On September 3, 2025, the West End production of Evita, starring Rachel Zegler, announced the release of its second single, “Rainbow High,” set to drop on streaming platforms this Friday, September 5. The announcement has sent waves of excitement through theatre and music fans alike, building on the success of Zegler’s chart-topping rendition of “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina,” which dominated the UK’s Official Vinyl Singles Chart earlier this summer. Directed by Jamie Lloyd, this bold reimagining of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s iconic musical has solidified Zegler as a global sensation, and the release of “Rainbow High” promises to further cement her vocal prowess and the production’s cultural impact.
The new single comes as Evita enters its final week at the London Palladium, where Zegler has been captivating audiences as Eva Perón since the show’s premiere on June 14. With its pulsating energy, innovative staging, and Zegler’s commanding performance, the production has been hailed as a theatrical triumph, blending rock concert intensity with political commentary. “Rainbow High,” a high-octane number from the musical, showcases Eva Perón’s glamorous transformation and unyielding ambition, making it a fitting choice for the second single. As Zegler’s star continues to rise, this release marks another milestone in her multifaceted career, bridging the worlds of stage, screen, and music.
A Star-Making Performance
Rachel Zegler’s portrayal of Eva Perón has been nothing short of electrifying. The 24-year-old actress, known for her breakout role in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story and her upcoming turn as Disney’s Snow White, brings a fierce intensity to the role of the Argentine political icon. Her performance has been lauded for its vocal power and emotional depth, with critics describing her as “phenomenal” and “a vocal powerhouse.” In Evita, Zegler navigates the complexities of Eva Perón’s journey—from a small-town dreamer to a polarizing figure of immense influence—with a commanding stage presence that has left audiences in awe.
The release of “Rainbow High” is a celebration of one of the musical’s most dynamic moments. The song, performed in the second act, captures Eva’s transformation into a glamorous public figure, demanding the finest clothes and accessories to solidify her image as Argentina’s leading lady. Zegler’s rendition is said to be a tour de force, blending theatrical flair with pop-star energy. The track, produced by Tim Bran and Andrew Lloyd Webber, is expected to resonate with both longtime fans of the musical and new listeners discovering Zegler’s talent through her chart-topping success.
A Viral Production with Global Reach
The Jamie Lloyd-directed revival of Evita has been a cultural phenomenon since its opening, thanks in part to its innovative staging. One of the production’s most talked-about moments occurs during “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina,” when Zegler performs the iconic song from the London Palladium’s exterior balcony, serenading crowds gathered on Argyll Street below. The performance is simultaneously projected on a giant screen inside the theatre, creating a powerful blend of public spectacle and intimate storytelling. This bold directorial choice has generated viral buzz on social media, with videos of Zegler’s balcony performance amassing millions of views.
The success of the “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” single, which topped the UK’s Official Vinyl Singles Chart and Physical Singles Chart in July, set a high bar for the release of “Rainbow High.” The first single, available in both a studio version and a live “From the Balcony” recording, was praised for its emotional resonance and Zegler’s impeccable vocals. Andrew Lloyd Webber himself described her performance as “the best performed” rendition of the song he could recall, a sentiment echoed by fans who have flocked to streaming platforms and purchased the exclusive Argentine blue 7” vinyl.
“Rainbow High” is poised to follow in its predecessor’s footsteps, with pre-save links already available on Spotify, Apple Music, and other platforms. The song’s infectious energy and Zegler’s dynamic delivery are expected to make it a standout track, potentially climbing the charts as her previous single did. The release comes at a pivotal moment, as Evita prepares to close its 12-week run at the London Palladium on September 6, with rumors swirling about a potential Broadway transfer in 2026.
The Creative Force Behind Evita
The success of this Evita revival is a testament to the creative vision of director Jamie Lloyd, whose bold interpretations of classic musicals have earned him critical acclaim. Known for his Tony-winning revival of Sunset Boulevard, Lloyd brings a rock-concert sensibility to Evita, amplifying its political themes and emotional stakes. The production features a stellar creative team, including set and costume designer Soutra Gilmour, choreographer Fabian Aloise, lighting designer Jon Clark, and music supervisor Alan Williams. The 18-piece band, under Williams’ direction, delivers a tango-infused soundtrack that pulses with energy, perfectly complementing Zegler’s powerhouse vocals.
The cast, led by Zegler, includes Diego Andres Rodriguez as Che, James Olivas as Juan Perón, Aaron Lee Lambert as Agustín Magaldi, and Bella Brown as The Mistress and alternate Eva. Rodriguez, in particular, has been praised for his sly and charismatic portrayal of Che, the narrator who challenges Eva’s legacy. The ensemble’s dynamic choreography and intense performances have been a highlight of the production, with critics noting the “out-of-this-world imaginative” movement and “charismatic aggression” that define the show’s aesthetic.
Zegler’s Meteoric Rise
Rachel Zegler’s journey to West End stardom has been remarkable. Born in New Jersey, she first gained attention when a YouTube video of her singing West Side Story’s “I Feel Pretty” went viral, leading to her casting in Spielberg’s film adaptation. Her Golden Globe-winning performance as Maria showcased her vocal talent and screen presence, paving the way for roles in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes and Snow White. Her Broadway debut in Romeo + Juliet last season drew the youngest ticket-buying audience in Broadway history, and her Evita performance has further solidified her as a once-in-a-generation talent.
Despite facing challenges, including backlash over her activism and the disappointing box office performance of Snow White, Zegler has remained resilient. Her emotional connection to Evita is deeply personal—she has spoken about singing “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” with her father as a child, a memory that fueled her passion for the role. Her dedication to the production was evident even during a health scare in July, when she was forced to exit a performance mid-show due to illness. Her understudy, Bella Brown, stepped in to deliver a stunning performance, earning a five-minute standing ovation, but Zegler returned to the stage the following day, earning praise for her professionalism and the cast’s unity.
A Cultural Moment
The release of “Rainbow High” is more than just a new single—it’s a celebration of Evita’s enduring relevance and Zegler’s ability to bring fresh energy to a classic. The song’s themes of ambition, image, and transformation resonate in today’s image-conscious world, where public personas are carefully curated on social media. Zegler’s performance, both on stage and in the recording, captures the defiance and charisma of Eva Perón, making “Rainbow High” a perfect showcase for her vocal range and theatrical flair.
The single’s release has also sparked excitement about the possibility of a full cast recording, though no official date has been announced. Fans have taken to social media to express their enthusiasm, with posts describing Zegler’s “Rainbow High” as “jaw-dropping” and “the best version” of the song they’ve heard. The track’s high-energy arrangement and Zegler’s ability to hit its demanding notes have already generated buzz, with some predicting it could become a staple on musical theatre playlists.
Looking Ahead
As Evita nears the end of its London run, speculation about a Broadway transfer continues to grow. Both Lloyd and Andrew Lloyd Webber have expressed enthusiasm for bringing the production to New York, with Zegler at the helm. The show’s success, coupled with Zegler’s chart-topping singles, makes a transatlantic move seem inevitable. In the meantime, Zegler is preparing for her solo concert debut at the London Palladium on October 5, a sold-out event that promises to showcase her versatility as a performer.
The release of “Rainbow High” is a testament to Zegler’s star power and the enduring appeal of Evita. With its bold staging, unforgettable music, and a lead performance that has captivated audiences, this production has redefined what a musical revival can be. As fans eagerly await the single’s drop on Friday, one thing is clear: Rachel Zegler is not just playing Eva Perón—she’s embodying her legacy, one show-stopping number at a time.
