'West Side Story's' Rachel Zegler Sings Chicago & Hamilton in a Game of Song Association | ELLE

It's been a big year for breakout star, #RachelZegler. The #GoldenGlobe winner and May cover star has risen to fame after her outstanding performance in #WestSideStory. Now she's crossing #SongAssociation off her list of accolades. A thespian all of her life, we tasked her with a special edition of the game: musical style. Tune in on this episode as the star sings #Broadway classics from #PhantomOfTheOpera, #Hamilton talks about working with Steven Spielberg and scoring the role of a lifetime.
Follow Rachel on IG: rachelzegle...
Stream 'West Side Story' on Disney+ here: fave.co/3JK17hi
ELLE SHOWS:
LATEST SEASON OF SONG ASSOCIATION: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jc8UR...
WATCH ALL SEASONS OF SONG ASSOCIATION HERE: / elle
Waking Up With: www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tC2-...
Thirst Trap: www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Bmp-...
Ask Me Anything: www.youtube.com/watch?v=DV_EZ...
The Clothes of Our Lives: www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7xp9...
Mama, I Made It: www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEVNt...
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[@kaitlynrain899]

Her giggle every time she realizes they set her up to sing west side story is so cute

[@hamiltonslegacy]

Her laugh is honestly the cutest laugh I’ve ever heard in my life!! 😭😭❤️

[@user-gy8qv7ec9x]

she sings so high so casually its actually insane

[@asnalelo.165]

well, she’s a soprano so her voice sits high!

[@edelainmatura131]

I know right I envy her high pitch voice she's amazing I love her 😍😍

[@addisonskinner1438]

@@asnalelo.165 That's what I was going to say

[@reubenfuchs2747]

Thats her classical (operatic) training right there, the high notes are supposed to be zero tension

[@mellifluous695]

Isn't she a singer??

[@matthewkingwill7711]

The way Elle decided she was going to sing musicals and nothing else when they wrote this list 😂

[@evelynd9240]

Honestly, all of those words are peak musical theatre kid vibes!

[@nnng9]

i think even rachel noticed, she laughed everytime she heard a word 😂

[@seansullivanbuckley]

she said in the beginning it was a “musical edition” so I think she was restricted to musical theater

[@MacoAndrews]

West side was her first movie but her carrer is being a Rachel Berry in real life

[@emmaedelman3446]

@@MacoAndrewsno

[@hannahcmusic]

imagine singing phantom of the opera on the spot so beautifully

[@rachaelq9451]

HANNAH JUST REALISED THIS IS YOU

[@hannahcmusic]

@@rachaelq9451 HAHAHA HI RACH

[@katiesalvadore7306]

^this exchange is hilarious

[@chineloobi4624]

I literally tore up 🥹❤️

[@RachelZeglersBiggestHater]

No

[@kendallg709]

she really does have the perfect voice for snow white

[@idaf3028]

not to mention she's beautiful and an amazing actress, she's really the perfect choice!

[@anthonym.3931]

She's too brown to play snow white.

[@MichaelMichaelMichael.]

@@idaf3028until she screwed it all up

[@Anu-hv2pp]

​@@MichaelMichaelMichael. she really didn't, at the end of the day it was the directors/writers choice to make snow white different from the original. she just restated it and people hate her for it. i personally don't believe she deserves to be hated on for that.

[@francescasimonee]

SHE SINGS LIKE A DISNEY PRINCESS I LOVE HEERRRRRR

[@neolarkyn8317]

reminder, she is a disney princess

[@francescasimonee]

@@neolarkyn8317 so true cool stranger on the internet

[@elliemaemilkyway]

she's legit playing snow white in the live action remake that's coming

[@valeriedeleon3711]

YESSS, she is literally Snow White🥺🌹

[@IHARumor]

Lol Disney thought the exact same thing because she’s now playing Snow White in the live action remake 😉

[@natyinthehouse]

I think the person who chose the words just had a list of songs they wanted to hear her sing.

[@IHARumor]

Lol I think so too. Like, words like Memory or Pretty or Room are words that would instantly make theatre kids go to those particular songs haha

[@KellyKolton]

Totally thought "seasons of love" was right there!

[@CatHasOddSocks]

@@KellyKoltonme too!!! I think that's what they were trying to set up

[@jacquelinejoyce8066]

Rachel Zegler graduated high school in June 2019 and she's already been cast in four Hollywood films: Stephen Spielberg's West Side Story, Shazam 2: Fury of the Gods, Disney's Snow White and the animated musical Spellbound!

