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

Many of the songs used in musicals are quite famous, and you often hear them in various places—on TV, in commercials, or as background music in videos.

These pieces often include tracks that pump you up or grand, moving numbers that give you chills, touching not only musical fans but a wide range of people.

In this article, we’ll introduce a whole selection of such musical numbers!

We’ve picked broadly from a variety of shows, so you might find a tune you once heard and wondered about, or a song from one of your favorites.

Take this opportunity to give them another listen!

[2026] Musical Masterpieces: From the Latest Works to Timeless Classics! (101–110)

Dream Girls

DreamgirlsDreamgirls

Dreamgirls is a Broadway musical that depicts the rise of a female group called The Dreams to stardom.

The film adaptation, in which American singer Beyoncé appeared as one of the members, garnered major attention.

The trio’s vocals are absolutely stunning—just listening to them makes you feel truly happy! In Japan, the song also became famous after comedian Naomi Watanabe performed a parody following the film’s release.

This is a must-hear piece that showcases the grandeur and breathtaking power unique to musicals!

& Juliet

…Baby One More Time [Broadway Version]Lorna Courtney

“…Baby One More Time” – & Juliet Original Broadway Cast Recording
...Baby One More Time [Broadway Version]Lorna Courtney

The Broadway musical & Juliet, which sparked buzz as a fresh reinterpretation of Romeo and Juliet, features a number performed by leading actress Lorna Courtney—it’s a Broadway-style arrangement of one of Britney Spears’s signature hits.

Since its October 2022 opening, the show has drawn attention for its innovative staging and music.

American-born Lorna made her professional debut at 15 and has appeared in productions like Dear Evan Hansen and West Side Story.

Her performance in this show earned her a Tony Award nomination and widespread acclaim.

It’s a perfect pick for anyone who wants to enjoy a fusion of pop music and Broadway.

The Sound of Music

Do-Re-Mi Song (Do-Re-Mi)Richard Rodgers

Sound of Music Live- Do-Re-Mi (Act I, Scene 4b)
Do-Re-Mi Song (Do-Re-Mi)Richard Rodgers

This is a gem of a classic that warmly portrays how music opens children’s hearts.

Crafted by American composer Richard Rodgers to make learning the basics of the musical scale fun, the song was born in 1959 as part of the Broadway musical The Sound of Music.

Julie Andrews’s performance in the 1965 film adaptation is etched deeply in the hearts of people around the world.

In the English version, the choice of words aligned with the scale is exquisite, and in Japan, Peggy Hayama’s Japanese version—which aired on NHK’s Minna no Uta in April 1961—has been loved by many for its friendly, accessible lyrics.

It’s a song you can enjoy singing together with family and friends.

Motown

Get Ready DancingMotown the Musical

This is a song that brilliantly reconstructs the quintessential Motown sound as a musical.

It fuses the message of “Get Ready,” which conveys love and allure, with that of “Dancing in the Street,” which brings people around the world together through music and dance.

It was performed in Motown the Musical, which premiered on Broadway in 2013, captivating audiences.

Based on the autobiography of Motown founder Berry Gordy, the work traces the remarkable success of an African American–owned label.

Seamlessly blending elements of soul, funk, and R&B, it reminds us of the universal power of music.

The King and I

Shall We Dance?Yul Brynner, Patricia Morrison

Shall We Dance? Yul Brynner Patricia Morrison 1971
Shall We Dance?Yul Brynner, Patricia Morrison

“The King and I” depicts an exchange sparked by a cultural encounter between the King of Siam and an Englishwoman.

Depending on how you look at it, it can feel condescending toward the East, but as a story set in the 19th century, the king’s tentative yet dignified dancing—never losing his royal bearing—is one of its highlights.