This performance was one that stood out for me among the others that evening and I love Billy Joel's music. I had never heard of Rufus Wainswright before this, but I am so glad he performed these two pieces! He was absolutely amazing, his voice is so captivating and soulful.
He is an amazing performer and song writer. THis was be far the best performance of the night!! Rufus Wainwright sounded exactly like Billy Joel sounded 30 years ago (& unfortunately with age, drinking, & smoking, BJ can't sing much anymore...)
I saw Billy at Fenway Park last August, and he's still got it IMO. He's lost some of the high notes, but otherwise I thought it was great. And I never thought about Rufus and Billy sounding similar. Their styles are totally different, but yeah, they do sound a lot alike.
Rufus Wainwright did "halleluha" from Shrek. His sister Martha Wainwright is also VERY good! She does "Tower of Song" written by Leonard Cohen as well. They, this sister and brother are outstanding. Rufus has sung "Somewhere over the Rainbow" and a guest of Stings. Rufus sing one of Stings' song like its SUPPOSED to be sung. I hope you check them out
Just heard Rufus sing with his sister on the Jimmy Fallon Show, a song from his new album, Folkocracy. Song was Justice Delivers Its Death. He looks so much different now with his grey beard, but his voice as beautiful as ever. The song was so beautiful -it made me cry.
My introduction to him was his singing "Wrapped Around Your Finger" at some tribute concert for Sting. The video's on TH-cam if you want to hear it. Great performance (though he mispronounced Scylla and Charybdis).
I hope that more people become fans after seeing him on national tv. Rufus has never gotten the recognition and accolades he truly deserves. I only discovered him myself about 4-5 years ago. I actually have Justin Timberlake to thank for that LOL. I listened to JT cover "Hallelujah" on the Haiti disaster telethon and went searching on youtube to listen to more covers of this wonderful Cohen song. I came across Rufus' rendition, that is part of the "Shrek" soundtrack. After that, I was hooked on Mr. Wainwright.
Rufus' performance was the best one of the entire night, hands down. He sang this great song the way it was meant to be sung - soulfully and with feeling.
Two very unique things about Kennedy Center Honors that are so satisfying: That the honorees are there to watch the performance themselves while we see their immediate live reaction AND that they have no idea what guest stars will be performing their work, nor what pieces they will perform until that very moment. Love it!
Rufus singing New York State of Mind...doesn't get much better to be honest. His voice is like caramel on that in particular, it almost sounds like the song was written for him to sing. Just gorgeous :-)
Oh dear, there's no need for nasty little comments. So childish. I used to be a professional singer - just saying. And, you shouldn't make assumptions about whether someone is male or female, just makes you look a bit of a twit. And rude. Go and troll somewhere else until you've grown pubic hair.
WOW...I just can't stop listening to this ..... Rufus has the most melodic, purest voice I think I've ever heard. What a great performer and yes, he put such emotion into it. Best performance of the night. He did Billy downright justice. And ....he's sooo handsome too!!
I bet people were like, Rufus Wainwright, whose he... he knocked it out the park with such ease. very moving performance and makes you hear the song in a new way.
Well done Rufus. It always makes me a bit emotional when the artist being celebrated gets emotional with the tribute. Especially when the artist knocks it out of the ball park like this. I'm a long time Billy Joel fan, but I just discovered the talent of Rufus Wainright thanks to this performance. And who says cover versions have no merit. They're educational;)
I too "discovered" Rufus this past year. I heard a vocal soaring above a group of singers on a Joni Mitchell Luminato tribute and just had to know who that person was. I now own 5 Rufus Wainwright CDs and I can not get enough of this wonderful singer/songwriter.
Isn't he incredible? I am a fellow Torontonian and we are very proud of our Rufus. If you explore his songbook a bit, you'll hear such a range of genres and inspirations. And that voice! That voice!
