Top 20 Greatest Broadway Singers of All Time

They're the finest singers Broadway has to offer. For this list, we’ll be looking at the most talented vocalists who made names for themselves in the New York City musical theater scene. Our countdown includes Patti LuPone, Angela Lansbury, Jennifer Holliday, and more! Who do YOU think is the greatest Broadway singer? Let us know in the comments!
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MsMojo is a leading producer of reference online video content of Top 10 Lists, Origins, Biographies, Commentary and more on Pop Culture, Celebrity, Movies, Music, TV, Film, Video Games, Politics, News, Comics, Superheroes. Your trusted authority on ranking Pop Culture.
#Broadway #Singers #Songs #Musicals #Performances

[@MsMojo]

Who do YOU think is the greatest Broadway singer? Let us know below, and check out our video of the Top 100 Broadway Songs of All Time - kzbin.info/www/bejne/iIKtm4uvhZ6YsNE

[@regand7830]

Too many to say who is the greatest. But Lilias White and Tonya Pinkins aren't on this list?! What's up with that?!

[@shaliseshaw9385]

Angela Lansbury, Betty Buckley, Idina Menzel, Michael Crawford, Julie Andrews, etc. 🎭🎬🎬🎬🎬🎬🎬🎬📺

[@nolanryan8180]

Wow tough list. Also reading the comments I think there’s only one solution - you need to make this a 100 of all time!

[@musingsonhisbike483]

Terrence Mann deserves a mention, at least.

[@AnimeGirl4891]

Audra hands down. My mom and I are big fans of her voice

[@RoseTylerxx]

I adore Lea Salonga! Her tone is utterly beautiful, and her control is incredible!

[@vicentehizon6202]

I envy her clear dictation.

[@tjs114]

Or the fact that nearly 30 years later, she doesn't have to transpose or rephrase things she sang earlier in her career. The woman is an absolute machine vocally.

[@fangwulf]

I saw her perform in Miss Saigon when I was very young. Way too young to understand what the musical was about.

[@LateYouTuber82]

She has perfect pitch.

[@lollypip5653]

I was lucky enough to see her in Miss Saigon on Broadway, twice. She's absolutely incredible.

[@khlobertyt9796]

Julie Andrews still has the most magical voice EVER!!! MY Fair Lady will live forever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Damage or not she is pure magic!!!😊

[@Terahnee]

I *STILL* cry every time I watch that scene in Princess Diaries 2 simply because of the background of it. She was asked if she'd be willing to sing and she initially said no. She was told it would be written for the range she has left and it is just magical to still hear her sing.

[@olly-kai]

​@@Terahnee so incredibly touching. She's an icon. No one comes close!

[@miaria2049]

Amen! Forever and ever.

[@joeystuart8598]

Im in a production of my fair lady rn!!!!

[@spencerwanlass4532]

Ramin Karimloo not even getting a mention is a travesty. I LOVE his performance as the Phantom! Sierra Borges should have a spot as well. Christy Altomare as Anastasia is superb especially those of us in the Alto range.

[@BooBop1987]

Darn it all!

[@onrubywings]

Ramin has to be in my top 5

[@JackMason-oq8lf]

I am getting a kick out of the fact that so many of you, so, very very many of you, keep applauding the playwrighting skills of Neil Simon, really digging in there and ripping out all that gold in the Neil Simon ouvre, while simultaneously ignoring other hacks, like WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE. How can you thrall to great singing with little regard to great songs? Pavarotti was really good, but how can we say just how good without mentioning Nessa Dorma? Without his #1 on Billboard charts, would we even be aware of Luciano Pavarotti? Hard to separate the dancer from the dance.

[@jonischaum777]

Alfie Boe

[@glorialeo2513]

He was great as Valjean in Les Miz.

[@xxkrisxx9034]

Lea Salonga’s voice hasn’t changed. Clear diction and excellent control. Such a talent. And to think that she still performs to date. Had the pleasure of watching her perform twice and one of the best of her generation. Also very beautiful. Doesn’t shy away from a 101% performance. The best Fantine ever

[@damienreed4834]

I disagree. I think she improved IMMENSELY since Miss Saigon.

[@paloma4444]

Is it surprising to still perform? She is 53 not 83

[@ashleygiguere3214]

Jennifer's Holliday has one of those voices that gives me goosebumps. So powerful and gorgeous ❤

[@canuckyukyuk9164]

Have you heard her sing "Gìving Up"? Amazing!

[@missjoyceakaladyj6628]

I'd like 2nd that!!❤

[@ChibiJaime]

To say Angela Lansbury found easy success does an incredible disservice to the work she put in to get where she did. She was typecast constantly as a side characters in Hollywood and struggled to find a foothold on Broadway. Her life story is incredible and deserves a spotlight as much as her storied career.

[@TheHachmom]

In fact she was dubbed in several early movies because MGM thought her voice didn't have the right quality. Only Dorian Grey and Till Clouds roll By, both films that had her in English theatres, feature her singing voice.

[@ultimatewitcherfan6677]

@TheHachMom Actually, the animated versions of beauty and the beast and Anastasia feature her singing voice as well. R.I.P Mrs Pots 🙏

[@tmf866]

She had one of the most legendary auditions in Broadway history, right up there with Fanny Brice auditioning for Ziegfeld. Jerry Herman was still composing the music for Mame when he decided he wanted her to play the part, but the producers of the show didn't want her, so they held auditions. He secretly taught her the first song of the show ("It's today!") which nobody had heard yet but him and he producers. She got in under a false name. He snuck into the orchestra pit and replaced the pianist for her audition. He started playing the song, she walked out in character and sang it and predictably blew the producers away, and after that they couldn't imagine anyone else in the part.

