Mamma Mia!, boasting 22 songs from the ABBA catalog (with a lyric assist from Stig Anderson on some tunes) the musical landed at the Winter Garden Theatre from the West End on October 5, 2001.
The rocking musical ran for close to 14 years on Broadway with a plethora of neon spandex, megamixes, scuba diver dancers and a roster of amazing women who have taken on the leading role of Donna Sheridan. As mother of bride-to-be Sophie, Donna sings so much in the show including the title song, "Dancing Queen," "S.O.S." and the star of our article this afternoon - "The Winner Takes It All."
Well we are thoroughly enraptured with the power ballad. We scoured the interwebs and found a revised and revisited top 12 performances of "The Winner Takes It All" by some sensational former Donnas and ladies we would have loved to see in the role live. Which winner takes it all for you?!
12. Susan Boyle
The Britain's Got Talent finalist is dreaming her dream here during a sensitive performance of the ABBA song on The View.
11. Faith Hill
The country music star fabulously took on the ABBA hit with a piano assist by ABBA's own Benny Andersson at the group's Rock And Roll Hall of Fame Induction.
10. Jane Lynch
What Glee we were greeted with when we were reminded of the former Miss Hannigan from the Broadway Annie revival. This cover is direct from the television show that won her an Emmy.
9. Corinne Melançon
Vet of Mamma Mia!'s Broadway run has an amazing folk singer meets Broadway belter quality to her voice during this honest rendition.
8. Tina Arena
Australian pop star and recent Eva Perón opposite Paulo Szot's Juan Perón in the Australian tour of Evita sang an exciting version backed by a symphony in 2006 .
7. Lisa Stokke
What an amazing treat to see West End's original Sophie sing an astounding rendition of Donna's number.
6. Judy McLane
The longtime Mamma Mia! star delivered a honest and passionate rendition of the ABBA tuner at Stars in the Alley.
5. Lisa Brescia
Heartfelt and strong, the Broadway star of Wicked, Aida and Mamma Mia!'s Broadway run sings a gorgeous, crystal clear rendition of the song.
Jennifer needs to come back to Broadway! She played Roxie in Chicago. With these vocals and that acting - let's start dreamcasting! So fabulous.
3. Meryl Streep
Name a movie scene with more iconic scarf work, go ahead we'll wait. We see you 4:22. Queen Meryl - effortlessly brilliant.
1. (TIE). Carolee Carmello and Beth Leavel
We can't and we won't choose between the two. Once you listen to them both you'll see why.
Carolee Carmello
Did we listen to this on a loop? Yes, maybe! This rendition will wallop you from the PERFECT vibrato, the acting choices, the power. And, replay!
Beth Leavel
We have made no secret how fabulous we think Beth Leavel is! Sometimes a role and the performer match so beautifully - and this is definitely one of them. The Tony winner shines like a superstar on this powerful ABBA song. That final note!