Tassie G He was down-to-earth and a sweetheart, his team had to actually tear him away because he had to go ASAP and he kept on taking pics and signing autographs. I told him that I was his fan since I was 18 and that I've been trying to go to his concerts since then but never had the chance until that moment (not even in my country) and he smiled and said "Oh, really?" a bit surprised. But since I was looking him in a sort of stalker-maniac-lovesick-psycho way, and stood in line TWICE to meet him, I guess it was normal that he looked a bit taken aback hahahahahaha
Was this a tribute for Billy Joel? What a talent Rufus is! I saw him live supporting Paul Simon and he blew me away! Lots of other famous musical faces in the audience too - Steve Winwood, & Don Henley........
This performance aired last night made me Google more info on Rufus as I only knew bits and pieces about him, which wasn't much. Didn't know a lot about his sexuality and political views, although I think I heard it before.
You should check out his albums. The guy is a musical genius. I've heard him perform live and he is the only singer/performer who, to me, actually sounds better live than in a recording studio. My fav albums of his are Poses, Want One, Want Two and All Days Are Nights. There are some great youtube videos of his performances too.
Umm, those 8 people are tone deaf and misguided. He is amazing.His love for the music is so apparent -- he never seems jaded or tired. I'd love to see on TV more.
Oh FFS, I loved these songs, but eight people have every right to have a different view. (Mind you, they might have loved the performances too, but disliked the microphones, lighting or editing.)
Strictly speaking, phrasing can't be "monotone". I'm curious to know in what respect his phrasing was technically different from Billy Joel's own version of these songs, as you hear it.
Rufus Wainwright is extremely underrated..
This performance was one that stood out for me among the others that evening and I love Billy Joel's music. I had never heard of Rufus Wainswright before this, but I am so glad he performed these two pieces! He was absolutely amazing, his voice is so captivating and soulful.
He is an amazing performer and song writer. THis was be far the best performance of the night!! Rufus Wainwright sounded exactly like Billy Joel sounded 30 years ago (& unfortunately with age, drinking, & smoking, BJ can't sing much anymore...)
I saw Billy at Fenway Park last August, and he's still got it IMO. He's lost some of the high notes, but otherwise I thought it was great. And I never thought about Rufus and Billy sounding similar. Their styles are totally different, but yeah, they do sound a lot alike.
Rufus Wainwright did "halleluha" from Shrek. His sister Martha Wainwright is also VERY good! She does "Tower of Song" written by Leonard Cohen as well. They, this sister and brother are outstanding. Rufus has sung "Somewhere over the Rainbow" and a guest of Stings. Rufus sing one of Stings' song like its SUPPOSED to be sung. I hope you check them out
Just heard Rufus sing with his sister on the Jimmy Fallon Show, a song from his new album, Folkocracy. Song was Justice Delivers Its Death. He looks so much different now with his grey beard, but his voice as beautiful as ever. The song was so beautiful -it made me cry.
My introduction to him was his singing "Wrapped Around Your Finger" at some tribute concert for Sting. The video's on TH-cam if you want to hear it. Great performance (though he mispronounced Scylla and Charybdis).
This is hands down the best cover of both of these songs I’ve ever heard.
August 2021: I' ll continue to be a Internatiomal Fan of Rufus Wainwright! Now and ever! 💕
If you live in NY this brings tears to your eyes
Finally the recognition Rufus deserves!!! Fabulous performance!!
I hope that more people become fans after seeing him on national tv. Rufus has never gotten the recognition and accolades he truly deserves. I only discovered him myself about 4-5 years ago. I actually have Justin Timberlake to thank for that LOL. I listened to JT cover "Hallelujah" on the Haiti disaster telethon and went searching on youtube to listen to more covers of this wonderful Cohen song. I came across Rufus' rendition, that is part of the "Shrek" soundtrack. After that, I was hooked on Mr. Wainwright.
Teresa7087
Well, you can count me as a new fan. This was phenomenal!
It's like Rufus is from another planet. A very wonderful planet.
I laughed so hard when I read that. And you are absolutely right.
Rufus' performance was the best one of the entire night, hands down. He sang this great song the way it was meant to be sung - soulfully and with feeling.
