I've also listened to this performance dozens and dozens of times. Whenever I need to get out of a bad mood and feel great, I turn on Aretha's Nessun Dorma. It makes me cry like a baby. I actually remember hearing it when she was on the Grammys in 1998. I was working as a TV news producer in New Orleans, and we were all so blown away that we made this the lead story on the news that night. New Orleans is such a musical city that it worked great. Phones started ringing off the hook, asking us to play it again, so we showed it again at the end of the newscast!
Aretha was at the grammys to perform a new version of Respect that was featured in the Blues Brothers 2000 film. she had finished her new version of respect (with a little hiccup) and was back in her dressing room basically done for the evening. Luciano is there to receive an award and to perform Nessun Dorma but just before a commercial break he tells the producers that his doctors advised him that he cannot perform. Remember the grammys were live, the orchestra and choir was already set and ready to go as they were next up after the commercial break and were tuned to Luciano's key. with 7 minutes to go, one of the producers remembered that Aretha did this song 2 days prior at the music cares benefit (in her own key) and ran to her dressing room to see if she would do it. she did not hesitate and said yes. She literally had no time to rehearse and they did not have time to change the key to suit her and so she had to sing it in Luciano's key. did she sing a perfect opera, no, however she brought her own soul to this song and captured the evening. She was the highlight of the night and this is noted as one of the greatest moments in Grammy History. Luciano was watching from his hotel room and invited her to come sing with him in italy. (she had a fear of flying and never went) but they formed a friendship after this. that year was a huge comback for her of sorts (did she ever really go away). but there was a great renewed interest in her career and she went on many talk shows and performed her version many time. her new album that same year (A Rose is Still A Rose) went gold and the title song went top 5 R&B and went to number 26 on the billboard hot 100.And then there was also the DIVA's Live. Anyway can you tell i'm a fan. Aretha franklin is the greatest singer to have ever walked this earth.
The spontaneous adjustments the Queen makes here is crazy. She sang that song in his key. Pavoratti sings that song as a tenor, building power crescendo. The orchestra knows the nuances to build for his power and volume. I assure you that no member in that orchestra has less than 20 years of performing with a known orchestra. But nobody is thinking that these classically trained musicians were going to change their key without rehearsals - It is highly unlikely to get the best tenors to sing Nessun Dorma in another key without rehearsals. As a musician (listen to her play the piano in Bridge Over Trouble Waters) in this performance she has to figure out how to meet the right note just five seconds in front of her while hearing a giant and near perfect band screaming and set right on top of her.
To me, this is one of top 10 vocal performances of the last 50 years. In terms of how it moves me to tears every time I listen to it, it is my person number 1. Aretha Franklin's performance is simply astonishing. She did this without rehearsing with this orchestra and conductor, and on 20 minutes notice. She brought her own style into a piece of classical music and totally crushed it. Demolished it. Those people are lucky the roof didn't cave in after that ending. I think the video might have been edited. I heard that she received a 10 minute standing ovation. And I am sure the brought a lot of people to tears. I can't imagine anybody, even opera buffs, criticizing her performance. She interpreted it as her own and her own emotions came through - her artistry seems boundless. Rest in Peace Queen of Soul.
yes let's talk about Grammy magic. Certainly we have all types of music access. let's say originality. accessible and goosebumps. what is your thoughts?
That was like something out of mythology. That is up there with the greatest vocal performances of all time. And it is the greatest Nessun Dorma of all time,. The vocal tone, the appropriate/clean/unique embellishments, the soul, the range, and the emotion. Unbelievable.
#1 Female vocalist of all time, and I'm a Dolly Parton apologist. She just walked out there and and threw her thing down and there was nothing anyone before or since who could do a thing about it.
I'm a concert violinist. Classical music is my oxygen. This performance is maybe my favorite performance of any kind of all time. I don't believe in much, but I believe in Aretha Franklin.
