These singers have moves to back up their pipes. Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the best solo male vocalists who can break it down on the dance floor.
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00:00Welcome to Nia's Mojo, and today we're counting down our picks for the best solo
00:10male vocalists who can break it down on the dance floor.
00:1420. Anthony Ramos
00:23After graduating from a performing arts academy, Ramos made a name for himself in
00:27Lin-Manuel Miranda's In The Heights and Hamilton. After building his foundation as
00:33a triple threat, he began releasing his own music in 2017.
00:47As his career took off, the performer's talent was notably on full display in the
00:51blockbuster In The Heights film.
01:03He continued to carry that confidence into his solo music ventures, where he never confines
01:09himself to a genre or style. From a laid-back groove to precise choreography, the singer
01:15can do it all.
01:2019. Orville Peck
01:25You might not guess that the mask-wearing and guitar-playing country singer actually
01:30started out drumming in a punk band and touring with musical theatre productions. The breakout
01:36star is an enigma in more ways than one.
01:47Just like he's always been drawn to westerns, he's always had an affinity for performing.
01:58His dynamic stage presence is a tribute to his years of ballet training, which he shows
02:03off in the Hope To Die music video. With talent like that, we can only hope to see
02:08more dancing from the performer in the future.
02:1518. Jaden Smith
02:21Following in his father's footsteps, Jaden Smith began acting from a very young age.
02:28Not only did his role in the 2010 remake of The Karate Kid put him in the spotlight, but
02:33it also introduced the world to his dancing skills.
02:43He then went from showing off his moves on talk shows to performing alongside Justin
02:49Bieber. When he later decided to transition into the music industry, his love for dance
02:54fit naturally into his performances. Rather than taking on intense choreography, Smith
03:08is more known for his chilled grooves and impressive moonwalk.
03:1717. Lil Nas X
03:22Though he's best known for his online controversies, billboard hits, and Grammy awards, Lil Nas
03:29X is also one of the industry's best performers. While most rappers opt for hand motions and
03:40backup dancers, the singer doesn't hesitate to join in. By mixing in queer dance styles
03:46and pushing the boundaries of gender norms, Nas is redefining rap performance.
04:00Even though he still loves to troll, his talent is undeniable. From pole dancing in heels
04:07to a cheer routine in a miniskirt, it seems like the artist can do it all.
04:1716. Omarion
04:22While most people were introduced to Omarion through B2K, he actually got his start as
04:27a girl group backup dancer. Soon, his talent earned him a spot in a brand new boy band,
04:34and they quickly became a huge success.
04:41The singer was even cast in You Got Served, a memorable early 2000s movie that gave us
04:47so many iconic dance battles.
04:53In 2005, he tested the waters with his own release, and the album earned him a Grammy
05:05nomination. People were captivated by his sultry voice and grooves, and his solo success
05:11rivals his legacy with the group.
05:1715. Ne-Yo
05:23After cutting his teeth in the industry as a songwriter, the singer's debut album shot
05:28him to stardom. Ne-Yo stood out in the music scene with his classy style and signature
05:42fedora. In no time, he became known for his hat tricks and Michael Jackson-esque moves.
05:48Over the years, his hat style may have changed, but he's continued to deliver.
06:02He kept his dance legacy going as a judge on World of Dance, and his newer releases
06:07show off his continued talent. With an unmistakable image, Ne-Yo is one of R&B's most iconic
06:15dancers.
06:2014. Kai
06:27It's no secret that K-pop takes showmanship to the next level, and there's a long list
06:33of idols who are phenomenal dancers. However, Kai stands out from the crowd.
06:46With his unique lyrical approach to choreography, he's known for originating some of the industry's
06:51most recognizable dances. Ever since he was young, he trained in both ballet and jazz,
06:57and he channels that grace and strength into all of his performances. Even beyond his group
07:10EXO, Kai has made a name for himself, and his solo performances are some of his most
07:16iconic.
07:2013. Elvis Presley
07:27Though he wasn't known for his choreographed numbers, Elvis' dance moves were revolutionary.
07:47Reportedly inspired by blues performer Ukulele Ike, the singer became well-known for his
07:53gyrating and leg-shaking style. In the beginning, his signature rubber legs were partly due
07:59to performance nerves, but in no time his rock and roll movements had taken the country
08:05by storm.
08:16Even though he was considered a threat to conservative culture at the time, the younger
08:20generation couldn't get enough. Paving the way for modern performers, the King's signature
08:26dancing is still just as iconic to this day.
08:3612. Taemin
08:41Taemin is such a talented performer that he earned the nickname the idol's idol due to
08:46his influence on the younger K-pop generations. Many have compared his dancing to Michael
08:51Jackson's, and his unique locking style makes every intricacy look effortless. In 2014,
09:07the youngest member of SHINee stunned in his solo debut, and his success as an artist
09:12has only grown since then. He even started a phenomenon called move disease when the
09:24dance to his 2017 single went viral. Though he may not have the biggest international
09:30audience yet, his all-rounder talent speaks for itself.
09:3811. Justin Timberlake The boy band craze of the 90s led to an increase
09:48of men in pop who could both sing and dance. And while NSYNC was well-known for their signature
10:00choreography, Justin Timberlake really came into his own as a soloist. Swapping his boy
10:13band moves for R&B-infused grooves, he became known for his smooth dancing and suave suits.
10:20With a long list of hits under his belt, he notably went on to rock the stage for a second,
10:26controversial time at the Super Bowl halftime show in 2018. Elevating his catchy music with
10:33his performance skills, Timberlake has solidified himself as a standout artist of his generation.
10:4010. Ricky Martin As a young musician with big dreams,
10:51Ricky Martin auditioned three times before he was finally added into the Latin boy band Menudo.
