Broadway singers, the shining stars of the theatrical world, dazzle audiences with their unparalleled talent and captivating performances. With voices that range from powerful belts to tender ballads, they bring characters to life with depth, emotion, and authenticity. From the iconic showstoppers of classic musicals to the innovative scores of contemporary productions, Broadway singers transport audiences to worlds of fantasy, drama, and romance through the magic of song. Beyond their vocal prowess, they embody the essence of storytelling, connecting with audiences on a profound level and leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of theatergoers around the world.
1. Idina Menzel
Idina Menzel, the Tony Award-winning powerhouse of Broadway, enchants audiences with her spellbinding voice and dynamic performances. With a voice that soars to breathtaking heights and exudes emotional depth, she brings to life iconic characters and unforgettable melodies with unparalleled intensity and authenticity. From her breakout role as Maureen in “Rent” to her Tony-winning performance as Elphaba in “Wicked,” Menzel captivates audiences with her powerhouse vocals and magnetic stage presence. Beyond her Broadway triumphs, she has become a global sensation, captivating audiences with her performances in film and television. Idina Menzel’s legacy is one of artistic excellence and enduring inspiration, her voice a beacon of talent and passion in the world of entertainment.
2. Patti LuPone
Patti LuPone, the Tony and Olivier Award-winning diva of Broadway, commands the stage with her unmatched talent and electrifying presence. With a voice that is both powerful and nuanced, she brings depth and intensity to every role she embodies. From her iconic portrayal of Eva Perón in “Evita” to her mesmerizing performance as Mama Rose in “Gypsy,” LuPone captivates audiences with her dynamic vocals and magnetic charisma. Beyond her Broadway triumphs, she has become a cultural icon, revered for her versatility and dedication to her craft. Patti LuPone’s legacy is one of artistic excellence and unwavering passion, her voice a timeless reminder of the magic of Broadway.
3. Bernadette Peters
Bernadette Peters is an American actress, singer, and author who has appeared in numerous stage productions, films, and television shows. Born in 1948 in Queens, New York, Peters began her career at a young age and made her Broadway debut in 1967 in the musical “Johnny No-Trump.” She quickly gained recognition for her powerful voice, acting abilities, and charismatic stage presence.
Peters has appeared in a wide range of Broadway productions, including “Sunday in the Park with George,” “Into the Woods,” and “Gypsy,” for which she won a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical. She is known for her distinctive voice, which is characterized by its warmth, clarity, and emotional depth.
In addition to her work on stage, Peters has also appeared in films such as “The Jerk,” “Pennies from Heaven,” and “Annie,” and has made numerous television appearances. She has won several awards for her work, including two Tony Awards, a Golden Globe Award, and a Drama Desk Award.
Peters is also known for her work as an advocate for animal rights and has been involved in various charitable causes throughout her career. She continues to perform and is considered one of the greatest actresses and singers in Broadway history.
4. Audra McDonald
Audra McDonald is an American actress and singer who is renowned for her work on the Broadway stage. Born in 1970 in West Berlin, Germany, McDonald grew up in Fresno, California, and began performing at a young age. She made her Broadway debut in 1991 in the musical “The Secret Garden” and quickly gained recognition for her powerful voice and acting abilities.
McDonald is known for her versatility as a performer, having appeared in a wide range of musicals and plays. Some of her most notable roles include Sarah in “Ragtime,” Ruth Younger in “A Raisin in the Sun,” and Billie Holiday in “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill,” for which she won a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play.
In addition to her work on stage, McDonald has also appeared in films and television shows, including “Private Practice” and “The Good Fight.” She is known for her vocal range, which spans from soprano to mezzo-soprano, and her ability to convey emotion through her singing.
McDonald has won a record-breaking six Tony Awards, making her the most decorated performer in Tony history. She is also the only person to have won all four acting categories, having won Best Actress and Best Featured Actress in both a play and a musical. McDonald is considered one of the greatest actresses and singers of her generation.
5. Julie Andrews
Julie Andrews, the beloved icon of stage and screen, enchants audiences with her unmatched talent and timeless charm. With a voice that is as clear as a bell and as warm as sunshine, she brings to life some of the most iconic characters in musical theater history. From her unforgettable performances as Maria in “The Sound of Music” to her enchanting portrayal of Eliza Doolittle in “My Fair Lady,” Andrews captivates audiences with her effortless grace and impeccable vocals. Beyond her Broadway triumphs, she has become a beloved figure in film and television, cherished for her wit, elegance, and enduring talent. Julie Andrews’ legacy is one of artistic brilliance and universal admiration, her voice a timeless treasure in the hearts of fans around the world.
