Which Broadway belt have YOU rewatched the most? Let us know below, and be sure to also check out our video of the Top 20 Hardest Female Musical Roles - ua-cam.com/video/zxJQRAid2bw/v-deo.html
"On my Own" is such a powerful ballad, and always brings tears to my eyes. Eponine knows that Marius will never love her back, but still wants him to be happy all the same. Easily my favourite show tune ever! 🎶❤️
I never saw Idina sing it since I was born almost 10 years after Wicked opened on Broadway, but a year ago I got to see another girl sing it(i think her name is Lindsey) sing it and she was cool, but not as good as Idina.
jeffrey yewell: Guess “Ms Mojo” is too lazy to perform research and find footage of Miss Merman from GIRL CRAZY, ANYTHING GOES, ANNIE GET YOUR GUN or GYPSY. Nothing’s coming up roses for you Ms. Mojo.
Seriously - BARBRA. Streisand is still in the top 10 of solo female record sales. She cut 117 singles, 36 albums, 9 compilations, 7 live LPs, and 15 soundtracks. All this before streaming, which allows people to buy only one song off of an album. Taylor Swift and Rihanna have incredible sales records but without global streaming and video platforms like UA-cam, doubt they'd be at that level of sales. And their recording careers don't begin to touch Streisand's output, her range of genres, and her ability to craft a song. Singing is NOT just about belting, not about hip-hop dancing with a crew while you're lip-syncing to a pre-recorded song, or only performing in a single genre. Barbra is on this list FIFTY FOUR YEARS after she gave that performance in Funny Girl (1968). She's the definitive singer of the 20th century. You (and she) can take that to the bank. She didn't just give an astounding performance, she's had an astounding career.
@@daphnemaxwell149 tell me you don't understand music technicality without TELLING me you don't understand music technicality. I didn't say it was my favorite, I said it was "unbelievably good". If you think something like being "dated" makes it not good then you probably should take some music appreciation classes.
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!
As a member of a choir for many years having participated in many musicals these women are incredible. Remember they would perform these songs at every performance. Day after day. Just astounding. I too had tears just listening.
I saw Jennifer Holiday in "Your Arms Are Too Short To Box With G-d!" when she was unknown and I remembered her well! Then I was lucky to see her in Dreamgirls! She was OTHER-WORLDLY! Still is! I LOVE this entire list! and Laurie Beechman RIP was also amazing!
Thank you for that footage of Betty Buckley as Grisabella. I was a poor college student when she was in that show and I could never afford it. What a treat!
I am not a fan of musicals, but l clicked on this anyway. I did not know Buckley could sing, but l was sad when her character was killed in Carrie and of course l remember her in Eight is Enough. Honestly, she's the only one who didn't hurt my ears. I think Streisand is great, but all I could think of was Robin Williams in Mrs Doubtfire when Streisand started singing .
Thank you for adding the Legally Blonde Remix, Kate Shindle is so underrated. Defying Gravity belt will always give me chills, and since I'm a Gleek the only Don't Rain on my Parade belt that I listen to constantly is the Glee version. I also wanna add Laura Osnes' powerful belt in Welcome Home from Bandstand.
Bandstand getting snubbed hurts me every day I'm alive. That whole show was phenomenal, and I only got to discover it after its time on Broadway had ended. Laura Osnes was absolutely phenomenal, and Welcome Home is breathtaking from beginning to end.
Linda Eder didn’t even get an honorable mention. Sure they showed her at the beginning, but that’s it. What about her doing Bring On The Men? And her Man of LaMancha is incredible
They used Linda Eder in the teaser intro but didn't even give her an honorable mention??? 🤬 I've seen her live and she can peel the paint off the walls with her voice.
I’m so happy that they mention both Laurie Beechman and Eva Noblezada! Also, the absolute correct number 1! And I Am Telling You is probably my all time favorite moment in musical theatre history.
