The Most Overused Audition Songs Ever On Singing, Talent Shows
Photo by: Trae Patton/NBC Reading Time: 3 minutes
Certain songs have been performed so often on reality singing shows like American Idol, The Voice, The X Factor, and Got Talent shows that they have lost their shine. These overdone audition numbers rarely impress the judges anymore, as contestants struggle to offer fresh takes on tired classics.
Most Overused Auditions Songs on Talent Shows
10. “Don’t Stop Believin'” by Journey
This classic has been used countless times across various singing competitions. Yet aspiring contestants often fail to bring anything new to this dated, overdone anthem. A prime example is Billy Moore’s off-key, eccentric rendition on The X Factor, which completely missed the mark.
9. “If I Ain’t Got You” by Alicia Keys
“If I Ain’t Got You” by Alicia Keys is a vocally demanding ballad requiring emotional depth and control. Though overdone, some talented contestants like Holly Tandy on The X Factor UK and 11-year-old Anna Graceman on AGT. They are just examples of some contestants that have managed to knock their covers out of the park. However, for most aspiring singers, the songs appearance has made it a predictable choice.
8. “Creep” by Radiohead
“Creep” has become synonymous with audition failures, as many contestants struggle to capture the haunting essence of the song. While “Creep” may be an often-performed song during auditions, many contestants still manage to deliver impressive performances.
7. “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor
While “I Will Survive” is a timeless anthem, its overuse in auditions has made it a cliché choice. Contestants often struggle to bring something unique to the table, resulting in forgettable performances. During The Voice Australia‘s Blind Auditions, the coaches chose not to turn around for a contestant’s rendition of the song.
6. “Rolling in the Deep” by Adele
Adele’s soulful anthem has been performed extensively in auditions, but contestants often struggle to match her raw emotion and vocal skill. That being said, many renditions fall short, failing to make a lasting impression on the judges.
5. “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” by Jennifer Holliday
This powerhouse ballad from Dreamgirls is a vocal feat, demanding exceptional control and emotional depth. Despite the frequent use in auditions, standout performances of the song include Sarah Ikumu, who won Simon Cowell’s Golden Buzzer on Britain’s Got Talent, and Bianca Ryan, the first-season winner of AGT.
4. “Feeling Good” by Nina Simone
Although “Feeling Good” is a powerful and soulful anthem, its popularity in auditions has led to numerous lackluster renditions, with contestants often failing to capture the magic of the original.
3. “I Have Nothing” by Whitney Houston
Requiring exceptional vocal control and range, this Whitney Houston classic highlights contestants’ shortcomings rather than their talents. Its overuse makes it a risky choice that rarely pays off in auditions.
2. “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen
Despite its beauty and emotional depth, “Hallelujah” suffers from its overuse in auditions. A contestant from The X Factor went viral for his strange and hilarious rendition of this song.
1. “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston
Countless renditions across reality singing competitions have dulled the impact of this iconic power ballad. The song’s difficulty and inevitable comparisons to Whitney Houston’s legendary rendition often lead to disappointing auditions.