[@debrabecoats3171]

She was too classy for them

[@musicalrobkey]

I really expected Liza Minnelli to be included in this list, 4 Tony awards and youngest Tony award winner!

[@jennybrandt5188]

Liza is the ultimate entertainer. She is up there with Elvis P. and Michael Jackson. I can't take my eyes off Liza when she is on stage or on television.

[@Guitarbarella]

Not yeah her and Barbra Streisand

[@gaylefranklin]

Liza might’ve been included on a “favorites list” but not best and Streisand is an icon, of course, but with only 2 roles on Broadway, she might be out of place here.

[@timgriffin3368]

Yeah, they don't know how to research properly. Don't trust their 'lists'

[@singsonggirl9267]

And how about Judy Garland????

[@rheinaldjoelbiscaro4912]

Brian Stokes Mitchell should have a spot in this list

[@andersonfamily]

OMG I forgot him too!!

[@Spikesgurl74]

Absolutely! I saw him in Ragtime and Man of La Mancha and each was a religious experience (particularly ‘Impossible Dream’). He also could not have been nicer at the stage door.

[@kiwijean127]

That’s whose name I was going to add. 🙌🏼

[@lindaf4836]

@@Spikesgurl74 As Brian Stokes Mitchell himself points out, the song is really titled 'THE QUEST', but everyone calls it 'the impossible dream'. BTW, it does say, "this is my QUEST to follow that star...."!

[@jayrhodes3766]

THIS

[@imagineaworld100]

How is nobody mentioning SIERRA BORGES?!?! My all time favorite broadway actress with the most incredible and iconic voice!!

[@kidkrowtaylor.ৎ]

If there is a Sleeping Beauty musical she needs to be Aurora

[@tomshea8382]

Maybe because her name is Boggess?

[@kidkrowtaylor.ৎ]

Sierra is very new, so I'm suprised she's not on here.

[@elizabethaso1277]

Probably because she's new and young. There's plenty of time for her to cement legend status. This list included people with 70+ years experience as well. They couldn't put in everyone.

[@daniellashah7995]

WTH ? The same thing said

[@JessW289]

Ramin Karimloo going undrafted is a sin. I have seen him in NYC twice this year, and with no formal training, I love his voice. I got to meet him after the show, and he’s so humble. He also sang til I hear you sing from LND and I straight up sobbed

[@thunderousapplause]

Streisand was born w a great voice. She became a brilliant singer bc she studied. That man will study or he will not progress. I guarantee you, he studies voice. Bet 10,000.

[@Nini4110]

When I saw him in the beginning, I was expecting him to be on this list because he is INCREDIBLE!! So frustrating!!!!

[@PayamRPooya]

As a Persian musical/broadway nerd Ramin has a special place for me , but at least i see that as an understandable omission , for me not listing Barbara Cook and George Hearn seems more of a crime

[@Makeji]

​@@PayamRPooyaHe did one opera and was not well received for his voice. This was in March 2024. Phantom of the Opera is not an opera.

[@PayamRPooya]

@@Makeji Yeah, I just searched and you are right, It was a bad info i had .

[@Kevin-rg3yc]

I’m shocked to not see Barbra Streisand she’s possibly the most influential voice to come from Broadway not be here but I’m happy at Audra McDonald at #1

[@ozvoyager]

Absolutely. Many would consider Streisand the greatest voice of the past century, and her 60 year music career - spanning albums, concerts, movie musicals - started on Broadway. And they're still trying to find someone who can equal her performance in Funny Girl.

[@etbulibrary]

I think Streisand really only did a very few Broadway roles - certainly nothing after the original Funny Girl. I think they were looking at long-haul performers. At least that's the feeling I get from it.

[@ozvoyager]

@@etbulibrary The narration says nothing about "long haul". It says "greatest singers" and "vocalists who made a name for themselves in musical theatre". Streisand more than qualifies, even if she only did two Broadway shows. The Tony Awards saw fit to give her a special award for "star of the decade" in 1970, which spells out her significance to Broadway. And she's probably recorded more Broadway material across her 60s albums (mostly broadway), three Broadway themed albums and multiple broadway songs across her other five decades of recordings.

[@Kevin-rg3yc]

@@ozvoyager exactly 👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿

[@Kevin-rg3yc]

@@etbulibrary the narrator literally said in the beginning of the video that long haul doesn’t qualify for this list

[@lordalessan]

Fun fact: After her Tony award win, Lea Salonga was denied a reading, let me repeat...a reading to play Eliza Dolittle in a Broadway stage production of "My Fair Lady" because she was Asian. She was able to play Eliza in a Philippine stage production. The Les Miz composers were also stunned by this and may have played a role in casting her as Eponine and Fantine in the live productions.

[@fairamir1]

Eliza was a 100% English heritage character. She was not Asian. Playing in the Phillipines id different than playing Brodaway

[@CarysLibri]

Thank you for sharing this fact. I'm happy that the world has been able to experience her gift despite the limited thinking of that My Fair Lady crew. There were Black people, Asian people and other non-white people living in England at that point in history and I hope modern musical theater continues to include performers of all backgrounds. If you ever want a fun book to read, Sorcerer to the Crown is great and features a Black and Indian character living in 18th or 19th century England.

