Broadway singers are performers who combine exceptional vocal talent with powerful acting skills to bring musical theater to life. They must master a wide range of vocal styles, from classic show tunes to contemporary pieces, all while delivering emotionally charged performances. Their ability to convey the nuances of character through song is crucial, as they often sing live multiple times a week in demanding roles. Broadway singers are known for their endurance, versatility, and dynamic stage presence, making them some of the most respected and admired artists in the performing arts industry. Their voices are the heartbeat of Broadway.
1. Idina Menzel
Idina Menzel, born in 1971 in New York City, is an American actress and singer celebrated for her powerful voice and dynamic performances in musical theater and film. She gained widespread recognition for her role as Elphaba in the original Broadway production of *Wicked* (2003), a performance that earned her a Tony Award and established her as a major star in the theater world.
Menzel is also well-known for her portrayal of Maureen Johnson in the Broadway musical *Rent* (1996), which earned her a Tony nomination. In film, she achieved global fame with her role as Queen Elsa in Disney’s *Frozen* (2013), particularly for her rendition of the Oscar-winning song “Let It Go.”
In addition to her theater and film work, Menzel has released several albums, including *I Stand* (2008) and *Idina* (2016). Her career spans a variety of genres, and she is recognized for her vocal versatility and ability to convey deep emotion through her performances. Menzel’s contributions to music and theater continue to resonate with audiences around the world.
2. Patti LuPone
Patti LuPone, born in 1949 in New York City, is an acclaimed American actress and singer, renowned for her powerful performances in musical theater. With a career spanning several decades, LuPone is celebrated for her commanding stage presence and vocal prowess.
She gained prominence with her role as Eva Perón in *Evita* (1979), which won her a Tony Award and established her as a leading figure in Broadway. LuPone’s impressive range includes iconic roles in *Patti LuPone on Broadway* (2009) and *Gypsy* (2008), among many others. Her performances in *Les Misérables*, *Sweeney Todd*, and *Company* have also been widely acclaimed.
In addition to her stage career, LuPone has appeared in television and film, demonstrating her versatility across different media. Known for her fierce dedication to her craft and her outspoken advocacy for the arts, LuPone’s contributions to theater have earned her numerous awards and honors, cementing her status as one of Broadway’s most celebrated talents.
3. Bernadette Peters
Bernadette Peters, born Bernadette Lazzara in 1948 in Ozone Park, Queens, New York, is a celebrated American actress and singer known for her work on Broadway and in film. Peters is renowned for her exceptional voice, charismatic stage presence, and versatility across various musical genres.
She gained early recognition for her roles in Broadway productions such as *Gypsy*, *Into the Woods*, and *Annie Get Your Gun*. Peters has received multiple Tony Awards for her performances, including for *Gypsy* (2003) and *Annie Get Your Gun* (1999). Her ability to convey deep emotion and her distinctive vocal style have made her a beloved figure in musical theater.
In addition to her Broadway successes, Peters has appeared in television shows and films, including *The Jerk* (1979) and *Mozart in the Jungle*. She is also a dedicated philanthropist, supporting numerous charitable causes and arts organizations. Her enduring contributions to theater and her commitment to the arts have earned her a lasting legacy in the world of entertainment.
4. Audra McDonald
Audra McDonald, born in 1970 in Berlin, Germany, is a renowned American soprano and actress celebrated for her extraordinary talent in musical theater and classical music. With a career spanning Broadway, film, and television, McDonald is known for her powerful voice, emotional depth, and versatility.
She has won a record-breaking six Tony Awards, making her the most awarded actress in the history of the Tonys. Her acclaimed roles include *Ragtime*, *Carousel*, *Porgy and Bess*, *Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill*, and *The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess*. McDonald’s performances are marked by her exceptional vocal range and her ability to bring complex characters to life.
In addition to her stage work, McDonald has appeared on television in series such as *Private Practice* and *The Good Fight*. She has also released albums showcasing her diverse musical talents. McDonald’s contributions to the arts and her advocacy for social justice have earned her widespread admiration and a prominent place in American theater and entertainment.