[@valeriedeleon3711]

RIGHT, best girl

[@pianogurl5858]

She’s so amazingly talented! She deserves everything that has happened and is to come to her career 💗

[@Slomo999]

Added the Hunger Games prequel to that list this week!

[@33Hanney]

and won a golden globe

[@yourfavperson525]

snow white aint doin it for her😹🥶🥶🥶

[@matthewreyes6607]

This woman is going to be an EGOT. I just feel it.

[@Tarikkb]

I can see it , I can definitely see the emmy , golden globe , tony , and hopefully an Oscar someday but she’s really new so I’m certain she’ll have a few shots at it

[@agarvin1687]

The G is actually for the Grammy and not the Golden Globe - she’s got time to get them all… she only just received a Golden Globe for WSS so she’s definitely got time! :)

[@frealaddes6856]

I’ll come back to this comment when it happens

[@amityjane2560]

I would not be surprised if she had an EGOT by the time she was 30. her vocals are amazing, she writes her own music, she's a musical kid, and she can definitely act and has so much charisma from just WSS alone. Hopefully she is amazing as Snow White

[@becca287]

@Lady Gaga considering she was on the shortlist for the Oscars this year in her debut it isn’t a stretch

[@Judeduartewannabe19-83]

She actually did really, really well. Not that I'm surprised of course.

[@Caroline-qz3uw]

the way she naturally sings maria’s part with a spanish accent

[@hilarywycherley5084]

Its Puerto Rican

[@Caroline-qz3uw]

@@hilarywycherley5084 right

[@Blueraptor06]

@@hilarywycherley5084 and in Puerto Rico they speak spanish

[@ValeriaHernandez-06]

@@Blueraptor06 yes but Puerto Rican and Spanish accent are not the same. When people say Spanish accent is meant to the accent in Spain which is very different from the ones in Latin America

[@sunnydays07]

Yea, for example in Spain a -ci or -ce is pronounced Th- but in Latin America it’s more -S

[@laurahuynh8333]

Her singing in Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes will be amazing.

[@PiaRxxxx]

you were absolutely right!

[@alluvedits9485]

yuppp

[@jissmol8738]

YOU WERE RIGHT

[@arianayusufzai8756]

It was

[@Rainy_Loser]

You were so right omfg, she’s incredible. Always loved her and always will 😌

[@evanbowers5299]

Shes a theater kid im so happy

[@juliagesner5349]

no surprise, she killed it. rachel is one of the most talented people in our generation.

[@trader1972]

😮

[@Izzy-Maurer]

She didn't miss a single word, and she has the voice of an angel! Wow!

[@ScarlettJ1221]

I'm looking forward for Rachel coming out with her own album someday, she has such a beautiful voice

[@zuzannakozak-zagozda612]

she should record musical songs 😌😌

[@colonyofrats4193]

@@zuzannakozak-zagozda612 she used too actually but she deleted most of them a couple years ago :(

[@scarclem]

She has a single called Set Me Free :)

[@zuzannakozak-zagozda612]

@@scarclem i can’t find it :(

[@maxisaud]

@@zuzannakozak-zagozda612 the single is called Let Me try!

[@K.rose.w]

The way she just sings it like it’s nothing. The BEST soprano I have ever heard. 🎉🎉🎉

[@Emmy-rw8yl]

The way she just casually sang “think of me” so heavenly like- ❤😭

[@innaharris]

2:09 the way she just effortlessly sings that riff!!!

[@jordanh6760]

She’s so perfect for the role of Maria

[@TiffanyCalverley]

She’s just incredible. I would love to see her play Angelica or Eliza at some point

[@leillianemusic9733]

She would be an amazing Eliza!

[@norabeisser8990]

Ooooh, yess

[@anthonym.3931]

I'd love to see her in a box of garbage.

[@kenzie5888]

rachel’s voice is absolutely ANGELIC it’s like so clear and sweet like i would literally listen to her sing anything and she would sound STUNNING she is so amazing

[@captainross4706]

Wow, no autotune, no processing. just her, camera and talent and she sounds like an angel.

[@portiakluchesky1364]

Literal perfection. You can’t help but smile as soon as she starts singing. Love her.

[@anthonym.3931]

so your parents named you after a german sports car. Yeah, my sisters names are Ferrari and Audi...duh? No wonder you like Rachel, she sucks

[@AM-dd6dx]

The way she sings, she just makes it look so effortless. Her tone and vibrato are stunning!

