In Honor of Mamma Mia!'s Closing: Ranking YouTube's Best 14 "The Winner Takes It All" Performances

Last updated April 10th, 2015 by BroadwayBox Staff
In Honor of Mamma Mia!'s Closing: Ranking YouTube's Best 14…

Broadway is preparing to say farewell to the global hit musical Mamma Mia! The eighth longest-running show in B'way history will play its final performance at the Broadhurst Theatre on September 5, 2015, and in honor of Mamma Mia!'s historic 14 years on the Great White Way, we are ranking YouTube's 14 best performances of the big Act II song "The Winner Takes It All" (Not including ABBA's, obvi).

14. Yes, I did a search for “‘Winner Takes It All’ Drag Queen” because this anthem screams drag showstopper and here’s RuPaul’s Drag Race star Alaska serving you a couture Donna.


13. This song sounds so rich in the voice of Broadway and West End star Michael Ball.


12. Susan Boyle brings a lot of emotion to this. There’s definitely some pain there. Susan Boyle as Broadway’s closing Rosie? West End Rosie? That voice on “Take a Chance On Me”? I’m in.


11. The movie version is such a mixed blessing: You get Meryl F#%king Streep’s acting chops on this song but then you get Meryl’s big belt. That being said, she’s really werq-ing that scarf though—it deserves second billing.


10. From super emotional to high camp, Mamma Mia! vet Frankie J. Grande serenades his Big Brother castmate Zach with the song at 54 Below.


9. Lisa Brescia tears into this song as only a former Elphaba can.


8. Who knew this song could be so sexy?! My gosh, Il Divo . Where’s Meryl’s scarf when ya need it? Also, that final minute… trust.


7. Next up is John Barrowman, who really soars from 2:40 to the end.


6. Damn, Tina Arena has pipes! I want to own this version. #TinaComeToBroadway.


5. Current Donna, Judy McLane acts the absolute hell out of this song. It’s really quite something to experience.


4. You know the words; it’s fine that this is not in English because it’s Wicked fave Willemijn Verkaik. Why didn’t all former Elphabas become Donnas?! Let’s keep it going and just filter Elphies in.


3. Living!! Beth Leavel is living her best life, and every time she raises her hand, I raise mine in praise.


2. Pardon the bootleg y’all but how else could we do proper justice to Broadway’s original Donna, Louise Pitre? This performance is so honest.


1. Carolee Carmello takes it aaaaaalllll.


Hurry over to the Broadhurst Theatre to see the legendary musical 'Mamma Mia!' before the dancing queen hangs up her heels on September 5.