Musical theater has provided a platform for female singers to showcase their vocal talent and emotional range through the years. From powerful ballads to upbeat showstoppers, musical theater offers a wide range of musical styles and themes that female singers can bring to life. Whether it’s the passionate intensity of a heart-wrenching love song or the lighthearted energy of a comedic number, musical theater provides a wealth of opportunities for female singers to shine. The 20 Best Musical Theater Songs for Female Singers showcase the diversity of female voices and the incredible impact they have had on the musical theater genre. These timeless classics have been performed by countless talented women and continue to inspire new generations of singers. From the “On My Own” by Les Misérablesto the sassy empowerment of “Don’t Rain on My Parade” by Funny Girl, these songs have become beloved staples of musical theater. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or just a fan of musical theater, this list is a celebration of the female voice and its enduring impact on the musical theater genre.
1. “On My Own” by Les Misérables
“On My Own” is a powerful ballad from the musical Les Misérables. It is sung by the character Eponine, and expresses her unrequited love for Marius. The song is a heartbreaking soliloquy, as Eponine laments her loneliness and longing for Marius’ love. The music is haunting and the lyrics are powerful, capturing the depth of Eponine’s emotions. Despite knowing that Marius will never return her love, she continues to hold on to her dreams and the hope that he will one day see her as more than just a friend. The song is a testament to the strength of love and the power of the human spirit, even in the face of rejection and heartbreak.
2. “As Long As He Needs Me” by Oliver
“As Long As He Needs Me” is a poignant and emotional song from the musical Oliver. It is sung by the character Nancy, and expresses her undying devotion to her abusive lover, Bill Sikes. Despite being aware of his cruel and violent nature, Nancy is unable to leave him and continues to love him unconditionally. The song is a powerful portrayal of the complex emotions that can be involved in an abusive relationship. The music is slow and melancholy, capturing the sadness and hopelessness that Nancy feels, while the lyrics are filled with a mixture of love, fear, and resignation. Ultimately, “As Long As He Needs Me” is a heartbreaking expression of the power of love and the lengths that one will go to for the person they care about.
3. “She Used To Be Mine” by Waitress
“She Used To Be Mine” is a poignant and introspective ballad from the musical Waitress. It is sung by the lead character, Jenna, and reflects on the changes she has gone through in her life and how she has lost touch with her true self. The song is a powerful expression of the feelings of regret and longing that can arise when one looks back on their past. The music is haunting and the lyrics are emotionally charged, capturing the sense of loss and sadness that Jenna feels. Despite her longing for the person she used to be, Jenna finds hope in the possibility of a brighter future. “She Used To Be Mine” is a beautiful and moving tribute to the journey of self-discovery and the power of hope.
4. “I Don’t Know How To Love Him” by Jesus Christ Superstar
“I Don’t Know How to Love Him” is a powerful ballad from the rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar. It is sung by the character Mary Magdalene and expresses her confusion and uncertainty about her feelings for Jesus. The song is a poignant expression of the dilemma that Mary faces, as she struggles to reconcile her growing love for Jesus with her understanding of who he is and what his mission means. The music is haunting and the lyrics are emotionally charged, capturing Mary’s turmoil and the depth of her feelings. “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” is a moving tribute to the power of love and the complexity of human emotions, and remains one of the most popular and enduring songs from the musical.
5. “Still Hurting” by The Last Five Years
“Still Hurting” is a powerful and emotional ballad from the musical The Last Five Years. It is sung by the character Cathy, and expresses the pain and heartbreak she feels after the end of her relationship with Jamie. The song is a moving expression of the feelings of loss, regret, and longing that can follow a breakup. The music is haunting and the lyrics are powerful, capturing Cathy’s raw emotions as she reflects on the relationship and all that she has lost. Despite her pain, Cathy finds the strength to keep going and look towards the future, even as she still hurts. “Still Hurting” is a beautiful and moving tribute to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of heartbreak.
6. “No One Else” by Natasha, Pierre, and The Great Comet of 1812
“No One Else” is a soaring and passionate ballad from the musical Natasha, Pierre, and The Great Comet of 1812. It is sung by the character Pierre, and expresses his deep love and devotion for Natasha. The song is a powerful declaration of love, as Pierre pours out his heart and acknowledges that Natasha is the only person who has ever truly understood him. The music is stirring and the lyrics are filled with emotion, capturing the intensity of Pierre’s feelings. “No One Else” is a beautiful tribute to the power of love and the connection that can exist between two people. Despite the difficulties that Pierre and Natasha face, their love for each other remains strong and unshakable, making this song a true highlight of the musical.