[@AM-dd6dx]

I like that all her songs were from musicals! Also, she's so articulate. Maybe it's her diction?? It's super pronounced or exact.

[@asnalelo.165]

yes she has SPECTACULAR diction!

[@juancastillo2139]

that's so important. Just as Julie Andrews

[@anthonym.3931]

She's columbian from a cartel aka narco

[@sourandcream]

Her vibratos!! To die for!!

[@Itsmehayleyt]

Her range is absolutely bonkers

[@basiamalinka8819]

jesus I used to watch her on youtube before all this when she was complaining about prom and singing in the bathroom and look at her now

[@alenanela1743]

She’s come so far AHH I feel like a proud mama

[@hamiltonslegacy]

@@alenanela1743 I’ve only been a fan since September 2021 but I feel like I’ve known about her ever since before west side story and I’m so excited to watch her grow more!

[@raevenavrila9213]

the way she sings is so captivating honestly. she was born to be a star

[@jonathanthomas9677]

So who else started belting RENT when they saw the word season? Just me? OK that’s cool.

[@greekchick104]

I definitely immediately thought of Seasons of Love from Rent when I saw that!!

[@bambirose6490]

Me too!! 😂🥺

[@dancer4life273]

I thought of Season of love

[@shaw-qwanredmond]

Same

[@lll.24601]

I thought she was going to sing it! Even if it’s a weird choice, she would be a great Mimi!

[@tessa3260]

I think Rachel has one of the best voices out there. You can't change my mind.

[@hanaelgallad9413]

She sounds just like a disney princess✨

[@liv-bv3pl]

I totally thought she was going to seasons of love! I think they did too! Every word they chose has such an obvious song that goes with it from musical theatre haha

[@charnellduncan9932]

That was my for thought too😁

[@emixox8404]

sameeee

[@andreacordero9504]

Love how they set her up for show tunes as THEY SHOULD

[@piamaxwell7436]

she hits the high notes so effortlessly like that is PURE TALENT that is grace and just serene

[@rocioterradez6648]

i could listen rachel sing for HOURS i'm not even kidding

[@connection7405]

Imagine being so talented! You sing and hear people compliment you all the time, you feel happy and accomplished... must be so amazing! Some people are really born under a lucky star.

[@strawberrysingsthings]

Don’t forget she has trained really hard to get to where she is. She said she took voice lessons! It’s not always a lucky star lol

[@marianapossatto6931]

She has the voice of an angel. So happy to see her succeed in her carreer.

[@evacarvallo7116]

Her voice is so beautiful and angelic. The technique and tone of her voice is incredible. I love her

[@jacquelinejoyce8066]

I have a feeling that Rachel Zegler may play Maria again in a professional stage production of West Side Story.

[@abbeyz4920]

She is just so lovely in every way! So talented but also so gracious and grounded, wishing her so much success and happiness (and also waiting for an album to drop because those vocals were stunning!)

[@depressedpebbles]

Her voice is absolutely gorgeous! Like she has the perfect voice

[@naustinfipecto6104]

9:03 She did really, REALLY well, it's insane. She's so confident with her skill, I love her!

[@insertnamehere08]

Her singing never enough is my new favourite thing

[@Lena2light]

Finally an episode with all musicals! ❤️❤️❤️I don’t like how some of the singers just mumble. She sings everything. Thank you!

[@NudeMatter-jk3cx]

ok after watching this and thg i realize why she will be a great fit for snow white

[@oliviahaland138]

I love her reactions as soon as it’s an obvious west side story song

[@suyasuman]

Her rendition of Never Enough from The Greatest Showman was so beautiful 😳 need a full version ASAP!!

[@CaliVMK]

I love how Rachel was warming up before she started and also talked about one of her favorite memories being warming up before shooting West Side Story scenes. Warm up your voice kids! Also side note but I wish Elle would've used their own name as a word to associate; enter Legally Blonde the Musical.

[@joewhitehead3]

She sounds so perfect & effortless each time!

[@honeyhoney6794]

she’s so charming i’m glad i’ve been by her side since 2017 love her

[@samthesandwich]

Her voice is literal perfection I’m officially obsessed🥰

[@neutralman9124]

Her voice is breathtaking.

[@mayjay5820]

Cutting I Feel Pretty from West Side Story would have been A CRIME

[@sarahallisoncongdon]

Ooo I can't wait to see Rachel in more shows/movies! Voice of an angel, truly.