I think and always have that Barbra is the best at belting,.....When I hear Jennifer Holliday in that one song.....She gives me chills to this day....But has she, through the years, been able to belt like Barbra from Don't Rain on My Parade to Before the Parade Passes By to A Piece of Sky at the end of Yentl? No! That performance was amazing, but Barbra has had that endurance through the years that is unparalleled. Bravo to both, but Barbra gets my vote!
Nothing against Babs but I saw Donna Summer on her , sadly last concert tour and she sang Don't Rain on my Parade while battiling lung cancer and she tore it up !
I’d don’t know what crazy witchcraft Idina Menzel is wielding when she hits that last note in Defying Gravity, but it always makes my eyes turn to pools😂👍🏼 Simple amazing and forever memorable!
I freaking love this song! Jennifer Holiday putting on a show with the best song of all time at the age of 21 is outstanding. When Jennifer Hudson came along for the movie adaptation, it comes to show Don’t Mess With the Jennifers
I agree with you perfectly. Some say other belters are better and that may be true by personal preference. It depends on how one perceives 'belting' - to belt out with super power or with super beauty.
Gotta say, this not only made my hair on my neck stand up but on my arms and legs too! Tears too (that could’ve been the drink…) but DAYAM! Those women can SANG! I think you got it right by Babs and Jennifer as the top two. I’d have to go with Streisand only because of her control and range and vocal quality but Jennifer definitely has all the gusto and grit!
I’m going to write it again, And I’m not telling you. Belongs to Jennifer Holliday. She is the best of the bunch.Nobody can top her rendition She owns the song🎉🎉🎉
They're all good, but Streisand's is the only voice I can stand to listen to repeatedly. Lupone and Holiday are exceptional also. And though I feel no one can outdo Streisand, I can accept that Holiday's performance in this case is number 1.
Lillias White (Brotherhood of Man) and Cynthia Erivo (I'm Here) are my all time favorites! Shout outs to LaChanze (Waiting for Life), Linda Eder (Someone Like You), Sasha Allen (Let the Sunshine In), and Tonya Pinkins (Lot's Wife)... Ooh! And Joaquina Kalukongo in "Let It Burn" and Patti LuPone's "Rose's Turn"!
When Betty Buckley stands to her feet from that crouching position it makes me choke up every time. Of course Patti LuPone is the queen but damn it Betty Buckley is the queen sister
Lovely list, no argument with Number 1, but we definitely need a sequel to this list! There are several Ethel Merman, Heather Headley, & Sherie Rene Scott performances that I'd add on, and as thrilled as I was to see Linda Eder in the intro, I was heartbroken that Man of LA Mancha didn't make the list, it's a consistent rewatch for me. Loved reliving these amazing moments, I'd just love to see even more!
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.
I was expecting the number one and two spots to be just that. But these lists often forget the older generation of performers. Merman and Garland should have been on there. They are textbook "belters" who help define that word.
Audra herself would say she's not a belter. She says that repeatedly in the behind the scenes "Dreamgirls" concert from 2001. That's partly why she was cast as Deena as well. Audra sings like very, very few and her, what, 7 Tonys proves that. But she's not a belter.
I'm really sad that Grey Gardens doesn't get the love it deserves. Christine Ebersole belts like a GODDESS in that show. Edit: Also Face to Face from War Paint with both Ebersole and LuPone is also a belting masterpiece
How could you overlook Kay Cole’s soul-stirring vocals in “At the Ballet” from the original Broadway production of “A Chorus Line?” Heart-ripping and sublime.
I enjoyed your top ten! I love Broadway Belters and all the emotion they create in their show stopping songs! Thanks for sharing. I’m sure there were some that didn’t get mentioned but of course there were only 10 spots LOL! 😊
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.
I think Heather Headley’s performance in Aida could’ve been at least an honorable mention. But if one song had to be chosen I’m 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 “it’s 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.
Wow Mrs. Mojo what a way to throw Jennifer Hudson under the bus. She nailed that performance in Dreamgirls. She effortlessly channeled Jennifer Holiday.
Hudson was incredible. Yes. But she patterned that entire performance after Holliday. As good as Hudson was, it was nearly a Xerox copy. So yes, let's instead honor the original. I agree.
