Disney‘s Hercules hit touched down in London’s West End. The animated classic is now a reimagined musical directed by Casey Nicholaw and choreographed by both Nicholaw and Tanisha Scott.
Like any great Hercules adaptation, though, a key element are the Muses. Lillias White (Calliope), Cheryl Freeman (Melpomene), LaChanze (Terpsichore), Roz Ryan (Thalia), and Vaneese Thomas (Clio) voiced the original muses, but Disney has been transforming many of their classics into live-action remakes.
During this current run, Candace Furbert (Thalia), Sharlene Hector (Clio), Brianna Ogunbawo (Melpomene), Robyn Rose-Li (Terpsichore), and Malinda Parris (Calliope) are voicing the Muses, and it’s something that that latter described as “living the dream.”
She explained to Reuters, “I think I speak for all of us — we have idolized these women. We have looked at these women and seen ourselves in times when we weren’t really represented. So, being able to be that representation for other young girls … who … want to be The Muses … it’s living the dream.”
So, it was only to piece together who we’d like to see play a Muse in a potential live-action remake. Honorable mentions go out to Tiffany Evans, Fantasia, Cynthia Erivo, Keke Palmer, and Anika Noni Rose, but check out our top choices for The Muses in a future Hercules adaptation.
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Jai’Len Josey
Image Credit: Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty Images If you don’t know, get to know Jai’Len Josey. She got her start on Broadway at age 16 in Spongebob Squarepants the Musical. She’s a vocal powerhouse that’s so underrated. Whether she’s covering Whitney Houston at an awards show or singing about the woes of love, she can write the song, conjure up the melody, and give it the vocals it deserves while riffing into the heavens.
A vocal performance that you need to watch immediately:
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Amber Riley
Image Credit: Robin L Marshall/Getty Images for GLAAD Amber Riley is one of those singers that can do the ABCs or pay tribute to a legend and transform it into her own enchanting rendition. Her chops work well in concert, on Broadway, and even behind a mask— and you better believe the mic is always on. Riley can sang.
If Disney is looking for a new muse, she needs to be the first call.
A vocal performance that you need to watch immediately:
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Jordin Sparks
Image Credit: Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for AVA Resort Jordin Sparks didn’t win American Idol for no reason and her voice has only aged like fine wine. Just last year, she returned to the music scene with her album, No Restrictions. Sparks held nothing back.
Her hypnotizing single, “Call My Name,” delivered in such a way that showed newer fans just why she was co-signed by Whitney Houston.
A vocal performance that you need to watch immediately:
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Asiahn
Image Credit: Casie Wendel Asiahn can go from Minnie Riperton to Brandy and back again— effortlessly. As an independent artist, the soulstress is fighting for her rightful place in the R&B pantheon and is happy to remind folks that just because she’s not mainstream doesn’t mean she shouldn’t be. Her latest album, FREE, is a chilling, soul-stirring display of how fluid her voice is.
Not to mention, as the voice of Karma on Karma’s World, Asiahn was made for Disney.
A vocal performance that you need to watch immediately:
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Halle Bailey
Image Credit: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images Halle Bailey is already a Disney darling. She was an immaculate Ariel in the live action remake of The Little Mermaid and has such a dreamy voice with breathtaking range. Bailey would slay as one of the Greek Muses. This one’s a no-brainer.
A vocal performance that you need to watch immediately:
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Bonus: June’s Diary
Image Credit: Stewart Cook/Variety/Penske Media via Getty Images June’s Diary was formed in 2016 on the BET series, Chasing Destiny, created by Kelly Rowland. At the end of it all, Ashly Williams, Brienna Perry (née Devlugt), Shyann Roberts, Kristal Lyndriette Smith, and Gabrielle “Gabby” Carreiro became June’s Diary.
They had it all: the look, the talent, and harmonies that’d make you swoon. They amassed millions of streams with hit singles, “All Of Us” and “L.A.N.C.E..” The group quietly fell apart after being dropped from their label and Rowland stepping away from their management team. However, those setbacks were just part of their story. Today, Kristal, Ashly, and Shyann are supporting vocalists for Muni Long. Brienna is a doting wife and mom while Gabby was last seen part of the Sunday Service Collective.
Fans have been begging for a reunion and for the industry to take proper notice of them. However, they are the muses— all in one group.
A vocal performance that you need to watch immediately:
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