17 Best Songs From So You Think You Can Dance: Ultimate Playlist

1. I Will Always Love You (Whitney Houston)

Vocal Performance: Whitney Houston's powerhouse vocals are legendary, and this performance on So You Think You Can Dance would undoubtedly showcase the raw emotion and vocal control that made her a superstar.

Emotional Impact: The song's heartbreaking lyrics of farewell and love resonate deeply, providing a powerful and memorable moment for any dancer attempting to convey a powerful message.

Choreographic Potential: "I Will Always Love You" offers a wealth of possibilities for choreography, from elegant ballroom to intensely emotional contemporary styles, allowing for a vast range of emotional expression and technical skill display.

2. Sweet Dreams - Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)

Sweet Dreams

Artist: Eurythmics (Annie Lennox & Dave Stewart)

Iconic Synth Sound: The instantly recognizable synth line is a cornerstone of 80s pop, making it a powerful and memorable choice for any dance routine. Its driving beat is inherently motivating and visually stimulating.

Lennox's Vocals: Annie Lennox's haunting vocals provide a captivating contrast to the song's energetic rhythm, adding depth and emotional resonance perfect for a performance piece.

Choreographic Potential: The dynamic shifts in tempo and mood within "Sweet Dreams" lend themselves beautifully to diverse choreography, allowing for a range of emotional and stylistic expression.

3. Bleeding Love - 2025

Vocal Performance: Leona Lewis's powerhouse vocals are the undeniable heart of "Bleeding Love" showcasing incredible range and emotional depth perfect for a So You Think You Can Dance performance.

Emotional Resonance: The song's raw vulnerability and heartbreak resonate deeply, providing ample opportunity for dancers to convey complex emotions through movement.

Choreographic Potential: "Bleeding Love"'s dramatic build and dynamic shifts in tempo offer diverse possibilities for choreography, making it ideal for showcasing both technical skill and expressive storytelling.

4. Mercy (2008)

Vocal Performance: Duffy's powerful and emotive vocals are a standout feature, conveying a raw vulnerability that resonated deeply with audiences and made it perfect for emotionally charged routines.

Soulful Melody: The song's soulful melody and gospel-tinged instrumentation create a captivating atmosphere, lending itself well to choreography that explores themes of longing and redemption.

Danceability: "Mercy" possesses a driving rhythm and memorable hook, making it both emotionally resonant and physically engaging for dancers, ideal for showcasing impressive technique and emotional range.

5. Outta Your Mind - 2025

Song Title: Outta Your Mind

Artist: Offset, Lil Jon, 2 Chainz

High-Energy Rhythm: The track boasts a relentless beat perfect for high-intensity choreography, its driving rhythm designed to keep dancers moving throughout the routine.

Memorable Hook: Lil Jon's signature vocal style and the catchy hook ensure the song is both instantly recognizable and incredibly earwormy, making it stick in the minds of both dancers and viewers.

Dynamic Vocal Delivery: The interplay between Offset and 2 Chainz's verses provides a dynamic vocal contrast, adding further layers of interest to the song's overall impact, ideal for a visually exciting performance.

6. Gravity

Vocal Performance: Sara Bareilles' emotive vocals perfectly capture the vulnerability and strength inherent in the song's theme, making it a compelling choice for a high-stakes dance performance.

Emotional Resonance: "Gravity" evokes a powerful sense of longing and acceptance, creating a deeply moving experience for both dancers and viewers, ideal for a moment of emotional vulnerability on the show.

Choreographic Potential: The song's dynamic arrangement and building intensity lend themselves to intricate and emotionally charged choreography, showcasing dancers' range and skill.

7. Hallelujah

Alexandra Burke's Vocals: Burke's powerful and emotive delivery of "Hallelujah" showcases the incredible vocal talent frequently displayed on So You Think You Can Dance, making it a standout performance.

Emotional Resonance: The raw emotion Burke conveys elevates the song beyond a simple cover, creating a truly unforgettable moment for viewers and listeners alike, reflecting the show's focus on emotional expression through dance.

Memorable Performance: This rendition of "Hallelujah" remains a highlight in So You Think You Can Dance history, showcasing the power of the song and the singer's talent to connect with the audience on a profound level.

8. Bang Bang (Nancy Sinatra - 1966)

Song Title: Bang Bang

Artist: Nancy Sinatra

Iconic Vocal Performance: Nancy Sinatra's powerful and sultry vocals are a defining feature, making "Bang Bang" instantly recognizable and unforgettable. The delivery is both captivating and commanding, perfectly suited for a high-energy dance performance.

Undeniable Groove: The song boasts a relentless rhythm and undeniably catchy melody, perfect for choreographers seeking a track that will keep dancers engaged and the audience enthralled. Its dynamic structure lends itself to creative movement.

Cultural Impact: "Bang Bang's" enduring popularity and its numerous covers across decades highlight its timeless appeal and show its lasting impact on pop culture. This makes it a solid choice for showcasing versatility and interpretation on a dance stage.

9. All That Jazz (Chicago Soundtrack - 1975)

Song Title: All That Jazz

Artist: Chicago Soundtrack

Upbeat Energy: Its infectious rhythm and driving tempo make it perfect for high-energy routines, easily captivating audiences and judges alike.

Vocal Performance: The powerful vocals and dynamic arrangement provide ample opportunity for vocalists to showcase their range and expressiveness.

Choreographic Versatility: "All That Jazz" lends itself to a wide variety of dance styles, offering choreographers a canvas for creativity and innovation.

10. Dreaming with a Broken Heart

Emotional Resonance: "Dreaming with a Broken Heart" masterfully captures the raw vulnerability of heartbreak, making it deeply relatable for viewers and dancers alike.

Melodic Power: The song's memorable melody and John Mayer's distinctive vocals are incredibly impactful, creating a strong emotional connection perfect for a dance performance.

Choreographic Potential: Its dynamic structure and emotional range lend themselves well to expressive choreography, allowing dancers to showcase a wide spectrum of movement and emotion.