@@keithl.alexander3580 No she didn't. She put her own spin on it and hit it out of the ball park. Yes she channeled Jennifer Holiday but she didn't patterned it exactly like her and in no way was it a xerox copy. I am not saying she was better than Holiday but she didn't fail at it either as Mrs. Mojo and quite frankly should have at least had an honorable mention for taking on such an iconic role and doing Jennifer Holiday justice.
@@keithl.alexander3580 Hudson introduced the song to an entire new generation, and she is the only one who could brought that song to film the way she did. Holliday was perfect for the stage. Hudson was perfect for the feature film. She is one of the very few talents who became an equal to the original portrayal of an iconic BW role. There's a very good reason why Hudson won the Academy Award for acting. She killed it. Plus her performance made movie theathres all across the nation give her standing ovations. Holliday did that live, Hudson did that in a feature film. Both Jen infers are legends and can stand next to each other.
Jennifer Holliday is it, the end. That being said, J Hud was phenomenal in the movie remake, and deserved the many accolades she received, and I can listen to her version ant time, usually if I like the original, I don't want to hear the remake. One of my fave saved UA-cam videos at one time was recorded by a random fan at a J Hud concert, with Jennifer Holliday appearing unannounced to sing "And I Am Telling You", they both tore it up! I have seen several versions of them together on TV but that one was thee absolute best! J Hud had on a white outfit w pants and was barefoot, singing her face off. Haven't been able to find it lately though :(
I' am fortunate to have seen several of these great performances and I agree they are truly special, but you missed a great one; Marin Mazzie singing Back to Before in Ragtime.
Oh you better do a male listing for this as well because dammit, there are some magnificent male vocals. Now back to female side, oh yeah! Very nice list! I miss these old Broadway hits.
@@keithl.alexander3580 Jerry Herman wrote 'Mame' with Judy in mind--that alone qualifies her, IMO. And her rendition of 'I'll Show Them All' from Steve Allen's play about Sophie Tucker is definitive.
With the exception of Jennifer Holiday and Barbra, Eydie Gorme in her prime would blow all these other singers away. Search Eydie singing “The Man I Love” and thank me later.
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.
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.
How could Ethel Merman's "Everything's Coming up Rose's" from Gypsy not be #1 ? It (and she) nearly invented the "Belt" I agree with Babs being in the #2 spot only if Ms Merman secures #1. Also Chita Rivera's "A Boy Like That" in 1957's original Broadway staging of "West Side Story". (or, if you prefer, her Tony nominated performance as Rose in "Bye Bye Birdie") So: #1 Ethel Merman in Gypsy (a crowning achievement for the Queen of the Belters) #2 Barbra Streisand in Funny Girl (and any other musical in which she opens her mouth) #3 Chita Rivera in 1961's West Side Story movie. (there's a reason Spielberg cast her as Pops widow in his mixed-blessings 2021 adaptation) Then fit the rest of your compilation under these.
If we are adding newer performances, you should include Joaquina Kalukango from "Paradise Square" burning down the stage and the theatre and reducing the audience to mere ashes in "Let it Burn." You can find several UA-cam videos out there, but the Tony Awards performance is great, and the audio of the final performance of the show (which I was lucky to attend) is phenomenal. The whole last section was interrupted by audience applause to the point that each phrase had to be dictated, one line at a time.
Which Broadway belt have YOU rewatched the most? Let us know below, and be sure to also check out our video of the Top 20 Hardest Female Musical Roles - ua-cam.com/video/zxJQRAid2bw/v-deo.html
Funny Girl.....time and time again...
Never gets old. Babs is a Queen
Jennifer Holliday "and I Am Telling You I Am Not Going"
The incomparable Barbra Streisand! Hands down the ultimate female belter!
FUNNY GIRL
I can't count how many times I've watched that Funny Girl boat scene - it's absolutely incredible.