[@lordalessan]

@@fairamir1 Welp, didn't stop Boulbil and Schonberg from casting her in the live productions of Les Miz! Happy to be in a time where non-white actors are getting cast for such roles!

[@YunaElphabaLovegood]

Elphaba is 100% green. And they still had actresses from all over the world play her. Funny how that works ;)

[@johnmin9215]

Thank goodness now race is no longer a factor for talent and Hamilton did help break that mold with it’s phenomenal success and longevity.

[@joaquinhurtado-tapia4369]

You missed a few folks: Actors you missed: Ramin Karimloo, Nathan Lane, Matthew Broderick, Michael Crawford, Jerry Orbach, Gavin Lee, Robert Morse, Neil Patrick Harris, Robert Preston, Gary Beach, Brian D'Arcy James, Brian Stokes-Mitchell, Ben Platt, Josh Gad, Andrew Rannells, Josh Groban, Derek Klena, Santino Fontana, John Lithgow, Kelsey Grammer, Yul Brynner Actresses you missed: Carol Burnett, Ashley Brown, Laura Bell Bundy, Cynthia Erivo, Susan Egan, Beth Fowler, Bette Midler, Kelli O'Hara, Barbara Streisand, Shirley Jones, Gwen Verdon, Analeigh Ashford, Laura Osnes, Christy Altomare, Kara Lindsey.

[@techone72893]

Don't forget Kelli O'hara.

[@LaLayla99]

Barbra Streisand

[@saskiatree]

Shirley Jones and Gwen Verdon

[@ArtworksbyNet]

Many of the names you mentioned although great in what they do are not that distinctive with their styles, placements and embodiment of the characters that they have performed. Most of those that made it to this list, their voices are so unique and unmistakable.

[@joaquinhurtado-tapia4369]

@@ArtworksbyNet Many of the names I mentioned made history on Broadway and were not considered in the list while (as you can imagine) for having a robust set of pipes so they could belt any role, which is not the only thing you need to be a musical theatre performer (LuPone) or having a great name in the acting industry but singing like going on a field trip (Jackman). For example, Barbara Streisand is a very complex actress, having made both Broadway, Films and rarely Television and she always puts her efforts on every role she lands on. Ben Platt can hit any tone in his voice range placed on a pentagram without getting a stroke. Josh Groban has a voice to fear and praise, even though he's more a singer than an actor, he's (if not already) working on it. And thanks to suggestions below I can add more names.

[@jshea7432]

Rest In Peace Chita Rivera. I saw you for the first time when I was 9 and I fell in love with you and Musicals. God bless you Senora Rivera. Thanks to Rosie too for this wonderful compilation and narrative.

[@chiara1194]

Taking it all the way back to when Broadway book musicals began in the late 20s with “Showboat”…Paul Robeson was an unforgettable singer and really one of the first Black stars. Listen to his “Ol’ Man River,” it’s a revelation.

[@bruce1002003]

The history of Broadway musicals can be written in 2 chapters: before Showboat and after Showboat.

[@gracebaumgarten8900]

Yes. It is an unforgettable performance.

[@kellicoffman8440]

true he was unforgettable

[@jonathanbaileyartanimation2992]

I wanna add some more to the list: Harvey Fierstein, Jonathan Groff, Taye Diggs, Leslie Odom, Jr., Ben Platt, Daveed Diggs, Jerry Orbach, Neil Patrick Harris, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Nathan Lane, Matthew Morrison, Jordan Fisher, Matthew Broderick, Christy Altomare, Carol Burnett, Lea Michele, Eva Noblezada, Sierra Boggess, Annaleigh Ashford, Christine Baranski and Sarah Jessica Parker

[@kidkrowtaylor.ৎ]

Yep! Definitely Annaleigh Ashford! She's awesome as Glinda!!!

[@jonathanbaileyartanimation2992]

@@kidkrowtaylor.ৎ She was! She’s also playing the role of Mrs. Lovitt in Sweeney Todd opposite Josh Groban

[@kidkrowtaylor.ৎ]

@@jonathanbaileyartanimation2992 Mrs Lovett is my dream role

[@jonathanbaileyartanimation2992]

@@kidkrowtaylor.ৎ cool!

[@closemyeyesandleap1]

The absolute travesty of having Ramin in the beginning not to even have him in the honourable mentions 😭😂

[@Makeji]

I agree - could have left out a few of the other guys no one has heard of beyond a couple of shows. And Chita Rivera really? She's never been known for her voice. Carol Channing, notable performer, but singer? Stephanie J. Block, meh. Not a big fan of Norm Lewis either. This list sucks.

[@BecAndLil]

I know, right? I was waiting for him!

[@Makeji]

@@BecAndLil I didn't expect they would put him in the top ten, so once it got closer to #1, I knew he would probably only be a special mention, but when he wasn't I felt that was a travesty. Chita Rivera, Carol Channing, Mary Martin, two young guys no one has ever heard of with no special singing skills. I would take out Ether Merman as well. Rivera is a dancer. The others were not known particularly for their singing. I would have passed on Norm Lewis as well. Sat through a lot of boring clips to be very disappointed. A lot of their stuff just seems to be thrown together anymore.

[@shell150675]

I came here to say the exact same thing! This was a terrible exclusion on @msmojo's part.

