Few artwork varieties seize the magic of storytelling fairly like Broadway. The brilliant lights, the thundering applause, and the spine-tingling melodies have outlined theater for generations. However on the coronary heart of each unforgettable efficiency is the singer—the artists whose voices transport us to worlds of affection, heartbreak, triumph, and tragedy. From the primary word to the ultimate bow, these performers depart audiences breathless, their vocal prowess and emotional depth shaping the very essence of Broadway’s enduring legacy.
On this article, we have fun the highest 15 greatest Broadway singers of all time—the legends whose names are etched in theater historical past. These vocal icons have graced phases with groundbreaking performances, redefined what it means to be a Broadway star, and impressed tens of millions with their extraordinary expertise. Whether or not belting out show-stopping anthems or delivering haunting ballads that stir the soul, these singers haven’t solely mastered the craft however have additionally elevated it to new heights.
Be part of us as we journey by the lives and careers of Broadway’s brightest stars, reliving the performances that made them icons. From golden-age pioneers to modern-day powerhouses, this listing shines a highlight on the voices which have left an indelible mark on the world of musical theater. Curtain up—let’s start!
1. Ethel Merman
Ethel Merman was, and nonetheless is, the undisputed “Queen of Broadway.” With a voice that would lower by an orchestra with out the necessity for a microphone, she revolutionized the Broadway musical along with her highly effective belt and impeccable diction. Merman’s profession spanned many years, and her unforgettable performances in Something Goes, Annie Get Your Gun, and Gypsy made her a legend. Songs like “There’s No Enterprise Like Present Enterprise” and “All the things’s Coming Up Roses” are virtually synonymous along with her title, and her skill to carry a word seemingly without end was nothing in need of astounding.
What made Merman so particular wasn’t simply her powerhouse vocals but additionally her commanding stage presence. She wasn’t only a singer—she was a pressure of nature, a performer who might dominate a scene along with her sheer vitality and charisma. She embodied the golden age of Broadway, setting the usual for future musical theater stars. Her simple, no-nonsense persona additionally made her a beloved determine offstage, including to her larger-than-life legacy.
Even at the moment, no listing of Broadway’s best performers is full with out Ethel Merman. She paved the best way for generations of highly effective feminine vocalists and left behind a legacy of iconic performances that proceed to encourage singers and audiences alike.
2. Patti LuPone
Patti LuPone is the very definition of a Broadway powerhouse. Along with her unmistakable voice, electrifying stage presence, and fearless dedication to her craft, she has dominated the world of musical theater for many years. Whether or not she’s bringing down the home with “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” in Evita, delivering a show-stopping efficiency in Gypsy, or thrilling audiences with Sundown Boulevard, LuPone constantly proves why she is among the most revered and revered Broadway divas of all time.
What units LuPone aside is her skill to pour uncooked emotion into each word she sings. Her voice is filled with fireplace, ardour, and depth, making every of her performances unforgettable. She doesn’t simply sing—she embodies the character, telling a narrative with each phrase. Her portrayal of Mama Rose in Gypsy is taken into account one of many best performances in Broadway historical past, and her skill to carry an viewers within the palm of her hand is unparalleled.
Past her legendary performances, LuPone is understood for her robust persona and her dedication to sustaining the integrity of stay theater. She has no persistence for mobile phone distractions throughout performances and has develop into well-known for calling out viewers members who break theater etiquette. That fiery spirit is precisely what makes her such an icon.
Patti LuPone is greater than a Broadway star—she is a Broadway establishment, a performer whose voice and presence have formed the theater world for generations.
3. Julie Andrews
Julie Andrews is the embodiment of class, grace, and pure vocal perfection. With a crystal-clear soprano and impeccable diction, she set the usual for Broadway main girls. Her breakout position as Eliza Doolittle in My Honest Girl catapulted her to fame, and her enchanting performances in Camelot and later Mary Poppins and The Sound of Music solidified her as one of the crucial beloved voices in musical theater historical past.
