In the hit movie musical The Greatest Showman, Rebecca Ferguson lip-synced the powerful song "Never Enough" while Loren Allred provided the actual vocals.
The Voice Behind Jenny Lind's Performance
Rebecca Ferguson, portraying the acclaimed Swedish opera singer Jenny Lind in The Greatest Showman, delivered a captivating visual performance for "Never Enough." However, the stunning vocals that resonated with audiences worldwide were sung by Loren Allred, a talented singer known for her appearances on The Voice. This common practice in Hollywood allows actors to focus on their dramatic performance, while professional vocalists ensure the musical numbers achieve their intended impact.
The collaboration between Ferguson's acting and Allred's singing created one of the film's most memorable and emotionally charged moments.
Why Vocal Doubles Are Used in Film Musicals
It's a frequent occurrence in film musicals to use vocal doubles, especially when casting well-known actors who may not have extensive musical backgrounds. The Greatest Showman is a prime example, featuring stars like Hugh Jackman, Zendaya, and Rebecca Ferguson, whose primary expertise lies in acting. This approach ensures:
- Optimal Vocal Quality: Professional singers, like Loren Allred, possess the specific training, range, and vocal power required for demanding musical numbers.
- Actor Focus: Actors can concentrate fully on their character's emotional arc, choreography, and on-screen presence without the added pressure of live vocal performance during filming.
- Production Efficiency: It streamlines the filmmaking process, as vocal tracks can be recorded and perfected separately from the visual performance.
Key Details:
To clarify the roles in the creation of "Never Enough":
Role | Person | Contribution |
---|---|---|
On-screen Actor | Rebecca Ferguson | Lip-synced the song as Jenny Lind |
Actual Vocalist | Loren Allred | Sang the lead vocals for the track |
Character Portrayed | Jenny Lind | The "Swedish Nightingale" in The Greatest Showman |
This strategic choice allowed The Greatest Showman to leverage the star power of its cast while delivering exceptionally high-quality musical performances, making "Never Enough" a standout track from the movie's soundtrack.