41 Celebs Who've Made Broadway Debuts, from Ariana Grande to Nicole Scherzinger

Mar. 15, 2025

Nicole Scherzinger in ‘Sunset Blvd.'.Photo:Marc Brenner

Marc Brenner

These stars are multi-talented!Whether making a name for themselves in the studio or on the screen, these stars have also brought their talents to the Great White Way and appeared in some of Broadway’s biggest shows. From Gen-Z favoritesKit Connor and Rachel Zeglermaking their Broadway debuts inRomeo + Juliet —opening Oct. 24! — orAriana Grande’s theater kid beginnings before becoming a Grammy-winning phenom, see which stars have also made their mark on stage.

These stars are multi-talented!

Whether making a name for themselves in the studio or on the screen, these stars have also brought their talents to the Great White Way and appeared in some of Broadway’s biggest shows. From Gen-Z favoritesKit Connor and Rachel Zeglermaking their Broadway debuts inRomeo + Juliet —opening Oct. 24! — orAriana Grande’s theater kid beginnings before becoming a Grammy-winning phenom, see which stars have also made their mark on stage.

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Kit Connor and Rachel Zegler

Kit Connor and Rachel Zegler.Emilio Madrid

Emilio Madrid

02of 41Nicole ScherzingerNicole Scherzinger signs autographs at the stage door for ‘Sunset Blvd.'.Andy HendersonNicole Scherzinger’s performance asNorma Desmondin the Broadway revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber’sSunset Boulevardearned the Grammy nominated singer a mid-show standing ovationduring the production’s opening night on Oct. 20, 2024.Her show-stopping performance comes after leading the cast in the show’s London’s West End which won her an Olivier Award.

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Nicole Scherzinger

Nicole Scherzinger signs autographs at the stage door for ‘Sunset Blvd.'.Andy Henderson

Andy Henderson

Nicole Scherzinger’s performance asNorma Desmondin the Broadway revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber’sSunset Boulevardearned the Grammy nominated singer a mid-show standing ovationduring the production’s opening night on Oct. 20, 2024.

Her show-stopping performance comes after leading the cast in the show’s London’s West End which won her an Olivier Award.

03of 41Ariana GrandeAriana Grande.Walter McBride/Corbis/GettyAriana Grandeis a theater kid through and through. Before her career skyrocketed as a pop music sensation, Grande made her Broadway debut in 2008 in13: The Musical.This November, of course, she’s going to her roots and is starring alongside Cynthia Erivo in the film adaptation ofWicked.

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Ariana Grande

Ariana Grande.Walter McBride/Corbis/Getty

Ariana Grandeis a theater kid through and through. Before her career skyrocketed as a pop music sensation, Grande made her Broadway debut in 2008 in13: The Musical.This November, of course, she’s going to her roots and is starring alongside Cynthia Erivo in the film adaptation ofWicked.

04of 41Corbin BleuCorbin Bleu in ‘In The Heights’ in 2010.Astrid Stawiarz/GettyCorbin Bleumade his Broadway debut as Usnavi inIn The Heights(pictured here),before landing roles inGodspell,Holiday InnandKiss Me, Kate.Off-Broadway, he’s also starred as Seymour inLittle Shop of Horrorson two occasions.

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Corbin Bleu

Corbin Bleu in ‘In The Heights’ in 2010.Astrid Stawiarz/Getty

Corbin Bleumade his Broadway debut as Usnavi inIn The Heights(pictured here),before landing roles inGodspell,Holiday InnandKiss Me, Kate.Off-Broadway, he’s also starred as Seymour inLittle Shop of Horrorson two occasions.

05of 41Darren CrissMatthew MurphyDarren Crissmade his Broadway debut back in 2011 inHow to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying(taking over the role from Daniel Radcliffe before passing the baton to Nick Jonas.) His latest turn on the Great White Way comes inMaybe Happy Ending(pictured here) which began previews on Oct. 16 and opens on Nov. 12.

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Darren Criss

Matthew Murphy

Darren Crissmade his Broadway debut back in 2011 inHow to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying(taking over the role from Daniel Radcliffe before passing the baton to Nick Jonas.) His latest turn on the Great White Way comes inMaybe Happy Ending(pictured here) which began previews on Oct. 16 and opens on Nov. 12.

