[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!
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[2026] Iconic Musical Numbers: From the Newest Hits to Timeless Classics! (31–40)
There’s No Business Like Show BusinessIRVING BERLIN
When it comes to iconic songs that shine as a towering presence in the world of musicals, there’s a gem crafted by quintessential American composer Irving Berlin! It’s a powerful number that captures both the allure and the hardships of show business, featured in the 1946 Broadway musical Annie Get Your Gun starring Ethel Merman.
The lively melody woven by brass and percussion brilliantly conveys the glamour of the stage and never fails to captivate listeners.
A film of the same name was made in 1954, featuring a star-studded cast including Marilyn Monroe.
Best known in Ethel Merman’s rendition, the song has been covered by numerous artists such as Bing Crosby and Liza Minnelli.
It’s the perfect track for those who dream of show business or want to recharge with a heart-pounding melody!
Good KidRob Rokicki
The song crafted by American composer Rob Rokicki is a number from the Broadway musical The Lightning Thief that portrays the inner feelings of the protagonist, Percy Jackson.
Released in May 2019, it tells the story of a boy who, after attending six different schools in six years, is consumed by loneliness.
Blending pop/rock elements with lyrics that convey the protagonist’s struggles, the piece resonates not only with musical theater fans but with a broad audience.
It has been performed at music events such as 54 Below and holds an important place in Rob Rokicki’s body of work.
It’s a recommended track for anyone who wants to immerse themselves in the world of the musical or is looking for lyrics that truly hit home.
Look downLes Misérables (10th Anniversary)
The globally popular musical Les Misérables (10th Anniversary) is based on Victor Hugo’s novel and has been performed multiple times in Japan.
The song that opens this production is Look Down.
It depicts a scene in which a large group of prisoners sings while hauling in a rope connected to a ship.
Accompanied by the message “Do not meet the inspector’s eyes,” the solemn melody resounds.
It’s a piece memorable for its powerful male chorus set against a weighty orchestration.
Chim Chim Cher-eeDizunī Ōkesutora
If you want to lift your spirits with a cheerful song, I recommend Chim Chim Cher-ee.
It’s the song used in Mary Poppins during the scene where the protagonist’s friend is cleaning chimneys, and you can also hear it at the Disney Resort.
Something many people wonder about is the meaning of the title.
“Chim” comes from “chimney,” and as for the final “cher-ee,” it apparently doesn’t have a particular meaning.
Next time you hear this song, try sharing this little fun fact.
42nd Street42nd Street
A classic Broadway musical storyline: the meteoric rise from the chorus line to the leading role.
The quintessential example is 42nd Street.
After grueling training under the master director Julian, she ascends to stardom, and this is her signature number.
On stage, the tap dancing is guaranteed to get you excited.
[2026] Musical Masterpieces: From the Newest Works to Timeless Classics! (41–50)
Let It GoKristen Anderson-Lopez,Robert Lopez
A song used in Disney’s musical film Frozen.
It’s featured right after Elsa’s magic is revealed to the public and she flees the kingdom.
In the Japanese version, Takako Matsu sang this song.
Since it was often used as background music, many people have likely heard it—and quite a few have probably sung it at karaoke as well.
Friend like meAladin
A fun swing jazz number sung by the Genie from the musical version of Disney’s Aladdin.
Many people may be reminded of Koichi Yamadera’s vocals, who performed the Japanese dub in both the animated and live-action versions.
It’s a key song that energizes the early part of the story, and both Robin Williams and Will Smith have sung it—each version is highly distinctive.
While A Whole New World is also famous when it comes to Aladdin, this song has a different kind of charm.
