14 Celebrities who can actually carry a tune

Stars who surprised us with their singing skills

When actors step away from the camera and step up to the mic, the results can be surprisingly impressive. Some stars aren’t just great at delivering lines; they’ve also got the vocal chops to hold their own in the music world.

This list highlights 14 actors who made the leap into music and nailed it, showing us that star power sometimes comes with serious range. From Broadway-worthy belters to pop-ready performers, these multi-talented celebrities remind us that great artistry doesn’t stop at one medium.

Scarlett Johansson

Scarlett Johansson isn’t just a blockbuster star; she’s got real vocal chops, too. With a smoky, jazz-lounge voice, she recorded covers and even released an album featuring Tom Waits’ songs. Her singing is raw, sultry, and understated.

She also voiced a singing porcupine in Sing, adding a playful edge to her range. Johansson’s vocals aren’t a side note; they’re proof that some A-listers truly carry a tune off-screen.

Sarah Hyland

You know her from Modern Family, but Sarah Hyland’s talent goes far beyond sitcoms. A trained Broadway performer, she brings depth and vibrato to her live covers, often performing at charity events and theater showcases.

Her clear, emotive tone shows off real control and training. Hyland’s voice doesn’t just complement her acting, it elevates her as a full-fledged performer ready for both stage and screen.

Reese Witherspoon

Reese Witherspoon won an Oscar singing as June Carter in Walk the Line, and she did her vocals. With a warm country tone and sweet Southern cadence, she nailed Carter’s voice while making it her own.

She returned to music in Sing, proving her performance wasn’t just a one-time role. Witherspoon may not cut records, but when she sings, it’s authentic, heartfelt, and thoroughly Southern.

Gwyneth Paltrow

Gwyneth Paltrow surprised fans by lending her voice to indie folk tracks, recorded in her L.A. kitchen. There’s a warmth in her tone, intimate, earnest, unpolished, that underscores a genuine love for melody beyond her lifestyle icon persona.

She’s never formally released an album, but snippets shared at wellness retreats and online show she’s comfortable exploring music on her terms. It’s a quiet reminder: even Oscar winners can enjoy humble tunes in private.

Robert Pattinson

Robert Pattinson isn’t just pulling brooding looks; he also fronts the indie rock band Bad Girls. His understated vocals carry a raw, moody edge, shaped by the atmosphere of London gigs and late-night songwriting sessions.

His music feels like a twilight confession: vulnerable, introspective, a far cry from blockbuster sheen. Pattinson’s band isn’t a vanity project; it’s a creative outlet where cinematic lead becomes expressive lyricist.

Maya Rudolph

Maya Rudolph, known for her comedic timing, also flexes surprising vocal power in musical theater. Stage recordings and live clips highlight her playful mezzo-soprano, rich with character and comedic timing, yet polished enough to rival Broadway pros.

She blends humor and harmony effortlessly, turning classic tunes into comedic masterpieces. Whether spoofing a showstopper or belting standards with sincerity, Rudolph proves her voice is more than a punchline; it’s a spotlight of its own.

Emmy Rossum

Emmy Rossum was trained in classical music from age 9; she starred in a Broadway production in her teens. Her soprano is pure and controlled, shining through in her debut album, which blends classical, jazz, and pop effortlessly.

Rossum casually slipped into music alongside acting for Shameless, revealing a seamless crossover of dramatic intensity and melodic beauty. Her voice carries emotional weight, reminding audiences that trained singing can flourish quietly amid Hollywood’s spotlight.

Gerard Butler

Gerard Butler stunned audiences in P.S. I Love You with his heartfelt Irish ballad. He took singing lessons to nail the performance, and his rough-edged tenor struck a chord with viewers seeking authenticity.

His love for live performance led him to charity concerts and open mic nights. Butler’s musical journey isn’t polished, but it’s real, channelling emotion over technique, and surprising fans who only know him for action roles.

Sterling K. Brown

Sterling K. Brown has quietly studied vocal jazz and occasionally performs at private events, showing a smooth, soulful baritone. His voice adds warmth to storytelling, another layer in his compelling performances.

Though he hasn’t pursued a recording career, colleagues praise his musical ear and timing. He brings the same nuanced emotion to music that he does to television, thoughtful, resonant, and grounded in humanity.

Jason Sudeikis

Jason Sudeikis channels karaoke-stage swagger with deadpan charm. He’s been spotted moonlighting at lounges, delivering comedic covers with surprising vocal clarity. His baritone, laid-back delivery contrasts with his high-energy comedic persona.

The thrill isn’t professional polish, it’s authenticity and connection. Sudeikis invites laughter and applause, blending humor and song to reveal himself beyond sketch comedy. It’s a reminder that even sitcom stars treasure off-camera moments at the mic.

Jada Pinkett Smith

Jada Pinkett Smith launched a metal band, Wicked Wisdom, showcasing her rock-ready vocals. Her raw, gritty delivery contrasts with her polished screen image, revealing a fierce stage persona rooted in rhythm and rebellion.

She fronted the band on international tours, commanding sweaty crowds and guitar riffs. The project may have surprised fans, but it speaks to her willingness to challenge herself and remind audiences that she’s an artist in full.

Kate Winslet

Kate Winslet released the single “What If” (2001) for Christmas Carol: The Movie. Her voice is robust and expressive, capturing both period charm and emotional truth. It underscored how a trained singer can deepen a dramatic role.

Though she hasn’t released music publicly, her vocal performance in character earned praise from critics. Winslet proves that, given the moment, she can deliver a showstopper. It’s a quiet testament to her versatility and fearless immersion in craft.

Joaquin Phoenix

Joaquin Phoenix sang and played guitar as Johnny Cash in Walk the Line, training for months to match Cash’s gravelly baritone. His live performances sealed audiences’ belief; he didn’t mime; he performed live.

The results were raw and convincing, showing his deep commitment to character. Beyond film, Phoenix occasionally jams in private, hinting at a musical side that’s personal, introspective, and dedicated.

Meanwhile, Justin Bieber hits a different kind of high note, celebrating Hailey’s $1 billion Rhode Skincare milestone with a private serenade and public pride.

Michael Cera

Michael Cera’s soft, whispery vocals surfaced in indie folk recordings and film cameos. He’s released a few lo-fi tracks online, characterized by gentle guitar and hushed sincerity. It’s Cera’s signature style: understated, sincere, slightly geeky.

His voice isn’t polished, but charming, a musical equivalent of awkward honesty. It fits right into intimate coffeehouses. Fans appreciate the unexpected tenderness from a man known for carefully awkward roles.

Dive into how Luke Combs got raw and reflective with “Fathers & Sons”, an album that trades stadium power for quiet storytelling.

Did you know that these celebrities could actually sing? Let us know in the comments!

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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and with human editing.