What made Andrews really particular was her skill to convey heat and depth to each position she performed. Her portrayal of Eliza in My Honest Girl was a masterclass in transformation, seamlessly shifting from cockney flower woman to subtle woman with each comedic allure and dramatic weight. Her voice, typically described as effortlessly pure, was filled with emotion and nuance, making each music she sang really feel like a heartfelt confession.
Regardless of shedding the possibility to star within the movie adaptation of My Honest Girl, Andrews’ profession soared, and he or she grew to become a family title. Her skill to stability technical brilliance with real emotion made her a favourite amongst audiences and critics alike. Even after shedding her singing voice resulting from surgical procedure issues, Andrews stays an icon of musical theater, persevering with to encourage new generations of performers. Her legacy is one among timeless artistry and unwavering grace.
4. Bernadette Peters
Bernadette Peters is one among Broadway’s most distinctive and emotionally compelling performers. Along with her signature curly pink hair, distinctive vocal tone, and memorable performing skill, she has captivated audiences for many years in musicals equivalent to Into the Woods, Sunday within the Park with George, and Annie Get Your Gun. Whether or not delivering comedic brilliance or deep emotional depth, Peters has an unmatched skill to attach with audiences.
Her collaborations with Stephen Sondheim have made her a legend in musical theater. Her performances in Into the Woods because the Witch and Sunday within the Park with George as Dot showcase her extraordinary vary, shifting seamlessly from whimsical allure to heart-wrenching vulnerability. Songs like “Youngsters Will Hear” and “Transfer On” resonate deeply due to the sincerity and uncooked emotion she brings to them.
Past her distinctive voice and performing expertise, Peters has a magnetic stage presence that makes each position she performs unforgettable. She possesses a capability to make traditional songs really feel new, injecting them with such authenticity that they develop into private experiences for audiences. Her profession has spanned many years, but she continues to carry out with the identical vitality and fervour that made her a star.
A real Broadway icon, Bernadette Peters represents the very best of what musical theater has to supply: technical mastery, emotional depth, and an simple skill to maneuver an viewers.
5. Audra McDonald
Audra McDonald is a Broadway legend whose voice transcends genres, mixing operatic finesse with the uncooked emotion of musical theater. With a record-breaking six Tony Awards to her title, McDonald has redefined what it means to be a Broadway star. From her gorgeous performances in Ragtime and Porgy and Bess to her heartbreaking portrayal of Billie Vacation in Girl Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill, McDonald constantly delivers breathtaking vocal mastery and unparalleled dramatic depth.
Her voice, a wealthy and hovering soprano, is able to each delicate nuance and commanding energy. She has the flexibility to make an viewers really feel each word, each lyric, and each second of a music. Whether or not she’s belting out the triumphant “Your Daddy’s Son” from Ragtime or bringing quiet, aching vulnerability to “Summertime” in Porgy and Bess, McDonald infuses each efficiency with authenticity and coronary heart.
Past her vocal skills, McDonald’s impression on Broadway is immense. She has damaged limitations as an African American performer in historically white-dominated roles, paving the best way for better variety in theater. Her presence on stage is magnetic, and her dedication to storytelling is clear in each position she takes on.
Audra McDonald isn’t just a singer or an actress—she is a pressure of nature. Her skill to command the stage with each technical brilliance and uncooked emotion ensures her place as one among Broadway’s best performers of all time.
6. Angela Lansbury
Angela Lansbury was the definition of a Broadway legend. With a profession spanning over seven many years, she left an indelible mark on musical theater along with her extraordinary versatility, allure, and commanding stage presence. Whether or not she was bringing heat and wit to Mame or delivering chilling depth in Sweeney Todd, Lansbury was an actress who might do all of it.
Her efficiency in Mame was a career-defining second, showcasing her comedic timing, dazzling stage vitality, and highly effective vocals. She embodied the eccentric and lovable title character with a vibrancy that made audiences fall in love along with her. However Lansbury was by no means one to be typecast—she surprised Broadway along with her darkish and menacing portrayal of Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd, proving her skill to deal with advanced and sinister roles simply as effortlessly as her lighthearted ones.
