Caitlin Kinnunen: The Broadway and Indie Pop Vocalist

Caitlin Kinnunen is an American actress and singer acclaimed for her powerful voice in both musical theatre and indie pop music. Hailing from Seattle, Washington, she achieved a major career milestone by originating the role of Emma Nolan in the groundbreaking Broadway musical The Prom, a performance that earned her a Tony Award nomination in 2019.

Early career

Born in 1991, Caitlin Kinnunen began her professional career as a child actress, making her Broadway debut at age 15 in the 2006 musical Spring Awakening. This early exposure to a critically acclaimed rock musical laid the foundation for her future work, blending theatrical performance with contemporary musical styles.

Breakthrough

Kinnunen's breakthrough arrived with the 2018 Broadway production of The Prom. Her portrayal of a lesbian teenager whose prom is canceled became a defining role, showcasing her vocal and emotional range. The cast recording brought her singing to a wider audience, and the musical's subsequent Netflix adaptation in 2020 amplified her recognition significantly.

Key tracks

Dance with You — This duet from The Prom is a central, tender love song that highlights Kinnunen's heartfelt and clear vocal delivery.

Unruly Heart — Performed as Emma Nolan, this powerful anthem became an instant signature song, celebrated for its message of self-acceptance and resilience.

Alyssa Greene — Another key track from the musical, this song demonstrates Kinnunen's ability to convey complex narrative and emotion through her singing.

Beyond the stage, Kinnunen has released independent music, including the 2020 single Runaway, which blends pop sensibilities with lyrical storytelling. Her musical output, while not defined by traditional chart positions or certifications, is built on a foundation of authentic performance and connection with her audience.

Ben Platt Both artists transitioned from award-winning Broadway roles to releasing personal pop music, focusing on emotional vocal performances.
Krysta Rodriguez Like Kinnunen, Rodriguez is a musical theatre actress with a strong pop voice who has originated roles in contemporary Broadway productions.
Shoshana Bean This powerhouse vocalist shares a background in Broadway and a flair for blending theatricality with modern pop and soul in her solo work.
Ingrid Michaelson Michaelson's indie pop style and narrative songwriting are a touchstone for the direction of Kinnunen's own recorded music outside of theatre.

Caitlin Kinnunen's music finds a home on a variety of radio formats, from Broadway and showtune specialty stations to online indie pop streams. Her recordings are featured on stations that champion narrative-driven songwriting and powerful female vocalists, connecting her theatrical work with a broader pop audience.

Listeners can discover the dynamic range of Caitlin Kinnunen's music, from Broadway anthems to indie pop tracks, on the radio stations featured here. You can hear her songs across our curated network of stations by visiting onairium.com.