Yes, Sarah Michelle Gellar genuinely sang in the iconic musical episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, titled "Once More, with Feeling." While the experience proved to be a significant challenge for her, her vocal performances are indeed her own.
The Challenge of "Once More, with Feeling"
The fifth episode of the sixth season, "Once More, with Feeling", presented a unique endeavor for the entire cast, requiring them to sing and dance through the entire episode. For Sarah Michelle Gellar, portraying the titular character Buffy Summers, this was a particularly demanding undertaking. She dedicated an immense amount of time to preparation and execution, reportedly spending around 19 hours on vocal recording and an additional 17 hours rehearsing choreography—all while simultaneously filming four other episodes of the series.
Despite her professional dedication to the role, Gellar has openly expressed the profound anxiety she felt about singing. The intensive process was, by her own account, something she "hated every moment of." This candid reflection highlights the immense pressure and personal discomfort she navigated to deliver the memorable performances seen in the episode.
Cast Participation in the Musical Episode
"Once More, with Feeling" was a landmark episode, showcasing the musical talents (and efforts) of nearly the entire main cast. While some actors, like Anthony Stewart Head (Giles) and James Marsters (Spike), had prior musical experience, others, including Gellar, were stepping into new territory.
Here's a look at some of the main cast members and their singing involvement:
| Actor | Character | Sang in "Once More, with Feeling" | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sarah Michelle Gellar | Buffy Summers | Yes | Protagonist, found the singing challenging. |
| Alyson Hannigan | Willow Rosenberg | Yes | Limited, but crucial, vocal contributions. |
| Nicholas Brendon | Xander Harris | Yes | Participated in several ensemble numbers. |
| Emma Caulfield Ford | Anya Jenkins | Yes | Performed a memorable solo, "I'll Never Tell." |
| Michelle Trachtenberg | Dawn Summers | Yes | Sang her own parts. |
| James Marsters | Spike | Yes | A talented musician, sang extensively. |
| Anthony Stewart Head | Rupert Giles | Yes | Experienced singer, performed notable duets and solos. |
The commitment of the cast, especially actors like Gellar who found the singing process difficult, was crucial to the episode's success and its enduring legacy among fans.
Legacy of the Musical Episode
"Once More, with Feeling" remains one of the most beloved and critically acclaimed episodes of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Its success proved that a dramatic, action-oriented series could effectively integrate a full-blown musical format without sacrificing its core narrative or character development. Sarah Michelle Gellar's courageous performance, despite her personal apprehension, is a testament to her dedication to her craft and the character of Buffy Summers.