I love how he melds into "Piano Man" with the grand chorus and his fellow all-star male performers for the big finale.
yes..
Two very unique things about Kennedy Center Honors that are so satisfying: That the honorees are there to watch the performance themselves while we see their immediate live reaction AND that they have no idea what guest stars will be performing their work, nor what pieces they will perform until that very moment. Love it!
Rufus singing New York State of Mind...doesn't get much better to be honest. His voice is like caramel on that in particular, it almost sounds like the song was written for him to sing. Just gorgeous :-)
This guy stinks, just like your taste.
CLEAN OUT THE WAX, BOY.
Oh dear, there's no need for nasty little comments. So childish. I used to be a professional singer - just saying. And, you shouldn't make assumptions about whether someone is male or female, just makes you look a bit of a twit. And rude. Go and troll somewhere else until you've grown pubic hair.
This guy is a mean, unpleasant, ugly soul. He attracts that kind of person. Either that, or total fools and dopes. Which are you?
WOW...I just can't stop listening to this ..... Rufus has the most melodic, purest voice I think I've ever heard. What a great performer and yes, he put such emotion into it. Best performance of the night. He did Billy downright justice. And ....he's sooo handsome too!!
listen to his album release the stars
100% first time ive listened to this!!
Maybe the best Kennedy Center Honors segment ever. The whole Billy Joel tribute was phenomenal.
I bet people were like, Rufus Wainwright, whose he... he knocked it out the park with such ease.
very moving performance and makes you hear the song in a new way.
Rufus owned this..
Rufus nailed it! A great tribute from one piano man to the other.
I just saw him in concert in SF Easter night. Fabulous. This was the best part of the Kennedy Honors. He did good for Joel.
Dear Rufus, this was absolutely fantastic.
Well done Rufus. It always makes me a bit emotional when the artist being celebrated gets emotional with the tribute. Especially when the artist knocks it out of the ball park like this. I'm a long time Billy Joel fan, but I just discovered the talent of Rufus Wainright thanks to this performance.
And who says cover versions have no merit. They're educational;)
What a voice!!!
Such a touching tribute! Billy Joel is a songwriting genius.
So is Rufus.
Teresa7087 Rufus Wainwright was called the greatest songwriter on the planet by Elton John. That sure says something!
I too "discovered" Rufus this past year. I heard a vocal soaring above a group of singers on a Joni Mitchell Luminato tribute and just had to know who that person was. I now own 5 Rufus Wainwright CDs and I can not get enough of this wonderful singer/songwriter.
So good! I've been listening to Rufus ever since his first record. He sings better as time goes by.
billy must have LOVED this
That was one of the best Kennedy Honors and Rufus was the star. I’ve listened to this many times.
Rufus is just amazing in this performance. As usual of course ❤
Excellent, he did Billy justice!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wow! What a voice. Perfect! Loved seeing Billy's reaction.
Perfect performance
rufus you have avoice of a whole orchestra
Amazing Performance Rufus!
I come back to this performance time and time again. An inspired choice of Rufus Wainwright!
Amazing! Billy obviously LOVED! And so did we! Xo
Brilliant! Never heard of Rufus Wainwright but have now!
Isn't he incredible? I am a fellow Torontonian and we are very proud of our Rufus. If you explore his songbook a bit, you'll hear such a range of genres and inspirations. And that voice! That voice!
He is probably most famous for his cover of "Hallelujah"
I've been a fan for 18 years and last year when I finally met him I was such a stalker...but he's such a wonderful performer
Roberta Cervantes Garcia What was he like? I'd die.
Tassie G He was down-to-earth and a sweetheart, his team had to actually tear him away because he had to go ASAP and he kept on taking pics and signing autographs. I told him that I was his fan since I was 18 and that I've been trying to go to his concerts since then but never had the chance until that moment (not even in my country) and he smiled and said "Oh, really?" a bit surprised. But since I was looking him in a sort of stalker-maniac-lovesick-psycho way, and stood in line TWICE to meet him, I guess it was normal that he looked a bit taken aback hahahahahaha
Magnificent Voice! Amazing Gorgeous man! Extraordinary Song!