7. “All That Matters” by Finding Neverland
“All That Matters” is a beautiful and uplifting ballad from the musical Finding Neverland. It is sung by the character J.M. Barrie, and expresses his deep love and devotion for the children he has come to know through his friendship with the Llewelyn Davies family. The song is a touching expression of the joy and inspiration that Barrie finds in his relationships with the children, and the impact they have had on his life. The music is upbeat and the lyrics are filled with hope and happiness, capturing the sense of wonder and delight that Barrie feels. “All That Matters” is a powerful tribute to the transformative power of love and friendship, and the way that these relationships can enrich our lives and bring us joy.
8. “Mama Who Bore Me” by Spring Awakening
“Mama Who Bore Me” is a haunting and emotional ballad from the musical Spring Awakening. It is sung by the character Wendla, and expresses her confusion and longing for a deeper understanding of the changes she is experiencing as she enters into adulthood. The song is a poignant expression of the feelings of innocence, naivety, and uncertainty that can accompany adolescence. The music is haunting and the lyrics are filled with longing and sadness, capturing the sense of loss and confusion that Wendla feels as she grows up. “Mama Who Bore Me” is a beautiful tribute to the journey of self-discovery and the struggles that come with growing up, and remains a powerful and emotional highlight of the musical.
9. “Think of Me” by Phantom of the Opera
“Think of Me” is a beautiful and haunting ballad from the musical Phantom of the Opera. It is sung by the character Christine, and expresses her longing for the Phantom and the love she once felt for him. The song is a powerful expression of the complexity of Christine’s feelings, as she struggles to reconcile her fear of the Phantom with her love for him and her desire to be with him. The music is soaring and the lyrics are filled with emotion, capturing Christine’s longing and the intensity of her feelings. “Think of Me” is a beautiful tribute to the power of love and the way that it can both uplift and confuse us, and remains one of the most popular and enduring songs from the musical.
10. “Take Me or Leave Me” by Rent
“Take Me or Leave Me” is a powerful and dynamic duet from the musical Rent. It is sung by the characters Maureen and Joanne, and expresses their conflicting emotions as they try to navigate the ups and downs of their relationship. The song is a frank and passionate expression of the challenges that come with love and commitment, as Maureen and Joanne grapple with their feelings for each other and their desire to make the relationship work. The music is upbeat and the lyrics are filled with energy and emotion, capturing the intensity of the characters’ feelings. “Take Me or Leave Me” is a beautiful tribute to the complexity of love and relationships, and remains one of the most popular and memorable songs from the musical.
11. “Doin’ What Comes Natur’lly” by Annie Get Your Gun
“Doin’ What Comes Natur’lly” is an upbeat and cheerful number from the musical Annie Get Your Gun. It is sung by the character Dolly Tate, and expresses her excitement and confidence as she embraces her natural talent and ability. The song is a joyful expression of Dolly’s determination to be herself and follow her dreams, despite the challenges she faces. The music is lighthearted and the lyrics are filled with humor and optimism, capturing the spirit of Dolly’s journey. “Doin’ What Comes Natur’lly” is a celebration of self-expression and the importance of pursuing one’s passions, and remains a beloved and timeless tune from the musical.
12. “I’d Give My Life For You” by Miss Saigon
“I’d Give My Life for You” is a heart-wrenching ballad from the musical Miss Saigon. It is sung by the character Chris, and expresses his deep love and devotion for the character Kim. The song is a powerful expression of Chris’s determination to do anything for the woman he loves, including giving up his own life. The music is poignant and the lyrics are filled with emotion, capturing the intensity of Chris’s feelings. “I’d Give My Life for You” is a beautiful tribute to the power of love and the lengths one will go to protect it, and remains one of the most popular and enduring songs from the musical.
