Top 10 Musical Moments in the Sing Movies
#10: “Shake It Off”
“Sing” (2016)
Rosita, voiced by Reese Witherspoon, struggles to find the balance between her everyday life as a mom to 25 piglets and pursuing her lifelong dream of becoming a singer. However, her final performance with piggy dance partner Gunter brings both of her passions together in perfect harmony. Rosita begins the performance in her everyday clothes as she sings while doing the laundry. After a dramatic costume change, Taylor Swift’s familiar anthem is given a brand new spin as Rosita transforms into a show-stopping popstar. She and Gunter wow the crowd with their synchronized choreography, dynamic performance, and sparkling outfits.
#9: “I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For”
“Sing 2” (2021)
While it might be surprising to hear U2’s music featured in an animated kids film, Scarlett Johansson’s rendition of one of their classic rock songs was actually what reportedly convinced the band to participate in the sequel. Bono himself plays lion Clay Calloway, a rockstar recluse who rediscovers his passion for music through Johansson’s character, young punk-rocker Ash. Clay agrees to join the musical, but when he’s getting ready to join Ash on stage for the finale, he suddenly gets cold feet. Ash coaxes him out by starting the song acapella and encouraging the audience to sing along. When he hears the crowd singing, Calloway gains the confidence to join Ash onstage for a tender and heartfelt finale.
#8: “Break Free”
“Sing 2” (2021)
As Rosita and Gunter prepare for their intergalactic cover of the Ariana Grande pop hit, Rosita falters when her fear of heights kicks in. But with a little bit of help, Rosita breaks free from her fears and takes the leap of faith. She plunges into her role as the lead and delivers a flying performance as she soars through the planets. Embracing her newfound confidence with her energetic robot partner Gunther by her side, Rosita shines as the star she was meant to be. The crowd roars as she and Gunther bring the out-of-this-world musical magic to life.
#7: “My Way”
“Sing” (2016)
With a chip on his shoulder and a slightly-bitter personality, Mike is a tough character to root for. That all vanishes when his honey-sweet vocals take the lead. Voiced by Seth MacFarlane, Mike returns to the theater to “show up” the other contestants with another classic jazz ballad. His song holds the audience enchanted in the palm of his tiny hand. Even when a helicopter circles above the stage mid-performance, Mike doesn’t let the strong winds stop him. Holding onto the microphone cord, he swings above the audience in a theatrical conclusion to his tear-jerking performance.
#6: “Could Have Been Me”
“Sing 2” (2021)
After she shows off her voice (and her lack of fear of heights) with a bold rendition of “Girl on Fire,” Buster Moon is given no choice but to offer entertainment exec Jimmy Crystal’s spoiled daughter Porsha the lead role in the musical. But when Porsha struggles to act, she’s eventually recast in a role much more fitting for her style. Voiced by Halsey, Porsha soars in her blazing stage debut as she stands up to her dad in a joyfully rebellious performance. Embracing her headstrong and youthful spirit, she showcases her voice with a powerful belt. As she’s joined by rows and rows of background dancers she is elevated into the air for a show-stopping fireworks finale.
#5: “Hallelujah”
“Sing” (2016)
While it isn’t a flashy performance or an over-the-top production, Meena’s graceful rendition of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah is one of the most powerful moments in the first film. After an unfortunate turn of events, Meena heads to what’s left of the Moon Theatre. She puts on her headphones, and lets the world fade away as she channels all of her emotions into the song. After overhearing her jaw-dropping singing talent for the first time, Moon is reinspired, and together with Meena the two vow to never give up on their dreams. The show must go on!
#4: “Set It All Free”
“Sing” (2016)
Buster Moon wants Ash to choose from a list of teenie-bop pop songs to fit her image. Ash has other ideas about what it means to be a teenage girl. After writing a heartfelt original based on her recent breakup, Ash won’t let anything stand in her way - even an unplugged sound system. She stomps her foot until the audience joins in to create a ground-shaking beat and begins an acoustic version of her self-written track. When the sound system is re-plugged in, she proves her worth as a rockstar and stuns the audience with her powerful original melodies and a deafening guitar solo.
#3: “A Sky Full of Stars”
“Sing 2” (2021)
Johnny, voiced by Taron Egerton, begins his performance of the Coldplay anthem sitting at a piano center stage. However, the intimate beginning quickly evolves into a huge performance. He ditches the gentle crooning at the keys and moves to perform an impressive dance battle in a ring of fire. But when an onstage incident finds him down on the ground, Johnny doesn’t quit. As the dancers pound a steady beat with their props, he finishes the song with a rousing acapella battlecry that perfectly represents Johnny’s tough spirit and tender nature.
#2: “I’m Still Standing”
“Sing” (2016)
Johnny takes on Elton John’s upbeat song for his final showcase to let the world know he won’t be knocked aside. He steps on stage and immediately commands the audience with a lively piano introduction. Animals everywhere are glued to his dynamic performance on TV. The moment becomes even more special when Johnny’s father recognizes his son’s talent and breaks out of his jail cell to go find him. Johnny brings the crowd to their feet as he expertly tickles the ivories and lets his soulful vocals soar. The moment comes to a touching conclusion when he walks offstage and into his dad’s embrace.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
“Let’s Go Crazy”, “Sing 2” (2021)
Prince Tumbling Down the Rabbit Hole
“Golden Slumbers / Carry That Weight”, “Sing” (2016)
Nana Noodleman’s Inspiring Ballad
“Happy Birthday”, “Sing” (2016)
The Over-the-Top Birthday Riff
“Bamboléo"”, “Sing” (2016)
Dancing Through the Grocery Store
“I Say A Little Prayer”, “Sing 2” (2021)
The Romantic Dream Duet
#1: “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing”
“Sing” (2016)
Throughout the first film, Meena struggles to overcome her paralyzing stage fright and ends up settling into the background as Moon’s stagehand. But after hearing her amazing voice, Moon insists she steps onstage to share her talent. He encourages her to let go and let the music take control. As she begins to sing, she takes the lyrics “don’t you worry” to heart as she transforms from a shy and insecure girl into her newfound confidence as a performer. Tori Kelly truly flexes her vocals with stunning riffs and melodies as Meena pours her soul into the jazzy cover. She literally brings the house down with her impressive belting.
