Top 10 American Singers Who Performed Songs in Other Languages

Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the best American singers who sound great in other languages, not just English.

#10: Linda Ronstadt

This award-winning singer has done it all. Country, pop, the Great American Songbook, light opera, and of course, Latin music. Ronstadt was in fact of Mexican descent, with a Mexican-American father and a Mexican citizen mother. Her 1987 album, “Canciones de Mi Padre,” saw her singing Mexican folk songs, a feat that won her the Grammy for Best Mexican/Mexican American Album. Ronstadt also expanded to other Latin American standards and boleros. Her 1993 album, “Frenesí,” which included the songs of famed Cuban composer Alberto Domínguez, among others, also won a Grammy. What a talent.

#9: Beyoncé

Queen Bey’s preternatural talent is apparent no matter the language. She released several Spanish-language versions of her songs, including 2007’s “Irreplaceable” and “Listen,” singing in very understandable Spanish. Classical music fans were charmed by her 2024 song, “Daughter,” where Beyoncé sings a little bit of “Caro Mio Ben,” a popular Italian arietta. At the Academy Awards in 2005, Beyoncé sang “Vois sur ton chemin,” from the 2004 film “Les Choristes.” In 2017, Beyoncé featured in the remix of “Mi Gente” singing in English and Spanish, donating the proceeds to hurricane relief funds for Mexico, Puerto Rico, and other Caribbean islands. Now that’s queen behavior.

#8: Nat King Cole

No list would be complete without the mention of this legendary crooner. By the time of his tragic death at 45, Nat King Cole had countless hit singles and even his own NBC variety series. With his velvety voice and flawless phrasing, Cole even branched out into the Latin American standards. His 1958 album, “Cole Español,” has Cole singing in very charmingly-accented Spanish, with excellent arrangements by Nelson Riddle of Frank Sinatra fame. Cole also sang in Portuguese for the 1959 album “A Mis Amigos,” including “Não Tenho Lágrimas,” known as “Come to the Mardi Gras” in English. Cole is king indeed.

#7: Barbra Streisand

Speaking of award-winning singers, here comes Barbra Streisand, singing in French. Her 1966 album “Je m’appelle Barbra” sees Streisand tackling the works of Gilbert Bécaud, Michel Legrand, and Charles Dumont. Switching effortlessly between French and English, Streisand’s meteoric voice switches from slow ponderous ballad arrangements to high-spirited big band ones. These arrangements were done by none other than Michel Legrand himself with Ray Ellis. The album peaked at number 5 in the “Billboard” 200 and became certified Gold in 2002. Streisand also recorded some of her songs in various languages, including her hit “Evergreen” in Spanish. We love to see it.

#6: Connie Francis

This underrated Italian American diva has sung in all the languages, and we do mean all. English and Italian are a given, but Francis has also sung in Neapolitan, Spanish, French, German, Japanese…there are more, to be sure. Like Nana Mouskouri and Caterina Valente, Francis’ powerfully melodic voice makes her sound good in almost every language she has tried. Her rendition of Ernesto Lecuona’s “Malagueña” is particularly impressive in its soaring passion. In later 2025, her 1962 hit “Pretty Little Baby” became viral on TikTok, and its various other versions have resurfaced. Shortly afterward, though, Francis passed away due to complications with pneumonia. At least the world has a new appreciation of her talent.

#5: Marvin Gaye

This R&B legend sings with just as much soul in other languages as in English. Gaye rose to prominence in the ‘60s, with iconic hits such as “Let’s Get it On” and “Sexual Healing.” He even recorded a German-language version of his 1964 Motown hit, “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You),” as well as “Sympatica.” When he toured Europe in 1980 he ended up succeeding in international charts, especially the U.K. Gaye was posthumously awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award for his work. This is the Prince of Soul, all right.

#4: Lady Gaga

This extravagant pop diva has already flexed her multilingual skills in hits such as “Bad Romance,” sprinkling in some choice French. In 2016 Gaga sang “La Vie en Rose” entirely in French for Tony Bennett’s 90th birthday concert. She also performed in French during the 2024 Olympics in Paris. Gaga has also continued mixing English and other languages in her music, including “Scheiße” and “Americano.” For Pablo Beltrán Ruiz’s “Quién Sera,” known in English as “Sway,” she sang a verse in Spanish in a lively Latin arrangement, though obviously taking a leaf out of Rosemary Clooney’s book. Other dancers may be on the floor, but our eyes see only Gaga.

#3: Christina Aguilera

This pop diva is best known for hits such as “What A Girl Wants” and “Lady Marmalade.” She did, however, embrace her Ecuadorian roots for her Spanish album from 2000, “Mi Reflejo,” spending 19 weeks on the “Billboard” Top Latin Albums and Latin Pop Albums. Notable tracks include the famous bolero “Contigo En La Distancia” and a Spanish-language version of “Reflection” from Disney’s “Mulan.” Aguilera has gone on to sing with other multilingual singers, including with Andrea Bocelli in his interpretation of Armando Manzanero’s “Somos Novios.” It’s impossible not to appreciate these multilingual skills.

#2: Gloria Estefan

This Cuban-born singer first came onto the dance scene with the catchy “Conga.” Estefan, of course, is fantastic in her native Spanish, but she has since sung in other languages, including English, Portuguese, Italian, and French. Estefan is particularly impressive in Antonio Carlos Jobim’s “Eu Sei Que Vou Te Amar” in the original Portuguese and its French version. Sometimes Estefan does three languages in one song, such as in Charles Chaplin’s “Smile.” And in her 2020 album, “Brazil305,” Estefan tackles Brazilian rhythms in “Samba,” sung in English and Spanish. What a flex.

#1: Josh Groban

Of course, no pop singer can beat crossover singers when it comes to singing in multiple languages. Groban not only excels in his native English, but also handles Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, and French like the pro he undoubtedly is. Groban even sings Latin classical selections like Schubert’s “Ave Maria” and a musical setting of “Panis Angelicus.” Groban’s silky smooth voice and great range are especially suited for pop classical crossovers such as Nino Rota’s love theme for “The Godfather” in Sicilian and “Le Temps des Cathédrales” from the musical “Notre Dame de Paris.” From Latin to Latin America, Groban can do it all. We love to see it.

Which other American singer do you know to be a multilingual powerhouse? Let us know in the comments down below!