The 20 Best Musical Theater Songs for Female Singers

Do you love singing musical theater songs? If so, you’re in luck! We have put together a list of the 20 best songs for female singers. These tunes are sure to inspire you and help you showcase your amazing vocal abilities.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced singer, these songs offer plenty of ideas for your next performance. Choose an arrangement that suits your voice and the occasion, especially if you need a solo audition piece.

1. “On My Own” by Les Misérables 

“On My Own” is one of the most iconic songs from the musical Les Misérables. The song is sung by the character Éponine, who is in love with a boy named Marius. If you have watched the play, you know that this scene is a very emotional one.

2. “As Long As He Needs Me” by Oliver 

“As Long As He Needs Me” is a heart-wrenching ballad sung by Nancy in the musical Oliver! It concerns her attachment to Bill Sikes, the violent man she loves, rather than her affection for Oliver Twist. For a performance, keep that troubled relationship in mind so the song’s loyalty and pain come through together.

3. “She Used To Be Mine” by Waitress 

“She Used To Be Mine” is a beautiful and introspective song from the musical Waitress. The song is sung by the main character Jenna, who is reflecting on her life and past relationships. It was originally written by Sara Bareilles.

4. “I Don’t Know How To Love Him” by Jesus Christ Superstar 

Another one on the list is from the musical “Jesus Christ Superstar” with the song “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” sung by Mary Magdalene. The lyrics of the song show the internal conflict that she is feeling as she tries to understand her feelings for Jesus.

5. “Still Hurting” by The Last Five Years 

“Still Hurting” is a stirring ballad from the musical The Last Five Years. It is sung by the character Cathy, who is reflecting on her failed marriage. This song is perfect for female singers who aim to show off their vocal range and it makes a good audition piece.

6. “No One Else” by Natasha, Pierre, and The Great Comet of 1812 

“No One Else” is a beautiful and haunting song from the musical Natasha, Pierre, and The Great Comet of 1812. Natasha sings it while longing for her absent fiancé, Andrey, before her involvement with Anatole. Treat it as a moment of devotion and anticipation. Check the score in your chosen key before deciding whether it suits your voice.

7. “All That Matters” by Finding Neverland 

“All That Matters” is a touching song from the musical Finding Neverland. It is sung by Sylvia Llewelyn Davies, the mother of four young boys in the play. Before choosing it for a performance, try the published arrangement with your accompanist; a voice-type label alone will not tell you whether the key feels comfortable.

8. “Mama Who Bore Me” by Spring Awakening 

Another famous theater song is from the rock musical Spring Awakening entitled “Mama Who Bore Me”. It is sung by the character Wendla, who is reflecting on how she wasn’t taught ways how to handle life by her mom. This piece is set on an angrier tone and is perfect for singers who want to show off their rock vocal abilities.

9. “Think of Me” by Phantom of the Opera 

Next on the list is “Think of Me” which is a beautiful and classic song from the musical Phantom of the Opera. Sarah Brightman originated Christine in the London production, which opened in 1986. This award-winning musical play is based on the novel by Gaston Leroux.

10. “Take Me or Leave Me” by Rent 

From the musical Rent comes “Take Me or Leave Me”, a lively and upbeat duet between Maureen, the show’s bisexual performance artist, and her partner Joanne. It’s a good choice for two singers who want a scene built around an argument. For a solo audition, use a suitable solo arrangement or an agreed cut rather than assuming the complete duet will work unchanged.

11. “Doin’ What Comes Natur’lly” by Annie Get Your Gun 

“Doin’ What Comes Natur’lly” is a classic song from the musical Annie Get Your Gun. The song is sung by the character Annie Oakley, who is a famous sharpshooter in the play. Over the years, several versions of the song have been made as the play has been revived multiple times.

12. “I’d Give My Life For You” by Miss Saigon 

Miss Saigon is an iconic musical that tells the story of forbidden love between an American GI and a Vietnamese woman. The song “I’d Give My Life For You” is sung by Kim to her son, Tam, as she promises to protect him and give him a better future. That parent-child relationship gives the song its emotional purpose, so choose it when you can make the promise feel specific.

13. “Burn” by Hamilton 

“Burn” is a heart-wrenching song from the musical Hamilton. It is sung by the character Eliza. For a performance, focus on making the changes in feeling clear instead of treating it as a chance to demonstrate vocal power. Test the full passage you plan to sing, including the quieter phrases, in your chosen key.

14. “Don’t Rain on My Parade” by Funny Girl 

“Don’t Rain on My Parade” is a classic and well-loved song from the musical Funny Girl. It is sung by the character Fanny Brice, who is a famous singer and actress in the early 1900s. Rehearse the rhythmic delivery with your accompanist and choose a key you can sustain comfortably through the whole cut.

15. “Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again” by The Phantom of the Opera 

Another song from The Phantom of the Opera that made it to this list is “Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again”. It is sung by the character Christine, who is reminiscing about her deceased father. This song requires a lot of emotion and feeling to connect with the audience.

16. “Requiem” by Dear Evan Hansen 

“Requiem” is a stirring and moving song from the musical Dear Evan Hansen. Zoe, Cynthia, and Larry respond to Connor’s death from different perspectives. The stage number includes all three characters, so a singer planning a solo performance should check that the arrangement or cut contains a complete solo line.

17. “Pretty Funny” by Dogfight 

“Pretty Funny” is sung by Rose after she learns that her invitation to the party was part of a cruel contest. The title carries bitter irony as she deals with that humiliation. If you choose it, let the words and the scene guide your acting choices; singing through tears is not a requirement for every performance.

18. “Memory” by Cats 

Based on the poetry of T.S. Eliot, the musical Cats features “Memory” as one of its standout numbers, performed by Grizabella, a once-glamorous cat now past her prime. Elaine Paige’s original rendition was so striking that the song climbed the UK charts on the strength of her performance.

19. “There Are Worse Things I Could Do” by Grease 

“There Are Worse Things I Could Do” is a song from the romantic-comedy musical Grease. Rizzo sings during a pregnancy scare, defending herself against other people’s judgments while revealing her vulnerability. It offers more than a feisty character moment, so leave room for that softer side when preparing it.

20. “So Big / So Small” by Dear Evan Hansen  

“So Big / So Small” is a dual-purpose song from the musical Dear Evan Hansen. It is sung by the character Heidi, who is assuring her son that, unlike his father, she is not going anywhere. This piece can be used to show off your vocal range and emotional depth.

Choosing a Song for an Audition

Start with the audition brief: the requested musical style, song length, and whether a solo is required. Then sing your proposed cut in the actual key, with the accompaniment you will use. A song that sounds comfortable in a cast recording may sit differently in your own voice.

Check the whole cut rather than only its highest note. You should be able to tell the story clearly, sustain the phrases, and repeat the performance without forcing your voice. If you are unsure, work through the score with a singing teacher or accompanist before settling on it.

Final Thoughts

These are just some of the amazing musical theater songs for female singers. If you are planning on auditioning for a musical, make sure to pick a song that will showcase your strengths and help you stand out from the rest.

And always remember to have fun with it! Musical theater is all about telling a story and connecting with the audience. So go out there and tell your story!