06of 41Sabrina CarpenterReneé Rapp and Sabrina Carpenter in ‘Mean Girls.'.Janet Mayer / SplashNews.comIn March 2020, just before all of Broadway — and much of the world — shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic,Sabrina Carpentermade her Broadway debut as Cady Herron inMean Girlsalongside Reneé Rapp.“my heart is FULL,” the “Taste"singer wrote on Facebookfollowing the milestone moment.After just two performances, the show closed, sherecalled to Elvis Duran in 2021.

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Sabrina Carpenter

Reneé Rapp and Sabrina Carpenter in ‘Mean Girls.'.Janet Mayer / SplashNews.com

Janet Mayer / SplashNews.com

In March 2020, just before all of Broadway — and much of the world — shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic,Sabrina Carpentermade her Broadway debut as Cady Herron inMean Girlsalongside Reneé Rapp.

“my heart is FULL,” the “Taste"singer wrote on Facebookfollowing the milestone moment.

After just two performances, the show closed, sherecalled to Elvis Duran in 2021.

07of 41Joanna “JoJo” LevesqueJoJo.Avery BrunkusAfter makingher Broadway debut in April 2023for a 14-week run asSatine inMoulin Rouge! The Musical, Joanna “JoJo” Levesque reprised the role again in the summer of 2024 for another limited run.

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Joanna “JoJo” Levesque

JoJo.Avery Brunkus

After makingher Broadway debut in April 2023for a 14-week run asSatine inMoulin Rouge! The Musical, Joanna “JoJo” Levesque reprised the role again in the summer of 2024 for another limited run.

08of 41Jesse Williams, Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Patrick J. AdamsPatrick J. Adams, Jesse Williams and Jesse Tyler Ferguson make their curtain call for ‘Take Me Out’ on opening night in 2022.Bruce Glikas/Getty ImagesJesse Williams,Jesse Tyler FergusonandPatrick J. Adamsappeared together in the 2022 Broadway productionTake Me Out. Though the Tony-winning production closed initially in June, it reopened in November with both Williams and Ferguson returning in their roles.

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Jesse Williams, Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Patrick J. Adams

Patrick J. Adams, Jesse Williams and Jesse Tyler Ferguson make their curtain call for ‘Take Me Out’ on opening night in 2022.Bruce Glikas/Getty Images

Bruce Glikas/Getty Images

Jesse Williams,Jesse Tyler FergusonandPatrick J. Adamsappeared together in the 2022 Broadway productionTake Me Out. Though the Tony-winning production closed initially in June, it reopened in November with both Williams and Ferguson returning in their roles.

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Jim Parsons, Zoey Deutch and Katie Holmes

Katie Holmes, Jim Parsons and Zoey Deutch.getty (3)

getty (3)

10of 41Hugh JackmanHugh Jackman and Sutton Foster.Kevin Mazur/GettyAs much as he is a star of the screen,Hugh Jackmanis a star of the stage — making his Broadway debut more than 20 years ago inThe Boy From Oz. His most recent Broadway appearance came inThe Music Manalongside Sutton Foster (pictured above), which opened in February 2022.In 2025, Jackman will be showing off his powerful pipes yet again with a Radio City Music Hall concert series kicking off in January.

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Hugh Jackman

Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster.Kevin Mazur/Getty

Kevin Mazur/Getty

As much as he is a star of the screen,Hugh Jackmanis a star of the stage — making his Broadway debut more than 20 years ago inThe Boy From Oz. His most recent Broadway appearance came inThe Music Manalongside Sutton Foster (pictured above), which opened in February 2022.

In 2025, Jackman will be showing off his powerful pipes yet again with a Radio City Music Hall concert series kicking off in January.

11of 41Robert Downey Jr.Melora Hardin, Robert Downey Jr. and Andrea Martin.Ilya S. Savenok/GettyAfters decades as a film actor,Robert Downey Jr.made his Broadway debut in Oct. 2024 as Jacob McNeal inMcNeal.

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Robert Downey Jr.

