Did Ansel Elgort Do All Of His Own Singing In West Side Story?
When the 2021 Steven Spielberg remake of the classic 1961 musical West Side Story hit theaters on December 10, audiences were eager to hear how the film’s modern stars tackled the iconic score. One of the most frequently asked questions was whether Ansel Elgort performed all of his own singing for the role of Tony. The answer involves a blend of live performance, studio recording, and post‑production enhancements, all overseen by the film’s musical team.
Background on the Spielberg Remake
Directed by Academy Award® winner Steven Spielberg and based on a screenplay by Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award® winner Tony Kushner, the new West Side Story promised a fresh take on Leonard Bernstein’s beloved music. The production assembled a diverse cast, including Rachel Lindsay from “Extra’s,” who was interviewed during a SiriusXM Town Hall event with the cast. Spielberg’s reputation for meticulous musical direction raised expectations that the vocal performances would be authentic yet polished.
Ansel Elgort’s Musical Preparation
Elgort, known primarily for his acting in films such as Baby Driver, had limited professional singing experience before landing the role of Tony. To prepare, he worked with vocal coach Julie Miller for several months, focusing on breath control, diction, and the emotional tone required for the character’s songs. In interviews, Elgort confirmed that he sang live on set for many scenes, especially the intimate moments like “Something’s Coming.”
Studio Recording and Vocal Production
Despite his live performances, the final soundtrack was not composed solely of raw takes. The production team employed a standard Hollywood musical process: Elgort recorded multiple takes of each song in a controlled studio environment, allowing engineers to select the strongest performances. For technically demanding numbers such as “Tonight,” the team layered Elgort’s voice with subtle harmonies and, in a few cases, used pitch‑correction software
