SVU’s Raúl Esparza Gave a Haunting Performance of “Hallelujah” That Will Wreck You

The rotating cast of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit boasts an impressive array of talent, but none captivated fans quite like Raúl Esparza in his role as Assistant District Attorney Rafael Barba. While his role as Barba didn’t offer many opportunities to showcase his formidable vocal skills, make no mistake: the man who brought Barba to life can sing—and sing exceptionally well.

Before he became a fan favorite on NBC’s gritty drama, Esparza was already a Broadway sensation, bringing his extraordinary talent to the stage. His Broadway journey includes a string of unforgettable performances, but one moment truly stands out. To mark the 10th anniversary of 9/11, Esparza graced the Kennedy Center stage in September 2011, delivering a rendition of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” that left the audience spellbound.

Esparza’s performance of “Hallelujah” was nothing short of a masterclass. From the first note, he captured the song’s haunting essence, showcasing his deep, resonant baritone with emotional depth. Each verse was a journey, with Esparza deftly navigating the poignant lyrics, sometimes choosing to sing without piano accompaniment to amplify the song’s raw emotion.

He began softly, guiding the audience through the lyrical exploration of lost love. As he reached the line, “love is not a victory march,” Esparza’s voice took on a gritty intensity, imbuing the performance with heartfelt anguish. His emotional delivery only grew more powerful as he reached the final chorus, adjusting it to include impassioned cries of “Hallelujah” that mesmerized the Kennedy Center audience.

Esparza’s talent extends far beyond this performance. A four-time Tony Award nominee, he made his Broadway debut in the 2000 revival of The Rocky Horror Show as Rif Raff. He then starred as Jon in the first full-cast staging of Jonathan Larson’s Tick, Tick… Boom! in 2001. Theatre enthusiasts have applauded his roles in Stephen Sondheim’s Company, as well as in Taboo, Cabaret, The Homecoming, and Speed-The-Plow. Each performance has solidified his reputation as one of Broadway’s most versatile and captivating actors.

Whether on stage or screen, Raúl Esparza’s talent continues to leave audiences in awe, proving that his artistry extends far beyond his memorable role on SVU.