Choosing the right AGT audition song can make your 90 seconds unforgettable. We’ve rounded up the 10 most common, judge‑pleasing picks singers lean on at AGT auditions—plus why they work, how to make them your own, and standout AGT performances to study.
America’s Got Talent gives singers a massive stage—and a very short window—to prove a point. Whether you’re submitting a video audition or stepping into the lights in-person, the song you pick has to showcase your tone quickly, tell a clear story, and build to a memorable moment in 60–90 seconds.
Because AGT places solo vocalists alongside choirs, crossover artists, and non‑music acts, the auditions that cut through aren’t just loud; they’re intentional. A focused arrangement, honest lyric delivery, and one undeniable “hook” (a money note, a color change, or a dynamic shift) are what make judges and producers lean in.
To make choosing easier, we studied AGT’s most commonly performed and most successful audition songs—titles that repeatedly earn yeses, Golden Buzzers, and early‑round momentum. Each song below explains why it works on this stage, the specific audition advantage it offers you as a singer, and a few pro tips from experienced AGT coaches for cutting it to time. You’ll also see past AGT performances to watch for phrasing, keys, and camera‑ready arrangements. Use this list as a springboard, then tailor key, tempo, and structure to your voice and story. Even familiar songs feel fresh when the cut is tight, the choice is personal, and the performance sounds unmistakably like you.
We’ve taken time to analyze all of America’s Got Talent auditions and identified the songs that could get you a Golden Buzzer and change your life.
1. “A Song for You” (Leon Russell/Donny Hathaway)
Why It’s Popular:
A timeless, intimate ballad that lets storytelling, phrasing, and musicality shine. It’s a proven AGT winner’s pick.
Audition Advantage:
Works beautifully with self‑accompaniment (piano), shows control, warmth, and musicianship.
Pro Tip:
Keep the arrangement spacious; spotlight your unique authentic voice and dynamics rather than runs. Place your biggest swell on your chosen emotional phrase (e.g., “we’re alone now”/“I’m singing this song for you”), then release—over‑sustaining kills intimacy. If you’re on piano, thin the left hand and keep pedal changes clean so the lyric stays in focus.
Watch “A Song for You” performed on AGT
Kodi Lee’s Golden Buzzer audition (Season 14) with piano—he later won the season.
Who sang “A Song for You” on AGT?
- Kodi reprised it in later appearances and media; study his approach to text and line. As soon as Kodi opened his mouth to sing, you just knew he was going places. The emotion of his performance outweighs most all other AGT performance of all time
- Kechi Okwuchi performed it powerfully in Judge Cuts (S12)
2. “Don’t Stop Believin’” (Journey)
Why It’s Popular:
The ultimate crowd‑lifter with an anthemic chorus and clear narrative arc. A recent winner used it to launch—and close—his run on AGT.
Audition Advantage:
Instant recognition, big pay‑off chorus, and room to show sustained support and mixed voice.
Pro Tip:
Start a hair under full tilt; leave headroom to build into the final chorus. Cut the intro and start right on “Just a small-town girl” or the pre‑chorus so the hook lands within 30 seconds. Choose a key where the chorus top sits in a balanced mix—not a belt you can only hit once.
Watch “Don’t Stop Believin’” performed on AGT
Watch it on AGT Richard Goodall’s audition (S19) earned Heidi Klum’s Golden Buzzer; he later won Season 19.
Who sang “Don’t Stop Believin’”on AGT?
- Richard Goodall (S19 Golden Buzzer; Season 19 winner)
3. “Shallow” (Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper)
Why It’s Popular:
Modern power ballad with conversational verses and a soaring belt—works for solos or duos. Golden Buzzer track.
Audition Advantage:
Shows breath control, dynamic contrast, and peak belt without living in the stratosphere.
Pro Tip:
Don’t copy Gaga’s exact inflections; sing it at your speech rhythm and let the climb feel inevitable. Anchor the G–A–B section with strong breath planning—don’t chase pitch from the throat. Rehearse the ascending cries as sirens in mix first, then add grit; they should feel easy, not grabbed. Step slightly off‑axis on the last chorus so intensity doesn’t distort on the mic.
Watch “Shallow” performed on AGT
Watch it on AGT Roberta Battaglia, age 10 (S15).
Who sang “Shallow” on AGT?
