Chances are, if you're a fan of Broadway, you've heard of Kelli O'Hara. With her glorious voice, subtle acting and generous personality, O'Hara has been one of Broadway's brightest stars for over a decade. But unlike some other Broadway stars like Bernadette Peters, Patti LuPone, or Audra McDonald, O'Hara has gotten very little notice outside the Broadway bubble -- her TV and film credits are not extensive, so there's not much out there for people who aren't fans of musicals (She's just landed a recurring role on the fourth season of Showtime's "Masters of Sex," which premieres on September 11th at 10 p.m., so keep an eye out for that).
But even if you're not a fan of musicals, I dare you to watch these 12 videos and not be blown away by her voice, her acting, her personality, and the emotion and truth she exhibits in everything she does. In fact, I will be shocked if you don't look her up on YouTube and get hooked after reading this. There are worse things that you could be addicted to.
1. "To Build a Home" from "The Bridges of Madison County" by Jason Robert Brown
Not many people can sing a cappella as well as they can sing when they are being accompanied. "To Build A Home" has an incredibly rich orchestral underscoring that is probably immensely helpful to singers. Let me tell you, this is a HARD song! But that's how good Kelli is. She makes it look easy.
2. Ham4Ham 9/2/15
Everybody's heard of Lin-Manuel Miranda's smash hit musical "Hamilton", and most have probably heard about the little shows he and others put on for people waiting to enter the show's ticket lottery. Last September, Miranda brought Kelli out as a guest, and it was perfect. We learned that Kelli can rap, which is just not fair. Come on, Kelli. Stop hogging all the talent. Also, I want someone to look at me like Lin looks at Kelli in this video.
3-4. Side By Side By Susan Blackwell
Susan Blackwell has little regard for personal space or boundaries of any kind (in the best way) and I, for one, am grateful. She hosts a Broadway interview series, and she's had Kelli on twice: once by herself, and once with my other Broadway favorite, Gavin Creel, and the wonderful Beth Leavel. The nickname "Broadway's Little Sweet Potato" comes from this first video, as much as I wish I'd made it up.
5. "Fine" by Adam Gwon
This is a cute little song, made even cuter by the fact that Kelli sings it here with her husband, Greg Naughton. They're the cutest, right?!? (Yes, I did mean to say cute that many times).
6. "One Second and a Million Miles" from "The Bridges of Madison County" by Jason Robert Brown, with Steven Pasquale
Two exquisite singers singing one of the finest songs from one of the best scores ever (IMO)? What's not to like? Also, CHEMISTRY.
7. "We're the Ladies of the Chorus" from "The Merry Widow" by Franz Léhar
One of Kelli's longtime dreams was to sing at the Metropolitan Opera (she got her degree in Opera from Oklahoma City University) and last year, she got her chance, starring alongside opera superstar Renée Fleming, no less. Here she is, fulfilling her dream, playing drunk flawlessly, and singing and dancing her heart out, all at the same time.
8. "What's the Use of Wond'rin'" from "Carousel" by Rodgers and Hammerstein
"Carousel" is one of my favorite musicals, but it's also extremely problematic because of how it deals with domestic abuse (I know, it's a product of its time, but still). Kelli was in a fantastic concert performance of the show in 2013. Here she is, singing one of the most problematic, but also one of the most beautiful songs in the show.
9. "They Don't Let You in the Opera if You're A Country Star"
This gem of a song lets Kelli use her opera training and tip her cowboy hat to her Southern roots, and the result is pure perfection. Also, holy soprano, Batman!
10. "Hello, Young Lovers" from "The King and I" by Rodgers and Hammerstein
Last year, I got to see my first show on Broadway. It was Lincoln Center's stunning production of "The King and I," starring Kelli, and it was life-changing. The entire production was phenomenal, but there's something particularly special about seeing and hearing Kelli O'Hara up close. Here's one of the many songs that turned me into a puddle of feels.
11. Tony Acceptance Speech, 2015
Kelli O'Hara is truly the Leonardo DiCaprio of Broadway. Like him, she's long been a bridesmaid, never the bride when it comes to awards. She went over 10 years and five Tony nominations without a win, and then last year, she finally won for "The King and I." Here's her awesome acceptance speech.
12. "Almost Real" from "The Bridges of Madison County" by Jason Robert Brown
This might be my favorite performance of anything, ever. Seriously, I think I watch this once a week, at least. I'm not even going to say anything else. Just go watch it.
The hardest part about making this list was narrowing it down to only 12 videos. There are countless other clips out there that show Kelli's greatness, and I've fallen down the rabbit hole many, many times. So go and worship at the shrine of Kelli. You won't regret it.