Melora Hardin, Robert Downey Jr. and Andrea Martin.Ilya S. Savenok/Getty

Ilya S. Savenok/Getty

Afters decades as a film actor,Robert Downey Jr.made his Broadway debut in Oct. 2024 as Jacob McNeal inMcNeal.

12of 41Keri Russell & Adam DriverKeri Russell and Adam Driver at opening night of ‘Burn This’ on Broadway.Bruce Glikas/FilmMagicKeri RussellandAdam Driverstarred together in the 2019 Broadway revival ofBurn This.The show marked Russell’s first time on Broadway and Driver’s third. TheMarriage Storyactor is currently starring in the off Broadway production ofHold on To Me Darling.

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Keri Russell & Adam Driver

Keri Russell and Adam Driver at opening night of ‘Burn This’ on Broadway.Bruce Glikas/FilmMagic

Bruce Glikas/FilmMagic

Keri RussellandAdam Driverstarred together in the 2019 Broadway revival ofBurn This.The show marked Russell’s first time on Broadway and Driver’s third. TheMarriage Storyactor is currently starring in the off Broadway production ofHold on To Me Darling.

13of 41Charli D’amelioCharli D’Amelio.Gilbert Flores/WWD via GettyStarting on Oct. 29,Charli D’Ameliomake her Broadway debut in& Julietfor a limited run.“I’m beyond excited to join the Broadway community — it’s a dream I’ve had since I was a little girl,” the TikTok starwrote on Instagram when sharing the news.

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Charli D’amelio

Charli D’Amelio.Gilbert Flores/WWD via Getty

Gilbert Flores/WWD via Getty

Starting on Oct. 29,Charli D’Ameliomake her Broadway debut in& Julietfor a limited run.

“I’m beyond excited to join the Broadway community — it’s a dream I’ve had since I was a little girl,” the TikTok starwrote on Instagram when sharing the news.

14of 41Katharine McPheeKeith Mayhew/Getty ImagesFans of the NBC showSmashwere delighted when McPhee finally made it to Broadway in April 2018. The actress/singer played Jenna inWaitresson Broadway and went on to star in the West End production until June 2019.

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Katharine McPhee

Keith Mayhew/Getty Images

Fans of the NBC showSmashwere delighted when McPhee finally made it to Broadway in April 2018. The actress/singer played Jenna inWaitresson Broadway and went on to star in the West End production until June 2019.

15of 41Christina ApplegateStephen Lovekin/WireImageHey, big spender! In 2005, Applegate was nominated for a Tony Award for best actress in a musical after belting it out as Charity Hope Valentine inSweet Charity.Fun Fact: Britney Spears was reportedly in talks to take over Applegate’s role in the show, but the production ultimately closed.

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Christina Applegate

Stephen Lovekin/WireImage

Hey, big spender! In 2005, Applegate was nominated for a Tony Award for best actress in a musical after belting it out as Charity Hope Valentine inSweet Charity.

Fun Fact: Britney Spears was reportedly in talks to take over Applegate’s role in the show, but the production ultimately closed.

16of 41Jordin SparksJanette Pellegrini/WireImageBefore there wasHamilton,Lin-Manuel Mirandawas wowing audiences with his first Broadway musical,In the Heights. Sparks joined the cast in 2010 as Nina during the show’s three-year run. She returned to Broadway again inWaitressin the lead role in September 2019.

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Jordin Sparks

Janette Pellegrini/WireImage

Before there wasHamilton,Lin-Manuel Mirandawas wowing audiences with his first Broadway musical,In the Heights. Sparks joined the cast in 2010 as Nina during the show’s three-year run. She returned to Broadway again inWaitressin the lead role in September 2019.

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Daniel Radcliffe

Daniel Radcliffe.Bruce Glikas/FilmMagic

18of 41Emma StoneWalter McBride/WireImageLife is a cabaret, old chum! Well, at least it was for Stone, who starred as the iconic Sally Bowles in the revival ofCabareton Broadway. Stone took over the part from Michelle Williams and starred alongside Alan Cumming in 2014.

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Emma Stone

Walter McBride/WireImage

Life is a cabaret, old chum! Well, at least it was for Stone, who starred as the iconic Sally Bowles in the revival ofCabareton Broadway. Stone took over the part from Michelle Williams and starred alongside Alan Cumming in 2014.