- Roberta Battaglia (S15 Golden Buzzer)
- Sofía Vergara
- Collabro — AGT: The Champions Season 2 (Preliminary 2), aired January 13, 2020
4. “Hard to Handle” (Otis Redding/Black Crowes)
Why It’s Popular:
High‑octane soul‑rock with swagger. A viral Golden Buzzer moment cemented its AGT legendary status.
Audition Advantage:
Proves stage presence, rhythmic pocket, and grit.
Pro Tip:
Lock to the backbeat and keep consonants percussive; attitude sells more than extra notes. Pick two signature ad‑libs and repeat them—consistent motifs read as intentional on camera.
Watch “Hard to Handle” on America’s Got Talent
Watch it on AGT 13 year old Courtney Hadwin’s Golden Buzzer audition (S13).
Who sang “Hard to Handle” on AGT?
- Courtney Hadwin — Season 13 audition (2018), The Black Crowes version (Golden Buzzer)
- The Millers — Season 1, Finals (Episode 114)
5. “Rise Up” (Andra Day)
Why It’s Popular:
An inspirational power ballad that builds naturally and rewards honest, unforced intensity. “Rise Up” is a slow‑burn that rewards breath control and emotional lift.
Audition Advantage:
Great for showing breath management, legato lines, and a grounded belt.
Pro Tip:
Keep the early verses intimate; save your biggest resonance and vibrato width for the final chorus. Think “slow inhale, long line, clean release”; your power comes from steadiness, not volume. Shape the final “rise up” with a measured crescendo instead of a sudden shout.
Watch “Rise Up” performed on AGT
Angelica Hale’s audition (Season 12, 2017). She later earned a Judge Cuts Golden Buzzer and finished runner‑up.
Who sang “Rise Up” on AGT?
- Angelica Hale at 9 years old (Season 12; Golden Buzzer at Judge Cuts for “Girl on Fire,” runner‑up)
- Jayna Brown — Season 11 (2016), Judge Cuts: “Rise Up” (Louis Tomlinson’s Golden Buzzer)
- Andra Day (guest performer) — Season 11 (2016), Semifinals Results: “Rise Up” with Blue Journey
6. “She Used to Be Mine” (Sara Bareilles)
Why It’s Popular:
Emotion‑first theater ballad with cathartic climax; a young Broadway super‑fan earned a Golden Buzzer with it.
Audition Advantage:
Lets you deliver intimacy, text connection, and a decisive belt peak.
Pro Tip:
Speak‑sing the opening phrases; save vibrato density for the release. Let the first verse live in speech‑level singing and save density for the “and it’s not what I asked for” release. If the peak sits at your ceiling, drop a half‑step—connection beats strain every time.
Watch “She Used to Be Mine” performed on America’s Got Talent
Watch it on AGT Luke Islam (S14) — Julianne Hough’s Golden Buzzer.
Who sang it on AGT?
- Luke Islam (S14 Golden Buzzer)
7. “Tomorrow” (from Annie)
Why It’s Popular:
A “judge‑changer” song—S16 proved even a judge’s least‑favorite tune can become a Golden Buzzer with the right artistry.
Audition Advantage:
Shows legato control, phrasing intention, and interpretive risk‑taking.
Pro Tip:
Pick a mature tempo and fresh modulations; avoid a “recital” vibe. Keep vibrato narrow at the start, then widen slightly on the final tag to show growth. If you reharmonize, keep it tasteful; one surprise chord is fresh—too many feel fussy.
Watch “Tomorrow” Performed on America’s Got Talent
Watch it on AGT Jimmie Herrod (S16), Sofía Vergara’s Golden Buzzer.
Who sang “Tomorrow” on AGT?
- Jimmie Herrod — Season 16, Auditions 4 (Episode 1604), aired June 22, 2021; Sofia Vergara’s Golden Buzzer
8. “Who’s Lovin’ You” (Smokey Robinson/Jackson 5)
Why It’s Popular:
Classic soul showcase for range, cry, and old‑school phrasing; a Golden Buzzer vehicle. This soul standard that rewards vocalists, has a bit of vocal grit, and control across the range—frequent on talent shows and a judge favorite when sung tastefully.
Audition Advantage:
Iconic melismas and climactic sustain let you show control without oversinging.
Pro Tip:
Keep the first verse restrained; save your biggest ad‑libs for the last A section. Use a gentle cry on sustained notes to keep pitch true and tone soulful. Choose three specific licks you’ll repeat and develop; random runs read as nerves.