10:58After gaining popularity with the group's international success,
11:02he decided to take on a solo career. He spent a year studying dance and vocals,
11:14working toward his dream of making it. Before long, he set out to make the world dance and
11:20sing in Spanish for FIFA. With the help of his fusion of Latin styles and his infectious stage
11:26presence, he's done just that. He's one of history's highest-selling Latin music artists,
11:37and his talent and charisma haven't faded with age.
11:419. Jason Derulo After attending performing arts
11:51institutions and getting discovered and signed, Derulo's first release became his first number
11:58one hit. Rather than just groove along to his songs, the performer started showing
12:03off difficult footwork and choreography. Riding solo really showed the world his
12:16signature swagger, while Talk Dirty displayed his more sexual side.
12:20He's collaborated with K-pop idols, been a judge on multiple dance shows,
12:30and we can't forget his feline moves in the Cats film. More than just a hit machine,
12:35Derulo's confidence makes him a top-tier performer.
12:398. Justin Bieber Even in the low-quality videos of Bieber
12:53in a local singing contest, his talent is obvious. His online recordings would lead
12:59to him being signed, and from his very first single, Bieber Fever was born. It only made
13:20sense to follow in the steps of his label owner Usher, and the singer began honing his
13:25breakdancing and B-boy style. For his later releases, he leaned into the dance pop genre
13:31and kicked his choreography into high gear. Nowadays, Bieber leaves most of the choreography
13:43to his dancers, but don't worry, he'll still break it down in a live performance.
13:557. Jungkook As a group, all of the BTS members have set
13:59a brand new caliber for dancing artists. Now, they've each found their lanes with unique
14:14solo releases, and Jungkook's high-energy performances have taken the world by storm.
14:20His first official solo single, Seven, hurtled into mainstream success, topping charts and
14:26going viral. His stage presence is unmatched in the modern pop scene, and he grooves through
14:40his choreographies with effortless charm and skill. In Standing Next To You, his showmanship
14:47truly shines, and his collaboration with Usher is one for the books.
14:546. Bobby Brown Bobby Brown's dance resume isn't just impressive,
15:04it's legendary. After getting his start with R&B group New Edition, the
15:16performer shuffled his way into a career of his own. Known as a dance pioneer, he made
15:22waves with the fusion genre New Jack Swing. In 1989, the hit music video for his song
15:29Every Little Step made the Roger Rabbits all the rage. The singer even says that he was
15:42the person who taught the moonwalk to Michael Jackson. In any case, his high-energy movements
15:49are infectious, so it's no wonder Brown is considered such a trendsetter.
15:585. Prince You can't talk about this superstar without
16:06bringing up his incredible dance skills. After training in ballet in Minneapolis, Prince
16:20went on to bend both gender and genre expectations with his unique movement style. Those who
16:26collaborated with him have recalled how hard the singer worked to make his one-of-a-kind
16:32choreography seem easy. Months of rehearsal would go into his performances, and on top
16:45of that, he was often dancing in heels. His love for the ballet world would continue throughout
16:51his career, and his generous contributions to ballet companies are just one part of his
16:57enormous legacy.
17:024. Bruno Mars After growing up in a musical family, his
17:10performances as a young kid earned him the nickname Little Elvis. More than just a singer
17:22and dancer, Mars is a showman, but his years of practice and the influence of the dance
17:28greats are obvious in his movement. He's known for flowing through grooves and hitting his
17:34tricks with ease, and he combines a retro-funk style with modern pop. He's earned praise
17:47for both his smash hits and his incredible performances, and his long list of accolades
17:53is a testament to his success.
17:593. James Brown Known as the Godfather of Soul, James Brown
18:08paved the way for many of the artists on this list. As a kid, he would dance for troops
18:20traveling through his hometown, and his passion for performing never waned. He was always
18:26theatrical and over-the-top, inspired by everything from soul vocalists to wrestlers.
18:39With stunts, split drops, and constant footwork, the story goes that he could sweat off seven
18:45pounds in one go. His legacy includes moves like the boogaloo, the camel walk, and the
18:51mashed potato. Revered as one of the dance greats, his influence on modern hip-hop and
18:57funk can't be understated.
19:012. Usher Though he's known for innovating modern R&B,
19:08Usher's talent is timeless. It's clear he's taken inspiration from Prince's showmanship,
19:23Michael Jackson's smooth moves, and James Brown's ability to work a crowd. His well-studied
19:29stage presence even earned him the honorary title of Godson of Soul from Brown himself.
19:43Pairing skill with pure sexuality, his performances are just as sensual as they are complex. He's
19:57known for his gliding, isolations, and footwork, and his influence raised a generation of pop
20:03and R&B soloists. Even today, with a few decades in the industry under his belt, Usher is still
20:10continuing to put on amazing shows.
20:21Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
20:25Troye Sivan, the pop singer showing off quirky choreography.
20:36Trevor Jackson, from dancing on Disney Channel to R&B music videos.
20:49Jordan Fisher, from Broadway to hip-hop, he can dance anything.
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21:16Number 1, Michael Jackson. Hailed as the king of pop,
21:20Jackson's influence on both dance and pop culture is unrivaled.
21:32A mesmerizing performer with a limitless range, the artist elevated everything he did,
21:38taking us to the next level. Inspired by movie musicals, his storytelling choreography led to
21:44his MTV music videos garnering record-breaking audiences.
21:58On the surface, you may know his popular moves like the moonwalk,
22:02anti-gravity lean, or the robot. However, on a deeper level, he also changed the face of dance,
22:09including merging West Coast street style with East Coast breakdancing. In addition to his long
22:16list of his awards, his legacy is honored as the only singer to be inducted into the Dance Hall of
22:23Fame. Which male singer do you think has the most suave moves? Let us know in the comments.
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