Broadway is where dreams come alive, where the magic of live theater meets the unparalleled talent of the world’s most extraordinary performers. For over a century, Broadway has been the ultimate stage for singers who possess not only remarkable vocal abilities but also the charisma and stage presence to captivate audiences night after night. The legends who have graced these stages have left an indelible mark on the world of musical theater, bringing to life some of the most iconic roles and unforgettable songs in history. From the commanding presence of Ethel Merman to the emotional depth of Audra McDonald, these artists have defined what it means to be a Broadway star. In this article, we celebrate the top 15 most popular and influential Broadway singers of all time—those whose voices have echoed through the hallowed theaters of New York City and beyond, leaving an everlasting legacy. Whether belting out show-stopping numbers or delivering heart-wrenching ballads, these performers have earned their place in Broadway history, and their impact continues to inspire new generations of theatergoers and performers alike. Get ready to take a journey through the golden voices that have shaped the Broadway stage!
1. Ethel Merman
Ethel Merman was the ultimate Broadway diva, a name synonymous with the golden age of musical theater. Her voice, often described as a “brass trumpet,” could fill a theater without a microphone, and her stage presence was nothing short of electric. Merman made her Broadway debut in 1930 in Girl Crazy, instantly becoming a sensation with her rendition of “I Got Rhythm.” Throughout her career, she starred in some of Broadway’s biggest hits, including Anything Goes, Annie Get Your Gun, and Gypsy. Merman’s ability to marry powerful vocals with impeccable comic timing made her a beloved figure on stage. Her influence on the world of musical theater is immeasurable, paving the way for generations of performers who followed. Whether belting out a showstopper or delivering a punchline, Merman was always the star of the show, embodying the spirit of Broadway like no other.
2. Julie Andrews
Julie Andrews is the epitome of grace and elegance, both on and off the stage. With a voice often compared to the purest crystal, Andrews captivated audiences with her portrayal of Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady and Queen Guinevere in Camelot. Her Broadway career may have been brief, but it was nothing short of iconic, setting the stage for her later successes in film. Andrews’ ability to convey deep emotion through her singing, coupled with her impeccable diction and charm, made her a standout performer. Her transition to film, particularly in roles like Mary Poppins and The Sound of Music, only solidified her status as one of the most beloved performers of all time. Julie Andrews remains a symbol of the golden age of musical theater, her performances a masterclass in the art of storytelling through song.
3. Patti LuPone
Patti LuPone is a force of nature on the Broadway stage, known for her powerful voice and commanding presence. Her breakthrough role as Eva Perón in Evita earned her a Tony Award and catapulted her to stardom. LuPone’s ability to embody complex, larger-than-life characters has made her a Broadway legend. Whether portraying the fierce Mama Rose in Gypsy or the enigmatic Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard, LuPone brings an intensity to her roles that is unmatched. Her performances are always raw, emotional, and unforgettable, leaving audiences in awe of her talent. LuPone’s influence on the Broadway stage is undeniable, as she continues to inspire younger generations of performers with her dedication to her craft and her fearless approach to every role she takes on. For many, Patti LuPone is the very definition of a Broadway star.
4. Bernadette Peters
Bernadette Peters is Broadway royalty, a performer whose name is synonymous with the very best of musical theater. With her distinctive voice and curly red hair, Peters has become an instantly recognizable figure on the Broadway stage. Her performances in shows like Into the Woods, Sunday in the Park with George, and Gypsy have earned her critical acclaim and a devoted fan base. Peters’ ability to convey deep emotion through her singing, combined with her impeccable comedic timing, makes her a standout performer. Her collaboration with composer Stephen Sondheim is legendary, as she has become one of the foremost interpreters of his work. Peters’ career spans over five decades, and she continues to be a vital force on Broadway, captivating audiences with every performance. Her contributions to musical theater are immeasurable, and her legacy as one of Broadway’s greatest stars is secure.