[@alethiastafford6061]

Ugh, I’m my opinion, the best phantom hahaha

[@germanhernandez2276]

Liza Minelli is a great singer and Broadway performer and did not got a Honorable mention and she has like 4 Tony’s 😢

[@prathamsaxena9503]

And she also have EGOT as musical actress

[@Gloria-ro4vn]

It was weird to me to, she made a few successful movies but she was a "Broadway Star".

[@originaltommy]

Right?!

[@lpcacoo]

Im glad to see Lea Salonga on this list. I was expecting Sarah Brightman to be on the list as well and Michael Crawford

[@nathanswanson1040]

It’s a crime that Barbara Cook was left off this list. Many of the Broadway icons that were selected for this list named her as the greatest Broadway singer of all time when she died not all that long ago. She was widely regarded as a “singer’s singer”.

[@originaltommy]

I TOTALLY AGREE!

[@shiwooify]

I thought that too. "She Loves Me" is a favorite album of mine.

[@DK-jy4jb]

Totally agree . . . Alfred Drake, John Raitt and Liza Minelli should be on this list as well

[@mjwoodworth5247]

The original Marian the Librarian in Music Man. Had the honor of working with her in college. Her voice brought people to tears. And one funny lady.

[@JordanMagill]

Unforgivable Cynthia Erivo erasure.

[@asterismos5451]

Maybe it's just because she hasn't done many Broadway roles? She's more West End, I think. Obviously she's amazing either way.

[@redbutterfly88]

This list is broadways greatest and theres many.. she will be in broadways 200 greatest 199 spot

[@jlfinleychappel]

I came here to say THIS!!!

[@lamontmundell5067]

@@asterismos5451 then call the list Broadway legends. Because that has nothing to do with her being a better singer than this whole list.

[@lamontmundell5067]

@@redbutterfly88 Broadways greatest singers, NOT STARS. She should be here.

[@michellestratford9753]

I adore Jeremy Jordan's voice, and from interviews etc, he seems to be a really nice young man too. Thank you for compiling this list 🥰

[@dawnjensen6560]

When Miss Saigon was leaving Broadway, Lea Salonga reprised her roll for the final month. I’m so glad I was able to see her perform. She is amazing.

[@SeanMcLeod]

Yesssss ‼️ I too got myself to Broadway to see her reprise the role! Legend‼️🎭❤️

[@hannahpryseski7817]

Sutton foster has my heart. She’s a triple threat. And such a goofball which I love 💜💜

[@Robinwhiteart]

Bunheads was a wonderful tv show and should Not have been cancelled after one season!

[@robinhackbarth8640]

Julie Andrews sang for King George VI, and the queen mum when she was only 13 years old. She sang a short solo at the beginning of "God Save the King", before being joined by a huge choir. What an honor!

[@trinaq]

Rest in peace, Angela Lansbury, the most iconic Ms Lovett, rivalled only by Helena Bonham Carter. You'll be forever missed.

[@brunocavalcanti7118]

Helena? You didn't see Patti Lupone as Mrs. Lovett?

[@nolanryan8180]

@@brunocavalcanti7118 came here to make that comment lol

[@ser132]

@@brunocavalcanti7118 I've only seen her Mrs. Lovett in snippets, never the whole show with her. I agree Patti is better than Helena, though.

[@evans54]

Helena was dreadful

[@brendan-kailerlieb4347]

I love Helena Bonham-Carter, but she can not sing. Take a look at Shelia Hancock's performance in the original London production of "Sweeney". She was brilliant.

[@amandasudds2068]

Jonathan Groff doesn't even get a honorable mention? Spring Awakening, Hamilton.

[@leatherhil]

Audra McDonald definitely deserves the number one spot.

[@davidglasgow7483]

She’s good but the rating system is off track here. 90% of Broadway leads are just that good. Too subjective. Ethan Merman was a far more important and better star. Isn’t the legend she held “more” for 30 bars in Who could ask for anything more at the opening?

[@richardh6641]

@@davidglasgow7483 6 Tony’s spread across all 4 major categories things no other performer has done in history says a lot about your singing and acting chops on broadway

[@ozvoyager]

@@davidglasgow7483 I don't think you can still argue that Merman was more important than McDonald. And she sure as hell wasn't better. Aside from McDonald's multiple Tony Awards, there's the range of landmark shows she's graced, and the breadth of her musical talent. McDonald could have done any of the roles Merman did. Merman could play at least half of the roles McDonald has.

[@kellyalves756]

Number one in my heart. ❤️

[@mervyngreene6687]

​@@davidglasgow7483 I love two issues with this list. First, I believe that there should have been separate lists for male and female performers. Second, do we know if there was a minimum number of shows requirement.

[@DavidSmith-ry2lw]

Hearing Audra live at my college was one of the most magical experiences of my life

[@SvMykolas]

For me it is clearly Lea Salonga, and by far! She is technically perfect, her tone is most pleasant, and her voice is still so fresh and bright after all those years. For me she is the real Queen of Broadway!

[@LaLayla99]

I have some quibbles but I'm thrilled that Audra McDonald is #1. The woman can do any style of music and is also a terrific actor! 💓

[@sslssg247]

I'm not unhappy with your picks because I agree with pretty much all of them. There is just such a massive amount of talent out there that I can still think of so many that I feel have been left out.

[@Kyolover8]

Exactly.. Like Michael Crawford who originated the role of the phantom in Phantom of the Opera. I was completely surprised to not see him on the list or at least in the honorable mentions

[@sslssg247]

@@Kyolover8 I think the reason why some of the people who I thought would be listed mostly are from the West End and don't do a lot on Broadway. I found it weird that Michael Ball wasn't even an honourable mention, but I think a lot of his work was London. But yeah, Crawford did do the Original Phantom and then reprised the role for the original Broadway phantom. That was a miss for sure.