Watch “Who’s Lovin’ You” Performed on AGT
Watch it on AGT: Patchogue, NY 16 year old Christian Guardino (S12), Howie Mandel’s Golden Buzzer.
Who sang “Who’s Lovin’ You” on AGT?
- N’Versity — Season 1 (2006), Semifinals Week 2
- Legaci — Season 9 (2014), Audition
- Quintavious Johnson — Season 9 (2014), Judgment Week
- Alicia Michilli — Season 10 (2015), Judge Cuts
- Christian Guardino — Season 12 (2017), Audition (Howie’s Golden Buzzer)
- Mirror Image — Season 12 (2017), Audition (opened with the song)
- Darci Lynne — Season 12 (2017), Quarterfinals Week 1 (with puppet Oscar)
9. “I Have Nothing” (Whitney Houston)
Why It’s Popular:
The ultimate high‑bar ballad; one of AGT’s standout Whitney moments began with this audition pick.
Audition Advantage:
If it fits, it instantly telegraphs pro‑level control, range, and stamina.
Pro Tip:
If the money note sits on your ceiling, down‑key one semitone; judges prefer a credible, personal version over a strained copy. Map breaths and plan vowel modifications on the money phrases (“stay,” “away,” “love”) so the top notes ring without squeeze. Step a half‑pace from the mic before the final tag to keep clarity at full volume.
Watch “I Have Nothing” Performed on AGT
Watch it on AGT Johnny Manuel (S12) — later earned Seal’s Golden Buzzer in Judge Cuts.
Who sang it on AGT?
- Johnny Manuel (S12 audition; later Golden Buzzer in Judge Cuts)
- Alexis Jordan — Season 1, Audition (Episode 101)
- Cafidia Stuart — Season 3, Auditions (Week 1)
- Alice Tan Ridley — Season 5, Semifinals (Episode 527)
- April Lane — Season 5, Las Vegas Callbacks (Female Singers)
- Kelli Glover — Season 9, Audition (Episode 906)
- Mara Justine — Season 9, Judgment Week (Episode 907)
- Peter Rosalita — Season 16, Quarterfinals (Episode 1609)
10. “Imagine” (John Lennon)
Why It’s Popular:
Iconic message + simple lines = a canvas for your tone and sincerity. Also cuts down well for time limits.
Audition Advantage:
Perfect to showcase control, taste, and the ability to move an audience without riffs.
Pro Tip:
Start almost conversational; only bloom the vibrato on held notes near the end. Keep accompaniment ultra‑simple and let text lead; any fills belong in turnarounds, not under the lyric. One tasteful modulation or reharm can add freshness—avoid stacking both in a 90‑second cut.
Watch “Imagine” performed on AGT
Chris Kläfford’s Season 14 audition was a breakout moment for him.
Who sang “Imagine” on AGT?
- Andrew Johnston (Season 13 Judge Cuts)
- Sharon Irving — Season 10 (2015), Semifinals Week 2
- Andrew Johnston — Season 13 (2018), Judge Cuts 1
- Chris Kläfford — Season 14 (2019), Auditions (Ep. 1406)
BONUS: “Make You Feel My Love” (Bob Dylan; Adele popularized)
Why It’s Popular:
Simple melody, powerful lyric—perfect for honest, camera‑friendly storytelling without oversinging.
Audition Advantage:
Short and adaptable; ideal for acoustic guitar or piano. Great for country, pop, and singer‑songwriter voices.
Pro Tip:
Lean into rubato and breath—let the consonants carry the emotion. Take your time with pickups and let consonants carry the story; resist copying Adele’s exact rubato. If you’re strumming, switch to fingerstyle on verse two for contrast without extra volume.
Watch “Make You Feel My Love” performed on AGT
Marty Brown’s heartfelt Season 8 audition is a textbook example in vocal sincerity.
Who sang “Make You Feel My Love” on AGT?
- Kevin Skinner — Season 4 (2009), Quarterfinals
- Debra Romer — Season 5 (2010), Semifinals
- Jake Wesley Rogers — Season 7 (2012), Audition
- Bria Kelly — Season 7 (2012), YouTube Auditions video
- Marty Brown — Season 8 (2013), Audition
- Anna Wilson — Season 20 (2025), Audition (began the song before switching)
BONUS: “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” (Aretha Franklin/Carole King)
Why It’s Popular:
A classic soul showcase that rewards warmth, placement, and an honest lyric read over vocal gymnastics.
