10 Underrated Audition Songs for Tenors
by Chris Peterson, OnStage Blog Founder
A little while ago, we tackled some underrated audition songs for baritones — so naturally, it’s only fair that we give the tenors their moment too.
Finding the right audition song as a tenor can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack that’s also on fire. You want something that shows off your range, isn’t the 10,000th “Corner of the Sky” someone’s heard that day, and still feels like you.
So, if you’re tired of getting the side-eye for singing “Waving Through a Window” yet again, here’s a list of 10 underrated gems — a mix of ballads, uptempos, classic legit pieces, and contemporary options — that’ll let you stand out for the right reasons.
1. “Stranger” – Big Fish
If you want a soaring, emotional ballad that’s criminally underused, this is it. “Stranger” gives you moments of tenderness, passion, and that classic "lead role" arc that audition panels love. It’s especially strong if you want to show a grounded, reflective side without sacrificing vocal power. Plus, it’s from Big Fish, which means it’s full of heart without feeling like you’re auditioning for a Lifetime movie. Definitely a hidden weapon if you can sell the emotional build.
2. “Younger Than Springtime” – South Pacific
This is your go-to for a legit, classical-sounding ballad that’s still accessible. The melody is gorgeous without being vocally punishing, and it floats beautifully when sung with proper placement. It’s perfect for showing true lyrical phrasing and emotional innocence. Also: it’s romantic without feeling cloying, which is a hard needle to thread. Plus, South Pacific is still respected across the board, so you get points for taste.
3. “I’m Not Wearing Underwear Today” – Avenue Q
Need a comedic uptempo? Here you go. It’s short, it’s funny, and it shows you’re not afraid to lean into full character work. Perfect for light-hearted auditions where they actually ask for 16 bars and mean it. Plus, it can be a real breath of fresh air for a panel who’s sat through 17 straight “On the Street Where You Live” renditions already. Sometimes, less is more — and faster is better. Bonus: It makes you memorable.
4. “All Through the Night” – Anything Goes
Here’s a legit-style ballad that somehow flies under the radar even in Golden Age circles. It’s smooth, romantic, and allows a tenor to lean into true classical technique. The range is flattering, the storytelling is clear, and it feels timeless without being stiff. Plus, you’re showing that you understand both phrasing and style — and not every tenor can still pull off a proper legato line. This one instantly makes you sound smart and polished.
5. “She Cries” - Songs for a New World
If you want something with a little more arc and flair, "She Cries" is gold. It lets you show humor, vulnerability, and the slow unraveling of a character all in one number. It demands strong musicality (there are weird rhythms in there), but it also lets you work the room if you really lean into the acting. Done right, it's unforgettable — and it’s never as overdone as "King of the World."
6. "One Step Closer" – The Little Mermaid (Broadway Version)
If you want a Disney ballad that isn’t "Part of Your World" or "Go the Distance," this is a sneaky-good option.
It’s elegant, simple, and built for a tenor who can show musical phrasing and romantic sincerity without sounding like a Disney cruise ship singer. Also, it’s barely done — meaning you won't sound like you're ripping off a karaoke night.
7. "In Whatever Time We Have" – Children of Eden
This is a heartbreaker of a ballad, and it sits gorgeously in a tenor’s voice. It’s not about vocal fireworks — it’s about sincerity, connection, and phrasing. If you’re auditioning for anything that requires emotional maturity or romantic lead vibes, this absolutely stuns when sung simply. Also: it’s almost criminally underused compared to "Lost in the Wilderness," which is what everyone else pulls.
8. “Alive” - Jekyll & Hyde
This one flirts with being slightly known, but it's still not the go-to choice like "This is the Moment."
"Alive" lets you show madness, glee, swagger, and darkness — all while handling Wildhorn’s signature tricky rhythms and intervals. It's also just a blast to sing if you lean into the chaos and sell the acting without getting swallowed by the belt.
9. "Superman is Dead" – Superhero
One of Tom Kitt’s most quietly devastating songs. It’s thoughtful, emotional, and gives you a chance to show loss and searching without needing to yell or belt your face off. Perfect if you're auditioning for something more serious or grounded.
10. "Seeing You" – Groundhog Day the Musical
Probably Tim Minchin’s most honest love song — full of quiet hope and genuine change without ever feeling cheesy. Perfect for tenors who want to show emotional maturity. It’s a song about earning optimism, not just declaring it, which gives you a ton of acting texture.