Anna Kendrick's 10 Greatest Musical Moments
In the last three years, Anna Kendrick's career has exploded. Thanks to the little a cappella flick that could, Pitch Perfect, the 29-year-old actress has been the go-to girl for all-things movie musical. And now, she's starring in the most heartbreaking of them all, Richard LaGravenese's The Last Five Years.
In the big screen adaptation of Jason Robert Brown's original production, in theaters and VOD now, Kendrick plays Cathy, a struggling actress whose marriage crumbles amidst the success of her distracted husband's (Jeremy Jordan) novelist career.
If the fact that this film is preceded by Into the Woods and followed by Pitch Perfect 2 is any indication, the actress' singing ability is no fluke. For further proof, here are her 10 greatest musical moments.
"Life Upon the Wicked Stage" (My Favorite Broadway: The Leading Ladies special, 1998)
Kendrick got her start as a fetus, basically, in a Broadway production of High Society, which earned her a Tony nomination at age 12. Here she is, at Carnegie Hall, performing "Life Upon the Wicked Stage" with the Kit Kat Girls of Cabaret around the same time.
"Ladies Who Lunch" (Camp, 2003)
If you want to know what a boss looks like, just check out Kendrick in this cult classic. The actress plays Fritzi, a kicked-around musical theater camper who sabotages and one-ups the Queen Bee she so loyally followed. Karma's a bad bitch.
"No Diggity," (Pitch Perfect, 2012)
Everyone knows the lyrics to Blackstreet's "No Diggity," but no one makes it sound as sexy as she does. Screw the cup, this is AK's most unforgettable performance in the film that unexpectedly made her a mega star.
Watch Anna Kendrick and Brittany Snow discuss Pitch Perfect:
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"Cups (When I'm Gone)" (2013)
OK, so maybe don't screw the cup. It did, after all, earn Kendrick a three-time platinum record and a viral music video that's reached almost 180 million views.
"Anna Kendrick Goes K-Pop with F(x)" (2013)
America's sweetheart can do whatever the hell she wants, even if that means global domination. Korean pop group F(x) takes her under its wing and helps her with all the right moves to win over Asia.
"For Good" feat. Kristin Chenoweth (Trevor Project Live, 2013)
It was a dream come true for Kendrick to sing with Broadway icon Kristin Chenoweth, but it was also a dream come true for us to witness them share the stage. Not only do they duet, but they do it to a song from Wicked, the musical that made Chenoweth a living legend.
"It's Not Where You Start, It's Where You Finish" (Kennedy Center Honors, 2013)
What bigger honor is there than to be able to perform in front of the President for one of Hollywood's most beloved talents? Kendrick nailed a tribute to Shirley Maclaine by singing a song from Maclaine's 1970s Broadway hit Seesaw.
Watch Chenoweth sing "Popular" from Wicked (in German!) with Big Morning Buzz Live host Nick Lachey.
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"Dongs All Over the World" (Saturday Night Live, 2014)
Kendrick went hard on her Saturday Night Live debut with this arousing music video about scoping out penises all over the globe. As you do. She gives Natalie Portman a run for her money by busting out her own rap verse, alongside the show's entire female cast.
"On the Steps of Palace" (Into the Woods, 2014)
Truly, Kendrick is living a fairytale. She impresses here with an original song by Stephen Sondheim for the film adaptation of his famous musical, all while being dressed as Cinderella.
"I Can Do Better Than That" (The Last Five Years, 2015)
The Last Five Years is perhaps the greatest showcase of Kendrick's musical talent, as she sings through the entire production. This is just a taste of what she does in the film, where she stuns with her ability to belt it out through tears, laughter, and frustration.
[Photo Credit: Radius-TWC]