Top 10 Rewatchable Male Broadway Belts
#10: “Bring Him Home,” John Owen-Jones “Les Misérables"
Salio - Bring Me Love
“Les Misérables” is a musical that offers many a chance for male singers to show off their best belts. Between Valjean, Javert, Marius, and Enjolras, it’s a feast for the boys. We absolutely love Philip Quast’s stirring rendition of “Stars,” for instance. But it’s hard to beat John Owen-Jones at his best. “Bring Him Home” is one of the musical’s best numbers, and Jones carries that simple, gorgeous melody with gravitas and strength. The control over his soft, beautiful falsetto is only matched by his powerful belts when the song finally reaches its emotional crescendo.
#9: “One Last Time,” Christopher Jackson “Hamilton”
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We sure hope we never have to listen to this belt for the last time. Christopher Jackson’s run as George Washington in the hit musical “Hamilton” is a performance to contend with. Not only does he nail the hip-hop elements of his numbers, but his smooth, buttery vocals lend a comforting quality to Washington that not many could master. This soothing quality comes to a head with “One Last Time,” George Washington’s swan song. By the time Jackson begins his effortless runs and riffs at the end of the number, you’re completely under his spell. That final belt is something to behold.
#8: “My Petersburg,” Derek Klena “Anastasia”
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Any musical theater kid worth their salt knows that a voice like Derek Klena’s doesn't come around everyday. He’s more than proved he can belt with the best of them, and we had a tough time finding our favorite high note moment. We could have gone with his heartbreaking rendition of “Come Back” in Dogfight”. But the exhilaration we feel hearing “My Petersburg” is too great to ignore! As Dmitry in “Anastasia,” Klena brought a cartoon heartthrob to life, both physically and vocally. In the final few verses of “My Petersburg,” the notes keep climbing higher and higher until he finally lets the last one rip – and it’s big, folks!
#7: “I’ll Cover You (Reprise),” Jesse L. Martin “Rent”
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It’s time to break out the tissues. Jesse L. Martin played Collins in the original Broadway production of “Rent.” He then reprised his role for the 2005 movie, ensuring that we could all hear his incredible chops whenever we desire. His entire vocal performance is masterful, but there’s nothing like listening to him sing “I’ll Cover You (Reprise).” The main version of “I’ll Cover You” is a love song between Collins and Angel. But the former sings the reprise during the latter’s funeral, giving it a heart-wrenching turn. Martin’s voice is so filled with emotion that you can hardly believe he’s able to pump out those high notes as well as he does. Yet no one could do it better.
#6: “El Tango de Roxanne,” Aaron Tveit “Moulin Rouge!”
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If there’s one thing Aaron Tveit is known for, it’s those effortless high notes. Whether it’s “I’m Alive” in “Next to Normal,” or “Goodbye” in “Catch Me If You Can,” he can straight up sing. When Tveit was cast as Christian in “Moulin Rouge!,” we couldn’t wait to see his take on the character Ewan McGregor so expertly portrayed in the original 2001 film. We especially couldn’t wait to hear him sing “El Tango de Roxanne.” And we were right to be excited! Tveit imbues the melody with so much rage and sorrow, his belts come out tinged with growls and snarls. It’s so perfectly angsty we can barely handle it.
#5: “I Believe,” Andrew Rannells “The Book of Mormon”
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We believe this might be one of the best belts to ever grace the Broadway stage! Rannells is a beloved musical actor who has many a high note to his name. We absolutely love the vulnerability he brings to his rendition of “The Games I Play” from “Falsettos.” But there’s certainly one belt you think of when you think of Andrew Rannells, and that’s “I Believe.” His performance as Elder Price in “The Book of Mormon” was not only a comedic revelation, but a vocal one. When the key change hits in “I Believe,” it’s a flabbergasting moment. You can’t believe – pun intended – that he can go higher, but somehow he does.
#4: “The Music of the Night,” Michael Crawford “The Phantom of the Opera”
Many singers have played the titular Phantom in “The Phantom of the Opera” over the years, and many have done it to great success. Ramin Karimloo is one of those actors. His belts in “Til I Hear You Sing,” a song from the original musical’s sequel “Love Never Dies,” are something to behold. But there’s one name and performance that continues to be synonymous with the name “Phantom” – and that’s Michael Crawford singing “The Music of the Night.” Crawford has an impeccable tone and pitch, ebbing and flowing with the music expertly and hitting the crescendo with some of the most astounding vocal power we’ve ever heard.
#3: “Santa Fe,” Jeremy Jordan “Newsies”
We couldn’t make this list without at least one Jeremy Jordan belt. His performance as Jamie in “The Last Five Years” movie is a great one – his version of “Moving Too Fast” is particularly striking. But as we said, we’re sticking to Broadway, so there was really only one logical answer – “Santa Fe.” Jordan’s performance as Jack Kelly, the leader of the newsboys in “Newsies,” is one that put him on the map. It made “Santa Fe” a sort of signature song of his. Jordan hits some high ones throughout the song, but in the number’s final moments, he goes for broke. It’s no wonder people always want to hear him sing this.
#2: “Heaven on Their Minds,” Carl Anderson “Jesus Christ Superstar”
We bet you didn’t know Judas could sing like that! Carl Anderson was one heck of a talent, and his interpretation of Judas in “Jesus Christ Superstar” ensured that his talent would forever be a part of Broadway history. This musical has a number of amazing, belty performances associated with it – including Steve Balsamo’s (BALsm-oh) wonderful version of “Gethsemane”. But nothing beats Anderson singing “Heaven on Their Minds.” The song basically opens the show, and involves Judas espousing his concerns about Jesus and his role as the Messiah. Anderson, of course, hits each note with the perfect amount of frustration and power. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. “One Song Glory,” Adam Pascal, “Rent” One Song to Belt “Make Them Hear You,” Brian Stokes Mitchell, “Ragtime” We Sure Heard That Belt “Move On,” Mandy Patinkin, “Sunday in the Park with George” We Can’t Move On From How Good This Sounds “For Forever,” Ben Platt, “Dear Evan Hansen” We Could Listen to This for Forever “It All Fades Away,” Steven Pasquale, “The Bridges of Madison County” This Belt Will Never Fade Away
#1: “Being Alive,” Raúl Esparza “Company”
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We know that award shows often make controversial choices – and that’s ok! But we don’t know if we’ll ever be able to forgive the Tonys for not awarding the big prize to Raúl Esparza for his portrayal of Bobby in the 2006 revival of “Company.” Esparza nails the role, but it’s his mesmerizing vocal performance that blows us away the most – particularly his final belty moments in “Being Alive.” This song serves as Bobby’s “I Want” number near the end, allowing him to finally come to terms with commitment and vocalize what he desires in a romance. Esparza is amazing throughout, but the last few notes are mind-boggling in their delivery – our mouths are just as agape as his.
