Top 10 Most Rewatchable Female Broadway Belts
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Date: 2023-11-21
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Comments and reviews: 30
Jeff
Betty Buckey: Wonderful singer, ghastly awful song. Sutton Foster: Okay? Dont know her. Good performance, poor version of a wonderful film. Hamilton: meh. Singer: okay. Les Mis: again, a very tepid show painted in the dullest colors. Singer? Good but, with this lack-luster music, no more than okay. Legally Blonde: more cookie cutter music. Color Purple: Whats with all this recycled junk? What a waste of these fine artists? Evita: LuPones got massive talent but wasted on Andrew Dice Webbers pure junk? Cmon. And Wicked? It was garbage as a novel, and its even worse as a musical. Again, this is pure post-2000 garbage. I can only feel pity for these talented artists wasting their excellence on such total junk. Babs in Funny Girl: yes, shes great and the song, if a bit empty, is still powerful. So far youve picked one out of 10. Not surprisingly, your list includes a Sondheim tune only in the honorable mentions. This exemplifies your taste for junk music. Hence my thumbs down on your video. Rare for me, but you SO deserve it.
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Betty Buckey: Wonderful singer, ghastly awful song. Sutton Foster: Okay? Dont know her. Good performance, poor version of a wonderful film. Hamilton: meh. Singer: okay. Les Mis: again, a very tepid show painted in the dullest colors. Singer? Good but, with this lack-luster music, no more than okay. Legally Blonde: more cookie cutter music. Color Purple: Whats with all this recycled junk? What a waste of these fine artists? Evita: LuPones got massive talent but wasted on Andrew Dice Webbers pure junk? Cmon. And Wicked? It was garbage as a novel, and its even worse as a musical. Again, this is pure post-2000 garbage. I can only feel pity for these talented artists wasting their excellence on such total junk. Babs in Funny Girl: yes, shes great and the song, if a bit empty, is still powerful. So far youve picked one out of 10. Not surprisingly, your list includes a Sondheim tune only in the honorable mentions. This exemplifies your taste for junk music. Hence my thumbs down on your video. Rare for me, but you SO deserve it.
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Susan
My favorite Broadway Lady, both for acting and vocals, is Betty Buckley. While her portrayal of Grizabella is best known, her performances in 1776, The Mystery Of Edwin Drood, Triumph Of Love, Sunset Boulevard, as well as others, are beyond every other performer, making her both Broadway Royalty and a Living Legend.
Also, glad you included Carolee Carmello in honorable mentions. Betty's performance with Carolee and the others in Ellegies, A Song Cycle, is exceptional and fun. For more with Betty and Carolle, check out the Christmas special from the AMC TV show Remember WENN.
I'm grateful you included Betty Lynn here, but I have been surprised how many lists you didn't include her in. Thanks for that inclusion here. I would have ranked her much higher but I'm just glad you included her.
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My favorite Broadway Lady, both for acting and vocals, is Betty Buckley. While her portrayal of Grizabella is best known, her performances in 1776, The Mystery Of Edwin Drood, Triumph Of Love, Sunset Boulevard, as well as others, are beyond every other performer, making her both Broadway Royalty and a Living Legend.
Also, glad you included Carolee Carmello in honorable mentions. Betty's performance with Carolee and the others in Ellegies, A Song Cycle, is exceptional and fun. For more with Betty and Carolle, check out the Christmas special from the AMC TV show Remember WENN.
I'm grateful you included Betty Lynn here, but I have been surprised how many lists you didn't include her in. Thanks for that inclusion here. I would have ranked her much higher but I'm just glad you included her.
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blanchefan
I saw Jennifer Holliday do Dreamgirls on Broadway; she was 22; and as you said, it was an unforgettable, life changing experience. I was sitting in the front mezzanine when the three instrumental notes that start And I Am Telling You began. Well, I am telling you--electricity shot through that theatre before she even opened her. mouth. And then. well I don't have space here, but toward the end of the song, which built and built, most were standing, some screaming, as that 22-year-old grabbed the entire theatre by the throat and wouldn't let go. The song, the performer, were simply overpowering. We'd all been swept up by a tidal wave a human emotion and power--and you felt a little grateful that you'd survived it. I hope all that helps a bit. Jennifer Holliday's legend is assured.