"On my Own" is such a powerful ballad, and always brings tears to my eyes. Eponine knows that Marius will never love her back, but still wants him to be happy all the same. Easily my favourite show tune ever! 🎶❤️
Eponine is by far my favorite character with the best song. She is the most tragic, in my opinion.
I have seen Idina Menzel sing Defying Gravity live, and seen Lea Salonga sing On My Own live. Both were otherworldly and mind blowing.
I never saw Idina sing it since I was born almost 10 years after Wicked opened on Broadway, but a year ago I got to see another girl sing it(i think her name is Lindsey) sing it and she was cool, but not as good as Idina.
Didn’t Defying Gravity ruin Idina’s voice?.
I think that it's sad that there wasn't even an honorable mention of one of the best female belters on Broadway ever, the late, great Ethel Merman.
Oh, yeah!♥️
Agreed!
jeffrey yewell: Guess “Ms Mojo” is too lazy to perform research and find footage of Miss Merman from GIRL CRAZY, ANYTHING GOES, ANNIE GET YOUR GUN or GYPSY. Nothing’s coming up roses for you Ms. Mojo.
AMEN to that!
Ethel? yeck, I guess if you like the bellowing of a walrus in heat then yeah , oof.
I was blessed to see Jennifer Holiday sing "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" twice and up close - biblical!
Agree with many of these but Betty Buckley’s “Memories” performance deserves to be in the top 5. Still gives me goose bumps.
I agree. Mojo works as agent for Sutton Foster and Hamilton all the time.
I agree.
@@swaingles Ain't that the truth.
Absolutely 💯
I agree
Seriously - BARBRA.
Streisand is still in the top 10 of solo female record sales. She cut 117 singles, 36 albums, 9 compilations, 7 live LPs, and 15 soundtracks. All this before streaming, which allows people to buy only one song off of an album. Taylor Swift and Rihanna have incredible sales records but without global streaming and video platforms like UA-cam, doubt they'd be at that level of sales. And their recording careers don't begin to touch Streisand's output, her range of genres, and her ability to craft a song. Singing is NOT just about belting, not about hip-hop dancing with a crew while you're lip-syncing to a pre-recorded song, or only performing in a single genre.
Barbra is on this list FIFTY FOUR YEARS after she gave that performance in Funny Girl (1968).
She's the definitive singer of the 20th century. You (and she) can take that to the bank. She didn't just give an astounding performance, she's had an astounding career.
Without a doubt!!!
agree
I don't think there will ever be a musical number as good as "And I am telling you I'm not going". It's just unbelievably good.
Dated and tired at this point. Not so great. However, Jennifer Holliday will always be remembered for her amazing performance.
Listen to He's my boy. It comes close❤️
I was in the second row center to see Dreamgirls i am surprised I was not blown out of my seat it was unbelievable !
@@jolandavandenberg3753 it is a VERY strong contender for sure ^^
@@daphnemaxwell149 tell me you don't understand music technicality without TELLING me you don't understand music technicality.
I didn't say it was my favorite, I said it was "unbelievably good". If you think something like being "dated" makes it not good then you probably should take some music appreciation classes.
Great list, but surely the original Broadway belter, Ethel Merman, deserves a mention with "Rose's Turn" from Gypsy.
I'm not the biggest fan of her voice but you can't deny that she's amazing. Same with Sutton Foster.
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!
Jennifer Holiday, Barbara Striesand and Endina Menzel. The Queens of Belting 🎶👏👏👏
*Edina. Not Endina.
*Idina.
Idina
It's Barbra, not Barbara!
No Idina
The last note of "Before the Parade Passes By" from Hello, Dolly is my absolute favourite Barbara belt!
As a member of a choir for many years having participated in many musicals these women are incredible. Remember they would perform these songs at every performance. Day after day. Just astounding. I too had tears just listening.
8 shows a week!! That's power!
What choir are you in?
I saw Jennifer Holiday in "Your Arms Are Too Short To Box With G-d!" when she was unknown and I remembered her well! Then I was lucky to see her in Dreamgirls! She was OTHER-WORLDLY! Still is! I LOVE this entire list! and Laurie Beechman RIP was also amazing!
