20 Celebrities Who Stunned Fans With Unexpected Vocal Skills

While many actors and actresses are celebrated for their performances on screen, some have surprised audiences with hidden musical talents. From heartfelt ballads to original albums and live performances, these 20 celebrities stepped into the music world and left fans amazed. Here’s a look at their unexpected vocal journeys

Ryan Gosling

In 2009, Ryan Gosling, under the alias “Baby Goose,” formed the band Dead Man’s Bones alongside Zach Shields. Their self-titled debut album featured a unique blend of gothic rock and children’s choir vocals. Years later, Gosling showcased his musical talents when he sang “I’m Just Ken” in the film Barbie.

Robert Downey Jr.

Released in 2004, The Futurist, an album by Robert Downey Jr., highlighted his unexpected musical talent. The album has eight original songs and two covers. Downey’s soft rock and jazz-infused tracks stunned fans accustomed to his acting roles. He also played piano on some tracks, adding to the album’s authenticity.

Ewan McGregor

In Moulin Rouge!, Ewan McGregor demonstrated his singing abilities by performing tracks like “Your Song” and “Come What May” alongside Nicole Kidman. These songs became iconic because of their memorable melodies and emotional intensity. The chemistry between the performers helped make them lasting favorites with both audiences and critics.

Keira Knightley

Keira Knightley stepped into unfamiliar territory with Begin Again (2014), singing all her songs live—despite having little musical experience. Tracks like “Lost Stars” exposed a quiet vulnerability that suited her role as a struggling songwriter. This earned her praise for a performance that felt honest and unpolished.

Jeremy Renner

Jeremy Renner, best known for action-packed roles, caught fans off guard when he launched a music career. With rock-tinged singles like “Main Attraction” and “Heaven Don’t Have a Name,” he shared his voice and skills on multiple instruments. All this was backed by cinematic music videos that proved he’s serious.

Scarlett Johansson

Scarlett Johansson took a bold step with her 2008 debut album Anywhere I Lay My Head, a collection of Tom Waits covers. With dreamy, ethereal vocals and collaborations with David Sitek and even David Bowie, the album drew mixed reviews but was a courageous experiment.

Anne Hathaway

Anne Hathaway received high acclaim for her portrayal of Fantine in Les Miserables. Her live performance of “I Dreamed a Dream” was raw and emotionally intense. Critics praised the commitment, evidenced by her dramatic physical transformation. The performance went on to earn her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.

Robert Pattinson

Robert Pattinson lent more than just his acting to Twilight (2008). He also contributed two original songs to the film’s soundtrack: “Never Think” and “Let Me Sign”. His raw, melancholic vocals matched the film’s moody vibe and added another layer of emotion to his portrayal of Edward Cullen.

Reese Witherspoon

In Walk the Line (2005), Reese Witherspoon portrayed June Carter Cash and performed all her songs live. Her rendition of “Jackson” alongside Joaquin Phoenix brought her critical acclaim. She continued to lend her voice to tracks in films like Sing (2016), expanding her continued involvement in such projects.

Joaquin Phoenix

Joaquin Phoenix embodied Johnny Cash in Walk the Line (2005), delivering powerful performances of classics like “Ring of Fire.” His deep voice and guitar skills paid tribute to the legendary musician, alongside a complete physical transformation. He later sang again in films like C’mon C’mon and continued to delight audiences.

Hugh Laurie

Most known for his TV work, Hugh Laurie also earned respect as a musician. His 2011 debut, Let Them Talk, blended blues classics with standout collaborations, revealing a soulful side few expected. He followed it up with Didn’t It Rain in 2013, proving he’s not just an actor.

Kristen Bell

In the movie Frozen, Kristen Bell voiced Anna and sang every note herself, from quirky duets to powerful ballads. Her lively and heartfelt performance added comedic warmth and charm to the film. She reprised her role in Frozen II and continues to perform Anna’s songs at special Disney events.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt

As the co-founder of HitRecord, Joseph Gordon-Levitt demonstrates impressive vocal versatility, performing covers that range from Sinatra to indie genres. His collaborative album, “Move On The Sun,” exemplifies his songwriting and singing skills. Regular live duets highlight his approach to music, where he actively engages his fans.

Elle Fanning

Months of training helped Elle Fanning sing live in Teen Spirit,  where she played the role of a rising pop star. Her haunting cover of Robyn’s “Dancing on My Own” left a lasting impression. She returned to singing in several episodes of The Great.

Toni Collette

Not just a powerhouse actress, Toni Collette released Beautiful Awkward Pictures in 2006 with her band Toni Collette & the Finish. Her raspy, expressive vocals earned praise in Australia’s alt-rock scene. Though focused on acting, she continues to perform at charity events, intimate shows, and select indie music festivals.

Channing Tatum

In Hail, Caesar! (2016), Channing Tatum surprised audiences with the tap-dancing, sailor-singing number “No Dames!” Far from his typical action roles, the performance was a spirited nod to classic Hollywood musicals—full of charm and a clear love for the genre.

Colin Farrell

With unexpected vocal gravitas, Colin Farrell portrayed a successful young country singer in Crazy Heart (2009). His heartfelt performance of “Fallin’ & Flyin'” conveyed deep emotion and authenticity. However, he hasn’t pursued a music career even after the film demonstrated his surprising singing ability.

Maya Hawke

Maya Hawke released her debut album, Blush, in 2020, which contained introspective folk-pop songs marked by her soft voice and poetic lyrics. The album garnered praise for its emotional depth and sincerity. It also revealed a more vulnerable, artistic side of Hawke and broadened her creative identity.

Kate Hudson

A pop-star performance in the film Music placed Kate Hudson in the musical spotlight. From stage scenes to full-blown music videos, her vocals were strong and convincing. Since then, she has teased new songs online, which include her debut single, “Talk About Love,” hinting at future projects outside the screen.

Penn Badgley

In alt-pop band MOTHXR, Penn Badgley takes the lead, delivering a smooth, moody melody on tracks like “Touch.” Their 2016 album Centerfold blended ’80s synth textures with modern style, earning a cult following. Though the band has been quiet, Badgley occasionally shares acoustic sets, keeping their creative spirit alive.