In a whirlwind moment that blends theatrical brilliance with chart-topping success, Rachel Zegler has captured the UK’s Official Vinyl Singles Chart at Number 1 with her mesmerizing rendition of “Don’t Cry For Me Argentina.” The 24-year-old actress, currently starring as Eva Perón in a bold new West End revival of Evita, was caught off guard backstage at the London Palladium when presented with her first-ever Official Chart award. Her gleeful reaction—”I’ll put it next to the Golden Globe!”—encapsulates the joy and surprise of this achievement, marking a pivotal crossover from screen and stage to music charts.

Zegler’s journey to this pinnacle began in the spotlight of Hollywood. Born in New Jersey to a Colombian mother and Polish father, she burst onto the scene in 2021 with her debut role as Maria in Steven Spielberg’s remake of West Side Story. Her performance earned her a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, making her the youngest winner in that category at just 20 years old. Critics praised her vocal prowess and emotional depth, qualities that have since defined her career. Following West Side Story, Zegler lent her talents to the dystopian world of The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes as Lucy Gray Baird, showcasing her singing in folk-inspired ballads. She also starred in Disney’s live-action Snow White remake, further cementing her status as a versatile performer. More recently, she made her Broadway debut as Juliet in a modern take on Romeo + Juliet, opposite Kit Connor, blending Shakespearean tragedy with contemporary flair.

Transitioning to the West End for Evita represents a dream fulfilled for Zegler. The musical, with lyrics by Tim Rice and music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, chronicles the life of Eva “Evita” Perón, the charismatic First Lady of Argentina who rose from humble beginnings to become a symbol of empowerment for the working class. Premiering in London’s West End in 1978, Evita has since won seven Tony Awards and been performed in numerous revivals worldwide. This latest production, directed by Jamie Lloyd, is a reimagined 12-week limited run at the iconic London Palladium, from June 14 to September 6, 2025. Zegler, only the second Latina actress to portray Evita on the West End since Elena Roger in 2006, brings a personal connection to the role. She has shared that Evita held significance in her childhood, recalling moments singing “Don’t Cry For Me Argentina” with her father. Her casting was announced in March 2025, generating buzz for its cultural resonance—Zegler, with her Latina heritage, embodies the spirit of Eva Perón, who championed social justice and women’s rights in mid-20th-century Argentina.

The production itself is a theatrical event, blending tradition with innovation. Under Lloyd’s direction, the show strips back elaborate sets for a more intimate, concert-like experience, emphasizing the raw power of the score and performances. One standout element is the balcony scene, where Zegler performs “Don’t Cry For Me Argentina” from the exterior balcony of the London Palladium. This daring staging choice transforms the street below into an extension of the stage, drawing crowds of hundreds nightly. The performance is live-streamed inside the theater for ticket holders, but the outdoor spectacle has gone viral, with videos amassing millions of views on social media. Audience members have described it as the “theatrical moment of the summer,” though not without controversy—some paying patrons feel they miss the live energy, while others faint in the heatwave excitement. This innovation echoes similar bold moves in recent productions, like the street-to-stage transition in Sunset Blvd. on Broadway, highlighting how directors are pushing boundaries to engage modern audiences.

The chart success stems from a special release of Zegler’s version of the song. Available to stream, download, and on a limited-edition Argentinian Blue 7-inch vinyl single, it includes a bonus track: a live recording from the balcony performance. Released on July 4, 2025, the single quickly climbed to the top, not only dominating the Vinyl Singles Chart but also the Physical Singles Chart, making it the best-selling single across formats that week. This marks a triumphant return for the song itself, which has a storied chart history. Originally performed by Julie Covington in 1977, it hit Number 1 in the UK. Subsequent versions by The Shadows (1978, Number 5), Madonna (1996, Number 3 from the film adaptation), The Mike Flowers Pops (1996, Number 30), and even the Glee Cast (2011, Number 63) have kept it in the public consciousness. Zegler’s interpretation, infused with her youthful vulnerability and soaring vocals, adds a fresh layer, resonating with both longtime fans and a new generation.

The surprise presentation of the Number 1 award backstage was a highlight captured on video and shared widely. Zegler, fresh from a performance, reacted with wide-eyed disbelief: “I’m freaking out! This is so wild! This feels incorrect, but I trust you, you guys are the experts!” Her quip about placing the award next to her Golden Globe—a nod to her West Side Story triumph—drew laughs and applause. Adding to the magic, she FaceTimed Andrew Lloyd Webber to share the news. The legendary composer, whose works include The Phantom of the Opera, Cats, and Jesus Christ Superstar, was equally astonished. Upon learning it was her second Number 1 (counting both charts), he exclaimed, “TWO?” The conversation turned playful, with Zegler suggesting a “Miami Mix” remix akin to Madonna’s, and Lloyd Webber proposing an “Oxford Circus Mix,” referencing the theater’s bustling location. Their banter underscored the mutual admiration; Lloyd Webber has previously praised Zegler’s rehearsal performance as “probably the best stage musical number I’d seen in years.”

This achievement holds deeper cultural weight. As a Latina actress portraying a historical Latina icon, Zegler bridges generations and communities. Eva Perón, often romanticized yet controversial, represented hope for the disenfranchised. Zegler’s portrayal emphasizes Eva’s ambition and charisma, while her own background adds authenticity. In interviews, she has discussed the pressure and privilege of the role, noting how it allows her to honor her heritage. The production has sold nearly $4 million in tickets already, positioning Zegler as one of the highest-paid actresses in the West End this season. Rumors swirl of a potential Broadway transfer in 2027, though nothing is confirmed, fueling speculation about her next moves.

Beyond the charts, Zegler’s success in Evita signals a broader renaissance for musical theater. In an era dominated by streaming and short-form content, productions like this prove the enduring appeal of live performance. The viral balcony moment exemplifies how theater can spill into public spaces, creating shared cultural experiences. For Zegler, this Number 1 is more than a trophy—it’s validation of her multifaceted talent. As she balances film commitments, including upcoming projects like a Spellbound animated feature and potential sequels, her foray into music charts opens new doors.

As the final weeks of Evita approach, fans flock to the Palladium, eager to witness Zegler’s star power firsthand. Her journey from a Golden Globe-winning ingenue to a chart-topping theater sensation is a testament to perseverance and passion. In her words, this milestone is “really, really crazy” and “so special,” tied inextricably to the legacy of Evita. Whether on vinyl, stage, or screen, Rachel Zegler continues to captivate, proving she’s just getting started.