Thank you for that footage of Betty Buckley as Grisabella. I was a poor college student when she was in that show and I could never afford it. What a treat!
I am not a fan of musicals, but l clicked on this anyway. I did not know Buckley could sing, but l was sad when her character was killed in Carrie and of course l remember her in Eight is Enough. Honestly, she's the only one who didn't hurt my ears. I think Streisand is great, but all I could think of was Robin Williams in Mrs Doubtfire when Streisand started singing .
Love these broadway lists! Heather Headley in Aida needs to be on this list, absolutely blows my mind every single time
Heather for Aida should have definitely been on this list especially over Renee.
So happy y’all included Barbra Streisand
Thank you for adding the Legally Blonde Remix, Kate Shindle is so underrated. Defying Gravity belt will always give me chills, and since I'm a Gleek the only Don't Rain on my Parade belt that I listen to constantly is the Glee version. I also wanna add Laura Osnes' powerful belt in Welcome Home from Bandstand.
You mean that autotuned mess of a climax?
I too love Lea Michele ‘s version of Don’t rain on my parade both in Glee and also on the Broadway stage in the new revival ! She is so talented imo
@@annpaq8342 I couldn't agree more! It's thanks to her that I even discovered funny girl in the first place
@@takemyhand1988 maybe it's slightly autotuned but there's always the live versions that she's done
Bandstand getting snubbed hurts me every day I'm alive. That whole show was phenomenal, and I only got to discover it after its time on Broadway had ended. Laura Osnes was absolutely phenomenal, and Welcome Home is breathtaking from beginning to end.
They were all great. But Streisand is my all time favorite.
Linda Eder doing A New Life and In His Eyes from Jekyll and Hyde are transformative belts that deserve their own spots on this list
Did I miss Jennifer Hudson.?
Linda Eder didn’t even get an honorable mention. Sure they showed her at the beginning, but that’s it. What about her doing Bring On The Men? And her Man of LaMancha is incredible
They used Linda Eder in the teaser intro but didn't even give her an honorable mention??? 🤬 I've seen her live and she can peel the paint off the walls with her voice.
@@josanbabu that is the truth! I have seen her live countless times and I am amazed every single time.
I would have thought, Streisand but after listening to every one of these artists, every single one is great!
Broadway is home to perhaps one of the best vocalists in the world. They’re all influential.
I’m so happy that they mention both Laurie Beechman and Eva Noblezada! Also, the absolute correct number 1! And I Am Telling You is probably my all time favorite moment in musical theatre history.
Ok. I was surprised Ellen Greene's "Suddenly Seymour" didn't get a mention anywhere! That's straight belt(ah)!
Oh yes!! I adore her singing suddenly Seymour! Just watched it again this week!
Absolutely !!!
I love this one as well because it's such an important character moment. Seymour truly sees her, and then her wispy voice gains so much power.
Betty Buckley is the BEST at singing "Memory". "...Touch me..." is a thrilling sound!
On my Own, Memories, The Wizard and I always give me goosebumps. Defying Gravity also gets me.
Burn is one of my favorites from Hamilton.
I think and always have that Barbra is the best at belting,.....When I hear Jennifer Holliday in that one song.....She gives me chills to this day....But has she, through the years, been able to belt like Barbra from Don't Rain on My Parade to Before the Parade Passes By to A Piece of Sky at the end of Yentl? No! That performance was amazing, but Barbra has had that endurance through the years that is unparalleled. Bravo to both, but Barbra gets my vote!
Mine too.
@@ilovebarbra2 I am glad that you agree! Thanks!
FACTS!! Barbra is the Queen of the Belt and everything else about singing!!! 🎤🎶❤️🎤🎶❤️🎤🎶❤️🎤🎶❤️
@@kimowilliams7032 She is. Have you heard her Live at The Bon Soir yet? Amazing!
@@ilovebarbra2 No, I haven’t but I’ll search for it. Thanks for the suggestion!!
