Top 10 Female Singers with the Best Acting Performances
Some of the most talented female singers have managed to shine just as brightly on the screen as they do in the music world. It's always impressive to see someone known for their voice step into acting and deliver performances that leave audiences talking. You've probably seen a few of these stars transition from chart-topping hits to unforgettable roles in movies or TV shows, showcasing a completely different side of their artistry.This list celebrates the female singers who have delivered some of the best acting performances. From dramatic roles that showed surprising emotional depth to comedic turns that revealed impeccable timing, these women have proven they're not limited to just one craft. It's no easy feat to successfully cross into another creative field, but when they nail it, it's hard not to be impressed.
Cher received critical acclaim for her performances in films such as Moonstruck, which won her an Academy Award for Best Actress, and Silkwood, where she was nominated for a Golden Globe. Her acting career spans decades, showcasing her versatility across drama and comedy. Cher is a real actress. No wonder she won the Oscar for Moonstruck.
Other movies: Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean (1982), Silkwood (1983), Mask (1985), The Witches of Eastwick (1987), Suspect (1987), Mermaids (1990), Faithful (1996), Tea with Mussolini (1999).
No one else can hold a candle to her as far as acting goes.
Whitney Houston made her film debut in The Bodyguard, which became a box-office hit, and her performance in Waiting to Exhale further solidified her acting credentials. Both films featured her singing talents, contributing to iconic soundtracks. Whitney was brilliant in The Bodyguard (1992), Waiting to Exhale (1995), The Preacher's Wife (1996), and Cinderella (1997).
Hope to see more movies with her in the future.
Whitney Houston is magnificent as both an actress AND a singer.
Jennifer Lopez received widespread praise for her portrayal of Selena Quintanilla in the biopic Selena, earning her a Golden Globe nomination. She continued her acting career with a range of roles in films like Out of Sight and Hustlers. Her acting career began much earlier than her singing. You may dislike her, but Jen is a true actress.
Money Train (1995), Jack (1996), Blood and Wine (1996), Selena (1997), Anaconda (1997), U Turn (1997), Out of Sight (1998), The Cell (2000), The Wedding Planner (2001), Angel Eyes (2001), Maid in Manhattan (2002), Enough (2002), Gigli (2003), Shall We Dance (2004), Monster-in-Law (2005), An Unfinished Life (2005), Bordertown (2006).
I love both J. Lo and Madonna, but in the acting department, J. Lo has been much more consistently impressive.
Madonna won a Golden Globe for her role as Eva Perón in Evita, a film adaptation of the musical, showcasing her acting and singing talents. She has also appeared in other films like Desperately Seeking Susan and A League of Their Own. I really love Madonna's acting, and I don't care what anyone says.
Desperately Seeking Susan (1985), Shanghai Surprise (1986), Who's That Girl (1987), Bloodhounds of Broadway (1989), Dick Tracy (1990), Shadows and Fog (1991), A League of Their Own (1992), Body of Evidence (1993), Dangerous Game (1993), Four Rooms (1995), Girl 6 (1996), Evita (1996), The Next Best Thing (2000), Swept Away (2002).
Barbra Streisand earned critical and commercial success with films like Funny Girl, which won her an Academy Award, and The Way We Were. She is also noted for directing and starring in films such as Yentl.
Julie Andrews received an Academy Award for her debut in Mary Poppins and became iconic in The Sound of Music. She is celebrated for her acting and singing talents in both film and stage productions.
Natalie Imbruglia transitioned into acting with her role in the film Johnny English alongside Rowan Atkinson. She also appeared in Australian television series such as Neighbours. Natalie was really funny in Johnny English (2003). In Closed for Winter (2009), she showed dramatic talent.
Go Natalie!
Liza Minnelli is best known for her Academy Award-winning performance as Sally Bowles in Cabaret. Her acting career includes numerous stage and screen roles, reflecting her Broadway and Hollywood roots.
Diana Ross earned an Academy Award nomination for her portrayal of Billie Holiday in Lady Sings the Blues. She also starred in films like Mahogany and The Wiz. Her role as Billie Holiday in "Lady Sings the Blues" was great.
Tina Turner starred in the film Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome, earning praise for her role as Aunty Entity. She also appeared in the film adaptation of Tommy. Love her in Tommy (1975) and Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (1985).
The Newcomers
Avril Lavigne lent her voice to the animated film Over the Hedge and appeared in a small role in Fast Food Nation. Her acting work remains limited compared to her music career.
Jojo Siwa appeared in the film The J Team, which is a semi-autobiographical musical showcasing her talents. Her acting work is primarily aimed at younger audiences.
Beyoncé starred in musical films such as Dreamgirls, which earned her a Golden Globe nomination, and The Lion King, where she voiced Nala. She integrates her music and acting careers through performances that emphasize her artistic range. She was in Austin Powers: Goldmember, Cadillac Records, Fighting Temptations, Obsessed, Dreamgirls, and The Pink Panther.
Sarah Brightman has appeared in films such as Repo! The Genetic Opera, where her operatic singing was central to her role. Her acting projects are closely tied to her musical background.
Idina Menzel is known for her acting in musical films like Rent and for voicing Elsa in Disney's Frozen. Her work often bridges film, television, and theater.
Jennifer Hudson won an Academy Award for her debut role in Dreamgirls, where she delivered a powerful performance. She continues to balance acting and singing in projects like Respect, where she portrayed Aretha Franklin. That voice. She was a natural at singing and acting. The Oscar she won proves it.
Jessica Simpson starred in films like The Dukes of Hazzard and Employee of the Month. Her acting career often complemented her success in music and business ventures. The Dukes of Hazzard (2005), Employee of the Month (2006), Blonde Ambition (2007), Major Movie Star (2008).
Britney Spears starred in the coming-of-age film Crossroads, which showcased her acting and singing abilities. Her performance received mixed reviews but gained a cult following over time. Brit looked cute in Longshot (2000) and was really underrated in Crossroads (2002). Britney can be a much better actress than many other so-called "actresses" I've seen recently.
I agree with this. Poor Britney didn't get the credit she deserved at all. She was a far better actress than people would admit. I hope she gives it another try.
Lady Gaga won critical acclaim and multiple awards, including a Golden Globe and an Academy Award nomination, for her role in A Star Is Born. Her acting debut came earlier with her role in American Horror Story: Hotel, which earned her a Golden Globe.
Kylie Minogue has acted in films like Moulin Rouge! and Street Fighter, earning recognition for her diverse roles. She began her acting career in Australian television before transitioning into film.
Thalia is best known for her roles in Mexican telenovelas such as Maria la del Barrio and Marimar. Her acting contributed significantly to her status as a global entertainment icon.
Kelly Rowland acted in films like Freddy vs. Jason and The Seat Filler. Her roles often complemented her music career. Kelly was good in Freddy vs. Jason (2003) and The Seat Filler (2004). The girl can act.
Willa Ford appeared in films such as Friday the 13th (2009) and The Nurse. Her acting projects have been primarily in the thriller and horror genres. The former pop singer is an actress now:
Anna Nicole (2007), Impulse (2008), Friday the 13th (2009).
Björk received widespread acclaim for her lead role in Dancer in the Dark, earning a Best Actress award at Cannes. Her performance was marked by its emotional depth and unique integration of music.
Lea Michele gained fame for her acting in the television series Glee, where she also showcased her singing talents. She has also acted in films and Broadway productions like Spring Awakening.