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I saw Jennifer Holliday do Dreamgirls on Broadway; she was 22; and as you said, it was an unforgettable, life changing experience. I was sitting in the front mezzanine when the three instrumental notes that start And I Am Telling You began. Well, I am telling you--electricity shot through that theatre before she even opened her. mouth. And then. well I don't have space here, but toward the end of the song, which built and built, most were standing, some screaming, as that 22-year-old grabbed the entire theatre by the throat and wouldn't let go. The song, the performer, were simply overpowering. We'd all been swept up by a tidal wave a human emotion and power--and you felt a little grateful that you'd survived it. I hope all that helps a bit. Jennifer Holliday's legend is assured.
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Noah
I think Heather Headleys performance in Aida couldve been at least an honorable mention. But if one song had to be chosen Im debating between Easy as Life considering her singing easy as life at the end of the song, or Dance of The Robe where she does the last its enough her voice is powerful you can hear the emotion she sings with in both of the songs.
Easy as Life being her solo with an internal struggle of do I marry to free my captured father and free the slaves or marry who I love and still have my father captured and slaves still slaves, and Dance of The Robe being somewhat a duet with Schele Williams with the chorus pleading to be freed from slavery.
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I think Heather Headleys performance in Aida couldve been at least an honorable mention. But if one song had to be chosen Im debating between Easy as Life considering her singing easy as life at the end of the song, or Dance of The Robe where she does the last its enough her voice is powerful you can hear the emotion she sings with in both of the songs.
Easy as Life being her solo with an internal struggle of do I marry to free my captured father and free the slaves or marry who I love and still have my father captured and slaves still slaves, and Dance of The Robe being somewhat a duet with Schele Williams with the chorus pleading to be freed from slavery.
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Christian
The biggest atrocity of all atrocities is the fact that Melba Moore is NOT on this list. I mean, seriously? Anyone that calls themself a reputable resource for CLASSIC and GROUNDBREAKING performances on the Broadway stage would say that Ms. Moore was a POWERHOUSE! That tiny little woman won the Tony for Best Leading Performance by an Actress in 1970 for Purlie, and in it she hit and sustained powerful belts in just about every song that she sang in the show! Just look her up singing either I Got Love or Purlie from the show, and you'll be as baffled as I am that she didn't make this list.
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The biggest atrocity of all atrocities is the fact that Melba Moore is NOT on this list. I mean, seriously? Anyone that calls themself a reputable resource for CLASSIC and GROUNDBREAKING performances on the Broadway stage would say that Ms. Moore was a POWERHOUSE! That tiny little woman won the Tony for Best Leading Performance by an Actress in 1970 for Purlie, and in it she hit and sustained powerful belts in just about every song that she sang in the show! Just look her up singing either I Got Love or Purlie from the show, and you'll be as baffled as I am that she didn't make this list.
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imateakettle
For me, its anything Lea Salonga or Laura Bell Bundy. Or anyone playing Momma Gypsy. And Kate Shindle singing in the Legally Blonde Remix. And Laura Osnes belting, like, anything. And Ciara Renee belting, again, basically anything. Or Mckenzie Kurtz singing anything she did in Frozen. Specifically I Cant Lose You. There are so many more, but I cant put them all. Obviously Im a nerd.
Edit: OH! OH! And Chita Rivera in Bye Bye Birdie.
Edit 2: Plus Lauren Zakrin singing, So Much Better or Legally Blonde
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For me, its anything Lea Salonga or Laura Bell Bundy. Or anyone playing Momma Gypsy. And Kate Shindle singing in the Legally Blonde Remix. And Laura Osnes belting, like, anything. And Ciara Renee belting, again, basically anything. Or Mckenzie Kurtz singing anything she did in Frozen. Specifically I Cant Lose You. There are so many more, but I cant put them all. Obviously Im a nerd.
Edit: OH! OH! And Chita Rivera in Bye Bye Birdie.
Edit 2: Plus Lauren Zakrin singing, So Much Better or Legally Blonde
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anna
How about picking some Broadway shows from its golden age rather than from the boring 21st century? Between Betty Buckley and Elaine Paige - it's a tough call. Lupone is world class. Salonga is impressive. Hamilton is not impressive. The Color Purple was tedious as a film but Whoopie was excellent; this play looks dull. Where's Pearl Bailey? Where's Liza Minelli? Where's Hair? Where's Rent?