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. ❤
I think Liza qualifies for the list in Chicago
They are all beyond wonderful, but there will never again be a voice like Barbra.
Nothing against Babs but I saw Donna Summer on her , sadly last concert tour and she sang Don't Rain on my Parade while battiling lung cancer and she tore it up !
The most talented person to come out of my Neighborhood 🙌🏼
@@106andie Dorchester / Mission Hill 👍😁🤭
I love both Streisand and Donna!
Greatest belt of all time is Barbra - Piece of Sky
Yes !!!! You are so right !!! 😍
I’d don’t know what crazy witchcraft Idina Menzel is wielding when she hits that last note in Defying Gravity, but it always makes my eyes turn to pools😂👍🏼 Simple amazing and forever memorable!
40 years later... and Ms Holliday still brings me to tears with that song....
I freaking love this song! Jennifer Holiday putting on a show with the best song of all time at the age of 21 is outstanding. When Jennifer Hudson came along for the movie adaptation, it comes to show Don’t Mess With the Jennifers
No one belts better than Streisand.
That's right no one
Except Jennifer Holiday, and Cynthia Erivo and Laurie Beechman.
I agree with you perfectly.
Some say other belters are better and that may be true by personal preference. It depends on how one perceives 'belting' - to belt out with super power or with super beauty.
Amen.
I think that you’re number one is correct but Streisand, Erivo and Goldsberry needed to be higher up. In the top 5 in my opinion.
Gotta say, this not only made my hair on my neck stand up but on my arms and legs too! Tears too (that could’ve been the drink…) but DAYAM! Those women can SANG! I think you got it right by Babs and Jennifer as the top two. I’d have to go with Streisand only because of her control and range and vocal quality but Jennifer definitely has all the gusto and grit!
There is a severe lack of Bette Midler on this list.
GASP!!!!! WHAT?? A list of those who Belt without Bette?????
Sometimes they limit the number of places one artist takes, so that it is not just a list of one artist. But we might need a Bette Midler Belts list.
@@Specksilver 😂🤣😃
I’m going to write it again, And I’m not telling you. Belongs to Jennifer Holliday. She is the best of the bunch.Nobody can top her rendition She owns the song🎉🎉🎉
Well.......
They're all good, but Streisand's is the only voice I can stand to listen to repeatedly. Lupone and Holiday are exceptional also. And though I feel no one can outdo Streisand, I can accept that Holiday's performance in this case is number 1.
Lillias White (Brotherhood of Man) and Cynthia Erivo (I'm Here) are my all time favorites! Shout outs to LaChanze (Waiting for Life), Linda Eder (Someone Like You), Sasha Allen (Let the Sunshine In), and Tonya Pinkins (Lot's Wife)... Ooh! And Joaquina Kalukongo in "Let It Burn" and Patti LuPone's "Rose's Turn"!
On my own, Defying Gravity, I cant pick just one. All of these woman are amazing.
BARBRA STREISAND is the best singer ever. No other female singer even comes close!!!
Barbra, Barbra, Barbra - no question about it!
When Betty Buckley stands to her feet from that crouching position it makes me choke up every time. Of course Patti LuPone is the queen but damn it Betty Buckley is the queen sister
you should have included Judy Garland's "The man that got away"-classic.
Chris W. I haven’t thought about Nell Carter in years. Thanks for reminding me. And I love your list!
They are all brilliant, but Babs is closest to my heart. No doubt due to being the one doing the belting on the LPs of my youth.
I love Babs Don't Rain on my parade! And Lea Michele is doing a wonderful job in Funnygirl. I saw it and loved it! Lea brought me to my feet!
Lovely list, no argument with Number 1, but we definitely need a sequel to this list! There are several Ethel Merman, Heather Headley, & Sherie Rene Scott performances that I'd add on, and as thrilled as I was to see Linda Eder in the intro, I was heartbroken that Man of LA Mancha didn't make the list, it's a consistent rewatch for me. Loved reliving these amazing moments, I'd just love to see even more!
I totally agree!
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.
