The Best Audition Songs for Hairspray (By Character)

Auditioning for Hairspray? With such a vibrant cast of characters, picking the right song can really help you stand out and capture the spirit of the show. Whether you’re going for Tracy’s upbeat optimism, Seaweed’s cool confidence, or Motormouth Maybelle’s powerhouse vocals, a song that matches each character’s energy and the 1960s style can make all the difference. Here’s a list of character-appropriate, era-inspired song suggestions to help you nail it.

1. Tracy Turnblad

Tracy is an optimistic, big-hearted, and determined teenager with a love for dancing and a dream to promote integration. Her songs should be upbeat, fun, and showcase her confidence and charm.

1. “I Can Hear the Bells” (On the Town) – light and romantic
2. “One Fine Day” (Beautiful: The Carole King Musical) – upbeat with a retro pop feel
3. “Happy Days Are Here Again” (Babes in Arms) – with Tracy’s optimistic energy
4. “I Feel the Earth Move” (Beautiful: The Carole King Musical) – fun and energetic
5. “You Can’t Hurry Love” (Motown the Musical) – bright and determined
6. “It’s My Party” (Leader of the Pack) – with a playful, youthful tone
7. “A Lot of Livin’ to Do” (Bye Bye Birdie) – showcasing her lively spirit

2. Edna Turnblad

Edna is Tracy’s mother, who is shy at first but gains confidence. Her songs should reflect warmth, humor, and growth, with a touch of soul.

1. “My Own Best Friend” (Chicago) – introspective yet empowering
2. “I Am Woman” (The Helen Reddy Story) – strong and empowering
3. “If My Friends Could See Me Now” (Sweet Charity) – playful with newfound confidence
4. “You’ve Got a Friend” (Beautiful: The Carole King Musical) – warm and supportive
5. “Don’t Rain on My Parade” (Funny Girl) – with a bold, growing confidence
6. “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” (Gentlemen Prefer Blondes) – glamorous and fun
7. “Don’t Tell Mama” (Cabaret) – comedic, with a hint of sass

3. Wilbur Turnblad

Wilbur is Tracy’s quirky, supportive father who owns a joke shop. His songs should reflect his playful nature, warmth, and love for Edna.

1. “I’ve Got the World on a String” (Swing Time) – upbeat and charming
2. “Do I Love You Because You’re Beautiful?” (Cinderella) – sweet and sincere
3. “Put on a Happy Face” (Bye Bye Birdie) – lighthearted and cheerful
4. “When I’m Not Near the Girl I Love” (Finian’s Rainbow) – humorous and heartfelt
5. “Love and Marriage” (Our Town) – playful and romantic
6. “Isn’t She Lovely” (Stevie Wonder) – warm and adoring
7. “S’Wonderful” (Funny Face) – jazzy and romantic

4. Link Larkin

Link is a heartthrob and lead dancer on The Corny Collins Show, who falls for Tracy. His songs should have a pop rock vibe, showing both his cool charm and his sincerity.

1. “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You” (Jersey Boys) – romantic and smooth
2. “Blue Suede Shoes” (Million Dollar Quartet) – classic and energetic
3. “Young and Beautiful” (The Great Gatsby) – soulful and tender
4. “Jailhouse Rock” (All Shook Up) – high-energy rock with swagger
5. “Love Me Tender” (Million Dollar Quartet) – soft and romantic
6. “You’re the One That I Want” (Grease) – playful and flirtatious
7. “The Wanderer” (Beautiful: The Carole King Musical) – with a cool, confident vibe

5. Penny Pingleton

Penny is Tracy’s shy, quirky best friend who comes into her own and falls for Seaweed. Her songs should be cute, a little goofy, and show her transition from shy to confident.

1. “The Sweetest Sounds” (No Strings) – innocent and optimistic
2. “I’m a Believer” (Shrek the Musical) – lighthearted and upbeat
3. “Stupid Cupid” (Leader of the Pack) – fun and playful
4. “Good Morning Baltimore” (Cry-Baby) – innocent and enthusiastic
5. “I Feel Pretty” (West Side Story) – cute and full of wonder
6. “It Might as Well Be Spring” (State Fair) – dreamy and sweet
7. “Happy to Keep His Dinner Warm” (How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying) – humorous and quirky

6. Seaweed J. Stubbs

Seaweed is a smooth, talented dancer who becomes Penny’s love interest and motivates Tracy to stand up for integration. His songs should have soul, charm, and confidence.

