Kermit’s musical performances often function as more than entertainment. They are emotionally expressive acts that reflect his layered identity as both performer and character. Muppet productions are inherently self-reflexive, and often breaking the fourth wall to engage audiences directly (Calbreath-Frasieur, 2012). Kermit's dual identity as both a frog and an actor, makes him feel more real than real actors (Culp, 2011). One of Kermit the Frog’s earliest and most culturally enduring musical performances is “It’s Not Easy Being Green,” first aired on Sesame Street in 1969.
Kermit's song "It's not easy being green" (Sesame Street, 2009).
The song explores feelings of difference and vulnerability, ultimately offering a quiet reflection on self-acceptance and dignity. The song is about “knowing who you are, realizing your own worth and dignity, and becoming more content and comfortable within yourself” (Sesame Workshop, n.d.). “Bein’ Green” has been widely interpreted as a metaphor for racial and cultural identity and continues to resonate “as a statement about accepting one’s identity”. Its emotional resonance extended beyond children’s programming, as it was later covered by iconic artists like Ray Charles and Frank Sinatra, reinforcing its legacy as a reflective and empowering anthem of identity (Muppet Wiki, n.d.-c).
Following that early success, “Rainbow Connection” emerged as another defining moment in Kermit’s musical legacy. First performed in The Muppet Movie (1979), the song features Kermit strumming a banjo in a swamp, expressing themes of hope and longing. It was nominated for an Academy Award and reached number 25 on the Billboard Hot 100 (Muppet Wiki, n.d.-e; elpee.jp, n.d.). In 1980, Kermit performed “Rainbow Connection” again in a duet with punk singer Debbie Harry on The Muppet Show, blending Muppet sincerity with contemporary music culture (Muppet Wiki, n.d.-d). The song was later featured in The Muppets Take the Bowl (2017), a live concert event at the Hollywood Bowl, where Kermit sang alongside Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem (Muppet Wiki, n.d.-e).
In 2021, Kermit the Frog surprised audiences by performing “You Make My Dreams” by Hall & Oates on The Masked Singer as “The Snail.” The performance marked the first time a puppet competed on the show, leaving both judges and viewers stunned (Billboard, 2021).
Kermit surprised audiences on The Masked Singer as “The Snail.” (The Masked Singer, 2021)
Before Kermit’s performance, the show presented a short video segment filled with hints about the character's identity. This segment included several nods to Muppet lore, referencing familiar characters such as Fozzie Bear, the Swedish Chef, and Sam the Eagle (Fallo, 2021). After his elimination, Kermit removed the costume and sang again as himself, blending humor with nostalgia in a moment that reflected his ongoing presence in contemporary pop music culture (Muppet Wiki, n.d.-f).