Colleen Ballinger
A character act that turns terrible singing into an abrasive spectacle.
3 specials · 2015–2019
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A live show from Colleen Ballinger splits down the middle. For half the night, she is on stage as herself, performing earnest show tunes and talking to the crowd like a polished theater kid. Then she leaves the stage, pulls on sweatpants, smears red lipstick well outside her mouth, and returns as Miranda Sings.
Specials
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A dual-character show featuring diary readings and bad singing.
Netflix · 62 min
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Miranda Sings Live… Your Welcome with Miranda Sings
A variety show featuring pregnancy diary readings and off-key character comedy.
Netflix · 61 min
On stage
The energy immediately turns hostile. Miranda sings aggressively off-key, leaning into a heavy, misplaced vibrato. She drags audience members up for voice lessons, mispronounces simple words, and glares defensively at the front row.
For years, this routine packed theaters with young fans who cheered for the deliberately terrible singing as if it were a real pop concert. That touring machine broke down following widespread allegations of inappropriate behavior with her young audience. The fallout pushed her away from large venues, shrinking her live footprint back down to unpublicized gigs in tiny cabaret rooms.
The Miranda character started as a parody of untalented people demanding internet fame. Live on stage, the satire gives way to blunt physical moves. She will confidently butcher a pop song, fish snacks out of her sweatpants, and scream at the room for failing to recognize her talent.
Turning points
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2008–2009
Creation and Viral Rise of Miranda Sings
Ballinger created the comically inept character Miranda Sings to satirize arrogant singers on YouTube, turning the viral videos into worldwide touring one-woman shows.
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2016–2017
Premiere of Netflix Original Haters Back Off
Ballinger adapted her internet character into a scripted streaming series for Netflix, serving as star, writer, and executive producer.
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Release of Netflix Special Live Your Welcome
One of Ballinger's live 2018 theatre tour performances was recorded and released worldwide as a Netflix original comedy special.
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Cancellation of Live Shows Following Fan Allegations
In July 2023, Ballinger cancelled her upcoming tour dates following public allegations of inappropriate interactions with fans.
At a glance
Podcasts
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RELAX! with Colleen Ballinger & Erik Stocklin · host
Colleen Ballinger and her husband Erik Stocklin share weekly open discussions navigating their personal lives, marriage, and differences in social media exposure.
Also on screen
- Victorious
- Dr. Fubalous
- 2016–2017
- Haters Back Off
- 2018–2019
- Escape the Night
- Ralph Breaks the Internet
A clip to start with
A clip of Colleen Ballinger