I was expecting the number one and two spots to be just that. But these lists often forget the older generation of performers. Merman and Garland should have been on there. They are textbook "belters" who help define that word.
So many incredibly awesome Ladies!!!! Great Choices!!
Also missing is Kristin Chenowith's powerful rendition of "Home."
I'm here is such a fantastic song. I get chills every time I hear this song.
No honorable mention for Audra Macdonald? She has some incredible notes in Ragtime.
Audra herself would say she's not a belter. She says that repeatedly in the behind the scenes "Dreamgirls" concert from 2001. That's partly why she was cast as Deena as well. Audra sings like very, very few and her, what, 7 Tonys proves that. But she's not a belter.
I'm really sad that Grey Gardens doesn't get the love it deserves. Christine Ebersole belts like a GODDESS in that show.
Edit: Also Face to Face from War Paint with both Ebersole and LuPone is also a belting masterpiece
I don't know Gray Gardens
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!!!
Such great performances. I am very much looking forward to the male version of this
How could you overlook Kay Cole’s soul-stirring vocals in “At the Ballet” from the original Broadway production of “A Chorus Line?” Heart-ripping and sublime.
“And I’m telling you I’m not going” is fantastic and one of my favorites
I enjoyed your top ten! I love Broadway Belters and all the emotion they create in their show stopping songs! Thanks for sharing. I’m sure there were some that didn’t get mentioned but of course there were only 10 spots LOL! 😊
My top 5
1. I’m Here
2. Legally Blonde Remix
3. Satisfied
4. On My Own
5. Defying Gravity
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.
I love all of these amazing ladies!!! BRAVA!!!!
Buckley & Salonga are truly amazing! And it’s always been incredible how Salonga’s voice would remain so pristine even when belting.
Hands DownStreisand is #1 and will always be. Enough said!😊
I think Heather Headley’s performance in Aida could’ve been at least an honorable mention. But if one song had to be chosen I’m 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 “it’s 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.
I love Heather Headley, but both her and the musical Aida are just not well known I think that's why she was missed.
my top 3 favorite female broadway stars:
1. idina menzel
2. lea salonga
3. jennifer holiday
Wow Mrs. Mojo what a way to throw Jennifer Hudson under the bus. She nailed that performance in Dreamgirls. She effortlessly channeled Jennifer Holiday.
Hudson was incredible. Yes. But she patterned that entire performance after Holliday. As good as Hudson was, it was nearly a Xerox copy. So yes, let's instead honor the original. I agree.
@@keithl.alexander3580 No she didn't. She put her own spin on it and hit it out of the ball park. Yes she channeled Jennifer Holiday but she didn't patterned it exactly like her and in no way was it a xerox copy. I am not saying she was better than Holiday but she didn't fail at it either as Mrs. Mojo and quite frankly should have at least had an honorable mention for taking on such an iconic role and doing Jennifer Holiday justice.
@@keithl.alexander3580 Hudson introduced the song to an entire new generation, and she is the only one who could brought that song to film the way she did. Holliday was perfect for the stage. Hudson was perfect for the feature film. She is one of the very few talents who became an equal to the original portrayal of an iconic BW role. There's a very good reason why Hudson won the Academy Award for acting. She killed it. Plus her performance made movie theathres all across the nation give her standing ovations. Holliday did that live, Hudson did that in a feature film. Both Jen infers are legends and can stand next to each other.
Jennifer Holliday is it, the end. That being said, J Hud was phenomenal in the movie remake, and deserved the many accolades she received, and I can listen to her version ant time, usually if I like the original, I don't want to hear the remake. One of my fave saved UA-cam videos at one time was recorded by a random fan at a J Hud concert, with Jennifer Holliday appearing unannounced to sing "And I Am Telling You", they both tore it up! I have seen several versions of them together on TV but that one was thee absolute best! J Hud had on a white outfit w pants and was barefoot, singing her face off. Haven't been able to find it lately though :(
Patti Lupone… Yellow Diamond… Yes My Diamond 💛💛💛
Idina Menzel… Elphaba💚💚💚
Cynthia Erivo… Ms. Celie💜💜💜
Jennifer Holiday💙💙💙
I've seen Ms.Buckley several times. She is the best. And a very, very nice lady.
