I've never had an audition for pop or traditional singing (only classical) but when I sing traditionals or spirituals or Italian songs, I feel that I can reach the audience by concentrating in the expression, and leave the technique do its job by itself. This means that the technique needs to be learnt up to a point where you don't need to pay attention to it. And of course, study the songs, word by word and note by note. Expression will come only when you know and feel the music very well.

One more comment, do never sing in a tone that's too low for your voice (some singers do this for fear of failing the high notes)

Un abrazo,
Andrés