6. Ethel Merman
Ethel Merman was an American actress and singer known for her powerful voice and larger-than-life persona. Born in 1908 in Queens, New York, Merman began her career in vaudeville and made her Broadway debut in 1930 in the musical “Girl Crazy.” She quickly became known for her strong, belting voice and her ability to command the stage.
Merman went on to star in a number of Broadway musicals, including “Anything Goes,” “Annie Get Your Gun,” and “Gypsy,” among others. She became known as the “First Lady of the Musical Comedy” and was praised for her impeccable timing, comedic flair, and vocal range.
Merman’s voice was characterized by its power, clarity, and precision, and she was known for her ability to sustain high notes with ease. Her performances were often larger-than-life, and she became known for her brassy, no-nonsense persona on stage.
In addition to her work on Broadway, Merman also appeared in films and television shows. She received numerous awards and accolades throughout her career, including a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her performance in “Call Me Madam.” Merman passed away in 1984, but her legacy as one of Broadway’s greatest stars lives on.
7. Barbara Streisand
Barbra Streisand, the incomparable icon of stage and screen, captivates audiences with her legendary voice and unmatched talent. With a voice that spans octaves and exudes emotion, she brings to life the most iconic characters and melodies of Broadway and beyond. From her breakout role as Fanny Brice in “Funny Girl” to her unforgettable performances in films like “A Star is Born,” Streisand dazzles with her charisma and charisma. Beyond her musical prowess, she is a trailblazer in the entertainment industry, breaking barriers and inspiring generations with her unmatched talent and unwavering dedication to her craft. Barbra Streisand’s legacy is one of artistic brilliance and enduring influence, her voice an eternal beacon of beauty and inspiration.
8. Kristin Chenoweth
Kristin Chenoweth is an American actress and singer known for her work on stage and screen. Born in 1968 in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Chenoweth studied musical theater at Oklahoma City University and made her Broadway debut in 1997 in the musical “Steel Pier.” She quickly rose to fame for her distinctive voice, comedic timing, and charismatic stage presence.
Chenoweth is known for her versatility as a performer, having appeared in a wide range of roles in musicals, plays, films, and television shows. Some of her most notable Broadway roles include Glinda in “Wicked,” for which she won a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical, and Lily Garland in “On the Twentieth Century,” for which she received critical acclaim.
In addition to her work on Broadway, Chenoweth has appeared in numerous films and television shows, including “Pushing Daisies,” “Glee,” and “The West Wing.” She is known for her soprano voice, which is characterized by its purity, agility, and range, and she has released several albums showcasing her vocal talents.
Chenoweth has received numerous awards and accolades throughout her career, including a Daytime Emmy Award, a Drama Desk Award, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She continues to perform and is considered one of the most talented and versatile performers in the entertainment industry.
9. Brian Stokes Mitchell
Brian Stokes Mitchell is an American actor and singer known for his powerful baritone voice and his work in musical theater. Born in 1957 in Seattle, Washington, Mitchell began his career in the late 1970s and gained recognition for his performances on Broadway.
Mitchell has appeared in numerous Broadway productions, including “Ragtime,” “Kiss Me, Kate,” and “Man of La Mancha.” He is known for his commanding stage presence, charismatic personality, and his ability to bring depth and emotion to his performances.
In addition to his work on Broadway, Mitchell has appeared in films and television shows, including “Trapper John, M.D.,” “Frasier,” and “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.” He is also a successful concert artist and has performed with orchestras around the world.
Mitchell’s voice is characterized by its warmth, richness, and versatility, and he is known for his ability to interpret a wide range of musical styles. He has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, including a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical for his performance in “Kiss Me, Kate.” Mitchell continues to perform and is considered one of the greatest Broadway performers of his generation.
10. Lea Salonga
Lea Salonga, the Tony and Olivier Award-winning Broadway sensation, enchants audiences with her mesmerizing voice and captivating performances. With a voice that radiates warmth, power, and emotion, she brings depth and authenticity to every role she portrays. From her iconic portrayal of Kim in “Miss Saigon” to her enchanting performance as Eponine in “Les Misérables,” Salonga captivates audiences with her extraordinary talent and undeniable stage presence. Beyond her Broadway triumphs, she has become a global sensation, revered for her versatility and dedication to her craft. Lea Salonga’s legacy is one of artistic excellence and universal admiration, her voice a timeless treasure in the hearts of fans around the world.
