Who Sings 'Ash' in 'Sing' and Why It Matters
In the 2016 animated musical comedy Sing, the original song "Ash" is performed by the character Ash, a fire-eyed female porcupine voiced by actress and singer Scarlett Johansson. "Ash" was written specifically for the film by songwriter duo Ryan Tedder and Benny Blanco, and it is produced by Tedder and Blanco. The track plays during Ash's band's on-stage performance and underscores her emotional arc around independence and heartbreak. Below is a concise breakdown of the song's credits, purpose in the film, and how it fits the broader Sing soundtrack.
The Direct Answer
The vocals for "Ash" are performed by Scarlett Johansson as the character Ash. The song was composed and produced by Ryan Tedder and Benny Blanco for Illumination Entertainment's Sing. Although Johansson does most of the singing, the film also features a short spoken interlude by actor Beck Bennett as Ash's bandmate Lance.
Credits and Production Details
Because "Ash" was created expressly for the film, its writing and production credits differ from classic cover versions in animated movies. The team behind the track focused on fitting the movie's tone while highlighting the edge and vulnerability of a character who pursues music despite personal setbacks.
Song Credits Table
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Performed By (Character) | Ash (voiced by Scarlett Johansson) | Film Credits |
| Songwriters | Ryan Tedder, Benny Blanco | Film Credits / BMI Repertoire |
| Producers | Ryan Tedder, Benny Blanco | Press Notes / Streaming Metadata |
| Film | Sing (2016) | Studio Credits |
| Character Role | Lead singer of her band | Film Narrative |
Context Within the Film's Soundtrack
The Sing soundtrack blends original songs with well-known tracks to support the story of a theater hosting an animal talent contest. "Ash" stands out as one of two original compositions performed on-screen during the climactic show, alongside "Set It All Free." Both songs serve key narrative functions by underscoring the lead characters' motivations and emotional turning points.
Notable Tracks on the Sing Soundtrack
- "Don't You Worry 'bout a Thing" — performed by Scarlett Johansson (cover)
- "Set It All Free" — original, performed by Scarlett Johansson as Ash
- "Ash" — original, performed by Scarlett Johansson as Ash
- "I Say a Little Prayer" — performed by Reese Witherspoon
- "My Way" — performed by Seth MacFarlane
While several covers appear on the official commercial soundtrack release, "Ash" and "Set It All Free" were written for the film and performed by Johansson in-character. This distinguishes them as purpose-built songs that directly reflect Ash's journey from vulnerability to renewed confidence.
Song Meaning and Character Alignment
"Ash" addresses themes of independence, resilience, and moving on after a breakup, aligning closely with Ash's arc in the movie. In the story, Ash faces pressure to compromise her music to fit her bandmates' expectations and navigates the emotional fallout when her relationship ends. The title refers both to the literal loss of a relationship (turning a firebrand partner into "ashes") and to the process of rebuilding after disappointment.
Scarlett Johansson's Musical Contribution
Although primarily known as an actress, Scarlett Johansson performs the majority of "Ash" herself, singing live in key sequences of the film. Her vocal work contributes to the character's rebellious edge and emotional authenticity. Industry commentary often notes that the song showcases a rougher, more punk-influenced style compared to the rest of the otherwise pop-centric soundtrack.
Composer and Production Team
Ryan Tedder is a noted songwriter and producer known for work with major pop artists, and Benny Blanco is a prolific producer and songwriter in mainstream music and film. Their collaboration on "Ash" and "Set It All Free" brought a contemporary, guitar-driven sensibility to Sing, helping the film balance family-friendly appeal with a more subversive, rock-oriented moment during Ash's performance.
How 'Ash' Fits Into the Legacy of Animated Musical Scores
Many animated films rely on covers of existing songs to build nostalgic appeal, but Sing uses original material at key story moments to emphasize character agency. "Ash" exemplifies this approach by giving Johansson a distinct musical identity and a stylistic departure from the more conventional pop selections on the album. This balance helps the soundtrack appeal to both younger viewers and adult audiences familiar with Tedder and Blanco's work in mainstream music.
Wrap-Up and Practical Takeaways
To answer the simple question: Scarlett Johansson, voicing the character Ash, sings "Ash" in the movie Sing. The song was written specifically for the film by Ryan Tedder and Benny Blanco and reflects themes of independence and emotional resilience. Understanding this helps viewers appreciate how the song supports the character's arc and enriches the film's musical storytelling.
FAQ
Reader questions
Does the soundtrack album include "Ash"?
Yes, "Ash" appears on the official Sing soundtrack album and is listed among the original songs written for the film. Streaming and physical releases typically feature the version performed by Scarlett Johansson as Ash.
Is there a music video for "Ash"?
An official music video was released that incorporates scenes from the film alongside performance footage, highlighting the song's role in the story and Ash's on-stage presence.
Are there other original songs performed by Ash in Sing ?
Yes. In addition to "Ash," the character performs "Set It All Free," another original song that plays during the same sequence and completes her narrative arc in the film.