BTS member Jungkook is receiving high praise for his live vocals after Broadway legend and Tony Award winner Lea Salonga named him one of the singers she pays the most attention to during performances.
During a recent podcast appearance, Salonga spoke about Jungkook’s vocal ability and described him as “one of the GOAT vocalists in the industry.”
The acclaimed musical theater actress also shared comments she had heard from music professionals who have worked with Jungkook. According to Salonga, one music director was particularly impressed by his pitch and consistency, saying he performs “as if he swallowed a CD” because of how closely his live vocals match studio recordings.
Jungkook’s performance on BTS’s Like Animals, a track from the group’s 10th full-length album ARIRANG, was also highlighted as an example of his vocal ability. He handles the opening section of the song, which has become part of the setlist for BTS’s ARIRANG World Tour.
Billboard also recently included the Like Animals performance among its standout moments from BTS’s MetLife Stadium concert. The publication praised Jungkook for showing how carefully he has developed his voice as an instrument.
His live singing has continued to attract attention throughout the tour, including an improvised vocal moment during Body to Body that incorporated the melody of the traditional Korean folk song Arirang.
Jungkook also drew attention during the 2026 FIFA World Cup final halftime show in New Jersey, where he reportedly opened Dynamite with little instrumental introduction.
With praise now coming from an established Broadway performer like Lea Salonga, Jungkook is once again receiving recognition for the vocal control and consistency he brings to live performances.