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How about picking some Broadway shows from its golden age rather than from the boring 21st century? Between Betty Buckley and Elaine Paige - it's a tough call. Lupone is world class. Salonga is impressive. Hamilton is not impressive. The Color Purple was tedious as a film but Whoopie was excellent; this play looks dull. Where's Pearl Bailey? Where's Liza Minelli? Where's Hair? Where's Rent?
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Levi
you are right about your number 1, she makes the hairs stand up on the back of your arms even in the recording on a radio. and no one not even La Streisand can touch Betty Buckley's Memory she owns it in much the way Jennifer owns And I am telling you I have heard a lot of versions of that one and no one else can make the hairs on the back of your arms stand up and you feel a shiver.
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you are right about your number 1, she makes the hairs stand up on the back of your arms even in the recording on a radio. and no one not even La Streisand can touch Betty Buckley's Memory she owns it in much the way Jennifer owns And I am telling you I have heard a lot of versions of that one and no one else can make the hairs on the back of your arms stand up and you feel a shiver.
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JBlitchy
Gotta say, this not only made my hair on my neck stand up but on my arms and legs too! Tears too (that couldve been the drink) but DAYAM! Those women can SANG! I think you got it right by Babs and Jennifer as the top two. Id have to go with Streisand only because of her control and range and vocal quality but Jennifer definitely has all the gusto and grit!
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Gotta say, this not only made my hair on my neck stand up but on my arms and legs too! Tears too (that couldve been the drink) but DAYAM! Those women can SANG! I think you got it right by Babs and Jennifer as the top two. Id have to go with Streisand only because of her control and range and vocal quality but Jennifer definitely has all the gusto and grit!
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tiffsaver
For my money, there is only ONE greatest belt, ever. Liza Minelli's Maybe This Time, from Caberet. Technically, it's a ballad, but then it morphs into something far more. Perhaps other women had better Broadway instruments, but for sheer emotion, this is IT. Just watch her reprise it on The Dick Cavett show in 1972, and it will blow you away.
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For my money, there is only ONE greatest belt, ever. Liza Minelli's Maybe This Time, from Caberet. Technically, it's a ballad, but then it morphs into something far more. Perhaps other women had better Broadway instruments, but for sheer emotion, this is IT. Just watch her reprise it on The Dick Cavett show in 1972, and it will blow you away.
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Todd
Did we forget Whitney Houston, Mariah Carrie, and for Pete's sake, Judy Fxxxx Garland? I'm Glad Streisand was included, probably my all time favorite singer. Not only can she belt with her rich voice, bit can Croon, lyrically and smoothly in ballads and love songs, and sell a lyric, like Karen Carpenter, another favorite of mine!
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Did we forget Whitney Houston, Mariah Carrie, and for Pete's sake, Judy Fxxxx Garland? I'm Glad Streisand was included, probably my all time favorite singer. Not only can she belt with her rich voice, bit can Croon, lyrically and smoothly in ballads and love songs, and sell a lyric, like Karen Carpenter, another favorite of mine!
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Lora
I think you do a terrible disservice to all female singers if you only include those that appeared on Broadway. I can think of SOOOOO many females singers who never appeared on Broadway that deserve to be on this list.
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I think you do a terrible disservice to all female singers if you only include those that appeared on Broadway. I can think of SOOOOO many females singers who never appeared on Broadway that deserve to be on this list.
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Free
I was fortunate to get to see Jennifer Holiday perform in DreamWorks in Los Angeles in the 80's. Speechless and amazed! Never has anyone ever come close to her performance! Applause for at least 5 minutes!
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I was fortunate to get to see Jennifer Holiday perform in DreamWorks in Los Angeles in the 80's. Speechless and amazed! Never has anyone ever come close to her performance! Applause for at least 5 minutes!
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fanjoy
Patti elevated belting to a level that will never be equaled or surpassed. I'm nonetheless surprised that there's no mention of Ethel Merman. She practically invented belting.
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Patti elevated belting to a level that will never be equaled or surpassed. I'm nonetheless surprised that there's no mention of Ethel Merman. She practically invented belting.