[@sarahwinters6052]

her voice is seriously one of the greatest i’ve ever heard

[@nicolenorcia8405]

Her little laughs before she sang were so cute !

[@3ey2a]

Who else was expecting seasons of love?😂

[@avagaetana]

literally 3 secs into this video i throw my head back in frustration because of how freaking talented this girl is. who blessed her with that voice??? it’s literally perfect

[@raindropsonroses3919]

Her voice is outstanding

[@carissapeterson4656]

There’s just something about her voice that makes me weep 😭 It’s so unbelievably gorgeous

[@gabyc210]

Jesus. She’s incredible. The high note in Think Of Me was so simple for her.

[@tarraingart]

she sings so effortlessly beautifully

[@charmaaaine]

her talent knows no bounds!!! 🥰

[@bigtimednp]

Man she’s so talented. Such a beautiful voice

[@princessannie7421]

you've come so far, Rachel. you are incredible!!!

[@innaharris]

her voice is just pure velvet

[@Mr.Magic4ever]

Also vocally speaking it's very to sing so consistently well and with such quality, clarity while smiling.

[@samanthavillarreal2676]

She needs to make a full cover of No One Else if she hasn't already!

[@maiajolie]

she has a cover on her youtube!! its AMAZING

[@emilybowerman26]

I could listen to her sing for hours

[@nowthenzen]

I feel pretty is so essential to WSS for the exact reasons Rachel articulated.

[@zoevargastorres2715]

i honestly can’t believe how talented she is

[@maghfiraandari9688]

Her voice is just PERFECT! and she sang those songs so effortlessly 💛

[@ella-lr1ue]

I COULD LISTEN TO HER SINGING ALL DAY OMG

[@jacquelinejoyce8066]

Rachel Zegler would be fantastic as Christine Daae in a new film of The Phantom of the Opera!

[@oncergirl6600]

Yes! I literally was just thinking that 😂

[@devygonzalez4014]

No. I love Rachel Zegler but Emmy Rossum will forever be my Christine and Gerard Butler the Phantom

[@l4tus217]

she sings soooooooo "snow whity"

[@nelankoo]

i remember when i watched her cover of Dead girl walking and fell in love these few years ago and now she's here! she's absolutely amazing

[@DougKaplan]

Love hearing her deep knowledge of musical theater, northern New Jersey kid who definitely was around Broadway her whole life, upbringing done right!

[@vicksy3503]

we get it, rachel. you’re a theatre kid. we love u

[@nondescriptbeing5944]

She's incredibly charming & her voice is beautiful.

[@Heavilybrokn]

She is perfection. From the moment I saw West Side Story, I became an INSTANT fan!!!

[@JediJuniper92]

Her voice on Phantom 😍

[@zai9407]

When she said "musical edition" I was like: "YES"

[@Kavirako]

The Natasha Pierre and the great comet of 1812 shoutout 🥺 really deserved a longer run! She’s incredible

[@annapan1978]

THE WAY SHE WAS SINGING THINK OF ME I CANT BREATHE

[@limecable1278]

I SUNG THE MOON AT THE SAME TIME SHE DID (obviously I did worst). COMET OF 1812 OML, god I love this song. Rachel, thank you for your vocal cords during “the moon” because that note is insane.

[@lauren6992]

cant waittttttt for snow white

[@uhii5255]

Lol

[@lauren6992]

@@uhii5255 ??

[@ninini4077]

​@@uhii5255??

[@saffronodonnell9750]

When she started singing 'No One Else' I was so happy! I love Natasha, Pierre, and TGC of 1812

[@valrojas16]

she's insane omg, not a single bad note!!! She only sang musical songs and I love it!

[@VickyG212]

My oh my. Her technic is on point

[@SpacesOfLife]

I could just listen to a whole album of musical covers sung by Rachel Zegler! amazing!!

[@romina2124]

Her voice is so mesmerizing

[@cintiademita]

So excited to see whatever she does next!

[@rubydeanmusic]

Ahh she’s amazing I love her!

[@jenniejendeuk4576]

She sounds so magical

[@DavidVanLigon]

Aww. I was hoping for “I’d like to propose a toast…” Her voice is absolutely majestic

[@MrDevius2]

Heartbreaking in a beautiful way as Maria in WSS and equally heartbreaking in a beautiful tribute to Sondheim (and others) on the Grammys. 🎭 🎵 ❤️

[@haileyhudson4157]

I love her with all my heart 😭

[@jackclancy7570]

Omg I needed so much more on every song!! So breathtaking