Broadway, the heart of musical theatre, has long been a stage where dreams are realized and legends are born. For decades, the world’s most talented performers have dazzled audiences under the spotlight, breathing life into unforgettable characters and delivering show-stopping performances that echo through time. But what truly makes Broadway magical is its voices—the powerful, emotive, and electrifying voices that have left audiences spellbound, night after night.
In this article, we’re celebrating the crème de la crème of Broadway talent: the 15 best singers to ever grace the Great White Way. These are the artists whose vocal prowess, charisma, and stage presence have defined not just their own careers but entire eras of musical theatre. From timeless classics like The Phantom of the Opera and Les Misérables to groundbreaking modern hits like Hamilton, these performers have set the gold standard for what it means to be a Broadway star.
Prepare to journey through a world of passion and artistry as we spotlight vocal legends who’ve mastered everything from soaring high notes to soul-stirring ballads. These voices don’t just sing—they tell stories, evoke emotions, and remind us why Broadway is the ultimate stage for musical magic. Let’s begin!
1. Ethel Merman
Ethel Merman was more than just a Broadway star—she was a force of nature. Dubbed “The Voice,” Merman had a booming, brassy belt that could soar over an orchestra and reach the back row without a microphone. She became the gold standard for musical theatre vocalists during Broadway’s Golden Age, setting a tone for performers who followed. With unforgettable roles in Anything Goes, Annie Get Your Gun, and the original Gypsy, Merman had an uncanny ability to bring humor, boldness, and raw emotion to every performance. Her delivery of “There’s No Business Like Show Business” became not just a song but a declaration of what Broadway stood for—energy, showmanship, and flair. Offstage, she was known for her no-nonsense attitude and quick wit, qualities that made her even more iconic. Merman didn’t just perform—she owned the stage, filling theaters with her presence as much as her voice. She helped define what it meant to be a Broadway leading lady, setting a precedent for power, charisma, and unshakable confidence. Decades after her prime, her legacy continues to echo across the footlights, inspiring new generations of performers to sing out, stand tall, and embrace the spotlight.
2. Audra McDonald
Audra McDonald stands in a league of her own in Broadway history, a true embodiment of grace, power, and versatility. With a record-breaking six Tony Awards across all four acting categories, she has shattered ceilings and redefined what it means to be a leading lady. Trained in classical voice at Juilliard, McDonald brings a rare blend of operatic technique and raw emotional depth to the stage. Her performances in Ragtime, Carousel, Porgy and Bess, and Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill are celebrated not just for vocal precision, but for the soul she brings to every note and gesture. Whether she’s playing a historical figure or a fictional heroine, she invites the audience into a fully lived experience—vulnerable, strong, and breathtakingly real. Her voice, often described as a shimmering soprano, soars with both warmth and clarity, capable of stirring tears or lifting hearts within a single phrase. Beyond her talents onstage, Audra is also a passionate advocate for arts education and equity in theater. Her artistry continues to inspire countless performers and audiences alike, earning her not just accolades, but deep respect as one of Broadway’s most gifted and enduring stars.
3. Bernadette Peters
Bernadette Peters is one of Broadway’s most beloved and enduring stars, celebrated for her captivating performances and unmistakable voice. A frequent muse for composer Stephen Sondheim, Peters brought depth and complexity to roles in Into the Woods, Sunday in the Park with George, and Follies. Her voice—at once sweet, strong, and rich with emotion—has a unique timbre that sets her apart. She doesn’t just sing a song; she tells a story through it, drawing the audience into the inner life of her characters with astonishing subtlety and nuance. Beyond her vocals, Peters’ stage presence is both magnetic and intimate. She brings a gentle vulnerability and fierce strength to her roles, a duality that resonates deeply with fans and critics alike. Offstage, she’s known for her advocacy work, especially with Broadway Barks, a charity for animal adoption. With a career spanning over five decades, Bernadette Peters has become synonymous with quality, elegance, and emotional authenticity in musical theatre. She remains a performer who continues to inspire generations of Broadway lovers and aspiring artists.