5. Angela Lansbury
Angela Lansbury is not just a Broadway star; she is a cultural icon. With a career spanning over seven decades, Lansbury has become one of the most beloved and respected performers of all time. Her Broadway debut came in 1957, but it was her role as Mame Dennis in Mame that truly established her as a leading lady of the stage. Lansbury’s versatility is one of her greatest strengths, allowing her to excel in a wide range of roles, from the comedic to the dramatic. Her portrayal of Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd is considered one of the greatest performances in Broadway history, earning her a Tony Award and cementing her status as a Broadway legend. Lansbury’s contributions to the arts go beyond the stage, as she has also had a successful career in film and television. Her influence on the world of entertainment is immeasurable, and she continues to inspire audiences with her talent, grace, and dedication to her craft.
6. Chita Rivera
Chita Rivera is a Broadway legend whose name is synonymous with the very essence of musical theater. With a career that spans over six decades, Rivera has become one of the most iconic performers in Broadway history. Her breakthrough role as Anita in West Side Story showcased her incredible talent as both a dancer and a singer, earning her critical acclaim and a Tony Award nomination. Rivera’s ability to bring characters to life through her dynamic performances has made her a favorite among audiences and critics alike. She has starred in some of Broadway’s most beloved shows, including Chicago, Kiss of the Spider Woman, and The Rink, earning multiple Tony Awards along the way. Rivera’s influence on the world of musical theater is undeniable, as she continues to inspire generations of performers with her dedication to her craft and her unwavering passion for the stage. Chita Rivera is truly a Broadway icon, and her legacy as one of the greatest performers of all time is secure.
7. Audra McDonald
Audra McDonald is a Broadway powerhouse, a performer whose talent knows no bounds. With a record-breaking six Tony Awards to her name, McDonald has become one of the most celebrated performers in Broadway history. Her ability to seamlessly transition between classical and contemporary roles has earned her critical acclaim and a devoted fan base. McDonald’s performances in shows like Ragtime, Porgy and Bess, and Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill have left audiences in awe of her talent, as she effortlessly brings complex characters to life with her powerful voice and emotional depth. McDonald’s influence on the world of musical theater is undeniable, as she continues to push boundaries and challenge expectations with every role she takes on. Her dedication to her craft and her unwavering commitment to excellence have made her a role model for aspiring performers, and her legacy as one of Broadway’s greatest stars is secure.
8. Elaine Stritch
Elaine Stritch was Broadway’s ultimate truth-teller, a performer whose raw honesty and unparalleled wit made her a legend. Known for her sharp tongue and no-nonsense demeanor, Stritch was a force to be reckoned with on the stage. Her career spanned over six decades, with iconic performances in shows like Company, A Little Night Music, and Sail Away. Stritch’s ability to convey deep emotion through her singing, combined with her impeccable comedic timing, made her a standout performer. She was never afraid to take risks, and her fearless approach to her craft earned her the respect and admiration of audiences and critics alike. Stritch’s one-woman show, Elaine Stritch at Liberty, was a tour-de-force performance that showcased her incredible talent and cemented her status as a Broadway legend. Elaine Stritch was a true original, a performer who left an indelible mark on the world of musical theater.
9. Barbra Streisand
Barbra Streisand is a once-in-a-lifetime talent, whose brief stint on Broadway left an indelible mark on the theater world. Streisand burst onto the Broadway scene in the early 1960s, dazzling audiences with her role as Fanny Brice in Funny Girl. Her voice, a unique blend of power and vulnerability, set her apart from her peers and turned her into an overnight sensation. Streisand’s ability to connect with audiences through her singing was unparalleled, and her performance of songs like “People” and “Don’t Rain on My Parade” became instant classics. Although her Broadway career was relatively short-lived, as she quickly transitioned to film and recording, Streisand’s impact on the stage was undeniable. She brought a new level of emotional depth and authenticity to her roles, setting a new standard for musical theater performers. Barbra Streisand’s legacy as one of the greatest entertainers of all time is secure, and her influence on Broadway and beyond continues to be felt today.
10. Carol Channing
Carol Channing was a Broadway legend, known for her larger-than-life personality and her unforgettable performances. With her distinctive voice and boundless energy, Channing made every role she played uniquely her own. She became a Broadway icon with her star-making turn as Dolly Levi in Hello, Dolly!, a role she would go on to play thousands of times throughout her career. Channing’s comedic timing and infectious enthusiasm made her a favorite among audiences, and her ability to bring joy and laughter to the stage was unmatched. She had a rare gift for connecting with her audience, making them feel as though they were part of the performance. Channing’s influence on Broadway is undeniable, as she paved the way for future generations of performers with her groundbreaking work. Her legacy as one of the most beloved performers in Broadway history is secure, and her contributions to the world of musical theater will never be forgotten.
