Kermit the Frog recently got a new voice. By and large, The Muppets character has had only two previous performers: Jim Henson and Steve Whitmire (I’m not counting animation projects). Now, the role has been taken over by Matt Vogel. We first heard him speak as Kermit about two weeks ago in “Muppet Thought of the Week” on The Muppets’ YouTube channel, and now, we know what his singing voice sounds like.
The Muppets put on a show at The Hollywood Bowl over the weekend (they have one more performance tonight, September 10, if you’re in the Los Angeles area and inclined to look for available tickets) that I can only describe as a live version of The Muppet Show. Watching The Muppets Take the Bowl was an utterly joyful experience, especially the part where Vogel and his fellow cast members plus Bobby Moynihan and Paul Williams performed “The Rainbow Connection.” In this moment, any concerns I had about Vogel faded away. Listen:
I was going to blame the dust in the air for my tears, but why bother pretending? This made me emotional when I saw it live and viewing a video of the performance is having the same effect. Vogel is Kermit. I’m glad YouTuber Synthetik Films caught this moment.
What do you think of Kermit the Frog’s new voice in song? Share your opinions in the comments.
Featured Image: Synthetik Films
Amy Ratcliffe is an Associate Editor for Nerdist. Follow her on Twitter and keep up with her Disney food adventures on Instagram.
Ready for more of The Muppets?
- Walt Disney World’s Muppets history show.
- Muppet Babies is coming back!
- The Muppets do some rapping.
