Ready to revisit the electrifying performances and unforgettable choreography that defined So You Think You Can Dance? Then get ready to dive into our definitive list of the best songs from SYTYCD! For years, this iconic show has captivated audiences with its breathtaking talent and the incredible music that fueled each dancer's journey. From heart-stopping contemporary pieces to high-energy hip-hop routines, the song selection has always played a crucial role in setting the mood and enhancing the emotional impact of each performance. This curated list isn't just a ranking of catchy tunes; it's a journey through the show's history, highlighting the musical moments that have resonated most deeply with viewers. Whether you're a longtime fan reliving cherished memories or a newcomer discovering the magic of SYTYCD, prepare to be swept away by the power of these unforgettable tracks and the artistry they inspired. So, let's get started and rediscover why these songs remain iconic choices from the show.
| Song | Artist | Album | Listens |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Chandelier | Sia | 1000 Forms Of Fear (Deluxe Version) | 3B+ |
| 2. Halo | Beyoncé | I AM...SASHA FIERCE | 2B+ |
| 3. Elastic Heart | Sia | 1000 Forms Of Fear (Deluxe Version) | 1B+ |
| 4. Creep | Radiohead | Pablo Honey | 1B+ |
| 5. Sweet Dreams |
Eurythmics Annie Lennox Dave Stewart | Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This) | 948M+ |
| 6. Someone You Loved | Lewis Capaldi | Divinely Uninspired To A Hellish Extent | 909M+ |
| 7. Take Me to Church | Hozier | Hozier | 853M+ |
1. Chandelier
Sia's Vocal Performance: Sia's powerhouse vocals are perfectly showcased in "Chandelier" creating an emotionally resonant performance ideal for a high-energy SYTYCD routine.
Dynamic Rhythm and Tempo: The song's dramatic shifts in tempo and rhythm provide dancers with exciting opportunities for dynamic choreography, creating both powerful and vulnerable moments on stage.
Memorable and Theatrical Quality: "Chandelier"'s theatrical flair and instantly recognizable melody lend themselves well to a visually stunning and memorable SYTYCD performance, ensuring lasting impact on both viewers and judges.
2. Halo (I AM...SASHA FIERCE - 2025)
Vocal Performance: Beyoncé's powerful vocals soar in "Halo" delivering an emotional depth perfect for a captivating SYTYCD performance.
Emotional Resonance: The song's soaring melody and heartfelt lyrics create a powerful emotional connection, ideal for evoking heartfelt storytelling on the dance floor.
Choreographic Potential: "Halo's" dynamic structure and build-up lend itself to dynamic choreography, allowing dancers to showcase a range of styles and emotions.
3. Elastic Heart - 1000 Forms Of Fear (Deluxe Version)
Powerhouse Vocals: Sia's incredible vocal range and raw emotion make this a standout performance, perfectly showcasing the intensity demanded by *So You Think You Can Dance* routines.
Dynamic Choreography Magnet: The song's driving beat and dramatic shifts in tempo provide a perfect canvas for complex and emotionally resonant choreography.
Memorable Impact: "Elastic Heart" has a lasting impact, leaving audiences captivated and fueling memorable performances on *So You Think You Can Dance* year after year.
4. Creep (Pablo Honey - 1992)
Vocal Performance: Thom Yorke's distinctive, vulnerable vocals are a key element, conveying a raw emotionality perfect for a high-stakes dance performance on *So You Think You Can Dance*.
Unconventional Structure: The song's unusual structure, with its shifting dynamics and unexpected pauses, provides choreographers with unique opportunities for creative movement and storytelling.
Emotional Resonance: Creep's melancholic yet powerful melody creates a compelling atmosphere, capable of evoking strong emotional responses from both dancers and viewers, making it a memorable and impactful choice for competition.
5. Sweet Dreams
Synth-Pop Prowess: Eurythmics' signature sound, a blend of innovative synthesizers and Annie Lennox's powerful vocals, makes "Sweet Dreams" instantly recognizable and perfect for high-energy choreography.
