Top 10 Rom-Com Stars Who Are Surprisingly Good Singers
#10: Renée Zellweger
Two-time Academy Award winner Renée Zellweger isn't only a talented actress, she also has impressive vocals. Audiences first noticed her skill for singing when she took on the iconic but daunting role of Roxie Hart in the stage-to-screen adaptation of the Kander and Ebb musical, "Chicago". Playing the murderous vaudeville hopeful, Zellweger razzle-dazzled us all with her charming voice. Years later, the "Bridget Jones' Diary" actress also showed off her musicality in "My Own Love Song". And, of course, we can't forget her career-defining performance as the legendary Judy Garland in "Judy". She put on a powerhouse performance that was indistinguishable from her real life counterpart and took home Oscar gold for it.
#9: Rebel Wilson
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As one of the best comedic performers of our generation, Rebel Wilson has a knack for making folks laugh out loud. However, that's not where her skills end. She had us cheering in the aisles during her breakout performance in "Pitch Perfect", where we discovered, hey, she can sing! Since then, Wilson has found success on the stage, appearing in Hollywood Bowl productions of "Beauty and The Beast" and "The Little Mermaid" where she portrayed the iconic villainous sea witch, Ursula. In 2017, she made her West End debut in "Guys and Dolls", continuing to impress audiences across the Atlantic.
#8: Emily Blunt
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With an illustrious career under her belt, it seems that there's nothing Emily Blunt can't do. When "The Five Year Engagement'' actress signed on to appear in Disney's adaptation of the Broadway musical, "Into the Woods”', she proved yet again that she is one of the greats. Co-starring with folks like Chris Pine, Blunt tackled Stephen Sondheim's masterful but tricky lyrics effortlessly. Disney took note, and when she earned the part of Mary Poppins in the sequel "Mary Poppins Returns”', she knocked it out of the park. Julie Andrews, of course, left big musical shoes to fill as the titular character, but we definitely think Blunt did her justice.
#7: Himesh Patel
From a young age, Himesh Patel was interested in music. Taking lessons along with acting classes prepared the former "EastEnders" actor for a life in show biz. His piano and guitar skills came in handy when he landed the role of Jack Malik in the romantic comedy, "Yesterday". The part of the music maker who discovers he's the only person in the entire world who remembers the "The Beatles” was a tall order. Not only did he have to sing and play instruments but he also had to appear alongside seasoned music star, Ed Sheeran. Patel rose to the occasion and wowed everyone with his stellar talents and made movie goers really believe in the power of music.
#6: Keira Knightley
From comedy to drama, Keira Knightely has appeared in many different films and roles. From her breakout part in "Love Actually" to "Pride & Prejudice'', she knows how to carry a picture. In 2013, she took a leap of faith when she was offered the role of an aspiring musician in "Begin Again". Adele was originally sighted for the film, but the part ultimately went to Knightley. Having no prior training, she worked with a vocal instructor, picked up the guitar, and prepared to tackle her first ever fortray into music. Married to musician James Righton, we're sure this won't be the last time we hear the "Bend It Like Beckham'' star singing on screen.
#5: Gerard Butler
Gerard Butler took everyone by surprise when it was announced that he would be starring in an on screen adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber's "The Phantom of the Opera". The Scottish-born actor's only musical experience was a short stint in a band back in his college days, so he didn't seem like the obvious choice. However, "The Ugly Truth" star left an impression on Webber after the prolific composer saw him in the horror flick, "Dracula 2000". Butler dove right into prepping for his audition working with a vocal coach and training to be the best Phantom he could be. He won the title role and starred alongside veteran vocalists Emmy Rossum and Patrick Wilson, impressing fans and earning himself a Satellite Award nomination.
#4: Emma Stone
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Emma Stone is one of Hollywood's most in-demand actresses, but her talents don't stop at acting. The "Crazy, Stupid, Love" star has become quite the triple threat thanks to her roles in films like "La La Land." The part earned her an Academy Award and showed the world she is quite the songstress. Before that, she also rocked the mic in "Easy A." In 2017, Stone took her love of singing to the bright lights of Broadway, where she made her debut playing the iconic Sally Bowles in a revival of "Cabaret." Here's to hoping Stone finds herself in another musical ASAP!
#3: Emilia Clarke
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"Game of Thrones" alumni Emilia Clarke spent 8 seasons on the hit HBO series bonding with dragons and fighting for sovereignty. But, in 2019, she took a break from the brutal world of Westeros and got in touch with her holiday spirit. In Paul Feig's rom-com "Last Christmas," Clarke plays a misguided, aspiring musician and Christmas shop employee who idolizes George Michael. Obviously, the part required Clarke to sing, and she pulled it off effortlessly. However, this wasn't the first time she sang for audiences. In 2013, she played Holly Golightly in a Broadway adaptation of "Breakfast at Tiffany's," where the "Me Before You" star also showed off her impressive pipes.
#2: Reese Witherspoon
Romantic comedy queen Reese Witherspoon knows the genre better than anyone. From "Legally Blonde" to "Sweet Home Alabama", she's the leader of the rom-com game. But she has also found success in other roles that have pushed her out of her comfort zone. In 2005, she joined "Walk the Line," the Johnny Cash biopic. Playing June Carter Cash, Witherspoon was not only required to sing, but do it in front of a live audience. She was so nervous that she even asked for her contract to be retracted. Thanks to some intensive coaching and hard work, she overcame her fear and won an Oscar for it. With her newfound skill, Witherspoon has lent her talent to other vocal performances, including playing Rosita in the animated flick "Sing."
#1: Michelle Pfeiffer
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Michelle Preiffer has so many memorable credits to her name that one could easily forget that she's also got a stellar voice! Her breakout screen debut was in the musical "Grease 2" as the lead, Stephanie Zinone. The sequel to the much beloved "Grease" did not fare well with critics, but it definitely helped put Pfeiffer on the map. Years later, she dusted off her singing chops for "The Fabulous Baker Boys," where she played a lounge singer. Perhaps her most iconic musical moment was playing the villainous Velma Von Tussle in the film adaption of "Hairspray," where she sang, danced, and acted her way through the 1960s. Whether moving through the halls of Rydell High or a soundstage in Baltimore, Michelle Pfeiffer vocals are perfect!