[@suchitragoracke]

Bernadette Peters, Angela Lansbury, and Audra McDonald always and forever!

[@HeronCoyote1234]

May I add Patty Lupone?

[@mountainman8775]

Astonished by Lea Salonga‘s absolute and flawless talent.

[@WilsonWatt-q2e]

My first Broadway show was My Fair Lady when I was 9 and I still remember how beautiful Andrew's singing was. I have seen most of these singers on Broadway or London or on tour in Chicago. Thanks for the memories.

[@Magenta4ever]

No shout outs for Colm Wilkinson, Norbert Leo Butz, or Brian Stokes Mitchell?? And incredibly surprised that Gwen Verdon wasn't listed!

[@Miranda50709]

UGH I know. I love a good baritone, and BSM is pretty much the ideal representation of that.

[@techone72893]

You can also add Kelli O'Hara to that list. Nominated for 8 Tonys and won 1. How was she not included?

[@rheinaldjoelbiscaro4912]

Totally agree. There are some who I could say are way better than some on this lis.

[@williamlamboy8386]

Exactly! Colm Wilkinson deserved at LEAST a shout-out!

[@arliss123]

Agree!!

[@Disneygirlie]

Before: If Jeremy Jordan isn't on the list, I'll cry 😭 He's amazing! After: ONLY SIXTEEN?! 🥺 I'm sorry for the raised text.. but, he deserves the top three! ❤️

[@boredstranger7522]

Seeing the talents on the list (and those who didn't even get an honorable mention), he's lucky to even be there

[@lucyroberts9287]

Yeah this list needs to be revised ASAP. So many contemporary musical theater artists missing. Especially ones that aren’t “famous” like Jessica Vosk as Elphaba (do I have her name right?)

[@ros8986]

the amount of talent on broadway is inexpressible, every show, every performer.

[@nancycurtis488]

Years ago I was privileged to see the incredible Miss Pearl Bailey play the lead in “Hello Dolly” at the Dallas Summer Musicals and she was marvelous! The cast was both white and black but Pearl Bailey was a stand-out….and after the end of the musical, she came out on stage for a fantastic Q & A that lasted for over an hour. It was amazing because you surely don’t get to see that very often.

[@elouise5593]

I loved Pearl Bailey! One of the great ones!

[@davidburr367]

I too saw her in that production in Dallas circa 1975 and she was amazing. I also saw Carol Channing reprise the role in Sacramento in 2009! I think Betty Buckley deserved an honorable mention for her role in Cats. An finally Michael Crawford for Phantom. So many great performers and sadly I have no musical talent.

[@PoetGorman]

No Babs? How is it even possible to compile a list of Broadway greats without Babs?That is insane!

[@thomasbradley4505]

Raul Esparza’s version of Being Alive is what all singers should strive for.

[@nellycolomdocdean9752]

That's a stretch...

[@gottabe884]

I had the biggest crush on him as a kid.

[@jmack129]

Meh.

[@christophercobb249]

He makes choices that, as a singer, I would be very hesitant to suggest for new singers to strive for if they don't have proper singing technique. They could really damage their voice if they don't know how to belt. So I'm not sure if I would agree. But if you mean artistic choices, I totally agree.

[@christophercobb249]

Of course, I would also not suggest singing Being Alive to most singers unless they have some significant singing experience under their belt. There are many ways to deliver it, but any way you do, it's an absolute mountain of a song to climb. One of those songs that completely wipes you out on all levels. I could not even begin to think about singing that song until I'd been singing weekly for a few years.

[@tragicangel2005]

Thank you for acknowledging the game changing voices of Audra McDonald and Lea Salonga!

[@jorgesantis3753]

I will never forget going to one of my first Broadway shows and being on the row orchestra and being exposed to Ethel Merman, playing "Annie Get Your Gun": she was absolutely incredible. The year was 1967, when she was supposed to b way over her prime. She was energetic, joyful and totally charming.

[@2034916]

I never cared for Ethel Merman. Her voice and mannerisms are annoying.

[@terrycarver1255]

Lea Salonga’s voice hasn’t changed and she’s in her 50’s… not many singers and stage performers can say that.

[@sherila4834]

How can you leave out Jerry Orbach???? *Originated* Billy Flynn in the OBC of Chicago, Julian Marsh in 42nd Street, El Gallo in Fantasticks (who sang "Try to Remember," its most famous song), originated Paul in the OBC of Carnival, (& also became a household name in Law & Order, the daddy of the police procedurals on TV).

[@TheKorderoy]

Absolute crime that Brian Stokes Mitchell is not included in the list!

[@tmf866]

And he even appears in the video!

[@MMKMoore1]

I absolutely adore Lea Salonga! She's much higher on my list.

[@daniellebelisle2446]

This list is EPIC! I would add Brian Stokes Mitchell to this list as well. Lookup him and Audra singing Wheels of a Dream 🥹🥹🥹

[@Cresscendollss]

Christian Borle being here makes me so happy

[@Robinwhiteart]

Julie Andrews WAS My Fair Lady. The only reason she was not cast in the movie version was that she was not yet a Hollywood star at the time, just a Broadway star! She should have been cast in the movie version! Raul Esparza in Company was simply mind blowing.

