Entertainment

Stars who can sing… and those who should zip it

Yes, Emma Thompson can sing — and she proved it Wednesday night, when she made her New York debut with the New York Philharmonic, no less, in its concert version of Sondheim’s “Sweeney Todd.” The “Saving Mr. Banks” and “Sense and Sensibility” star went up against Met opera powerhouse Bryn Terfel.

But Thompson’s not the only movie star with chops. Here are a few others who can sing — and a few who should stick to lip-syncing.

Those who can

Anna Kendrick

George Clooney’s “Up in the Air” co-star shines in every role she tackles, but she can also rock the mic. And no wonder: Before she hit the big screen, she was one of the youngest Tony nominees ever, earning a nod for 1998’s “High Society” — she was all of 13 at the time. Watch her performance of “When I’m Gone,” from the film “Pitch Perfect,” early and often.

Bonus: Watch her go toe-to-toe with Kristin Chenoweth in a duet from “Wicked.”

Sasha Baron Cohen

Who knew Borat could belt out a note? The zany cut-up has serious pipes, delighting his comedy fans and earning new ones in tuneful turns in “Sweeney Todd” and nailing “Master of the House” in “Les Misérables.”

Kevin Spacey

He can be downright chilling as Frank Underwood in “House of Cards,” but his voice is a lovely, warm baritone. He did a fine job playing Bobby Darin in 2004’s “Beyond the Sea.” Never mind “Mack the Knife” — let’s bring Spacey’s vocals back in town!

Johnny Depp

He’s fascinated us with everything from Edward Scissorhands to Jack Sparrow, but 2007’s movie version of “Sweeney Todd” put America’s favorite oddball in a new light: capable crooner.

Anne Hathaway

In “The Devil Wears Prada,” Hathaway’s character was focused on fashion. But underneath that demure facade lies a smoldering powerhouse of vocal emotion. Her singing at the 2011 Oscars didn’t quite make up for her sluggish co-host, James Franco, but she won the Oscar next year as Fantine in “Les Misérables.”

Those who can’t

The following shouldn’t quit their day jobs.

Russell Crowe

While he made a fierce and formidable Javert in 2012’s “Les Miz,” the former “Gladiator” star’s singing was less French Revolutionary than it was revolting.

Gwyneth Paltrow

She played a washed-up singer in 2010’s “Country Strong” — enough said. Let’s just hope she sticks to straight acting and Goop blogging, no singing.

Pierce Brosnan


He did a mean James Bond — but his killer song and dance number in “Mamma Mia!” might literally weaken your will to live. Stick to guns, Pierce!

William Shatner

He’s conquered outer space — and every Chabad telethon — but we hope he continues to sing in a galaxy far, far away. Hear him slaughter Bob Dylan’s “Mr. Tambourine Man.” Beam us up, Scotty!