Loren Allred, the powerhouse vocalist, lent her extraordinary singing voice to the character of the Bearded Lady in The Greatest Showman, although actress Keala Settle brilliantly portrayed the role on screen. Allred’s uncredited vocals became the film’s emotional cornerstone, especially in the anthem “This Is Me.”
The Voice Behind the Visage: Loren Allred and the Bearded Lady
The Greatest Showman, a musical spectacle loosely based on the life of P.T. Barnum, captivated audiences worldwide with its vibrant characters and uplifting message. Among them, the Bearded Lady, with her powerful voice and poignant story, stood out as a symbol of embracing individuality and overcoming adversity. But while actress Keala Settle embodied the character visually, it was the breathtaking vocals of Loren Allred that gave the Bearded Lady her unforgettable voice.
Allred, a seasoned vocalist with a background in The Voice, was brought on board to provide the singing voice for Settle’s character. While Settle lip-synced the songs perfectly, it was Allred’s deeply emotive voice that resonated with viewers and propelled “This Is Me” to become an international phenomenon. This decision to use a separate vocalist highlights the complex nature of performance and the collaborative effort that goes into creating a believable and impactful character on screen. Allred’s contribution cannot be overstated; she provided the emotional backbone of the character and helped transform the Bearded Lady from a stage curiosity into a powerful symbol of self-acceptance.
Keala Settle: The Face of Empowerment
Keala Settle deserves immense credit for her portrayal of the Bearded Lady. Her performance wasn’t merely lip-syncing; it was a masterful act of embodying the character’s inner turmoil and eventual triumph. Settle’s physical presence, her acting choices, and her connection to the music elevated the character beyond a simple sideshow act. She brought humanity, vulnerability, and ultimately, strength to the role, making the Bearded Lady a truly memorable and inspirational figure. Settle embraced the character’s journey from insecurity and isolation to confidence and acceptance, becoming a beacon of hope for those who felt marginalized or different.
The synergy between Allred’s vocal performance and Settle’s physical portrayal created a truly unique and powerful character. While Allred provided the sonic landscape of the Bearded Lady’s emotional journey, Settle gave that journey a face, a body, and a story that resonated with audiences worldwide. Their collaboration is a testament to the power of collaborative artistry in bringing a character to life.
The Impact of “This Is Me”
“This Is Me,” the anthem sung by the Bearded Lady, became a worldwide phenomenon, resonating with people from all walks of life. The song’s message of self-acceptance and embracing individuality struck a chord, inspiring countless individuals to celebrate their differences and stand tall in the face of adversity. Allred’s powerful vocals, combined with the song’s uplifting lyrics, created a truly transformative experience for listeners.
The song’s impact extended far beyond the film itself, becoming an anthem for social justice movements and inspiring countless covers and interpretations. The Bearded Lady, through Allred’s voice and Settle’s portrayal, became a symbol of empowerment and a reminder that everyone deserves to be seen and accepted for who they are.
FAQs: Unveiling the Details
Who sang all the songs in The Greatest Showman?
Not all actors sang their own songs in The Greatest Showman. Several characters, including the Bearded Lady, had their singing voices provided by other vocalists. Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron, and Michelle Williams did sing their own parts.
Why didn’t Keala Settle sing her own songs?
The decision to use Loren Allred for the Bearded Lady’s vocals was a creative choice made by the film’s producers. While Keala Settle is a talented singer, Allred’s voice was deemed to be the perfect fit for the character’s specific sound and emotional arc. It’s common practice in musical films to sometimes use professional vocalists for certain roles.
What has Loren Allred done since The Greatest Showman?
Since The Greatest Showman, Loren Allred has continued to pursue her music career, releasing original music, performing live, and appearing on television shows such as Britain’s Got Talent, where she received a Golden Buzzer and ultimately placed in the top 10. She has solidified her position as a sought-after vocalist and continues to inspire audiences with her powerful voice.
Did Keala Settle get any singing training for the role?
While Keala Settle didn’t ultimately sing the songs in the film, she did undergo vocal training to prepare for the role and to accurately lip-sync the songs during filming. This training helped her to embody the character’s emotional state and to deliver a convincing performance.
Where can I hear Loren Allred’s other music?
Loren Allred’s music is available on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube. You can also find information about her upcoming performances and releases on her official website.
Was Loren Allred credited in the movie?
While Loren Allred’s vocals were a crucial part of the Bearded Lady’s character, she was not credited on screen for her performance. This lack of credit sparked some controversy, with many advocating for greater recognition for voice actors in musical films. Despite the lack of formal credit in the film, her role has since become widely known.
What is the message of “This Is Me” and why is it so popular?
“This Is Me” is a powerful anthem about self-acceptance, embracing individuality, and standing up for who you are. Its popularity stems from its universal message of hope and resilience, resonating with individuals who have felt marginalized, different, or misunderstood. The song encourages listeners to celebrate their unique qualities and to find strength in their vulnerability.
Are there other examples of actors lip-syncing in musical films?
Yes, there are many examples of actors lip-syncing in musical films. This practice is often employed for various reasons, including vocal range limitations, specific vocal qualities desired, or simply logistical constraints during filming.
What were the challenges of portraying the Bearded Lady?
Both Keala Settle and Loren Allred faced unique challenges in portraying the Bearded Lady. Settle had to embody the character’s physical and emotional journey while accurately lip-syncing the songs. Allred had to convey the character’s inner turmoil and eventual triumph through her voice, ensuring that her performance resonated with audiences on an emotional level.
How did the success of The Greatest Showman impact Keala Settle’s career?
The success of The Greatest Showman significantly boosted Keala Settle’s career, bringing her international recognition and opening doors to new opportunities in film, television, and theater. She became a sought-after performer and continued to advocate for inclusivity and representation in the entertainment industry.
What kind of beard did Keala Settle wear?
The beard worn by Keala Settle in The Greatest Showman was a meticulously crafted prosthetic beard that was designed to look realistic and complement her features. The makeup and hair team spent hours creating and applying the beard for each day of filming.
Could Keala Settle have sung the part herself?
Keala Settle is indeed a talented singer and has proven her vocal prowess in various stage productions, most notably in the Broadway hit, Waitress. While she possesses the vocal talent, the producers opted for Loren Allred’s voice due to its specific tone and texture which they felt better suited the particular emotional expression they sought for the Bearded Lady character. It was ultimately a creative decision, not a reflection of Settle’s abilities.