[@damienreed4834]

But if she wasn’t snubbed for the movie version of MFL, she never would have been Mary Poppins so I’m happy with the outcome.

[@tmf866]

Julie Andrews also was Guinevere. I loved Vanessa Redgrave in the movie, but they should have got Julie. My ex refuses to believe that the Raul Esparza in the recording of Company and the Raul Esparza in Law & Order SVU are the same person.

[@Robinwhiteart]

Sorry, Mary Poppins was ho-hum compared to her brilliant My Fair Lady! @@damienreed4834

[@Robinwhiteart]

Foolish, ex! Raul Esparza was mind blowing in Company. Sometimes amazing singers are Very Good actors as well. @@tmf866

[@mjwoodworth5247]

I have heard the Broadway cast recordings of both My Fair Lady and Camelot. She was amazing in both roles. Sad that 4 octave vocal range has been quieted. Bit of trivia...Marni Nixon, who dubbed Audrey Hepburn's singing voice in My Fair Lady (along with Deborah Kerr's in The King and I and Natalie Wood's in West Side Story) played one of the nuns in the movie version of Sound of Music.

[@kateschneider1032]

Cynthia Erivo?!!! Ramin Karimloo???!!! 😭😭😭😭 there better be a part two

[@thexphial]

AGREED! Also, Heather Headley

[@Julesb2183]

@@thexphial seriously!

[@tjs114]

Erivo is an amazing artist, but she's only appeared on Broadway twice. Until she's got a good half-dozen shows under her belt, she's just a bottle rocket. Ramin Karimloo has 5 Broadway shows under his belt, and a single nomination. That doesn't really rank up with many of the performers on the Mojo list.

[@thomasbradley4505]

I saw Chita Rivera in the national tour of Kiss of the Spider Woman. She was well into her 60s, and she performed like someone half her age. Incredible performer

[@bruce1002003]

I saw her in the London production in 1992 (before it moved to Broadway) when she was 59/60. Better yet, I saw her in Chicago's Goodman Theatre production of The Visit (also by Kander and Ebb) in 2001 when she was about 68 and she still could belt out a tune and dance up a storm. A move to New York was nixed because of 9/11. A few years later there was a concert version followed by a truncated version a few years after that.

[@tmf866]

I saw her in Merlin. The show also had Nathan Lane (I think it was his first Broadway role), and I didn't even remember he was in it.

[@lenore8n]

Brian Stokes Mitchell oh my God, how can you have not listed him ragtime, man of Lamancha, kiss me, Kate, shuffle along, and those are just the performances I traveled across country to see him in.

[@nekona7620]

This! The man is an incredible performer with a stunning voice. I was lucky enough to see him do a live show last year and it was amazing. Even my husband, who doesn’t really do musicals, was stunned.

[@laurakinnoin5649]

I’ve always thought Lea Salonga has the perfect voice if there is such a thing.

[@milenel]

Julie Andrews deserved to be at least in the top 3 (personally she's my #1 but I'm biased), but I guess I'm glad you included her in the list unlike some other legends

[@ansleyhendrix3381]

I love Audra McDonald! Her voice is a lovely soprano with a darker tone… So good for all of those emotional roles.

[@fairamir1]

You missed: Women: Linda Eder, Kelly O'Hara, Marin Mazzie, Donna Murphy Men: James Barbour, Brian Stokes Mitchell

[@dianabway]

I totally agree with your #1, Audra is definitely the greatest voice the Broadway stage has ever seen (so far), but what about Brian Stokes Mitchell? Barbara Cook? Rebecca Luker? Barbra Streisand?

[@beverlyfish1374]

I agree with you 100% - how are these people not included in the top 20 - should be in the top 10 for sure! - that's crazy

[@2034916]

Brian Stokes Mitchell, Audra McDonald, Kristin Chenowith, Irina Mendel, Ben Platt, Hugh Jackman, Alan Cuming, Joel Gray, Al Jolson.

[@gidgitvonlarue9972]

I'll never forget Ethal turning up in Airplane! for a guest spot - what a great woman!

[@WayCzennie127]

I LUV Jeremy Jordan! I first discovered him from the tv show Supergirl & then when another show, The Flash had a musical episode featuring the Supergirl cast, I was hoping to see him sing, & HE DID!!!!!!!!!! 😍😊😊😍 Also, can we all talk about his cover of She Used To Be Mine....? STUNNING!!!!!!!!! 💙💙

[@Anime_theatre_lover]

I thought it was the only one who’s seen that cover before!!! That song sounded so good with his voice

[@WayCzennie127]

@@Anime_theatre_lover i got TOO MANY goosebumps from that. 😍😊😊😍

[@ser132]

YES! also his cover of It's All Coming Back to me Now. Or basically anything he sings, really.

[@kidkrowtaylor.ৎ]

Yep!!! He's also really good in Smash. I would love to see him play Disney princes!!!

[@missimin]

Gavin Creel deserves honorable mention. He's fantastic in She Loves Me. Also Jonathan Groff should be mentioned. Jeremy Jordan jokes that if he goes out for a part it goes to Groff.

[@damienreed4834]

True they should have been included, but Jeremey Jordon is a better singer than Groff 🙊🤷‍♂️😂

[@napili00]

Gavin has aced so many outstanding roles especially Hair, Hello, Dolly, and Book of Mormon. Currently starring in his own musical, Walk On Through at MCC!