19of 41Erika Girardi a.k.a. Erika JayneErika Girardi.Jenny Kim/Bravo via GettyTheReal Housewives of Beverly Hillsstar madeher Broadway debutin January 2020 as Roxie inChicago.(One of many such stars to try on the famous fishnets!)In astatement to PEOPLE, Girardi said, “I’m beyond excited to join the cast of the legendary musicalChicago.Having been a fan of Bob Fosse and Gwen Verdon’s work it is an honor and a dream to play Roxie Hart.”

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Erika Girardi a.k.a. Erika Jayne

Erika Girardi.Jenny Kim/Bravo via Getty

Jenny Kim/Bravo via Getty

TheReal Housewives of Beverly Hillsstar madeher Broadway debutin January 2020 as Roxie inChicago.(One of many such stars to try on the famous fishnets!)

In astatement to PEOPLE, Girardi said, “I’m beyond excited to join the cast of the legendary musicalChicago.Having been a fan of Bob Fosse and Gwen Verdon’s work it is an honor and a dream to play Roxie Hart.”

20of 41KeKe PalmerAndrew H. Walker/Getty ImagesPalmer made history when she made her Broadway debut as Cinderella inRodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderellain 2014. She was the first African-American woman to ever play the role on Broadway.

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KeKe Palmer

Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images

Palmer made history when she made her Broadway debut as Cinderella inRodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderellain 2014. She was the first African-American woman to ever play the role on Broadway.

21of 41NeNe LeakesWalter McBride/WireImageMaking her debut alongside Palmer was Leakes, who played herevil stepmother, Madame, in the Broadway production. In 2015, she returned to Broadway for a brief stint inChicago.

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NeNe Leakes

Making her debut alongside Palmer was Leakes, who played herevil stepmother, Madame, in the Broadway production. In 2015, she returned to Broadway for a brief stint inChicago.

22of 41Fran DrescherLawrence K. Ho/Getty ImagesFrom beloved nanny to wicked stepmother: Drescher made her Broadway debut alongside Carly Rae Jepson inCinderellain February 2014.

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Fran Drescher

Lawrence K. Ho/Getty Images

From beloved nanny to wicked stepmother: Drescher made her Broadway debut alongside Carly Rae Jepson inCinderellain February 2014.

23of 41Reba McEntireArnaldo Magnani/LiaisonWe knew McEntirehad the vocal chops, but she really showed them off on stage when she made her debut as Annie Oakley inAnnie Get Your Gunin 2001.

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Reba McEntire

Arnaldo Magnani/Liaison

We knew McEntirehad the vocal chops, but she really showed them off on stage when she made her debut as Annie Oakley inAnnie Get Your Gunin 2001.

24of 41Michelle Williams & Alan CummingWalter McBride/WireImageThe pair took on the lead roles in Broadway’sCabaretin 2014, a reprise for him and a Broadway debut for her. Later, she’d return to Broadway in the playBlackbird,for which she earned a Tony nomination.

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Michelle Williams & Alan Cumming

The pair took on the lead roles in Broadway’sCabaretin 2014, a reprise for him and a Broadway debut for her. Later, she’d return to Broadway in the playBlackbird,for which she earned a Tony nomination.

25of 41Lance BassBruce Glikas/FilmMagicThe only thing better than hairspray, that’s … Lance Bass?! The ‘NSYNC singer hit the stage as Corny Collins inHairsprayin 2007.

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Lance Bass

The only thing better than hairspray, that’s … Lance Bass?! The ‘NSYNC singer hit the stage as Corny Collins inHairsprayin 2007.

26of 41StingIan Forsyth/Getty ImagesThe lead singer of The Police wrote the score for and starred in the Tony-nominated production ofThe Last Ship. The show premiered in 2014. Decades prior he appeared in 1989 production ofThreepenny Opera.

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Sting

Ian Forsyth/Getty Images

The lead singer of The Police wrote the score for and starred in the Tony-nominated production ofThe Last Ship. The show premiered in 2014. Decades prior he appeared in 1989 production ofThreepenny Opera.