Even past musical theater, Lansbury was a beloved determine, identified for her long-running position as Jessica Fletcher in Homicide, She Wrote. Nevertheless, Broadway was all the time a house for her, and he or she continued to return to the stage properly into her later years. Her skill to seize an viewers with humor, heartbreak, and sheer star energy made her a uncommon expertise.
Angela Lansbury’s legacy is one among brilliance, versatility, and an unwavering love for the stage. She is going to all the time be remembered as one among Broadway’s best performers, an artist who might make audiences snort, cry, and cheer—all within the span of a single present.
7. Mandy Patinkin
Mandy Patinkin is a Broadway powerhouse, identified for his wealthy, expressive tenor voice and deeply emotional performances. With an performing model that blends depth and vulnerability, he has made each position he’s taken on unforgettable. From originating the position of Che in Evita to delivering a career-defining efficiency as Georges Seurat in Sunday within the Park with George, Patinkin has confirmed himself as one among Broadway’s most fascinating performers.
His skill to inform a narrative by music is unparalleled. When he sings “Ending the Hat” from Sunday within the Park with George, each word is infused with craving and frustration, capturing the soul of an artist struggling to stability love and creation. In Evita, his highly effective rendition of “Oh, What a Circus” introduced fireplace and fervour to the stage, making him a standout within the Andrew Lloyd Webber traditional.
What units Patinkin aside is his fearless method to efficiency. He throws himself into his roles with an depth that few actors can match. His voice, wealthy with emotion, has a novel skill to drag audiences into the guts of a personality’s journey.
Past Broadway, Patinkin has additionally made a reputation for himself in movie and tv, however his love for the stage stays simple. His concert events and solo performances proceed to showcase his immense vocal and storytelling skills. Mandy Patinkin isn’t just a Broadway singer—he’s a real artist, bringing depth, nuance, and fervour to each position he inhabits.
8. Sutton Foster
Sutton Foster is one among Broadway’s brightest stars, identified for her infectious vitality, powerhouse vocals, and impeccable comedic timing. A real triple menace, Foster has dazzled audiences along with her skill to behave, sing, and dance with easy allure. From her Tony-winning breakout position in Totally Trendy Millie to her show-stopping efficiency in Something Goes, she has cemented herself as one of the crucial beloved performers of her technology.
Her voice, a dynamic and expressive instrument, can soar in huge belting numbers and soften for moments of vulnerability. In Something Goes, her rendition of the title music bursts with pleasure and old-school Broadway glamour, whereas her efficiency of “Gimme Gimme” in Totally Trendy Millie builds from quiet longing to an exciting climax, showcasing her extraordinary vocal vary.
Foster’s pure charisma and comedic aptitude make her a standout in musical theater. Whether or not she’s delivering a wonderfully timed punchline or bringing depth to a dramatic second, she instructions the stage with an irresistible presence. She has additionally seamlessly transitioned into tv, starring in hit reveals like Youthful, however Broadway stays her true house.
With a number of Tony Awards and a fame as one of many hardest-working stars within the business, Sutton Foster continues to be a pressure to be reckoned with. Her expertise, dedication, and simple star energy make her one among Broadway’s most cherished performers.
9. Idina Menzel
Idina Menzel’s voice is among the most recognizable in Broadway historical past, a strong, hovering belt that may shake a theater to its core. Finest identified for originating the position of Elphaba in Depraved, Menzel introduced an electrifying depth to the present, making “Defying Gravity” one of the crucial iconic numbers in trendy musical theater. Her efficiency in Hire as Maureen additionally helped outline an period of Broadway, mixing rock and theatricality in a method that captivated audiences.
Menzel’s voice is extra than simply technically spectacular—it’s crammed with emotion. When she sings, she brings the complete weight of a personality’s journey to each word. Whether or not she’s belting out a rebellious anthem or delivering a young ballad, her performances are all the time deeply felt. Her work in If/Then showcased her skill to deal with advanced, layered roles, proving that she’s not only a phenomenal singer but additionally a compelling actress.
Past Broadway, Menzel has achieved mainstream success, notably because the voice of Elsa in Disney’s Frozen, the place “Let It Go” grew to become a worldwide sensation. Regardless of her fame past the stage, she stays a Broadway icon, regularly returning to the theater that made her a star.