Audition Advantage:
Lets you show chest‑voice quality without shouting, and judges lean in when it’s sung with taste and maturity.
Pro Tip:
Think “conversation with a friend” in the verse; then open up resonance for the last chorus. Center the pocket in a laid‑back 12/8 feel and let the backbeat breathe—groove over sheer power. Save your biggest belt for the last chorus and keep the bridge conversational to heighten contrast.
Watch “Natural Woman” performed on AGT
Amanda Mena’s Golden Buzzer audition (Season 13).
Who sang “Natural Woman” on AGT?
- Amanda Mena (Season 13 Auditions – Golden Buzzer)
- Christina Wells (Season 13 Semifinals)
- Ronee Martin (Season 11 Auditions – pivoted to this after Simon stopped her first pick)
BONUS: “I Will Always Love You” (Dolly Parton/Whitney Houston)
Why It’s Popular:
Massive cultural resonance plus a clear arc (intimate start, soaring payoff). Judges know how hard this is to pull off.
Audition Advantage:
Even a verse and chorus can demonstrate placement, dynamics, and climactic control.
Pro Tip:
Favor clarity and pitch over sheer volume on the key change; don’t be afraid to adapt the final note to your healthiest coordination. Commit to either the Parton intimacy or the Houston arc; halfway between feels unsure. If you skip the key change, plan a dynamic “false lift” (drop to a whisper, then swell) to create the same goosebump moment.
Watch “I Will Always Love You” performed on AGT
Roland Abante stunned the room with a faithful, ringing Season 18 live rendition.
Who sang “I Will Always Love You” on AGT?
- Noah Guthrie (Season 13 Semifinals)
- ACTE II (Season 9 Quarterfinals – operatic duet)
- Roland Abante (Season 18 Semifinals)
Original Song (high‑risk, high‑reward)
Why It’s Popular:
On AGT, originals can become the moment—if the hook and story land fast.
Audition Advantage:
Makes you incomparable; judges respond to authentic artistry.
Pro Tip:
Keep the structure tight (verse–chorus under 60s), lyrics crystal‑clear, and melodic hook unforgettable. Put the title and hook in the first 20–30 seconds and repeat it once before you’re done. Keep the melody in your money range; judges remember a clean, singable hook more than high notes.
Watch An Amazing Original Song Performed on AGT
Watch it on AGT: Grace VanderWaal’s “I Don’t Know My Name” when she was only 12 years old (Season 11 Golden Buzzer; later winner).
More iconic originals on AGT:
Nightbirde’s “It’s OK” (Season 16 Golden Buzzer), and Chapel Hart’s “You Can Have Him, Jolene” (Season 17 group Golden Buzzer).
How to pick the right AGT song (fast)
Fit your 60–90s: Choose a song with an early chorus so judges hear your hook quickly.
Choose your “two colors”: One section for intimate storytelling, one for power—build contrast on purpose.
Arrange it for you: Transpose for healthy mix/belt; simplify ad‑libs; add a brief intro vamp if you need a breath.
Practice the first 10 seconds: Nail your first breath, first note, and eye‑line—momentum matters.
Mic craft: Rehearse with a handheld; practice off‑axis placement on big belts to avoid overload, review microphone technique for vocalists.
Consider an original if it’s undeniable: Strong chorus + clear story + memorable title.
Need help choosing and cutting your AGT song? Our expert vocal coaches are available to coach singers virtually online and in‑person for your AGT audition.
Ready to Steal the AGT Spotlight?
Picking the right song is just the spark—turning it into a show‑stopping 90 seconds is where auditions are won. Our team helps singers craft cuts that connect, earn callbacks, and translate powerfully on camera throughout America’s Got Talent’s process.
Explore more ways to boost your audition success:
- Curated guides for AGT singers on song choice, audition prep, and performance strategy.
- Expert coaching for in‑person and virtual submissions, plus how to stand out in producer rooms and callback rounds.
- Insider strategies for connecting with the judges, managing nerves, and making every second count.
Looking for the edge that gets you noticed? Our experienced vocal coaches support artists from first video submission to live shows. We’ll help you:
- Choose and arrange the perfect 60–90 second audition cut
- Polish tone, diction, and dynamics for TV microphones
- Elevate stage presence, storytelling, and camera awareness
- Stay confident, healthy, and consistent through every round
Let’s turn your AGT goal into a reality.
Connect with a pro AGT-ready vocal coach today or explore our complete AGT audition resources for expert support—every step of the way.