13. “Burn” by Hamilton
“Burn” is a powerful and intense ballad from the musical Hamilton. It is sung by the character Eliza, and expresses her pain and anger after learning about Alexander Hamilton’s infidelity. The song is a raw and emotional expression of Eliza’s feelings, as she grapples with the betrayal and the heartbreak that comes with it. The music is intense and the lyrics are filled with anger and pain, capturing the complexity of Eliza’s emotions. “Burn” is a haunting and memorable tribute to the power of love, heartbreak, and the strength it takes to move forward, and remains one of the standout songs from the musical.
14. “Don’t Rain on My Parade” by Funny Girl
“Don’t Rain on My Parade” is an upbeat and energetic number from the musical Funny Girl. It is sung by the character Fanny Brice, and expresses her determination to keep her spirits high and follow her dreams, despite the challenges she faces. The song is a joyful expression of Fanny’s confidence and positive outlook on life, as she refuses to let anyone bring her down. The music is lighthearted and the lyrics are filled with humor and optimism, capturing the spirit of Fanny’s journey. “Don’t Rain on My Parade” is a celebration of self-expression and the importance of staying true to oneself, and remains a beloved and timeless tune from the musical.
15. “Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again” by The Phantom of the Opera
“Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again” is a haunting and emotional ballad from the musical The Phantom of the Opera. It is sung by the character Christine, and expresses her longing and sadness for the Phantom, who she has lost. The song is a powerful expression of Christine’s feelings, as she grapples with the loss of the person she loves and the pain that comes with it. The music is poignant and the lyrics are filled with emotion, capturing the intensity of Christine’s feelings. “Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again” is a beautiful tribute to the power of love and the lengths one will go to protect it, and remains one of the most popular and enduring songs from the musical.
16. “Requiem” by Dear Evan Hansen
“Requiem” is a poignant and emotional song from the musical Dear Evan Hansen. It is sung by the character Evan, and expresses his feelings of guilt and sorrow for his role in a web of lies that have spun out of control. The song is a powerful expression of Evan’s feelings, as he grapples with the consequences of his actions and the weight of his guilt. The music is haunting and the lyrics are filled with emotion, capturing the intensity of Evan’s feelings. “Requiem” is a poignant tribute to the power of human connection and the struggles we all face, and remains a standout song from the musical.
17. “Pretty Funny” by Dogfight
“Pretty Funny” is a song from the musical Dogfight. It is sung by the character Rose, and expresses her feelings of insecurity and self-doubt as she navigates a challenging new relationship. The song is a poignant expression of Rose’s struggles, as she grapples with the pressure to conform to societal expectations and the fear of being rejected. The music is soulful and the lyrics are filled with emotion, capturing the depth of Rose’s feelings. “Pretty Funny” is a powerful tribute to the challenges of growing up and the journey towards self-acceptance, and remains a memorable tune from the musical.
18. “Memory” by Cats
“Memory” is a haunting and melancholic ballad from the musical Cats. It is sung by the character Grizabella, and expresses her feelings of loneliness and regret as she reflects on her past. The song is a powerful expression of Grizabella’s feelings, as she grapples with the memories of her life and the longing for a sense of belonging. The music is hauntingly beautiful and the lyrics are filled with emotion, capturing the intensity of Grizabella’s feelings. “Memory” is a timeless tribute to the power of nostalgia and the struggles of growing older, and remains one of the most popular and enduring songs from the musical.
19. “There Are Worse Things I Could Do” by Grease
“There Are Worse Things I Could Do” is a upbeat and empowering song from the musical Grease. It is sung by the character Rizzo, and expresses her feelings of independence and defiance as she faces challenges in her relationships and social status. The song is a confident expression of Rizzo’s personality, as she takes a stand and asserts her own worth. The music is energetic and the lyrics are filled with sass, capturing the spirit of Rizzo’s attitude. “There Are Worse Things I Could Do” is a memorable anthem to the power of self-expression and the importance of standing up for oneself, and remains a standout song from the musical.
20. “So Big / So Small” by Dear Evan Hansen
“So Big / So Small” is a powerful and emotional song from the musical Dear Evan Hansen. It is sung by the character Connor’s mother, and expresses her feelings of grief and loss as she reflects on her relationship with her son. The song is a moving expression of the complex emotions that come with loss, as she grapples with the questions and doubts that come with grief. The music is moving and the lyrics are filled with raw emotion, capturing the intensity of the character’s feelings. “So Big / So Small” is a touching tribute to the power of motherly love and the struggle to come to terms with loss, and remains a standout moment from the musical.
Simon Robinson is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
