6. Eddie Murphy - Dreamgirls
Although Eddie Murphy had a critically detested album in the 1980s, he was perfect for the role of the James Brown, Jackie Wilson conduit. And it was not just because he did a great James Brown impression on Saturday Night Live. Murphy is not the best singer vocally which is exactly what the role entails. His first musical number Fake Your Way to the Top is all about how he uses flashy dance moves and distractions to hide the fact that he is a good singer at the best. But, this is a risky role for Murphy not just because he had to sing but because this is one of the few dramatic performances that Murphy has ever been allowed to do and he knocks it out of the park. James Thunder Early is a sad character that represents the trajectory of a star that quickly rises and falls just as fast. Following the model of Marvin Gaye and David Ruffin, Murphy is able to portray the sadness of a once great star who is now considered a has-been.