27of 41Michelle WilliamsBruce Glikas/Getty ImagesWilliams is practically a Broadway veteran at this point. In 2003, the Destiny’s Child member made her Broadway debut, taking over for Toni Braxton inAida. She also starred as Roxie Hart inChicagoin 2010. Recently, she played Erzulie, the Goddess of Love inOnce On This Islandin 2018and in 2024 is originating the role of Viola Van Horn inDeath Becomes Her.

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Michelle Williams

Williams is practically a Broadway veteran at this point. In 2003, the Destiny’s Child member made her Broadway debut, taking over for Toni Braxton inAida. She also starred as Roxie Hart inChicagoin 2010. Recently, she played Erzulie, the Goddess of Love inOnce On This Islandin 2018and in 2024 is originating the role of Viola Van Horn inDeath Becomes Her.

28of 41Neil Patrick HarrisHeather Wines/Getty ImagesTheHow I Met Your Motheractor truly transformed himself to play the titular character inHedwig & the Angry Inchin 2014. His hard work paid off big time when he took home the Tony for best actor in a musical that year. Harris was no stranger to Broadway at the time and had already starred in a variety of shows after making his debut in 2002.Most recently he originated the role of Francis inPeter Pan Goes Wrong.

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Neil Patrick Harris

Heather Wines/Getty Images

TheHow I Met Your Motheractor truly transformed himself to play the titular character inHedwig & the Angry Inchin 2014. His hard work paid off big time when he took home the Tony for best actor in a musical that year. Harris was no stranger to Broadway at the time and had already starred in a variety of shows after making his debut in 2002.

Most recently he originated the role of Francis inPeter Pan Goes Wrong.

29of 41BrandyWalter McBride/Getty ImagesBrandy made her stage debut as Roxie Hart inChicagoin 2015 andhad so much funthat she reprised her role in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. before returning to Broadway in 2017 for two weeks of performances.

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Brandy

Walter McBride/Getty Images

Brandy made her stage debut as Roxie Hart inChicagoin 2015 andhad so much funthat she reprised her role in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. before returning to Broadway in 2017 for two weeks of performances.

30of 41Clay AikenJanette Pellegrini/WireImageTheAmerican Idolfinalist made his Broadway debut inSpamalotin January of 2008. The show’s directorsaid of Aikenat the time of his casting, “Clay Aiken is amazing beyond that glorious voice. Turns out he is an excellent comic actor and a master of character.”

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Clay Aiken

TheAmerican Idolfinalist made his Broadway debut inSpamalotin January of 2008. The show’s directorsaid of Aikenat the time of his casting, “Clay Aiken is amazing beyond that glorious voice. Turns out he is an excellent comic actor and a master of character.”

31of 41Lauren GrahamJemal Countess/WireImageLauren Graham, known for playing fast-talking, cool mom Lorelai Gilmore, made her Broadway debut inGuys & Dollsback in 2009. The comedic actress waspractically made for the roleof Adelaide.

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Lauren Graham

Jemal Countess/WireImage

Lauren Graham, known for playing fast-talking, cool mom Lorelai Gilmore, made her Broadway debut inGuys & Dollsback in 2009. The comedic actress waspractically made for the roleof Adelaide.

32of 41Justin GuariniJustin Guarini and Briga Heelan.Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/GC ImagesTheAmerican Idolseason 1 runner-up made his Broadway debut inAmerican Idiotin 2011. Since then he’s appearance in several other shows, includingWicked, and most recently starred inOnce Upon a One More Timein 2023.

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Justin Guarini

Justin Guarini and Briga Heelan.Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images

Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images

TheAmerican Idolseason 1 runner-up made his Broadway debut inAmerican Idiotin 2011. Since then he’s appearance in several other shows, includingWicked, and most recently starred inOnce Upon a One More Timein 2023.

33of 41Billie Joe ArmstrongEugene Gologursky/WireImageThere was no one more suited to star in the Green Day-inspired musicalAmerican Idiotthan the band’s frontman himself. After Tony Vincent originated the role of St. Jimmy, Armstrong took over for the remainder of the show’s run on Broadway.

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Billie Joe Armstrong

Eugene Gologursky/WireImage

There was no one more suited to star in the Green Day-inspired musicalAmerican Idiotthan the band’s frontman himself. After Tony Vincent originated the role of St. Jimmy, Armstrong took over for the remainder of the show’s run on Broadway.

