They Can Sing, But Can They Act? 10 Musical Artists Who Are Actually Good Actors

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Ignacio Weil

Entertainment - September 12th 2025, 17:00 GMT+2

Lady Gaga House of Gucci — Lady Gaga

Is there such a thing as being too theatrical? Probably not – just ask Lady Gaga, who turned her flair for drama into award-worthy acting. *A Star Is Born* wasn’t just a film, it was a cultural moment, and her performance proved she could carry a movie without hiding behind wild costumes or outrageous stunts. Critics praised her raw vulnerability, and her Golden Globe win for *American Horror Story: Hotel* only cemented her credibility as more than just a pop phenomenon. Then came *House of Gucci*, where she chewed through every scene with ferocity, making Patrizia Reggiani unforgettable. Gaga even poked fun at herself for being “terrible at auditions” back in the day, which makes her Hollywood success feel even sweeter. For someone who once thought acting wasn’t in the cards, she’s now one of the most talked-about crossover talents of her generation. | © Scott Free Productions

Ariana Grande Wicked — Ariana Grande

When *Wicked* hit theaters months ago, Ariana Grande silenced doubters who thought she’d just float by on charisma. Her Glinda wasn’t simply glitter and hair flips – she brought timing, humor, and an unexpected warmth to a role that could have easily slipped into caricature. Critics noted how she balanced her signature sparkle with genuine sincerity, giving the character more heart than many expected. Fans loved watching her banter and belt out Broadway-sized notes with effortless ease, proving she could hold her own next to seasoned performers. Ariana showed that she’s not just a pop diva dabbling in acting – she’s someone with real screen presence. The release may have been months ago, but her performance is still being talked about for all the right reasons. | © Marc Platt Productions

SZA one of them days — SZA

SZA surprised absolutely everyone by making her acting debut feel like a finely timed punchline – in the best way. In *One of Them Days*, her chemistry with Keke Palmer crackled so hard it practically burned the screen. Reviewers couldn’t get over how natural she was, like she’d been acting all along and just forgot to mention it. There was no stiffness, no “pop star trying too hard” vibe – just a cool, grounded performance that made you root for her. She’s admitted the experience gave her new confidence, and it shows. If this debut is just the start, it’s safe to say SZA has a whole second career waiting for her. She’s not acting like a natural – she is one. | © ColorCreative

Sabrina carpenter in tall girl 2 — Sabrina Carpenter

Yes, Sabrina Carpenter has graced some questionable projects (*Tall Girl*, anyone?), but here’s where it gets interesting: even in clunky movies, her talent still shines through. She first made her mark as a kid actor, and over the years she’s built up a knack for balancing charm with a spark of emotional depth. Her performance in *Emergency* turned heads for being genuinely nuanced, proving she can step beyond bubblegum roles when the script allows it. The truth is, Sabrina’s still waiting for that perfect project to showcase her full range. But if her recent work is anything to go by, the potential is undeniable. Terrible movie or not, she’s always the one worth watching. | © Netflix

Cropped Miley Cyrus — Miley Cyrus

Miley Cyrus is a live wire, which makes her music unforgettable but has made her acting career a mixed bag. Some of her movie choices, like *The Last Song*, were panned by critics for being overdone or stiff – but even then, she’s hard to look away from. Miley attacks roles with the same fearless energy she brings to the stage, and that commitment keeps her interesting even when the material doesn’t help her out. She may never be the queen of subtlety, but subtlety was never really her brand anyway. Give her the right part, and she can blend her natural charisma with surprising emotional weight. When she clicks with a role, you see exactly why she belongs on screen as much as on stage. | © Netflix

Cropped rina sawayama john wick — Rina Sawayama

Some performers just radiate “screen presence,” and Rina Sawayama is one of them. In *John Wick: Chapter 4*, she didn’t just throw punches – she brought attitude, charm, and enough subtle emotion to make you care about her character. It’s easy to imagine her swapping stage lights for camera lights without missing a beat. Her transition from pop powerhouse to on-screen badass feels effortless, like she was always meant to be in action-packed blockbusters. There’s a quiet confidence in her performance that’s rare, and it makes you excited to see what kind of roles she’ll tackle next. Rina proves that musical talent can absolutely translate to acting chops. | © Summit Entertainment

Cropped Troye Sivan in Boy Eraased — Troye Sivan

There’s something quietly captivating about Troye Sivan’s acting. In roles ranging from *Boy Erased* to voice work in *Trolls Band Together*, he inhabits his characters without calling attention to himself. Vulnerability and subtlety are his superpowers, letting the audience connect with him instantly. He never overplays, which makes his emotional moments hit harder. Even in smaller parts, he leaves a lasting impression, hinting at a depth not immediately obvious to casual viewers. Watching him evolve from a child actor in *X-Men Origins: Wolverine* to a fully confident screen presence is genuinely satisfying. Troye’s performances are proof that understated can be just as compelling as flamboyant. | © Blue-Tongue Films

Cher Moonstruck — Cher

It’s impossible to talk about legendary performers without thinking of Cher, who somehow makes every role feel larger than life. Whether delivering screwball comedy in *Moonstruck* or embracing supernatural mischief in *The Witches of Eastwick*, her timing is impeccable. What’s impressive isn’t just her charisma – it’s the skill behind it. Cher takes risks other actors shy away from, and she sells every eccentricity with perfect poise. Decades into her career, she still surprises audiences, blending star power and craft in a way that few can replicate. Watching her act is like watching a masterclass in confidence, timing, and sheer presence. | © Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

Cropped The Curse of Bridge Hollow Kelly Rowland — Kelly Rowland

There’s a reason Kelly Rowland never fades from your screen, even in uneven projects. Her natural charm makes horror-comedies like *Freddy vs. Jason* or family-friendly fare like *The Curse of Bridge Hollow* feel effortless. She can be playful, serious, or flirty without losing credibility, which is a rare mix for someone crossing over from music. Even when scripts aren’t perfect, Kelly’s presence elevates the material, proving that some actors can shine regardless of the movie’s quality. Watching her work, it’s clear she’s comfortable experimenting with tone and genre – a skill that keeps her performances fresh. | © Ugly Baby Productions

Cropped jared leto dallas buyers club — Jared Leto

Commitment is an understatement when describing Jared Leto’s approach to acting. He doesn’t tiptoe into roles – he dives in headfirst, whether it’s unsettling audiences as the Joker or transforming completely for *House of Gucci*. Sometimes his intensity can feel over-the-top, but that’s exactly what makes it compelling. Leto’s willingness to go all-in, eccentricities and all, ensures his performances are unforgettable. Love him or hate him, he commands attention, proving that a rock star can be a serious, sometimes audacious, actor. Watching him is an exercise in fascination – you can’t look away, even if you want to. | © Voltage Pictures

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It’s one thing to dominate the charts or fill stadiums with your voice, but acting? That’s a whole different ball game. Some singers and musicians have made the leap from stage to screen with surprising success, showing a talent that might make you forget they’re primarily known for their music. Others, however, have been stuck in movies that don’t do them justice – roles that fail to highlight their potential and make you wish for better material. In this article, we’re celebrating the ten musical artists who have proven they can act, whether they’ve nailed it in acclaimed films or simply shown flashes of unexpected brilliance.