Idina Menzel is greater than only a nice singer—she’s a powerhouse performer who brings fireplace and soul to each position she takes on. Her skill to attach with audiences by her voice ensures her place as one among Broadway’s best stars.
10. Chita Rivera
Chita Rivera is a Broadway legend, a trailblazer whose expertise, charisma, and groundbreaking performances have formed the historical past of musical theater. As one of many first Latina actresses to attain Broadway superstardom, Rivera broke limitations and set a brand new commonplace for what it meant to be a number one woman on stage. Her roles in West Aspect Story, Chicago, and Kiss of the Spider Girl cemented her standing as one of many best performers to ever grace the stage.
Rivera’s mixture of sultry vocals, easy dance abilities, and simple stage presence makes her one among Broadway’s most dynamic performers. In West Aspect Story, she introduced vitality and fervour to the position of Anita, delivering unforgettable performances of songs like “America.” Later, in Chicago, her portrayal of Velma Kelly was scorching and fierce, proving that she might command the stage with each perspective and class.
Considered one of Rivera’s best strengths is her skill to evolve with the business. Even after many years within the enterprise, she continues to carry out with the identical fireplace and dedication that made her a star. Her contributions to Broadway have paved the best way for future generations of performers, notably for Latina actresses who adopted in her footsteps.
Chita Rivera isn’t only a Broadway star—she’s a residing legend whose affect on musical theater shall be felt for generations to return. Her impression on the stage is simple, and her legacy as a performer and trailblazer is firmly secured.
11. Kristin Chenoweth
Kristin Chenoweth is one among Broadway’s most distinctive and beloved performers, identified for her dazzling soprano, impeccable comedic timing, and boundless vitality. With a voice that may effortlessly soar into the stratosphere, she has captivated audiences in a wide range of roles, most notably as Glinda in Depraved. Her efficiency within the authentic forged alongside Idina Menzel helped outline the present as a Broadway phenomenon, along with her charming, bubbly tackle Glinda completely complementing her powerhouse vocals in songs like “Fashionable” and “For Good.”
Chenoweth’s vocal expertise is really outstanding—her crystal-clear tone and skill to hit impossibly excessive notes set her other than lots of her friends. However what makes her really particular is her skill to mix comedy and sincerity. Whether or not she’s delivering a hilarious line or an emotional ballad, she all the time brings authenticity and coronary heart to her performances.
Past Depraved, she has wowed audiences in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, the place she received a Tony Award for her portrayal of Sally Brown, in addition to in On the Twentieth Century and Guarantees, Guarantees. Her versatility extends past Broadway, with profitable ventures into movie, tv, and even nation and gospel music.
Along with her magnetic stage presence and simple vocal prowess, Kristin Chenoweth continues to be one among Broadway’s most treasured stars. Her skill to make audiences snort, cry, and marvel at her vocal acrobatics ensures that her place in theater historical past is safe.
12. Brian Stokes Mitchell
With a voice as easy as velvet and a stage presence that exudes class, Brian Stokes Mitchell is one among Broadway’s best main males. His wealthy baritone is immediately recognizable, carrying each energy and heat in each word he sings. Whether or not commanding the stage in Ragtime or charming audiences in Kiss Me, Kate, Mitchell has constructed a profession on delivering unforgettable performances.
Considered one of his most defining roles got here in Ragtime, the place he performed Coalhouse Walker Jr., a personality whose journey of affection, loss, and justice was dropped at life by Mitchell’s stirring efficiency. His rendition of “Make Them Hear You” stays one of the crucial highly effective moments in Broadway historical past, demonstrating not solely his vocal energy but additionally his skill to convey deep emotion by music.
Mitchell is a performer who brings each gravitas and charisma to each position he takes on. His portrayal of Fred Graham in Kiss Me, Kate showcased his skill to combine comedy with commanding vocals, whereas his performances in Man of La Mancha and Shuffle Alongside solidified his fame as one among Broadway’s most versatile stars.
Past his work on stage, Mitchell is deeply concerned in arts advocacy, utilizing his platform to help the theater neighborhood. His dedication to the craft and his skill to breathe life into each character he performs make him one of the crucial revered and admired figures in Broadway historical past.