11. Ben Platt
Ben Platt is an American actor and singer known for his work in musical theater and film. Born in 1993 in Los Angeles, California, Platt comes from a family with a background in the entertainment industry. He began acting in school plays and community theater at a young age and made his Broadway debut in 2012 in the musical “The Book of Mormon.”
Platt gained widespread recognition for his performance as the title character in the Broadway musical “Dear Evan Hansen,” for which he won the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical in 2017. His performance was praised for its emotional depth and vulnerability, as well as his powerful singing voice.
In addition to his work on Broadway, Platt has appeared in films such as “Pitch Perfect” and “Pitch Perfect 2,” and has released music as a solo artist. He is known for his distinctive voice, which is characterized by its clarity, range, and emotional expressiveness.
Platt continues to work in theater, film, and music, and is considered one of the most talented and versatile performers of his generation.
12. Sutton Foster
Sutton Foster, the Tony Award-winning Broadway phenomenon, mesmerizes audiences with her dazzling talent and magnetic stage presence. With a voice that effortlessly glides from velvety lows to crystalline highs, she brings depth and authenticity to every character she portrays. From her breakout role as Millie Dillmount in “Thoroughly Modern Millie” to her captivating performances in “Anything Goes” and “Violet,” Foster captivates with her impeccable vocals and boundless energy. Beyond her Broadway triumphs, she has become a beloved figure in the entertainment industry, cherished for her versatility, charm, and unwavering commitment to her craft. Sutton Foster’s legacy is one of artistic brilliance and enduring inspiration, her voice a timeless treasure in the hearts of fans around the world.
13. Lin-Manuel Miranda
Lin-Manuel Miranda is an American composer, lyricist, actor, singer, and playwright, best known for creating and starring in the Broadway musicals “In the Heights” and “Hamilton.” Born in 1980 in New York City, Miranda began writing and performing musicals as a student at Wesleyan University.
Miranda’s breakout success came with “In the Heights,” which premiered on Broadway in 2008 and won the Tony Award for Best Musical. The show, set in the Washington Heights neighborhood of New York City, showcased Miranda’s unique blend of hip-hop, salsa, and traditional musical theater styles.
Miranda’s greatest success came with “Hamilton,” which premiered on Broadway in 2015. The show, which tells the story of Alexander Hamilton using a diverse cast and a blend of hip-hop, R&B, and traditional Broadway music, was a critical and commercial sensation, winning numerous awards, including the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and multiple Tony Awards.
In addition to his work in theater, Miranda has composed music for films such as “Moana” and “Mary Poppins Returns,” and has appeared in films and television shows. He is known for his energetic performances, clever lyrics, and innovative approach to storytelling.
Miranda is also a social activist and has used his platform to advocate for various causes, including Puerto Rican independence and gun control. He continues to be one of the most influential and celebrated figures in contemporary theater and music.
14. Kelli O’Hara
Kelli O’Hara, the Tony Award-winning Broadway sensation, captivates audiences with her extraordinary voice and captivating performances. With a voice that effortlessly traverses genres and styles, she brings depth and authenticity to every role she portrays. From her mesmerizing portrayal of Clara Johnson in “The Light in the Piazza” to her unforgettable performances in “South Pacific” and “The King and I,” O’Hara enchants audiences with her stunning vocals and emotive storytelling. Beyond her Broadway triumphs, she has become a revered figure in the entertainment industry, celebrated for her talent, grace, and unwavering dedication to her craft. Kelli O’Hara’s legacy is one of artistic brilliance and universal admiration, her voice a timeless treasure in the hearts of fans around the world.
15. Mandy Patinkin
Mandy Patinkin is an American actor and singer known for his work on stage, screen, and television. Born in 1952 in Chicago, Illinois, Patinkin began his career in musical theater and made his Broadway debut in 1979 in the musical “Evita,” for which he won a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical.
Patinkin is known for his distinctive voice, emotional depth, and versatile acting abilities. He has appeared in numerous Broadway productions, including “Sunday in the Park with George,” “The Secret Garden,” and “Falsettos,” among others. He is also known for his roles in films such as “The Princess Bride,” “Yentl,” and “Dick Tracy,” and television shows such as “Homeland” and “Criminal Minds.”
In addition to his work as an actor, Patinkin is also a talented singer and has released several albums showcasing his vocal talents. He is known for his interpretations of classic songs from musical theater, as well as his original music.
Patinkin is considered one of the greatest actors of his generation and continues to be a respected and beloved figure in the entertainment industry.