Stage to Screen is a huge pipeline in the industry. In recent years, many talented singers have successfully ventured into acting, proving that their artistry extends far beyond music. From Beyoncé’s iconic roles in “Dreamgirls” and “The Lion King” to Lady Gaga’s Oscar-winning performance in “A Star Is Born”, these multi-hyphenates, including SZA, have captivated audiences with their ability to bring emotional depth to both music and film.
This weekend, in honor of SZA, the Grammy-winning R&B sensation known for hits like Good Days and Kill Bill, we see yet another artist stepping into the world of cinema. SZA makes her on-screen debut in “One of Them Days”, alongside Keke Palmer.
SZA, a talented singer, is making her on-screen debut in “One of Them Days”, alongside Keke Palmer, further showcasing her versatility as a singer and actress.
1. SZA
SZA, a gifted singer, is making a standout debut in “One of Them Days“, and early reviews are already praising her performance. The Grammy-winning singer brings a fresh, natural presence to the screen, showing impressive range in her acting. The film, which also stars Keke Palmer, is generating significant buzz and is set to perform well at the box office this weekend. With SZA’s captivating debut and a compelling storyline, One of Them Days is quickly becoming a must-see in theaters.
As a singer, Cher made a remarkable transition from music to acting, earning widespread acclaim for her performances.
As a singer, Jennifer Lopez seamlessly transitioned into acting, quickly establishing herself as a Hollywood powerhouse.
2. Cher
Cher made a remarkable transition from music to acting, earning widespread acclaim for her performances. After decades of chart-topping hits, she stunned audiences with her Oscar-winning role in “Moonstruck” (1987), showcasing her acting range and charm. Cher’s success continued with roles in films like “The Witches of Eastwick” (1987) and “Burlesque” (2010), solidifying her as one of the few artists to excel in both music and film. Her acting career proved that her talent went far beyond singing, earning her critical praise and a lasting place in Hollywood history.
Now, as a talented singer, she’s back with her latest project, “Unstoppable”, streaming on Prime Video this weekend.
2. Jennifer Lopez
As a singer, Lady Gaga’s foray into acting has been a noteworthy extension of her artistry.
Jennifer Lopez, a well-known singer, seamlessly transitioned from a successful singing career to acting, quickly establishing herself as a Hollywood powerhouse. Her breakthrough role in “Selena” (1997) earned her widespread acclaim, and she went on to star in hit films like “Out of Sight” (1998) and “Maid in Manhattan” (2002), showcasing both her dramatic and comedic chops. J.Lo took the media world by storm with “Hustlers” in 2019 which she was heavily predicted for an Oscar nomination for and then was snubbed.
Yet, J.Lo’s ability to captivate both on stage and on screen has made her one of the most versatile stars in entertainment. Now, she’s back with her latest project, “Unstoppable”, streaming on Prime Video this weekend. The film is already generating buzz for Lopez’s compelling performance, adding another triumph to her impressive acting career.
As a singer, Lauryn Hill made a memorable leap from music to acting with her breakout role in “Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit” (1993).
3. Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga, a talented singer, has had a noteworthy foray into acting, with her performance in “A Star Is Born” (2018) earning her critical acclaim and an Oscar nomination for Best Actress.
As a singer, Vanessa Williams made a successful transition from singing to acting, establishing herself as a versatile talent in both fields.
4. Lauryn Hill
Lauryn Hill made a memorable leap from music to acting with her breakout role in “Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit” (1993), where she starred alongside Whoopi Goldberg. Though her primary focus remained on music, particularly her groundbreaking album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, her performance in the film showcased her natural charisma and acting talent. Hill’s portrayal of a troubled, yet talented student in the choir earned her praise, and though she hasn’t pursued acting extensively, her performance remains a standout moment in her diverse career. Her ability to shine in both music and film cemented her as a multifaceted artist with undeniable talent.
As a singer, Mandy Moore successfully transitioned into a respected actress with her breakthrough role in “This Is Us” (2016–2022).
5. Beyonce
Beyoncé’s transition from music to acting was marked by standout performances that showcased her versatility as a singer. Her big-screen debut in “Austin Powers in ‘Goldmember'” (2002) earned her attention, but it was her starring role in “Dreamgirls” (2006) that truly solidified her acting chops.
6. Vanessa Williams
Vanessa Williams made a successful transition from singing to acting, establishing herself as a versatile talent in both fields. After breaking out with her Grammy-nominated music career, she starred in the hit TV series “Ugly Betty” (2006–2010), where her portrayal of the glamorous yet villainous Wilhelmina Slater earned her widespread acclaim and multiple award nominations. Her acting success continued with roles in films like “Eraser” (1996) and “Soul Food” (1997), showcasing her ability to tackle both drama and comedy. With her dynamic performances and striking presence, Williams became one of the few artists to seamlessly navigate both the music and acting worlds with lasting success.
