound of Music. It talks about adolescence and how awkward it feels to be growing up. Liesel sings it to her ‘near’-boyfriend Rolf and tells him that she thinks she can rely on him for guidance. This is because he is a ‘whole year’ older than her.
A well-constructed song about a young girl on the brink of womanhood and an outstanding option for an audition.
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I’d Do Anything – OliverBack we go again to Victorian London for another memorable Lionel Bart song from Oliver. It starts with Nancy and the Artful Dodger speaking but then soon goes into the song. Others have parts in the song as well as it becomes conversational. However, it is okay for one person to sing all the parts.
It is aninteresting song to sing at an auditionbecause it gives you performance options. It is a mid-tempo song but can also be sung very slowly and sympathetically.
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What a Feeling – FlashdanceIf you feel that the part you will be auditioning for demands you to demonstrate some uptempo skills, there is nothing better than this. A great song with a great chorus from the 1983 movie “Flashdance.”
If you can pull it off, this is bound to get the feet tapping. And with a song as powerful as this, it allows you to give it your all.
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Maybe – AnnieThis is the first song that is sung in the film and is quite touching. Annie reads a letter that she has been left by her estranged parents. The song sees her wondering what they might be like and hoping they will come back to get her one day.
Once again, a good song for an audition, but you need to be able to generate the right amount of emotion. Going overboard is a bit easy with a song like this. If you do that, it all gets a bit cheesy and will do you no favors.
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Edelweiss – The Sound of MusicLet’s finish this look at thebest kids audition songsby going back once again to the Sound of Music. While this is a great song to sing, you mustn’t get confused with some of the misconceptions about it.
The Edelweiss is a little white flower in the Austrian mountains, also found in Germany and Switzerland. It is important to the Austrian people but not in a nationalistic way as it is often portrayed. This flower had nothing to do with any war issues.
The song Edelweiss wasn’t even written until 1959. So it wasn’t used at the time the play depicts. However, it is a great song to sing with plenty of feelings and emotions. If sung well, it is a show-stopper as it was in the film the Sound of Music.
Golden Age Audition Songs for Kids (1940-1959)
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Big Mole – Lost in the Stars17
Dites-Moi – South Pacific18
Gary, Indiana – The Music Man19
I Gotta Crow – Peter Pan20
I Won’t Grow Up – Peter Pan1960s Audition Songs for Kids
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My Best Girl – Mame22
The Perfect Nanny – Mary Poppins23
Where is Love? – Oliver!1970s Audition Songs for Kids
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Lullaby From Baby to Baby – Runaways25
Neat to be a Newsboy – Working26
Not While I’m Around – Sweeney Todd27
Tomorrow – Annie1980s Audition Songs for Kids
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Getting Tall – Nine29
Giants in the Sky – Into the Woods30
I Know Things Now – Into the Woods31
Little People – Les Misérables1990s Audition Songs for Kids
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I Want to Know – Big33
My New Philosophy – You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown34
No Matter What – Whistle Down the Wind35
Round-Shouldered Man – The Secret Garden36
Santa’s Little Teapot – Nuncrackers2000s Audition Songs for Kids
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Counting Down to Christmas – A Christmas Story38
Electricity – Billy Elliot39
I Know It’s Today – Shrek40
Picture Show – Bonnie & Clyde41
Up on the Fridge – Dear Edwina2010s Audition Songs for Kids
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Almost Nearly Perfect – Charlie and the Chocolate Factory43
Everlasting – Tuck Everlasting44
Good Girl Winnie Foster – Tuck Everlasting45
Middle of a Moment – James and the Giant Peach46
Ring of Keys – Fun HomeComedic/Character Audition Songs for Kids
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Born to Entertain – Ruthless!48
Come to the Fun Home – Fun Home49
Let Me Entertain You – Gypsy50
My Party Dress – Henry & Mudge51
Top Secret Personal Beeswax – Junie B. Jones52
What If – The Addams FamilyLooking for Great Kids Music?
We can help with that. Take a look at our articles onFunny Songs to Sing with Kids, theBest Sing-Along Songs,Fun Music Activities For Kids,Easy Echo Songs For Schools, theTop Karaoke Songs That Anyone Can Sing, andTypes of Vocal Timbrefor more information about great kids songs.
Best Audition Songs for Kids – Final Thoughts
Some great songs to sing for kids if they are called for an audition and allowed to choose their own material. I have tried to give a varied choice, so whatever part you are auditioning for, there will be a song that might suit you. Best of Luck.
And until next time, make yourself heard.
![Top 52 Best Audition Songs for Kids of All Ages [2023 Updated] (2025)](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mP8/h8AAvMB+NzmkbcAAAAASUVORK5CYII=)