The Best Audition Songs for Beautiful: The Carole King Musical
Last Updated: January, 2026
When considering audition songs for Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, it’s fitting to choose a pop/rock song from musical theatre or non-theatre repertoire that aligns with the show’s tone and suits your vocal type. Always refer to the audition notice for specific guidelines.
Because Beautiful is a jukebox musical, the audition songs below are from between the 1960s and 1970s. Each one has been carefully hand-picked and reviewed by a musical theatre professional to ensure fit and audition readiness.
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Step 1: Review Audition Info
Please read your audition details carefully, as they sometimes specify the type of song they’d like to hear (a ballad, something uptempo, etc.). Make sure to select a song that’s appropriate for your specific casting call.
Step 2: Study the Show
Before auditioning, you should get familiar with the show, and listening to a cast album is a great way to do that. Here’s where you can learn about Beautiful: The Carole King Musical.
Step 3: Pick an Audition Song
Before choosing a song, find your voice type and range using the Vocal Guide.
Based on your personality and vocal range, decide whether you’d prefer to audition for the ensemble or a specific character. Even if you audition for a specific role, stay open to other casting possibilities.
When you’re ready, choose a song from below that best fits your voice and comfort level.
From Our Shop: Don’t forget to keep your rep book updated! To build a personalized audition binder for your specific vocal type, check out our collection of DIY Rep Books.
The Audition Songs
Barry Mann
“Bennie and the Jets” – Elton John [1970s/non-theatre]
“Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” – Elton John [1970s/non-theatre]
“Ladies’ Choice” – Hairspray
“Radio” – Memphis
Carole King
“Dear Tom” – I’m Getting My Act Together & Taking It on the Road
“Goin’ Back” – Dusty Springfield [1960s/non-theatre]
“Lonely Lady” – I’m Getting My Act Together & Taking It on the Road
“Strong Woman Number” – I’m Getting My Act Together & Taking It on the Road
Cynthia Weil
“I Say a Little Prayer” – Dionne Warwick/Promises, Promises
“Knowing When to Leave” – Promises, Promises
“Whoever You Are, I Love You” – Promises, Promises
“I Only Want to Be With You” – Dusty Springfield [1960s/non-theatre]
Gerry Goffin
“Baby Don’t Go” – The Cher Show/Sonny & Cher
“Into the Mystic” – Van Morrison [1970s/non-theatre]
“Rhythm of the Rain” – The Cascades [1960s/non-theatre]
“Wonderful Tonight” – Eric Clapton [1970s/non-theatre]
Ensemble (Altos)
“Dancing in the Street” – Martha and the Vandellas [1960s/non-theatre]
“Miss America” – I’m Getting My Act Together & Taking It on the Road
“Old Friend” – I’m Getting My Act Together and Taking It on the Road
Ensemble (Baritones)
“Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl)” – Looking Glass [1970s/non-theatre]
“Lean on Me” – Bill Withers [1970s/non-theatre]
“Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters” – Elton John [1970s/non-theatre]
Ensemble (Basses)
“Always on My Mind” – Elvis [1970s/non-theatre]
“Wanting Things” – Promises Promises
“Your Song” – Elton John [1970s/non-theatre]
Ensemble (Contras)
“Crocodile Rock” – Elton John [1970s/non-theatre]
“I Wish It Would Rain” – Ain’t Too Proud
“The Way You Do The Things You Do” – Ain’t Too Proud
Ensemble (Mezzo-Sopranos)
“Happy Birthday” – I’m Getting My Act Together & Taking It on the Road
“Put in a Package and Sold” – I’m Getting My Act Together & Taking It on the Road
“Woodstock” – Joni Mitchell [1970s/non-theatre]
Ensemble (Sopranos)
“Am I the Same Girl?” – Dusty Springfield [1960s/non-theatre]
“Band of Gold” – Freda Payne [1970s/non-theatre]
“Brand New Key” – Melanie [1970s/non-theatre]
Ensemble (Tenors)
“Mellow” – Elton John [1970s/non-theatre]
“The Stranger” – Movin’ Out
“You Are the Sunshine of My Life” – Stevie Wonder [1970s/non-theatre]
Step 4: Select a Monologue
If requested, here are a few audition monologues for Beautiful:
• “Album” in Solo!: The Best Monologues of the 80s – Women➝
• “Green Pepper➝” from Cocktails at Pam’s (Estelle)
• “Hear That Song?➝” from Ohio (Cat)
• “It’s Never One Thing➝” from Shows for Days (Irene)
• “Johnny Talks Kids➝” from Frankie and Johnny… (Johnny)
Final Step: Audition Prep
Once you’ve chosen your song, it’s time to start preparing! Grab your FREE Audition Prep Checklist and Stamp Cards to stay organized and motivated for your upcoming auditions!
Beautiful Song List
Here’s a list of the musical numbers in Beautiful, along with which characters sing in each of them. Unless you have been asked to, do not choose from the below songs for your audition! The following is more intended to be used for character research purposes.
* That said, if you’ve specifically been asked to sing a song from the show, you can find the sheet music for the best possible audition songs below.
Act 1:
“So Far Away” – Carole King
“1650 Broadway Medley” – Ensemble
“It Might as Well Rain Until September” – Carole
“Some Kind of Wonderful” – Carole, Gerry, Ensemble
“Happy Days Are Here Again” – Cynthia
“Take Good Care of My Baby” – Gerry, Carol
“Will You Love Me Tomorrow” – Carole
“He’s Sure the Boy I Love” – Cynthia, Barry
“Will You Love Me Tomorrow” – Ensemble
“Up on the Roof” – Gerry, Ensemble
“On Broadway” – Ensemble
“The Locomotion” – Little Eva, Ensemble
“You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling” – Barry, Ensemble
“One Fine Day” – Janelle, Carole, Ensemble
Act 2:
“Chains” – Carole, Ensemble
“Walking in the Rain” – Barry, Cynthia
“Pleasant Valley Sunday” – Marilyn Wald, Gerry, Ensemble
“We Gotta Get Out of This Place” – Barry
“Uptown” – “Uptown” Singer, Ensemble
“It’s Too Late” – Carole, Ensemble
“You’ve Got a Friend” – Carole, Barry, Cynthia, Don
“(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” – Carole, Ensemble
“Beautiful” – Carole, Company
“I Feel the Earth Move” – Carole, Company
Author: Stacy Karyn
Stacy Karyn is the founder of Theatre Trip and the author of The Thespian’s Bucket List. She is also the creator of The Cast Album List. Her background includes a BA in Theatre, a TESOL Drama certificate, and professional experience in Broadway and Off-Broadway theaters.