5. Julie Andrews
Julie Andrews is a legendary British actress and singer, renowned for her crystal-clear soprano voice and iconic roles in classic musicals. She gained widespread fame for her performances in “Mary Poppins” (1964), for which she won an Academy Award, and “The Sound of Music” (1965), where she portrayed Maria von Trapp. Andrews’ career spans over several decades, during which she has become synonymous with grace, elegance, and musical excellence. Her contributions to film, stage, and music have made her a beloved figure in entertainment, and she continues to inspire new generations of performers.
6. Ethel Merman
Ethel Merman (1908–1984) was an iconic American actress and singer known for her commanding presence and powerful voice in musical theater. Born Ethel Agnes Zimmerman in New York City, Merman became one of the most celebrated figures in Broadway history, renowned for her dynamic performances and distinctive voice.
Merman’s career took off with her breakout role in the 1930 musical *Girl Crazy*, and she continued to dominate the Broadway stage with hits like *Anything Goes* (1934), *Annie Get Your Gun* (1946), and *Call Me Madam* (1950). Her performances were characterized by their exuberant energy and her ability to project her voice to the back rows of the theater without amplification.
Known for her roles in classic musicals and her interpretations of songs such as “There’s No Business Like Show Business” and “I Got Rhythm,” Merman’s legacy endures through her contributions to the American musical theater canon. Her distinctive voice and larger-than-life persona made her a beloved and enduring figure in the world of Broadway.
7. Barbara Streisand
Barbra Streisand is an American singer, actress, and filmmaker, celebrated for her powerful voice, emotional depth, and versatility across multiple entertainment mediums. Rising to fame in the 1960s, Streisand quickly became a cultural icon, known for her distinctive vocal style and ability to convey deep emotion through her music. She has won numerous awards, including multiple Grammys, Oscars, and Emmys, making her one of the few artists to achieve EGOT status (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony). Streisand’s contributions to film and music, including hits like “The Way We Were” and “Evergreen,” have cemented her legacy as one of the greatest entertainers of all time.
8. Kristin Chenoweth
Kristin Chenoweth, born in 1968 in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, is a highly acclaimed American actress and singer known for her remarkable versatility in musical theater, television, and film. With a distinctive, soprano voice and charismatic stage presence, Chenoweth has made significant contributions to the entertainment industry.
She gained widespread recognition for her role as Glinda the Good Witch in the original Broadway production of *Wicked* (2003), which earned her a Tony Award nomination and established her as a leading figure in musical theater. Her other notable stage performances include roles in *You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown*, *On the Twentieth Century*, and *Promises, Promises*.
Chenoweth has also appeared on television in series like *Pushing Daisies*, for which she won an Emmy Award, and *Glee*. Her film credits include roles in *The Pink Panther* (2006) and *Bewitched* (2005). In addition to her acting career, Chenoweth has released several albums showcasing her vocal talents and has been involved in various philanthropic efforts. Her contributions to the arts and her engaging personality have made her a beloved and influential performer.
9. Brian Stokes Mitchell
Brian Stokes Mitchell is a distinguished American actor and singer, widely recognized for his rich baritone voice and commanding stage presence. He has been a prominent figure in Broadway theater for decades, earning acclaim for his performances in productions like “Ragtime,” “Kiss Me, Kate,” and “Man of La Mancha.” Mitchell’s powerful voice and versatility have made him one of Broadway’s most respected leading men. In addition to his stage work, he has appeared in television and film and has been a strong advocate for the arts, serving as chairman of the Board of the Actors Fund of America. His contributions to musical theater have earned him numerous awards, including a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical.
10. Lea Salonga
Lea Salonga is a celebrated Filipino singer and actress, renowned for her powerful voice and groundbreaking achievements in musical theater. She gained international fame as the first Asian actress to play the roles of Éponine and Fantine in “Les Misérables” on Broadway. Salonga is also known for originating the role of Kim in “Miss Saigon,” for which she won a Tony Award at the age of 18. Her crystal-clear soprano voice has also graced Disney films, where she provided the singing voices for Princess Jasmine in “Aladdin” and Mulan in “Mulan.” Salonga’s career has made her a beloved figure in both Western and Asian entertainment.