4. Patti LuPone
Patti LuPone is a Broadway powerhouse, a true force of nature whose voice and presence leave a lasting impression long after the curtain falls. She first captured major attention with her electrifying performance as Eva Perón in Evita, a role that earned her a Tony Award and cemented her as a theatrical legend. Her voice is bold, brassy, and unmistakable, capable of expressing fierce intensity one moment and aching vulnerability the next. In shows like Gypsy, Company, and Anything Goes, LuPone has continued to bring complex female characters to life with commanding confidence. What makes Patti truly unforgettable is her fearless honesty—both on stage and off. She inhabits her roles with total conviction, never holding back, which gives each performance an edge of thrilling unpredictability. Offstage, she’s known for her wit, candidness, and dedication to preserving the integrity of live theatre. LuPone doesn’t just perform; she embodies Broadway’s boldest spirit. With a career that spans decades and includes both stage and screen, Patti LuPone remains one of the most respected and revered performers in musical theatre history.
5. Julie Andrews
Julie Andrews brought a sense of elegance and charm to Broadway that few have matched. Before she was known worldwide for her film roles in Mary Poppins and The Sound of Music, Andrews enchanted audiences on the Broadway stage with her crystalline soprano and effortless poise. Her breakthrough came as Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady, a performance that displayed both her vocal brilliance and keen acting instincts. She followed that with Camelot, playing Queen Guinevere opposite Richard Burton, where her grace and command shone through. Andrews’ voice was a rare gift—pure, clear, and expressive, able to navigate the demands of classic scores with breathtaking ease. But it wasn’t just her technical skill that made her stand out; it was her sincerity. Julie brought warmth, intelligence, and a kind of quiet power to every role. Even after a surgery affected her singing voice later in life, she remained a beloved figure, continuing to act, write, and inspire. Her legacy is one of timeless class and heartfelt artistry, making her a treasured icon not just on Broadway, but across generations of audiences around the world.
6. Elaine Stritch
Elaine Stritch was a Broadway legend who defied convention and carved her own unforgettable path through the world of musical theatre. With a voice that was more gravel than gloss and a personality that refused to be tamed, Stritch wasn’t your typical leading lady—and that was exactly her strength. She became known for her biting wit, bold stage presence, and fearlessly honest performances. Her defining moment came with Stephen Sondheim’s Company, where her rendition of “The Ladies Who Lunch” became a signature moment of raw, bracing brilliance. Stritch’s timing, both comedic and dramatic, was razor-sharp, and she had an uncanny ability to connect with audiences in a deeply personal way. Whether on Broadway or in her acclaimed one-woman show, Elaine Stritch at Liberty, she brought a candor and grit that made her impossible to ignore. Offstage, she was just as unapologetically herself, never afraid to speak her mind or poke fun at her own flaws. Elaine Stritch didn’t just perform on Broadway—she challenged it, changed it, and left an indelible mark with her one-of-a-kind voice and fearless authenticity.
7. Idina Menzel
Idina Menzel burst onto the Broadway scene with a voice that seemed to shake the very foundations of the theater. With her powerful belt and unmistakable tone, she first captured attention as Maureen in Rent, a role that introduced her dynamic energy and vocal prowess to the world. But it was her portrayal of Elphaba in Wicked that turned her into a cultural icon. Her performance of “Defying Gravity” became a show-stopping moment that would go on to inspire millions and solidify her place in Broadway history. Menzel’s voice is raw, emotional, and fearless—it doesn’t just hit notes, it sends a message. She’s known for infusing her characters with real emotion, vulnerability, and strength, making her performances feel deeply authentic. Beyond the stage, Idina has become a crossover star with film, television, and solo music projects, but Broadway remains her home. She represents a new era of theatre—bold, contemporary, and emotionally charged. Through her trailblazing roles and inspiring vocals, Idina Menzel has earned her status as one of modern Broadway’s most influential and admired performers.
