Are the Cast of "Monarch" Really Singing? Here's What We Know
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Fox's "Monarch" is a sweeping Southern musical drama that centers on the Romans, a family who have cemented themselves as country-music legends throughout multiple generations. The family are led by Albie (Trace Adkins) and Dottie Roman (Susan Sarandon), known as the "Texas Truthteller" and the "Queen of Country Music." Together, the powerful duo dominate the country-music genre, but their two daughters, Nicky (Anna Friel) and Gigi Roman (Beth Ditto), are in constant competition to follow in their parents' footsteps and establish their own careers.
As a music-dominated show, "Monarch" features several song performances by the cast, but are the actors really singing? Here are the real voices behind the musical numbers on the series!
Is Susan Sarandon Really Singing on "Monarch"?
Oscar-winning actor Susan Sarandon may not be known for her musical talents, but she does have a history with singing from previous acting roles. Sarandon has highlighted her voice in a handful of movies and TV shows, most notably "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" and "Feud." The star did perform songs herself in "Monarch," though she revealed to ET Canada that she's grateful there are few times she does sing in the show. When asked if viewers would hear her voice while watching, she jokingly said, "Well, a bit, a bit. Luckily not that much. It's mostly the other guys."
Is Trace Adkins Really Singing on "Monarch"?
Country-music legend Trace Adkins has established a decades-long music career since his debut album, "Dreamin' Out Loud," in 1996 and sings all of the songs as his character Albie on "Monarch." Adkins touched on embodying the role of a musician as a musician himself to Fox News, saying, "I think every time I walk up to a microphone and sing a song, I'm portraying whatever the mood or the character is in that song."
Is Beth Ditto Really Singing on "Monarch"?
Singer-songwriter Beth Ditto channeled her Arkansas roots into singing as her character Gigi on "Monarch." The star is most known as the lead singer of the indie rock band Gossip, which debuted in 1999 and stayed together until their split in 2016. While Ditto has experience in the indie genre, she does enjoy country music and even credits "Monarch" for helping expand the genre to listeners everywhere. "But like so many people, all of the country music I've ever loved wouldn't pass for country music right now. So for people like me, 'Monarch' bridges the gap," the singer told USA Today.
Is Anna Friel Really Singing on "Monarch"?
British actor Anna Friel completely embodies Southern charm and cadence as Nicolette "Nicky" Roman on "Monarch." Alongside her acting career, the star also has experience with music and actually sings on the show.
On establishing her voice and performing songs on the show, Friel revealed to The New York Post that her costar Trace Adkins actually helped her along the way. "Being with the wonderful Trace Adkins every day, I found myself asking questions like, 'Do you always feel confident going onstage? Do you ever get nervous, does it depend on how big your audience is? If it's a smaller audience, would that unsettle you?'" she said.