11. Ben Platt
Ben Platt, born in 1993 in Los Angeles, California, is an American actor and singer known for his work in musical theater, film, and television. Platt gained widespread acclaim for his role as Evan Hansen in the Broadway musical *Dear Evan Hansen*, which earned him a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical in 2017. His portrayal of the socially anxious high school student struggling with mental health issues resonated deeply with audiences, showcasing his powerful voice and emotional range.
In addition to his theater success, Platt has ventured into film and television. He starred in the film adaptation of *Dear Evan Hansen* (2021) and has appeared in TV series such as *The Politician*, where he plays the ambitious and complex character Payton Hobart. Platt’s musical career includes his debut album, *Sing to Me Instead* (2019), which received critical acclaim and showcased his skills as a vocalist and songwriter.
Platt’s talent, versatility, and advocacy for mental health and LGBTQ+ issues have made him a significant figure in contemporary entertainment.
12. Sutton Foster
Sutton Foster is an acclaimed American actress, singer, and dancer, best known for her dynamic performances on Broadway. With a career spanning over two decades, Foster has won two Tony Awards for Best Actress in a Musical for her roles in “Thoroughly Modern Millie” and “Anything Goes.” She is celebrated for her versatility, impeccable comedic timing, and powerful vocal ability, which have made her a standout in both musical theater and television. Foster has also starred in popular TV series like “Younger” and “Bunheads,” showcasing her talent beyond the stage. Her infectious energy and charisma have solidified her as one of Broadway’s most beloved leading ladies.
13. Lin-Manuel Miranda
Lin-Manuel Miranda, born in 1980 in New York City, is a groundbreaking American composer, lyricist, actor, and playwright known for his innovative contributions to musical theater. Miranda gained fame for creating and starring in the critically acclaimed musical *Hamilton*, which reimagines the story of Alexander Hamilton through a diverse, contemporary lens and features a blend of hip-hop, R&B, and traditional musical styles. The show received numerous accolades, including the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and 11 Tony Awards.
Miranda’s earlier work, *In the Heights* (2008), a vibrant musical set in the Washington Heights neighborhood of New York City, also garnered widespread praise and won the Tony Award for Best Musical. In addition to his theatrical achievements, Miranda has contributed to film and television, including co-writing and performing songs for the Disney animated film *Moana* (2016) and making appearances in shows like *Brooklyn Nine-Nine* and *His Dark Materials*.
Miranda is known for his advocacy for various social causes, including Puerto Rican relief efforts and the representation of marginalized communities in the arts. His impact on theater, music, and culture continues to be profound and far-reaching.
14. Kelli O’Hara
Kelli O’Hara is a highly respected American actress and singer, renowned for her stunning soprano voice and her exceptional work in musical theater. She has become one of Broadway’s most beloved leading ladies, known for her roles in productions like “The Light in the Piazza,” “South Pacific,” and “The King and I,” for which she won a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical. O’Hara’s performances are marked by their emotional depth, vocal precision, and graceful stage presence. In addition to her Broadway success, she has also appeared in opera, television, and film, further showcasing her versatility as a performer.
15. Mandy Patinkin
Mandy Patinkin, born in 1952 in Chicago, Illinois, is an American actor and singer acclaimed for his versatile performances in theater, television, and film. Known for his powerful voice and dynamic stage presence, Patinkin has made significant contributions across multiple genres.
In musical theater, Patinkin is celebrated for his roles in productions such as *Evita* (1979), where he played Che Guevara, and *Sunday in the Park with George* (1984), where his portrayal of Georges Seurat earned him a Tony Award. His performance in *The Secret Garden* (1991) also showcased his exceptional talent.
Patinkin’s television work includes notable roles in *Chicago Hope* (1994-2000), where he won an Emmy Award for his role as Dr. Jeffrey Geiger, and *Homeland* (2011-2019), where he portrayed Saul Berenson. His film credits include *The Princess Bride* (1987), where he famously played Inigo Montoya.
In addition to his acting career, Patinkin has released several albums of songs and has performed extensively in concert. His broad range of work and dedication to his craft have established him as a respected and influential figure in entertainment.
Edward Tomlin 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.