13. Barbara Cook dinner
Barbara Cook dinner’s title is synonymous with vocal purity, heat, and emotional depth. Considered one of Broadway’s most celebrated sopranos, Cook dinner’s voice was a factor of magnificence—crystal-clear, effortlessly lyrical, and wealthy with feeling. Her performances in The Music Man and Candide set the usual for musical theater singing, incomes her a spot amongst Broadway’s best legends.
Cook dinner’s portrayal of Marian Paroo in The Music Man stays one among her most iconic roles, along with her rendition of “Until There Was You” capturing the innocence and romance of the character. Her skill to ship songs with each technical perfection and heartfelt sincerity made her a standout in each manufacturing she was a part of. In Candide, she tackled the difficult coloratura position of Cunegonde, wowing audiences along with her dazzling efficiency of “Glitter and Be Homosexual.”
Later in her profession, Cook dinner transitioned into cabaret and live performance performances, the place she continued to captivate audiences along with her storytelling and vocal artistry. At the same time as her voice matured, her skill to attach emotionally with songs remained unmatched. She grew to become one of the crucial revered interpreters of the American songbook, proving that nice singing isn’t nearly approach—it’s about coronary heart.
Barbara Cook dinner’s legacy as a Broadway icon and grasp vocalist is simple. Her voice, crammed with heat and sincerity, continues to encourage generations of performers.
14. Elaine Stritch
Elaine Stritch was a pressure of nature—daring, brassy, and totally unforgettable. With a pointy wit and a voice that carried each energy and persona, she made each efficiency uniquely her personal. Whether or not delivering a biting one-liner or pouring uncooked emotion right into a music, Stritch had a presence that demanded consideration.
Considered one of her most legendary moments got here in Firm, the place she delivered a searing efficiency of “The Women Who Lunch.” With each syllable dripping in sarcasm and underlying unhappiness, she turned the music right into a defining second of the present. It stays one among Broadway’s most iconic performances, a masterclass in character interpretation.
Stritch was identified for her fearless method to roles, by no means shying away from characters with sharp edges or advanced feelings. From Sail Away to A Little Night time Music, she introduced her signature mixture of humor and grit to each manufacturing she was in. Her honesty on stage and in life made her a Broadway legend, one who by no means performed by the foundations and was all the higher for it.
Even in her later years, she continued to carry out with the identical fireplace and tenacity, famously staging her one-woman present Elaine Stritch at Liberty, which gave audiences an unfiltered take a look at her life and profession.
Elaine Stritch wasn’t only a Broadway performer—she was a Broadway establishment. Her legacy lives on within the unforgettable performances she gave and the indelible mark she left on the theater world.
15. Lea Salonga
Lea Salonga is a Broadway and worldwide star whose voice is synonymous with purity, precision, and heartfelt emotion. Finest identified for her Tony-winning efficiency as Kim in Miss Saigon, Salonga surprised audiences along with her breathtaking vocals and deeply shifting portrayal of a younger girl caught within the turmoil of conflict. Her rendition of “I’d Give My Life for You” stays one of the crucial poignant and highly effective performances in musical theater historical past.
Past Miss Saigon, Salonga made historical past as the primary Asian actress to play each Eponine and Fantine in Les Misérables, bringing a recent depth to those iconic roles. Her voice, crystal clear and crammed with heat, made songs like “On My Personal” and “I Dreamed a Dream” unforgettable.
Salonga’s impression extends far past Broadway. She can be beloved because the singing voice of Disney princesses Jasmine in Aladdin and Mulan in Mulan, bringing her signature vocal magnificence to songs like “A Complete New World” and “Reflection.” Her work in these movies launched her expertise to tens of millions all over the world.
As a performer, Salonga is understood for her technical excellence and emotional sincerity. Whether or not on stage or in live performance, she connects deeply along with her viewers, making each music really feel private. Her profession, spanning many years, continues to encourage performers worldwide, proving that true expertise transcends borders. Lea Salonga is greater than only a Broadway star—she is a world icon.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B all over the world. Join with us by way of social media under.