8. Angela Lansbury
Angela Lansbury brought a rare combination of elegance, wit, and versatility to Broadway that made her one of its most cherished stars. Though many know her from television and film, Lansbury’s stage career was nothing short of remarkable. With Tony-winning roles in Mame, Gypsy, Sweeney Todd, and Dear World, she proved time and again that she could tackle anything—from musical comedy to psychological drama—with finesse. Her portrayal of Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd showcased her incredible ability to blend dark humor and humanity, making the role unforgettable. Lansbury’s voice had warmth and clarity, but it was her acting—the way she inhabited each character so fully—that truly set her apart. On stage, she was magnetic, commanding attention not through flash but through authenticity and skill. Offstage, she was gracious, professional, and deeply respected by peers. Her longevity in the theatre and her consistent excellence over decades reflect a rare dedication to the craft. Angela Lansbury wasn’t just a star—she was a shining example of what true talent, hard work, and love for storytelling can accomplish on the stage.
9. Sutton Foster
Sutton Foster radiates energy, charm, and triple-threat talent every time she steps on a Broadway stage. With her signature smile and effortless charisma, she quickly rose to fame in roles like Millie Dillmount in Thoroughly Modern Millie, which won her the first of her two Tony Awards. She followed that with standout performances in Anything Goes, The Drowsy Chaperone, and Violet, each one showcasing her dazzling dance skills, pitch-perfect vocals, and spot-on comedic timing. Foster has a rare ability to balance old-school Broadway pizzazz with a modern relatability, making her a favorite among both longtime theatre fans and newer audiences. Whether she’s tap dancing across the stage or delivering a heartfelt ballad, Sutton brings sincerity and warmth that make her characters come alive. Offstage, she’s also known for her work in television and her role as a mentor to young performers. Sutton Foster embodies the very spirit of Broadway—joyful, hardworking, and endlessly entertaining. Her continued success is a testament to her incredible talent and her genuine love for the art of musical theatre.
10. Chita Rivera
Chita Rivera is a true pioneer of the Broadway stage, a legendary performer who has set the gold standard for what it means to be a triple threat. With a career spanning over six decades, Rivera has dazzled audiences with her commanding dance moves, sultry voice, and fierce acting chops. She originated the role of Anita in West Side Story, a performance that still reverberates through Broadway history, and continued to build an iconic résumé with shows like Chicago, Kiss of the Spider Woman, and Bye Bye Birdie. Rivera’s stage presence is electrifying—when she’s onstage, all eyes are on her. She brings both grit and grace to her roles, commanding the spotlight without ever overpowering the story. Her contributions to musical theatre, especially as a Latina woman breaking barriers in a predominantly white industry, have paved the way for countless others. Rivera is not just a performer; she’s a trailblazer, a role model, and a Broadway institution. Her legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists who see in her the power of passion, perseverance, and unmatched talent.
11. Kristin Chenoweth
Kristin Chenoweth is a Broadway firecracker—tiny in stature but with a voice and presence that fill the largest of stages. She became a Broadway darling with her Tony-winning turn in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, but it was her role as Glinda in Wicked that shot her into superstardom. With her sparkling soprano, razor-sharp comedic timing, and southern charm, Chenoweth brings a joyful energy to every performance. Her voice is both agile and expressive, capable of delivering show-stopping high notes one minute and delicate emotion the next. Beyond her musical prowess, she’s also a skilled actress, equally at home in heartfelt ballads and rapid-fire comedy. Offstage, Kristin is warm, witty, and fiercely supportive of young performers and causes close to her heart, especially those related to the arts and education. Whether she’s performing on Broadway, singing with orchestras, or appearing on television, Chenoweth exudes a contagious passion for performing. She’s a modern-day musical theatre icon who brings sunshine, sparkle, and sincerity to every role she plays, making her one of Broadway’s most beloved stars.
