Top 10 Most Incredible Idina Menzel Live Performances

Top 10 Idina Menzel Live Performances

Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the Top 10 Idina Menzel Live Performances.

For this list, we’ll be looking at the singer, actress, and icon's most unbelievable, unmissable, and show-stopping performances away from cast albums or film appearances.

Which live Idina performance never fails to blow you away? Let us know in the comments.

#10: “Always Starting Over”
“68th Tony Awards” (2014)

In 2013 Idina Menzel made her grand return to Broadway as Elizabeth in Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey’s new musical “If/Then.” It follows two alternate paths of a recent divorcée as she starts her life over. The show’s score was nominated for a Tony that evening, and Menzel’s powerful and stirring performance certainly gave it an edge. The song explores loss and grief, and Menzel does a phenomenal job at relaying the despair, anger, and confusion that come with it without sacrificing a single note. Safe to say that everyone watching in person as well as on TV was blown away. It might not have won the award, but Menzel’s stunning vocals had us looking up the show’s next available tickets.

#9: “Take Me Or Leave Me”
“Rent” (1996)

While new generations might know her best from “Frozen” or “Enchanted,” to us old school Idina stans, she’ll always be the original Maureen from “Rent.” Aged just 24, Menzel proved she was a force to be reckoned with thanks to her powerhouse vocals and unbelievably entertaining portrayal of the fun-loving performer. While “Over the Moon” is an unforgettable solo, the actress brings her all and more to the vocally and emotionally demanding “Take Me Or Leave Me.” Dueting with Fredi Walker as Joanne, the pair’s raw, angry and rough performance is one for the ages. Who knew a breakup could be so hot? Jonathan Larson wrote an epic melody, and Menzel knocks it out of the park.

#8: “Dream Girl”
“America's Got Talent” (2006-)

In 2021 Menzel appeared as the cruel stepmom, Vivian, in yet another “Cinderella” story, this time starring Camila Cabello in the title role. “Dream Girl,” which Menzel co-wrote, was one of the original songs to feature on the soundtrack. Menzel brought her rockier and more badass remix to the AGT stage in what we’d call a Golden Buzzer worthy performance. Menzel’s career has been impressive and varied, but this proves that no musical style (or character) is beyond her range. She dominates the stage like a rockstar and hits those high notes effortlessly. Seriously, how is she not out of breath?! If this is Idina introducing us to her rocker phase, we’re here for it.

#7: “December Prayer”
“Live at iHeartRadio” (2008-)

In 2014, Menzel released a festive album called “Holiday Wishes.” Among numerous Christmas classics, she also included a number she wrote called “December Prayer.” Performing it for iHeartRadio, Menzel explains that she wrote it to be inclusive of everyone this time of year. The melody is stunning, and the lyrics are moving, but Menzel’s vocals take it to a whole new level. Is there anything this woman can’t do? Whether singing softly or belting out loud, the raw emotion she channels leaves us speechless. You can feel that each note is sung from the heart, and it’s utterly magnetic. Hey, Irving Berlin, there’s new Christmas royalty hailing from the Great White Way in town!

#6: “What I Did for Love”
“In Performance at the White House: A Broadway Celebration” (2010)

A favorite among singers, this song has been tackled by everyone from Shirley Bassey to Josh Groban. Idina Menzel also joined the list when she performed the number at the White House, accompanied by the late great Marvin Hamlisch. The song doesn’t require anything fancy, just a singer who’s willing to wear their heart on their sleeve. Menzel’s performance fits that bill perfectly! She starts gently, drawing her audience in, and then goes for the big finish. Her voice never even wobbles, which is quite impressive given that’s quite an intimidating audience she’s got there. As far as interpretations go, Menzel indisputably cracks the top 10; trust us, we’re kind of experts regarding those.

#5: “Nobody’s Side”
“Chess: In Concert” (2009)

In 2010, Idina played Florence in the concert version of Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus— yes, of ABBA fame— ‘s musical “Chess.” “Nobody’s Side” is the power anthem sung by Menzel’s character when she realizes she can only truly rely on herself. If we’ve learned anything so far, it’s that Menzel nails the fiercer characters and does an incredible job at relaying their vulnerability as well as their ferociousness. She truly brings all that to the surface during this number, and her vocals, as always, are on point. This Queen made her power move and won over our hearts. After that performance, we were definitely on Idina Menzel’s (and Florence’s) side!

#4: “For Good”
“Wicked”

“[We’ve] heard it said that people come into our lives for a reason,” and clearly, Menzel’s was to mesmerize us night after night as Oz’s original misunderstood green gal. The OG Elphaba set the bar so high you’d need a flying broomstick just to come close. One of the many highlights was her chemistry with Kristen Chenoweth, best shown through the heartfelt farewell song, “For Good.” It feels like these two were born to harmonize, and every night, they brought audiences to tears with their stunning duet. In 2016 they reunited to replicate that magic for the #OutofOz series. Menzel’s gone on to have an epic career, but this performance will always “be with [us] like a handprint on our hearts.”

#3: “Let It Go”
“Disneyland 60th Anniversary” (2016)

Following the release of “Frozen” in 2013, one song dominated our Disney-lovin’ lives, and we’re still not ready to “Let It Go.” Thankfully Menzel is happy to oblige, channeling her inner ice queen at numerous events, including the 2018 Super Bowl, a guest spot on Taylor Swift’s “1989 World Tour,” and in celebration of Disneyland’s 60th birthday. Everything about this performance is perfect: the setting, the atmosphere, the lighting, and the flawless voice that ties it all together. She also performed at Disney’s 2019 holiday celebration, this time with her on-screen sis by her side. The seamless blending of their voices is the Christmas gift we didn’t know we wanted, and there’s nothing Els-a we enjoy more.

#2: “Don't Rain on My Parade”
“The Kennedy Center Honors: A Celebration of the Performing Arts” (2008)

In 2008 Barbra Streisand received the Kennedy Center Honors, and what better way to mark the occasion than to have one icon pay tribute to another. Taking on the singer’s illustrious “Funny Girl” anthem, Menzel made no secret of showing and even telling the audience just what a huge honor this opportunity was. The singer makes the number her own, and she’s clearly having the time of her life on that stage. We don’t think we could keep it together or hit all those big notes if we had to perform in front of our idols! But her commitment suggests we’re watching a lifelong dream being fulfilled. Hey Ms. Menzel, we’re your biggest fans!

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“Defying Gravity,” “58th Tony Awards” (2004)
She Really Took Her Performance to New Heights

“Brave”, “Idina Menzel: World Tour” (2015)
A Beautifully Sung Number about Finding Your Strength

“Gorgeous,” “AOL Sessions” (2002-)
Another Gorgeous Performance

“Small World,” “2nd Latin American Music Awards” (2016)
A Stunning Number from Her Eponymous Album

“Seasons of Love,” “Strictly Come Dancing” (2004-)
A New Take on an Ol’ Classic

#1: “Defying Gravity”
“LIVE: Barefoot at the Symphony” (2012)

In 2012 Menzel proved that she was the “Life of the Party,” taking the concert version of her fourth album across North America, Australia, and the United Kingdom. It features songs from various genres and throwbacks to her former musical roles, including a tribute to the man who effectively launched her career. However, she brought the house down (pun not intended) with an empowering and fresh rendition of “Defying Gravity.” It’s a real testament to her talent and devotion that after all these years, she can still move and amaze us as much as she did when she first donned the green paint. If anything, the years have only made her performance skills more… Wicked.