[2026] Iconic musical numbers: from the latest releases to timeless classics!

This Is MeKeala Settle

This Is Me

A song from the musical film The Greatest Showman, produced in the United States in 2017 and released in Japan in 2018.

The show created by the protagonist, P.T.

Barnum, is made up of people with unique, one-of-a-kind qualities.

Though they were sometimes hurt because of their individuality, this song declares with conviction: This is me! You’re sure to be moved by the powerful vocals.

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Rose’s TurnJule Styne／Stephen Sondheim.

Rose’s Turn-Gypsy-Ethel Merman

The climactic showstopper of the musical Gypsy is a masterpiece where profound lyrics and a deeply emotional melody blend to perfection.

Created by two of 20th-century America’s foremost talents, Jule Styne and Stephen Sondheim, this moving number has continued to stir audiences’ hearts since its 1959 Broadway premiere.

The song is a soliloquy in which the protagonist, Rose, reexamines her life and desires, and it is renowned as a quintessential “11 o’clock number” in musical theater history.

From Ethel Merman to Bette Midler, and with Audra McDonald set to take on the role in December 2024, many powerhouse actresses have shone in this iconic scene.

It is highly recommended for anyone who wants to empathize with a heart wavering between dreams and reality, or to experience the profound depth of musical theater.

Tell Me, ErnestJulia Mattison／Noel Carey

Death Becomes Her: “Tell Me, Ernest” Sneak Peek

Here’s the buzzy new work lighting up the lavish world of Broadway musicals: Death Becomes Her by Julia Mattison and Noel Carey.

Its songs capture the love-triangle drama at the heart of the show with humor and bite, blending catchy melodies with clever lyrical interplay.

Themes of vanity and the obsession with eternal youth prompt audiences to reflect.

Opening at Broadway’s Lunt-Fontanne Theatre in November 2024, the production has sparked major buzz on social media platforms like TikTok and has been nominated for multiple awards, including the 2025 Drama League Awards.

It’s a must-hear for anyone who loves witty music and dark comedy—and for fans of the film, too.

Seasons of LoveCast Of Rent

Seasons of Love (From the Motion Picture RENT)

This song was used in the Broadway musical Rent, which is based on Puccini’s opera La Bohème.

The musical tells the story of young people facing various problems, such as being unable to pay the rent.

In the film version, it is used as the opening.

The theme of the song is “one year,” and it reminds us of the magnitude and importance of what can happen over the course of a year.

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Beat ItMichael Jackson

‘MJ the Musical’ Cast Performs ‘Beat It’

A signature song by Michael Jackson that carries a social message to show strength without resorting to violence.

It was released in November 1982 and later included on the landmark album Thriller.

Eddie Van Halen’s guitar solo is unforgettable, too.

In 2021, it was performed at the opening of the Michael Jackson musical, cementing its status as an important track that explores Michael’s music and life.

It’s a recommended song when you want to blow off stress or boost your confidence.

Ol’ Man RiverJerome Kern／Oscar Hammerstein II,

Ol’ Man River

From the 1927 musical Show Boat by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II—who produced numerous masterpieces that have gone down in American music history—we present a moving song.

Set against the timeless flow of the Mississippi River and told from the perspective of Black laborers, this piece is a weighty ballad steeped in elements of spirituals and the blues.

Its pentatonic melody unfolds at a leisurely tempo, symbolically expressing life’s hardships and hopes.

Premiering in December 1927 at New York’s Ziegfeld Theatre, the work was later adapted into films in 1936 and 1951; in particular, Paul Robeson’s deep bass rendition captured the hearts of many.

It is a classic that ranked 24th on the American Film Institute’s list of the 100 Greatest Songs in American Movies.

JacksonvilleSufjan Stevens

“Jacksonville” – The Broadway Company of “ILLINOISE” (LIVE on The Late Show)

This is a gem of a track born from a concept album themed around the state of Illinois, brilliantly fusing elements of indie folk and chamber pop.

Sufjan Stevens’s banjo and horn section weave a distinctive soundscape, unfolding a profound worldview where American history intertwines with religious themes.

Featured on the album Illinois, released in July 2005, the song was also included in the Broadway musical Illinoise, which premiered in 2023.

The musical won the Tony Award for Best Choreography in 2024, bringing renewed attention to the piece.

With its moving melodies and sophisticated arrangements, this track is recommended for those who wish to reflect on America’s landscapes and history, and for anyone seeking a delicate yet grand musical experience.