As a talented singer, Madonna made a bold transition from music to acting, capitalizing on her fame to take on a variety of roles in film.
7. Mandy Moore
As a singer, Kelly Rowland made a successful shift from music to acting, building on her fame as a member of Destiny’s Child.
Mandy Moore successfully transitioned from a pop singer to a respected actress, with her breakthrough role in “This Is Us” (2016–2022) earning her widespread acclaim. While she initially rose to fame with hits like Candy and I Wanna Be with You, it was her portrayal of Rebecca Pearson on “This Is Us” that truly showcased her acting range. Moore’s heartfelt performance as a mother navigating life’s challenges earned her Golden Globe and Emmy nominations, solidifying her as a force in television. Her ability to balance her music career with acting has made her one of the most versatile stars of her generation, with This Is Us serving as the pinnacle of her acting success.
8. Bette Milder
Diana Ross, an iconic singer, made a seamless transition from singing to acting, bringing her stage presence to the big screen.
Bette Midler’s transition from singing to acting was a natural evolution of her immense talent, showcasing her ability as a singer.
Brandy Norwood, a talented singer, successfully transitioned from singing to acting, first gaining fame as a teenage R&B star.
9. Madonna
Madonna made a bold transition from music to acting, capitalizing on her fame as the Queen of Pop to take on a variety of roles in film. Her most notable performances include “Desperately Seeking Susan” (1985), where she earned praise for her quirky, charismatic portrayal of an eccentric woman, and “Evita” (1996), which earned her a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy. While not all of her films were critical successes, Madonna’s acting career showcased her ability to take on diverse roles, from dramatic to comedic, and solidified her as one of the most multifaceted artists in entertainment.
Mary J. Blige, a celebrated singer, made a successful transition from music to acting, building on her reputation as the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul.
10. Kelly Rowland
Kelly Rowland made a successful shift from music to acting, building on her fame as a member of Destiny’s Child. She appeared in several television series and films, including “Freddy vs. Jason” (2003), where she earned praise for her performance in the slasher genre, and The Seat Filler (2004), a romantic comedy. Rowland also made notable appearances in TV shows like “Empire and American Dreams”. While her primary focus has remained on her music career, her acting roles have shown her versatility and ability to balance both her singing and acting pursuits, earning her recognition as a talented multi-hyphenate.
11. Diana Ross
Diana Ross made a seamless transition from singing to acting, bringing her iconic stage presence to the big screen. Her most famous role came in “Lady Sings the Blues” (1972), where she portrayed legendary jazz singer Billie Holiday, earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. Ross continued to explore acting with films like “Mahogany” (1975) and “The Wiz” (1978), showcasing her ability to command both dramatic and musical roles. While her primary career remained focused on music, Ross’s acting achievements further solidified her status as one of the most influential entertainers of her era.
12. Brandy Norwood
Brandy Norwood successfully transitioned from singing to acting, first gaining fame as a teenage R&B star with hits like The Boy Is Mine. She became a household name with her starring role in the hit TV sitcom Moesha (1996–2001), where she played a smart and relatable high schooler, earning praise for her acting skills. Brandy further expanded her acting career with roles in movies like “Cinderella” (1997), where she became the first African American actress to portray the beloved princess, and “I Still Know What You Did Last Summer” (1998). Her ability to balance music and acting has made Brandy a versatile artist, with both her singing and acting careers continuing to thrive.
13. Mary J. Blige
Mary J. Blige made a successful transition from music to acting, building on her reputation as the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul. She earned critical acclaim for her powerful performances in films like “Mudbound” (2017), for which she received both Golden Globe and Academy Award nominations for Best Supporting Actress. Blige also appeared in TV series like “Power” and “The Umbrella Academy”, showcasing her range in both dramatic and action roles. While her music career remains her core, Blige’s acting achievements have proven her to be a versatile and respected presence in Hollywood, earning her recognition as a multi-talented artist.
From SZA’s exciting debut in “One of Them Days” to legends like Diana Ross and Madonna making their mark in Hollywood, singers-turned-actresses have proven time and again that their talents know no bounds. These multi-hyphenates, including talented singers, continue to break new ground, blending their musical and acting careers with incredible success.
Whether in critically acclaimed films or fan-favorite TV shows, these talented singers have shown that the world of entertainment is big enough for all of their creative endeavors.