[@kylejohnson6867]

Lists like this are challenging and I respect anyone who attempts to critically examine the complex abilities of each, vocalist, and then assign ordinal placements. The top 12 voices were all so iconic and I appreciate the mix of Golden Age talent (Andrews, Merman, Lansbury, Buckley [“1776” back in 1969] & Rivera); working veterans (LuPone, Buckley, Rivera, & Peters); and current icons (Chenoweth, Menzel, Foster, McDonald, and Salonga). That is a ridiculous amount of talent and yet it still could hold many more as the comments indicate. Bravo for your efforts in keeping the us connected to yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

[@marthadufour6778]

I can’t believe that John Cullum was not included on this list. His renditions of Molasses to Rum from 1776 and Meditation from Shenandoah will give you goosebumps. One of the best male voices I’ve ever heard.

[@BrenB125]

I saw him in Shenandoah.

[@kennethwayne6857]

I'm completely with you on Mr. Cullum, I've seen him in many shows since 1989. But the demographic that this channel is reaching out to would have likely never heard of him.

[@liasalem4358]

Every time I listen to him in 1776 I get goosebumps! Truly wonderful vocalist. Should have been an honorable mention at least.

[@kellicoffman8440]

You got that right have you heard his rendition of this land is your land from northern exposure

[@gracebaumgarten8900]

Was he in the original cast of Les Miserables? I was also thinking of Alfie Boe.

[@garyluayon7806]

Lea Salonga wow that girl is jewel!

[@cynaracherrycaryccc]

Missing Ramin and Sierra even from honorable mentions is effing crazy.

[@DannyJane.]

How could you not even mention Barbra Streisand?

[@sharonmuldrew5404]

Right??? Crazy.

[@timlester1867]

She only did one Broadway musical

[@marthawelch4289]

@@timlester1867 Well, she actually did two: (1) I Can Get It For You Wholesale (2) Funny Girl.

[@tomorobo4472]

That's so real lols

[@mystikceleste]

This was a great list! I was very happy that Jeremy Jordan made the list (though I would have had him higher, lol). And I loved that Aaron Tveit & Andrew Rannells got honorable mentions. I was surprised that Jonathan Groff and Skylar Astin didn’t make the HR’s, though. Still, I loved this one.

[@gracebaumgarten8900]

And Danny Burstein who has two Tonys and Norbert Leo Butz who has two Tonys.

[@marywest2896]

1997, that year was a sad year, my mother died, and Julie Andrews lost that beautiful voice, a voice I always tried to emulate....when she sang in Princess Diaries ll I cried. cried for her loss and cried for her still singing and being magnificent.

[@pacman4ever143]

So proud of Lea Salonga at Top 7 ! What blows my mind is I think shes the only Foreigner in the list meaning shes not American or English etc She was borne and raised here in the Philippines and at 18 years of age got the coveted lead role of Miss Saigon after the worldwide hunt for the role The rest was history... How in heavens can an Asian do this when English is not our primary language although for some like maybe Leah she speaks like a native American girl and performs world class at this age Still mind blowing to me really😊

[@rachellawrence2094]

HOW did we miss Michael Ball, Alfie Boe and Sierra Boggess?!

[@gracebaumgarten8900]

Yes!!

[@SaaimahManaf]

Lea Salonga is a living legend and Julie Andrews both have clear, sweet voices and strong sharp pitches.

[@jessiebrown6084]

I saw Patti LuPone on Broadway as Evita back in the 80s. She was incredible.

[@smc0910]

Lea Salonga holds the record for receiving the top performing actress awards across the ocean for the same role. She’d been dreaming for years that a few of her favorite performers would do the same, but even the venerable Idina Menzel couldn’t do it with Wicked.

[@mihaelamars]

I personally would bump Lea Salonga up to number 2. Her voice and precision are just divine!

[@beckyhalvorsen2126]

I love that you included a song from Allegiance! Lea Salonga should have been a little bit higher. The number 1 is spot on though!

[@gordongraham7]

Can we just have a 20-way tie for #1? So much talent in this list. The world is better because of them.

[@bwaygal4905]

Here Here! Ranking these talents is tough.

[@afterimage2k]

Mary Martin an “honorable mention”? You’ve got to be kidding. You included all the Broadway screamers and under rated this brilliant vocalist/performer.

[@carladiaz4250]

Julie Andrews is the best!!! Her range, her powerful and yet sweet tone. Her voice was so clean!

[@joanculpepper-morgan8892]

I wish you had shown some of Audra doing Billie Holliday. Her ability to modify her big beautiful voice to mimic Billie’s smaller expressive jazz vocals was really a testament to her vocal mastery.

[@brendaowens2466]

Patti Lupone is one of the best Broadway singers ever. And don’t forget Bernadette Peters, she was so good also. And above all is the outstanding best one of all. Ms. Barbra Streisand.

[@sburris65]

How could you possibly failed to mention the one and only Robert Goulet????

[@laurieresila8394]

That's what my son & I thought! "If ever I would leave you!" from Camelot! Beautiful, rich voice! He was also in Carousel, Man of La Mancha, South Pacific, The Fantastiks, etc.

[@robertewalt7789]

I saw Camelot many years later, and was surprised to see what a small part Goulet had - just the one song.

[@suestraw2998]

@@robertewalt7789 -- He also sang C'est Moi.

[@140Robocop]

Where’s Anthony Newley? Co-wrote and performed some of the greatest songs in Broadway history like What Kind of Fool am I? and Who Can I Turn To? Incredible songwriter and performer.