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Faith
Idina Menzel is amazing in all she sings, but those eyes whe she sings Defying Gravity! They are mesmerizing. All of Wicked is terrific, but Menzel is equally good in Rent.
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Idina Menzel is amazing in all she sings, but those eyes whe she sings Defying Gravity! They are mesmerizing. All of Wicked is terrific, but Menzel is equally good in Rent.
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Cold
While spectacular in presence and emotion in her performance of And I Am Telling You, Jennifer Holliday doesnt really belt there, but just flat-out screams the notes.
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While spectacular in presence and emotion in her performance of And I Am Telling You, Jennifer Holliday doesnt really belt there, but just flat-out screams the notes.
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Pat
Don't know how you can forget Linda Eder's A New Life from Jekyll and Hyde. Performance I was at had standing ovation at end of the song in the middle of the show.
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Don't know how you can forget Linda Eder's A New Life from Jekyll and Hyde. Performance I was at had standing ovation at end of the song in the middle of the show.
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Mark
Ive never liked how jerky Jessie Muellers movements are in She Used to be Mineit seems super exaggerated and distracting. But her voice is absolutely phenomenal.
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Ive never liked how jerky Jessie Muellers movements are in She Used to be Mineit seems super exaggerated and distracting. But her voice is absolutely phenomenal.
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Leonardo
there are many belters, as in screamers. But very few who can actually sing extremely well without screaming. Barbra remains alone.
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there are many belters, as in screamers. But very few who can actually sing extremely well without screaming. Barbra remains alone.
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Sharpe
I think Wicked movie(s) are gonna be messy, but damnit, I cant wait to hear Cynthia Erivo knock the Elphaba songs out of the park.
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I think Wicked movie(s) are gonna be messy, but damnit, I cant wait to hear Cynthia Erivo knock the Elphaba songs out of the park.
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TeeSpicerReacts
I saw a 12 y'o singing Defying Gravity on BGT that was astounding. I truly hope she continues on to some sort of stage!
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I saw a 12 y'o singing Defying Gravity on BGT that was astounding. I truly hope she continues on to some sort of stage!
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Cold
Buckley & Salonga are truly amazing! And its always been incredible how Salongas voice would remain so pristine even when belting.
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Buckley & Salonga are truly amazing! And its always been incredible how Salongas voice would remain so pristine even when belting.
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Roger
Im curious why you chose Dont Rain on my Parade over Piece of Sky from Yenrl when she hold the end note for nearly 20 seconds!
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Im curious why you chose Dont Rain on my Parade over Piece of Sky from Yenrl when she hold the end note for nearly 20 seconds!
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LC60
All I can say is that if Judy Garland would have ever done a Broadway show, she would have been at the very top of this list.
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All I can say is that if Judy Garland would have ever done a Broadway show, she would have been at the very top of this list.
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Daniel
Patti Lupone Yellow Diamond Yes My Diamond
Idina Menzel Elphaba
Cynthia Erivo Ms. Celie
Jennifer Holiday
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Patti Lupone Yellow Diamond Yes My Diamond
Idina Menzel Elphaba
Cynthia Erivo Ms. Celie
Jennifer Holiday
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Randolph
How could you possible not give Melba Moore and honorable mention for I Got Love from Purlie: Tony Award winner!
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How could you possible not give Melba Moore and honorable mention for I Got Love from Purlie: Tony Award winner!
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fanjoy
Listen to Beau Dermot sing Defying Gravity at age 12 on Britains Got Talent- she will be on this list very soon.
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Listen to Beau Dermot sing Defying Gravity at age 12 on Britains Got Talent- she will be on this list very soon.
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Angharad
There were far too many interruptions during the performances. I couldnt enjoy them for all the chatter.
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There were far too many interruptions during the performances. I couldnt enjoy them for all the chatter.
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blktauna
Where's Ethel Merman? Do you people even research before 1980? I reckon you think that's the stone age.
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Where's Ethel Merman? Do you people even research before 1980? I reckon you think that's the stone age.
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Blue
I'm all about Cynthia Erivo's I'm Here. Think it's one of the most phenomenal performances I've ever seen.
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I'm all about Cynthia Erivo's I'm Here. Think it's one of the most phenomenal performances I've ever seen.
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