Singers Shining in Acting Performances: From the Mic to the Movie Set

Singers Shining in Acting Performances: From the Mic to the Movie Set

Dua Lipa, Harry Styles, and Billie Eilish are some of the artists that have made their acting debuts

Archivado en: Beyoncé  •   Billie Eilish  •   Dua Lipa  •   Eminem  •   Harry Styles  •   Lady Gaga  •   Nicki Minaj  •   Rihanna  •  

It’s pretty common for actors to be good at singing since it’s a skill that can give them an extra edge. On the flip side, it’s somewhat less usual to see singers taking up acting, even though they kind of do it in their music videos. Nonetheless, many singers have shown that they have acting talent and have taken the spotlight not just on stage but also on the big screen and TV. One notable example this year was Dua Lipa, who played a mermaid in the Barbie movie and caused quite a buzz. However, there are more than a few singers who have taken on supporting and even lead roles in acting, including Harry Styles, Billie Eilish, Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, Rihanna, just to mention a few.

Dua Lipa

Dua Lipa as Barbie Mermaid
Warner Bros. Studios / Mattel.

Besides her role in Barbie, Dua Lipa is also set to take the lead in the upcoming movie Argylle, alongside Henry Cavill. This film, produced by Apple TV+ and directed by the English filmmaker Matthew Vaughn, has an impressive cast that includes Sam Rockwell, Bryce Dallas Howard, Bryan Cranston, Catherine O’Hara, and Samuel L. Jackson. 

While we don’t have all the details about her character just yet, the movie will follow a group of spies called Argylle as they embark on exciting adventures around the world. We’ll have to wait and see how she performs in her acting role, but if she’s even half as talented an actress as she is a singer, we can expect great things from her on the big screen! 

Henry Dua
Photo: Vogue/Peter Mountain/Apple TV+.

Billie Eilish

Billie Eilish has always possessed a remarkable artistic talent, evident from her teenage years. In fact, she demonstrated her acting skills in the music video «when the party’s over,» where her raw emotions resonated with all her viewers. Her ability to express profound feelings through her performance and singing, of course was nothing short of captivating.

Not on the big screen, but Billie made her debut as an actress in Prime Video’s series Swarm, where she plays the role of Eva. The series tells the story of a fan who embarks on an obsessive journey to meet her favorite artist.

@thebilliehub Billie as ‘Eva’ in #SWARM part 2 #billieeilish #foryou #fyp #foryoupage #thebilliehub #billieeilishswarm ♬ original sound – thebilliehub

Harry Styles

The super-talented Harry Styles has not only proven his ability to sing and be a true fashion icon simultaneously but has also demonstrated his skill in acting. He made his big-screen debut in Christopher Nolan’s 2017 film about the Second World War, Dunkirk. In 2021, he made an appearance as Eros in ‘Eternals’ and took on more significant roles as a protagonist in two films in 2022: Don’t Worry Darling and My Policeman.

Lady Gaga

The extravagant singer usually leaves us speechless with her performances, and she did exactly the same when she showed that her talent knows no limits in the film A Star is Born, alongside Bradley Cooper. Later, she took on the lead role as Maurizio Gucci’s wife, Patrizia Reggiani, in House of Gucci. Her next significant role will be as Harley Quinn in the upcoming Joker movie, Folie à Deux, which will be a musical. 

Rihanna

Rihanna’s acting roles include Battleship in 2012, Home Sweet Home in 2015, and Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets in 2017. In the movie Ocean’s 8, she had a more significant role as one of the eight thieves, where she takes on the role of the group’s hacker. The cast included Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, Mindy Kaling, Sarah Paulson, and Helena Bonham Carter.

Beyoncé

Beyoncé’s singing and dancing skills were never in doubt, as she’s one of the most talented artists. She didn’t disappoint in her first appearance in the comedy film Austin Powers in Goldmember in 2002, before landing her first significant leading role as Deena Jones in Dreamgirls, (2006) directed by Bill Condon.

Nicki Minaj

Nicki acted in the 2014 movie The Other Woman, with Cameron Diaz, Kate Upton and Leslie Mann, where she actually did a really good job.  

@icyoniqa @nickiminaj chile bring you‘re own movie out 🔥 |#nickiminaj #onikatanyamaraj #onikatanyamarajpetty #barbz #viralvideo #actingskills #fyfyfyfyfy #fyp ♬ Originalton – ONIKA TANYA MARAJ

Cardi B

The renowned rapper has made appearances in several Hollywood films, including Fast and Furious alongside Vin Diesel and Hustlers alongside Jennifer Lopez and singer Lizzo. In fact, J.Lo encountered difficulties while learning pole dancing for the film, so she reached out to Cardi to join the cast and share her expertise in the art.

Fergie

The former member of The Black Eyed Peas, lent her voice to several animated films, including Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (2008) and Marmaduke (2010). She also voiced Sally Brown in It’s Flashbeagle, Charlie Brown (1984) and Snoopy’s Getting Married, Charlie Brown (1985). Additionally, she made appearances in movies such as the 2007 film Grindhouse and had a role where she both acted and sang in the 2009 movie Nine.