11. Liza Minnelli
Liza Minnelli is a Broadway icon, a performer whose talent and charisma have made her a legend in the world of musical theater. The daughter of Judy Garland and director Vincente Minnelli, Liza was born into showbiz royalty, but she quickly established herself as a star in her own right. Her Broadway debut in Flora the Red Menace earned her a Tony Award, and she continued to captivate audiences with her performances in shows like Chicago and The Act. Minnelli’s voice, a powerful instrument capable of conveying deep emotion, has made her one of the most beloved performers of her generation. Her performance in the film adaptation of Cabaret is considered one of the greatest in musical theater history, earning her an Academy Award and cementing her status as a cultural icon. Liza Minnelli’s influence on the world of musical theater is undeniable, and her legacy as one of the greatest performers of all time is secure.
12. Mandy Patinkin
Mandy Patinkin is a Broadway powerhouse, known for his intense performances and extraordinary vocal range. Patinkin burst onto the scene with his Tony Award-winning role as Che in Evita, where his soaring tenor and emotional depth captivated audiences. He continued to make his mark on Broadway with groundbreaking performances in shows like Sunday in the Park with George, where he brought Georges Seurat to life with both sensitivity and passion. Patinkin’s ability to delve deep into the psyche of his characters, combined with his unique voice, has made him a standout performer in the world of musical theater. Beyond the stage, Patinkin has enjoyed a successful career in film and television, but his heart always belongs to Broadway. His influence on the theater world is undeniable, as he continues to inspire both audiences and fellow performers with his dedication to his craft and his unwavering commitment to storytelling through song.
13. Idina Menzel
Idina Menzel is a modern Broadway superstar, whose powerful voice and emotional performances have made her a household name. Menzel first gained widespread attention with her role as Maureen in Rent, where her raw energy and vocal prowess made her a standout. However, it was her role as Elphaba in Wicked that truly catapulted her to stardom. Menzel’s rendition of “Defying Gravity” became an anthem for a generation, and her performance earned her a Tony Award. Her ability to convey deep emotion through her singing, coupled with her dynamic stage presence, has made her one of the most beloved performers in contemporary musical theater. Menzel has also found success beyond Broadway, with a successful recording career and a starring role in the hit Disney film Frozen, where she gave voice to the iconic character Elsa. Idina Menzel’s influence on the world of musical theater is undeniable, and her legacy as one of Broadway’s brightest stars is secure.
14. Nathan Lane
Nathan Lane is Broadway’s comedic genius, a performer whose timing, wit, and talent have made him one of the most beloved figures in musical theater. Lane first captured the hearts of Broadway audiences with his role as Pseudolus in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, where his impeccable comedic timing and larger-than-life personality made him an instant favorite. However, it was his role as Max Bialystock in The Producers that truly cemented his status as a Broadway legend. Lane’s ability to bring humor and heart to every role he plays has made him a standout performer, earning him multiple Tony Awards and a devoted fan base. His versatility as an actor, coupled with his dynamic stage presence, has allowed him to excel in both comedic and dramatic roles. Nathan Lane’s contributions to the world of musical theater are immeasurable, and his legacy as one of Broadway’s greatest performers is secure.
15. Lea Salonga
Lea Salonga is a Broadway sensation, known for her pure, powerful voice and her ability to bring depth and emotion to every role she plays. Salonga first gained international fame with her Tony Award-winning role as Kim in Miss Saigon, where her stunning vocal performance and heartfelt portrayal captivated audiences. She continued to make her mark on Broadway with roles in shows like Les Misérables and Allegiance, where her talent and dedication to her craft earned her critical acclaim. Salonga’s voice is often described as one of the most beautiful in musical theater, capable of conveying both strength and vulnerability. Beyond the stage, Salonga has also found success as a recording artist and as the singing voice of two Disney princesses, Jasmine and Mulan, further cementing her status as a global icon. Lea Salonga’s influence on the world of musical theater is undeniable, and her legacy as one of the greatest performers of her generation is secure.