1. “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg” (Motown the Musical) – soulful and expressive
2. “Cool” (West Side Story) – with swagger and rhythm
3. “Stand by Me” (Smokey Joe’s Cafe) – soulful and strong
4. “Land of a Thousand Dances” (All Shook Up) – high energy and fun
5. “Twistin’ the Night Away” (Smokey Joe’s Cafe) – upbeat and rhythmic
6. “Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)” (Motown the Musical) – fun and flirty
7. “Get Ready” (Ain’t Too Proud) – confident and cool

7. Motormouth Maybelle

Motormouth Maybelle is a strong, soulful DJ who leads the fight for racial equality. Her songs should be powerful, full of soul, and reflect her strength and wisdom.

1. “I Know Where I’ve Been” (The Color Purple) – powerful and emotional
2. “Proud Mary” (Tina: The Tina Turner Musical) – energetic and soulful
3. “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” (Motown the Musical) – bold and uplifting
4. “I’m Every Woman” (The Bodyguard) – powerful and proud
5. “Respect” (Smokey Joe’s Cafe) – commanding and strong
6. “What’s Going On” (Motown the Musical) – soulful and moving
7. “Natural Woman” (Beautiful: The Carole King Musical) – emotional and empowering

8. Amber Von Tussle

Amber is a spoiled, self-centered dancer on The Corny Collins Show, who competes with Tracy. Her songs should be sassy, a little vain, and show off her “mean girl” personality.

1. “Popular” (Wicked) – bubbly with attitude
2. “Material Girl” (Material Girl) – sassy and superficial
3. “I Enjoy Being a Girl” (Flower Drum Song) – confident and a little vain
4. “I Feel Pretty” (West Side Story) – with an exaggerated, self-centered tone
5. “Queen Bee” (Ain’t Misbehavin’) – sassy and playful
6. “How Lovely to Be a Woman” (Bye Bye Birdie) – flirty and fun
7. “Taylor the Latte Boy” (Kristin Chenoweth) – humorous and a bit self-centered

9. Velma Von Tussle

Velma is Amber’s scheming mother and the manager of The Corny Collins Show, who resists integration. Her songs should be commanding, sharp, and a little villainous.

1. “When You’re Good to Mama” (Chicago) – with a sly edge
2. “Don’t Rain on My Parade” (Funny Girl) – strong and bold
3. “You’ll Be Back” (Hamilton) – confident and assertive
4. “Big Spender” (Sweet Charity) – commanding and flashy
5. “Rose’s Turn” (Gypsy) – powerful and intense
6. “Last Midnight” (Into the Woods) – dark and authoritative
7. “I’m the Greatest Star” (Funny Girl) – grandiose and a bit self-centered

10. Corny Collins

Corny is the charismatic host of The Corny Collins Show, who supports integration. His songs should be upbeat, charming, and full of classic showbiz flair.

1. “The Lady is a Tramp” (Babes in Arms) – suave and charming
2. “Razzle Dazzle” (Chicago) – playful and showy
3. “I Got Rhythm” (Girl Crazy) – upbeat and energetic
4. “Luck Be a Lady” (Guys and Dolls) – classic and smooth
5. “Steppin’ Out with My Baby” (Easter Parade) – jazzy and fun
6. “All I Need is the Girl” (Gypsy) – confident and lively
7. “Everything’s Coming Up Roses” (Gypsy) – upbeat and showy

11. Little Inez

Little Inez is Seaweed’s younger sister who dreams of being on The Corny Collins Show. Her songs should be youthful, hopeful, and energetic.

1. “Tomorrow” (Annie) – innocent and hopeful
2. “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair” (South Pacific) – playful and sassy
3. “Good Morning Starshine” (Hair) – bright and joyful
4. “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” (The Wizard of Oz) – hopeful and tender
5. “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” (Motown the Musical) – strong and positive
6. “My Boyfriend’s Back” (Jersey Boys) – fun and spunky
7. “Let Me Entertain You” (Gypsy) – confident and playful

Hairspray auditions are all about bringing these colorful characters to life, and the right song can showcase your personality while staying true to the show’s upbeat, soulful vibe. Whether you’re belting for Tracy or channeling your inner Velma, go with a song that lets you have fun and connect with the role. Break a leg, and enjoy the groove!