When The Greatest Showman premiered in 2017, the music industry was transformed by a single performance. Keala Settle's rendition of "This Is Me" transcended the boundaries of a mere movie soundtrack, becoming an anthem celebrating the beauty of self-acceptance. What made this moment truly extraordinary was a rehearsal video that captured Keala Settle shedding tears while performing—a raw, authentic expression of emotion that revealed the profound power music can possess.
Redefining Film Music's Potential
Throughout cinema history, film music traditionally served as atmospheric background. However, "This Is Me" established an entirely different paradigm. This composition transcended the role of a simple movie insert, transforming itself into a medium for conveying profound messages. The central theme of The Greatest Showman—embracing oneself authentically—distilled perfectly into this single, powerful composition.
Composed by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, "This Is Me" possesses a unique characteristic: its value intensifies over time. While initial listening connects deeply with the film's narrative context, the song's message continues exerting powerful influence long after viewers forget the movie's plot details. This durability distinguishes it as truly exceptional work.
"The rehearsal footage of 'This Is Me' demonstrated that music transcends mere artistic expression, becoming a vehicle for healing and emotional transformation."— Film music critic
Keala Settle's Tears: The Moment Rehearsal Became Public
When the rehearsal footage premiered publicly, global audiences witnessed something extraordinary: Keala Settle crying while performing the composition. This transcended mere emotional performance—it captured the precise moment when an actor becomes inseparable from their character.
In the film, Keala Settle portrayed Lettie Lutz, a woman treated as an outsider within P.T. Barnum's circus. "This Is Me" encapsulates her character's transformative moment of self-affirmation. Keala Settle's tears during rehearsal signified profound personal resonance with this message. This represents the pinnacle of great acting—and simultaneously, the true capability of exceptional music.
An Anthem of Self-Affirmation
Both the lyrics and melody of "This Is Me" constitute a celebration of accepting oneself completely. The chorus remains deceptively simple, yet grows increasingly powerful with each repetition. Countless listeners have reported experiencing profound shifts in perspective upon hearing this composition—embracing their vulnerabilities and celebrating their unique identities. This represents music's most crucial function: enabling individuals to discover themselves through others' experiences.
From a purely musical standpoint, "This Is Me" achieves excellence. It maintains theatrical authenticity while incorporating contemporary sensibilities. Keala Settle's formidable vocal abilities fully convey the composition's essential message. Here exists a perfect alignment between music and cinematic medium.
Film Music as Social Commentary
During the mid-to-late 2010s, numerous films began incorporating social messaging. The Greatest Showman participated in this trend, though its musical approach proved particularly distinctive. Rather than delivering messages explicitly, the composition's emotional infectiousness moved audiences profoundly.
"This Is Me" acquired special significance for LGBTQ+ communities and minority populations. The song's core message—embracing one's authentic self—resonated powerfully with their collective experiences. Consequently, this composition transcended its film origins, becoming a soundtrack for social movement and acceptance.
Reconsidering Film Music's Industry Role
"This Is Me" sent crucial signals throughout the film music industry: movie compositions can succeed as standalone tracks. The song claimed Grammy Awards and numerous music accolades, continuing to accumulate streams long after the film's theatrical release.
Most significantly, "This Is Me" expanded film music's possibilities. Producers began recognizing that movie scores possessed potential for chart success. Yet replicating "This Is Me" proves extraordinarily difficult—not simply requiring excellent composition, but demanding the convergence of zeitgeist messaging and flawless performance.
Perfect Synthesis of Music and Cinema
"This Is Me" exemplifies what becomes possible when music and film align flawlessly. The film provides contextual foundation while the composition amplifies the film's essential meaning. Keala Settle's tears during rehearsal served as physical evidence of this perfect fusion.
Today, audiences continue seeking "This Is Me" during moments of despair, self-doubt, and the desire for authentic self-acceptance. This composition transcends temporal boundaries, continuing to comfort and inspire countless listeners. This demonstrates what genuinely great music accomplishes.