34of 41Ashlee SimpsonJamie McCarthy/WireImageIn 2006, Ashlee Simpson stepped into the role of Roxie Hart in London’s West End production ofChicago- and then again at the end of 2009 and early 2010 on Broadway.

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Ashlee Simpson

Jamie McCarthy/WireImage

In 2006, Ashlee Simpson stepped into the role of Roxie Hart in London’s West End production ofChicago- and then again at the end of 2009 and early 2010 on Broadway.

35of 41UsherEvan Agostini/GettyFurther proof thatChicagois the go-to celebrity show: Usher joined the 2006 production as smarmy criminal lawyer Billy Flynn.

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Usher

Evan Agostini/Getty

Further proof thatChicagois the go-to celebrity show: Usher joined the 2006 production as smarmy criminal lawyer Billy Flynn.

36of 41Nick JonasCraig Barritt/GettyHow to Succeedwas hardly Nick Jonas’ Broadway debut. He also appeared in 2001’sAnnie Get Your Gun, 2002’sBeauty and the Beastand 2003’sLes Misérables.

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Nick Jonas

Craig Barritt/Getty

How to Succeedwas hardly Nick Jonas’ Broadway debut. He also appeared in 2001’sAnnie Get Your Gun, 2002’sBeauty and the Beastand 2003’sLes Misérables.

37of 41Ricky MartinTheo Wargo/GettyEvitahit the big screen in 1996 with Madonna taking on the titular role. As for the show’s 2012 Broadway revival, it was only fitting that another music icon (a.k.a. Martin) would take center stage. The “Livin’ La Vida Loca” singer played Che in the production, which nabbed a nomination for best musical revival. Before stepping into the role, he had appearedin Les Misérables in the 1990s.

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Ricky Martin

Theo Wargo/Getty

Evitahit the big screen in 1996 with Madonna taking on the titular role. As for the show’s 2012 Broadway revival, it was only fitting that another music icon (a.k.a. Martin) would take center stage. The “Livin’ La Vida Loca” singer played Che in the production, which nabbed a nomination for best musical revival. Before stepping into the role, he had appearedin Les Misérables in the 1990s.

38of 41Sara BareillesSara Bareilles in ‘Waitress.'.Getty ImagesBareilles’s Broadway careerstarted as a composer and lyricist forWaitress, an adaptation of the 2007 film starring Keri Russell. After Tony winner Jessie Mueller originated the onstage role of Jenna, Bareilles took on the part herself for a limited run. She then fully embraced her Broadway side, starring as the Baker’s Wife in theInto the Woodsrevival.

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Sara Bareilles

Sara Bareilles in ‘Waitress.'.Getty Images

Getty Images

Bareilles’s Broadway careerstarted as a composer and lyricist forWaitress, an adaptation of the 2007 film starring Keri Russell. After Tony winner Jessie Mueller originated the onstage role of Jenna, Bareilles took on the part herself for a limited run. She then fully embraced her Broadway side, starring as the Baker’s Wife in theInto the Woodsrevival.

39of 41Carly Rae JepsenWalter McBride/WireImageThe “Call Me Maybe” songstress has long since proved her pipes are much more than the vehicle for a viral hit. She cemented that status with her turn inCinderellain the title role - with Fran Drescher as her evil stepmother!

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Carly Rae Jepsen

The “Call Me Maybe” songstress has long since proved her pipes are much more than the vehicle for a viral hit. She cemented that status with her turn inCinderellain the title role - with Fran Drescher as her evil stepmother!

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Josh Groban

Franz Szony

He was back on Broadway in 2023 in Sweeney Todd, in which he starred alongside Annaleigh Ashford.

41of 41Linda RonstadtGAB Archive/RedfernsOne of the first pop stars to try to “walk the boards” on Broadway, Linda Ronstadt — then known for her powerful rock ballads — surprised everyone with her operatic soprano turn inThe Pirates of Penzancein 1980.

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Linda Ronstadt

GAB Archive/Redferns

One of the first pop stars to try to “walk the boards” on Broadway, Linda Ronstadt — then known for her powerful rock ballads — surprised everyone with her operatic soprano turn inThe Pirates of Penzancein 1980.

source: people.com