[@jparkerez23]

Fun list, and fun idea, but if we are talking strictly singing ability, a few misses here! Sierra Boggess, Ramin Karimloo, Jonathan Groff at least as honorable mentions.

[@valeriebuell8565]

I cannot believe Robert Preston was not on this list.

[@chadtanakapack6797]

I've seen 14 of these amazing singers on stage. Barbara Cook definitely in my top 5 of all-time vocal performances. Other contenders (but whom to leave out?): Lillias White and Rebecca Luker.

[@TombCat]

Leave out.... Hugh Jackman. Bring in Brian Stokes Mitchell.

[@loriseward7773]

Yes! Barbara Cook!

[@robinsixoh2]

O…M…G… I cannot BELIEVE that I forgot to include Brian Stokes Mitchell and Lillian’s White! Good catch. I loved her in “The Life” and her vocals as one of the Muses in Disney’s animated “Hercules” just gave the chorus (all Broadway powerhouses in their own right) that extra bit of “Oomph”!

[@kerrycronin3581]

Michael Crawford. Amazing voice. Very surprised he wasn't there

[@lindaweight6176]

And Sarah Brightman

[@tomoreilly5803]

He’d probably be considered a West End actor first, which they should definitely make a list for

[@tmf866]

He's very talented but he doesn't have many Broadway credits. 3, actually.

[@kerrycronin256]

I guess , but he does have many many acting credits on screen and off in plays in London and several recordings. I see your point though@@tmf866

[@randisolomon9678]

@@lindaweight6176 0:25 thanks

[@Andrew-pj7es]

My list would include Alfred Drake who originated the role of Curly in Oklahoma, John Raitt the original Billy Bigalow in Carousel and Barbara Cook the original Marion in The Music Man.

[@michaelmccarthy5455]

I remember Alfred Drake from the Kismet recording.

[@tmf866]

John Raitt was also in Oklahoma, he had very serious credentials.

[@Erni3K]

I got to see Sutton Foster in the national tour of Young Frankenstein, as Inga. OH MY GOD. What a talent!

[@Capitan_Doug_Keith]

6:00 Ahhhhhhh, there it is, the classic Jeremy Jordan note hold. Made my day, thanks.

[@quinnhen2325]

Steven Pasquale is PHENOMENAL and should be on this list. As well as Kelli O’Hara, Ben Platt, Christine Ebersole, and Michael Crawford.

[@paulotoole4950]

Michael Crawford was one of the ones I was missing. Barnum rocks.

[@kidkrowtaylor.ৎ]

Ben is too young, I haven't heard much of Kelly.

[@elizaagnifilo2694]

So should Phillipa Soo

[@nonyabusiness2510]

@@paulotoole4950 love Barnum. Crawford isn't a great singer however.

[@sadiegirlson8122]

Ben Vereen and Barbra Streisand should be on the list and at the top of the list.

[@SharonBeringer-gk1kh]

Barbra Streisand should certainly be in the top list

[@olvialee7221]

Barbra Streisand deserves to be on this list. You mentioned Hello Dolly and she was one of them

[@stephanielatorre4164]

On film, not on Broadway

[@ACinemafanatic]

@@stephanielatorre4164 she did start out on broadway but found it tiring and instead sticked to film

[@tmf866]

She never performed Dolly on Broadway. She only has two Broadway credits, and hasn't performed on Broadway since the original run of Funny Girl.

[@MrLuis85698]

@@tmf866 too bad she performed this little few times, she possessed one of the best voices ever , way better voice than all this list of voices combined , and her acting skills were also monumental

[@richardcanedo1614]

@@MrLuis85698 Which is why Streisand does not belong on a list of the greatest BROADWAY singers, since she left it, never to return, at age 23. Put her on a list of great recording stars, or even movie singers, but not Broadway.

[@beckyhalvorsen2126]

Colm Wilkinson is also a classic!

[@missjoyceakaladyj6628]

For me, it's been JENNIFER HOLIDAY!! The "only" entertainer that brought both "tears & a standing ovation" from me. I remember her performance like it was yesterday. I've enjoyed some other performances -- however, no one & nothing touched me the way Jennifer Holiday's performance in stage performances did!!!❤❤❤

[@mikeryan385]

You would have been better off not mentioning Mary Martin than giving her honorable mention. Three Tony’s for the original South Pacific, Peter Pan and Sound of Music and as highly regarded as Ethel Merman back in the day.

[@LJB103]

I've been lucky enough to actually see several of these singers: Jennifer Holliday as Effie; Carole Channing as Dolly and Lorelei Lee; Angela Lansbury as Mama Rose and Mrs. Lovett; and Betty Buckley as Grizabella. You showed a snippet of another performer who I feel should have been on this list; and that's Gwen Verdon (shown with Chita Rivera from Chicago) who starred in Can Can; Sweet Charity; Chicago (Tony Award winner); Damn Yankees; Redhead.

[@tmf866]

I used to know a number of Broadway performers, and the gossip about Betty Buckley was savage. I feel bad they never mentioned Laurie Beechman. She performed Grizabella more times than anyone else. She literally looked sad and turned her head slightly down where the other actresses collapsed dramatically to the stage and the entire audience burst into tears.

[@olvialee7221]

Angela Lansbury will never be forgotten

[@IsyAweigh]

Your selections are always smart and well presented, but this blew me away. You really nailed the decades of history, the breadth of voices, and still, by some magic I cannot comprehend, managed to pick just 20 and show them all off to good advantage. You are so impressive as an arts curator.