12. Audra McDonald
Audra McDonald is one of the most decorated performers in Broadway history, and for good reason. With six Tony Awards to her name—more than any other actor—she has consistently delivered performances of exceptional depth, grace, and vocal brilliance. Trained as a classical soprano, McDonald brings a technical mastery to the stage that’s matched only by her emotional intelligence. She can move seamlessly from operatic works to classic Broadway to modern dramas, always grounding her characters in authenticity. Standout roles in shows like Ragtime, Carousel, Porgy and Bess, and Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill have showcased the full range of her vocal and dramatic abilities. Audra doesn’t just sing songs—she tells stories with incredible nuance and humanity. Her presence onstage is luminous and commanding, capable of holding a room in stillness with just a single note or glance. Offstage, she’s also a dedicated advocate for arts education, racial justice, and LGBTQ+ rights. Audra McDonald isn’t just a Broadway star—she’s a cultural icon whose talent and integrity have reshaped what excellence onstage looks and sounds like.
13. Carol Channing
Carol Channing was a true original—an instantly recognizable voice, a brilliant comedic mind, and a beloved icon of the Broadway stage. Best known for originating the role of Dolly Levi in Hello, Dolly!, Channing played the part thousands of times across decades, making it one of the most iconic performances in musical theatre history. Her quirky charm, distinctive raspy voice, and expressive eyes made her stand out from the moment she stepped into the spotlight. But she was more than a character actress—she was a consummate entertainer, capable of turning every moment onstage into pure joy for audiences. Channing also brought depth to her characters, finding heart beneath the humor and grounding her performances in genuine emotion. Offstage, she was known for her warmth, wit, and commitment to live theatre, often expressing how much she loved the energy of a live audience. Her legacy lives on in the joyful spirit she brought to every role and in the path she paved for unconventional, larger-than-life women in musical theatre. Carol Channing didn’t just play Dolly—she was Dolly, and she left an indelible mark on Broadway’s golden age.
14. Lea Salonga
Lea Salonga is a powerhouse vocalist with a voice so pure and emotive it has captivated audiences across the globe. She burst onto the international stage at just 18, originating the role of Kim in Miss Saigon, a performance that earned her both an Olivier and a Tony Award—making her the first Asian woman to win a Tony. Her voice is pristine, controlled, and deeply expressive, able to convey vulnerability, strength, and heartbreak in equal measure. Salonga later went on to voice two Disney princesses, Jasmine in Aladdin and Mulan in Mulan, introducing her talent to a whole new generation. Her Broadway roles in Les Misérables, Allegiance, and Once on This Island further cemented her status as one of the greats. What sets Lea apart is her incredible vocal discipline paired with an emotional honesty that brings depth to every lyric she sings. Offstage, she’s a respected mentor, advocate, and role model, especially for Asian artists in musical theatre. Lea Salonga brings grace, integrity, and world-class talent to everything she does, making her a treasured figure not only on Broadway but in global musical theatre.
15. Marin Mazzie
Marin Mazzie was a Broadway star whose warmth, strength, and luminous voice left a lasting imprint on the theatre world. Known for her stunning performances in shows like Ragtime, Passion, and Kiss Me, Kate, Mazzie brought emotional depth and classical elegance to every role she took on. Her voice had a crystal-clear quality, capable of soaring through lush ballads or bringing fire to dramatic showstoppers. But beyond the technical beauty of her singing was her remarkable ability to inhabit characters with honesty and heart. In Ragtime, she portrayed Mother with a quiet but powerful transformation that touched audiences deeply. Later in life, as she battled ovarian cancer, Mazzie became an even more powerful symbol of courage and resilience, continuing to perform and advocate for cancer research. Offstage, she was beloved by peers for her kindness, grace, and generosity. Alongside her husband, fellow Broadway actor Jason Danieley, she shared a deep passion for theatre and storytelling. Marin Mazzie’s legacy isn’t just in her unforgettable performances—it’s in the dignity, strength, and compassion she brought to the stage and to life itself.
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.
