This is a really good post. My D was one who switched up her material about 2/3 of the way in the audition cycle. She did pass several prescreens but it was less than she anticipated. Then she didn’t feel like she was received all that well in live auditions, so she chose different material and the results changed dramatically. She ultimately was accepted to several programs. Now, perhaps she was just better in the room with more experience. We’ll never know, but she did seem to have more confidence, which I think makes a difference.
She’s pretty bullheaded and was insistent on using the original material in prescreens and several direct auditions. Previously she was given subtle feedback that the material may not be a great fit (from an audition camp she attended) but she wanted to use it. Kept on giving reasons like “I can’t use X because it’s too popular” or “They’ve heard that song a million times” or “it’s not the right genre”, etc. Her voice teacher told her to just go with what really shows off her talent, that she connects with, etc. Voila, acceptances.
It’s not too late.