Many pageants do not have a talent portion of competition however; if you are competing in the Miss America pageant then you will definitely have to perform. If you have decided to sing as your talent, then choosing the right song could be a frustrating process. Don’t worry, because we are here to help you.

Can You Sing?

First of all, you need to have a voice. It sounds obvious but unfortunately girls who do not have a voice sing all the time. Inside the Miss America system the talent portion of the competition represents 35% of your overall score. Translation: if your talent is not on point then do not expect to win the crown.

Secondly, the song you choose should say something about you. The song should remind you of a personal experience such as love found, love lost, goals achieved or a problem overcome. A song that pierces who you are as an individual will elicit emotion that will draw the judges into your performance.

Is the Song Consistent With Your Theme

After you find a song that you can emotionally relate with think, “Does this genre coincide with what I am trying to market to the judges?” If you are a southern bell and everything you are presenting to the judges from your dress to interview expresses that then do not come out singing an R&B song. Better suited would be a country or gospel song that is if you are marketing yourself as the traditional southern bell. Keep a consistent marketing theme throughout your pageant.

Whatever you do, make sure the song is within your vocal range. If you like a song, and it stirs you emotionally yet the range of the song is outside of yours…you will ultimately hurt your chances of victory. You do not want to choose a song that you’re going to have problems with.

Practice Makes the Performance

Oh, and don’t forget to practice, practice, practice. Do not just practice singing the song, practice performing the song.