In a city where the roar of a powerful voice can stop you in your tracks, Broadway’s most iconic belters have long been the heartbeat of New York’s theater scene. A recent New York Times feature gathered reflections from an impressive lineup of performers, including Lea Michele, Christine Ebersole, Jennifer Hudson, Kristin Chenoweth, and Adam Lambert, who shared their admiration for the legendary voices that shaped their own journeys.

From Barbra Streisand’s timeless control to Patti LuPone’s commanding presence, and from Marilyn Holliday’s classic Broadway style to Idina Menzel’s contemporary powerhouse, these artists represent a lineage of vocal mastery that has helped define Broadway’s sonic identity. Their stories traverse decades, highlighting how these belters not only entertain but also inspire resilience and emotional truth on stage.

What stands out is how these performers articulate the blend of technical skill and raw emotion required to belt without losing nuance. The city’s theaters—from the historic Winter Garden to the modern Lyric Theatre—have echoed with these voices, creating moments that linger long after the final curtain falls. New York audiences know that a great belter can transform a song into a city-wide experience.

This celebration of vocal strength also underscores Broadway’s evolving landscape, where diversity in sound and storytelling is increasingly celebrated. As emerging talents follow in the footsteps of their predecessors, the tradition of belting remains a vital thread in the New York’s cultural fabric. For the city that never sleeps, the echoes of these voices are a testament to the enduring power of live performance.