Poppa watch me fly✨
Babs
I' am fortunate to have seen several of these great performances and I agree they are truly special, but you missed a great one; Marin Mazzie singing Back to Before in Ragtime.
I agree with #1… but Barbra is probably my all time favorite.
I could watch Idina Menzel all day. I have so many reasons why I love Wicked
I liked Idina Menzel and Bernadette Peters.
Oh you better do a male listing for this as well because dammit, there are some magnificent male vocals. Now back to female side, oh yeah! Very nice list! I miss these old Broadway hits.
I love everyone on this list, but they forgot about Judy Garland.
What Broadway show (not concert) was Judy Garland in? All of these performances were from Broadway shows.
@@keithl.alexander3580 She starred in the movie adaptation of Little Nellie Kelly, which was a George M Cohen Broadway show.
@@keithl.alexander3580 Jerry Herman wrote 'Mame' with Judy in mind--that alone qualifies her, IMO. And her rendition of 'I'll Show Them All' from Steve Allen's play about Sophie Tucker is definitive.
I need this for movie musicals like Yentl
Love the list! I would add Idina Menzel's always starting over haha
With the exception of Jennifer Holiday and Barbra, Eydie Gorme in her prime would blow all these other singers away. Search Eydie singing “The Man I Love” and thank me later.
Betty Buckley wins the belt from this impressive list of ladies!
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.
I love lea Salonga. Of course the key to belting is using enough air to support the sound but not scream She does this very wel
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.
Memory will always be my number 1
In my top 5 for sure!
How could Ethel Merman's "Everything's Coming up Rose's" from Gypsy not be #1 ? It (and she) nearly invented the "Belt"
I agree with Babs being in the #2 spot only if Ms Merman secures #1.
Also Chita Rivera's "A Boy Like That" in 1957's original Broadway staging of "West Side Story". (or, if you prefer, her Tony nominated performance as Rose in "Bye Bye Birdie")
So:
#1 Ethel Merman in Gypsy (a crowning achievement for the Queen of the Belters)
#2 Barbra Streisand in Funny Girl (and any other musical in which she opens her mouth)
#3 Chita Rivera in 1961's West Side Story movie. (there's a reason Spielberg cast her as Pops widow in his mixed-blessings 2021 adaptation)
Then fit the rest of your compilation under these.
Spielberg cast Rita Moreno from the 1960s movie, not Chita Rivera.
@@aprilstarz Thank you for addressing my brain fart. Sometimes old age makes me glitch.
It’s always “A Piece of Sky” for me…
Wait, is Yentl a musical?
No it's a movie.
Yes it is
All of these ladies qualify to be # 1! It is so hard to choose!
Thank you for the video.
Jennifer Holliday, number one, where she will always be
Now she's the host of a morning talk show that is almost a Wendy Williams knock off .
@@romerjusu3804 We are talking about Jennifer HOLLIDAY not Jennifer HUDSON boo. One is the OG and the other was in the Movie.
I saw Jennifer holiday and she was everything.
Betty Buckley is by far the best as far as I am concerned. She is the only one who actually gives me chills.
If we are adding newer performances, you should include Joaquina Kalukango from "Paradise Square" burning down the stage and the theatre and reducing the audience to mere ashes in "Let it Burn." You can find several UA-cam videos out there, but the Tony Awards performance is great, and the audio of the final performance of the show (which I was lucky to attend) is phenomenal. The whole last section was interrupted by audience applause to the point that each phrase had to be dictated, one line at a time.
Where's Ethel Merman???
Streiand.....always
6:58 I love Kate Shindle! She's my favorite on this list!
I listen to the end of “Defying Gravity” everyday
Linda Eder!!!
Jennifer Hudson, Billie Holiday, Barbra Streisand, Idina Mendel... Hard call. All so talented.