How true.
Rufus was awesome.
serious wow. Mr. Wainwright just nails it.
Grandioso, Rufus!!!
what a smile he gives in the end...
A great song writer. A great singer. A great song
I love his voice! It's awesome!
Fabulous! Rufus is sensational.
Wonderful - great performance from Rufus - classic Billy Joel. So proud of Billy!
I can't deny that Rufus is a great performer with a great voice. I just wish he would enunciate more.❤
This is a great artist singing for another great artist.
OMG! I love how Renee Fleming is in the audience, loving it :)
Wonderful. Rufus is a class of his own.
I wish I could have a voice like his... wow !
In a league of his own!
Brilliant cover
i love rufus
Wonderful and great to see Billy Joel in the audience!
In the audience?? This was the Kennedy Center Honors in NYC and Billy Joel was an honoree!!
fairelady lynnea In know I am sorry for my bad English. It´s what I meant, your language purist...
Magnifique !!!!💖👌👏
Great song
Has he been in any musical ? I could really see him blow me away in any character ! Love his passion ❤
Best voice in the world!
I keep coming back to this. Something about Rufus.....lol
I love you Rufus!!!!!!!🎵🎧🎼🎶🎹
Genius.
Was this a tribute for Billy Joel? What a talent Rufus is! I saw him live supporting Paul Simon and he blew me away! Lots of other famous musical faces in the audience too - Steve Winwood, & Don Henley........
Giusto premio al miglior songwriter Billy Joel
wow
Awesome!!
go rufus!!
this voice is so pure the ups and downs a under rated talnet love him
snoop dogg jamming to piano man at 3:26 haha
he is so cool
Brilliant. He did Billy proud! Is there a DVD or CD of this!?!
3:27 Oh snoop, don't ever change
LMAO! Awww Snoop digging the Billy Joel/Rufus
This performance aired last night made me Google more info on Rufus as I only knew bits and pieces about him, which wasn't much. Didn't know a lot about his sexuality and political views, although I think I heard it before.
You should check out his albums. The guy is a musical genius. I've heard him perform live and he is the only singer/performer who, to me, actually sounds better live than in a recording studio. My fav albums of his are Poses, Want One, Want Two and All Days Are Nights. There are some great youtube videos of his performances too.
So what happen to Rufus Wainwright? Have never heard of him until now.
I might sing that at Miranda and Hurstville and Sylvania waters and Kogarah and Beverly Hills
I might sing that at Sylvania waters and Miranda and Hurstvile and Kogarah
F%:' U MUSIC INDUSTRY FOR NOT RECOGNIZING AND GIVING THIS MAN'S TALENT THE RECOGNITION IT DESERVES!
RUFUS AND SARA BARELLIS '' SHE USED TO BE MINE ''
got SOMERT special this kid , DIFFERENT. only just heard about him. hate the nasty comments about his life. get a life .
i wish rufus would've played the piano also.. curious why he didn't ..
Being the (gay) crooner and soulful showman that he is he performs a tribute to Judy Garland at Carnegie Hall as well.
Umm, those 8 people are tone deaf and misguided. He is amazing.His love for the music is so apparent -- he never seems jaded or tired. I'd love to see on TV more.
what is wrong with you??
Oh FFS, I loved these songs, but eight people have every right to have a different view. (Mind you, they might have loved the performances too, but disliked the microphones, lighting or editing.)
SNOOP DOG WAS IN THE HOUSE
3:32 Herbie Hancok??? :D
One of the best cover renditions at a KCH,
of which the covers usually stink.
Turn this video off after New York State Of Mind.
monotone????? get some new batteries for your hearing aids.
His voice is strong but his phrasing is a but monotone.
Strictly speaking, phrasing can't be "monotone". I'm curious to know in what respect his phrasing was technically different from Billy Joel's own version of these songs, as you hear it.
I believe you mean his tone