Iconic Status: Its memorable melody and lyrics have cemented "Sweet Dreams" as a pop culture staple, ensuring its continued relevance in dance competitions and beyond.
Dramatic Potential: The song's dramatic build-up and dynamic range provide dancers with ample opportunities to showcase emotional depth and technical skill.
6. Someone You Loved (2019)
Vocal Performance: Lewis Capaldi's raw and emotive vocals perfectly capture the heartbreak and vulnerability of the song, making it incredibly resonant for a dance performance.
Emotional Resonance: The song's poignant lyrics about loss and longing create a powerful emotional connection with the audience, ideal for evoking strong feelings during a dance routine.
Musicality: The melancholic melody and building instrumentation provide a dynamic backdrop for choreography, allowing dancers to express a range of emotions through movement.
7. Take Me to Church (Hozier - 2025)
Powerful Vocals: Hozier's incredible vocal range and emotive delivery make this song a standout performance piece, perfect for showcasing vocal talent on *So You Think You Can Dance*.
Soulful Rhythm: The song's gospel-influenced rhythm and driving beat create a captivating energy ideal for dynamic choreography.
Emotional Resonance: "Take Me to Church" evokes a powerful emotional response, lending itself to expressive and moving dance performances.
8. Set Fire to the Rain (21)
Vocal Performance: Adele's powerhouse vocals are a perfect showcase for the emotional depth of "Set Fire to the Rain" making it ideal for a powerful SYTYCD performance.
Emotional Resonance: The song's raw emotion and vulnerability provide ample opportunity for dancers to express a wide range of feelings, from heartbreak to resilience.
Dramatic Potential: The dynamic shifts in the music, from quiet vulnerability to soaring crescendos, create dramatic moments perfect for choreography that tells a story.
9. Fix You (2005)
Emotional Resonance: Coldplay's "Fix You" offers a powerful and cathartic experience, perfect for emotionally charged routines on *So You Think You Can Dance*. Its soaring melodies and heartfelt lyrics resonate deeply with the vulnerability and strength often expressed through dance.
Musicality: The song's dynamic arrangement, building from a delicate piano intro to a powerful crescendo, provides a compelling backdrop for intricate choreography. The steady beat and anthemic chorus are ideal for showcasing both technical skill and emotional expression.
Versatility: "Fix You" lends itself to a wide range of dance styles, from contemporary to ballroom, making it a versatile choice for choreographers seeking to evoke a spectrum of emotions and movements on *SYTYCD*.
10. Young And Beautiful (Mylo Xyloto - 2025)
Haunting Vocals: Lana Del Rey's signature breathy vocals perfectly capture the bittersweet longing of youth, making it a captivating choice for a dance performance.
Elegant Orchestration: The song's sophisticated arrangement, blending melancholic strings with a subtle, driving beat, provides a dramatic backdrop ideal for choreographic expression.
Emotional Resonance: "Young and Beautiful" evokes a powerful sense of nostalgia and fleeting time, themes readily translated into compelling movement and storytelling on the dance floor.
11Jar of Hearts
Christina Perri
2010
12Bleeding Love
Leona Lewis
2007
13Hallelujah
Leonard Cohen
1984
Various Positions
14Say You Love Me
Jessie Ware
2014
15Praying
Kesha
2017
16Let's Get It On
Marvin Gaye
1973
Let's Get It On
17Mercy
Duffy
2008
18Turning Tables
Adele
2011
21
19Slow Dancing in a Burning Room
John Mayer
2012
Continuum
20Lost Without You
Freya Ridings
2017
21Gravity
Sara Bareilles
2007
Little Voice
22Mad World
Tears For Fears
1982
The Hurting
23I Got You
Leona Lewis
2009
24I'm Kissing You
Des'ree
1996
Supernatural
25Skinny Love
Bon Iver
2007
For Emma, Forever Ago
26Bang Bang
Nancy Sinatra
1966
27Dreaming with a Broken Heart
John Mayer
2007
28Fuego
Pitbull
2007
29Mad World
Gary Jules
2001
30Are You The One?
The Presets
2008