No, you are correct. She brought the _soul_ like no one else could. And probably no one realized that song could be just as amazing when sung by such a soulful sister.
she's a gift from God who knows to use it. small blurb from Grammy producer ahead has answers. such as sang in his key. The orchestra and choir, she knew with pure confidence they had no time to re tool it for her. Why I care? my father had a beautiful voice. I can recall mom phoning me to be certain I saw this. Knowing difficulty of particular notes what is he thinking
On a side note: I have a halloween suggestion. Lullaby of Woe cover by The Grissini Project ( I may have spelled that wrong). It would also be really good for your speaking lyrics channel.
Dave, I remember watching this as it happened. We had friends over started watching the awards show. Many of were looking forward to Pavarotti and the room let out a sigh when Sting announced he could not perform. Then everyone as surprised when he said Aretha was stepping in ... when she finished there was not a single dry eye or butt in a seat! I will NEVER forget it! She SLAYED! we cheered so loud some of us lost our voices me included.
Thanks so much for your reaction. I loved your reaction and your comments. Pavarotti and Aretha were friends and he knew that she loved opera and sang opera. As a matter of fact, Aretha Franklin had sang Nessun Dorma a week or two before at a Charitable Benefit. Pavarotti had heard Aretha sing it. When his doctor told him that he had to rest his voice due to illness, he asked Aretha to step in at the last minute. Luciano Pavarotti is most often considered the greatest tenor of all time. So, if he asked Aretha to sing it in his place, that is indeed a tremendous compliment. That means that he had confidence that she would give an amazing performance. It also means that Pavarotti thought that Aretha's rendition was something that should be released to the world. I was watching the Grammy's that night along with my family. It became a household favorite. We were so proud of Aretha. It was an extraordinary performance and Aretha sang it like no one else would sing it or could sing it. The color, texture, and tone of her voice combined with the passion that comes from her soul makes this a once in a life-time performance. My family and I always hoped that she would release an album of her favorite Opera pieces. Sadly, it never happened. I happen to listen to opera because Jessye Norman, who is one of the greatest Opera singers of all time, who happens to be a Black American, attended the same church as me in Augusta, Georgia. She walked me to church on the Sunday's my grandmother had to work. Growing up in the Jim Crow south, her career really began in Europe. She was recognized and received abroad before finally being welcomed and allowed to sing at the Metropolitan Opera House in the US. She is considered as one of the Top Ten opera singers of all time. When I heard Aretha sing Nessun Dorma infused with her gospel roots, sound of soul and R&B, I were thrilled and captivated by her performance, so was my family. You are right on point about the response from the "snobbish" opera lovers. Some of the responses were most definitely based upon racism and bias. Some were harshly critical and you could feel the hatred as if she had touched something sacred. They had a "How dare she" attitude. There was definitely a backlash from people who are so narrow minded in their thinking, that they could not appreciate how beautiful the tone of her voice was and the extraordinary fusion of genres brought to the song. It was disturbing to say the least. HOWEVER, there was a lot of praise for her performance. It was We could see Celine Dion standing, clapping, and shaking her head in awe at seeing Aretha sing opera. I am thankful that there well received by her peers and most people. Aside from Pavarotti, there were many classical artists who applauded her performance as well. Thanks again for your reaction.
I got teary! I love Aretha Franklin and I really was hopeful but hopeful turned into pride!!! I love her LOVE HER!!!!! She was my first album lol ,,,,,,nothing but love and appreciation to you , THANK YOU XO zane
There is a cd of Aretha's recordings with other artists entitled "DUETS" You will find 'Nessun Dorma', the studio version on this cd. I believe that she is backed by The New York Philharmonic Symphony.
She did a great job, a very moving performance ! Never knew about this. The addition of the English part gave a hint as to what the song was about, and made it that much better. RIP Aretha and Luciano.
It’s a known fact that Aretha Franklin had a 4 octave range. I remember when she performed this at the Grammys and Pavarotti watched it. He was so impressed by her performance that he invited her to Italy to perform with him. Due to her fear of flying she had to decline. That performance was one of many legendary performances she gave throughout her career. She was the Queen.
I wept when she took to do the rendition in English and I perceive the shock of hearing her master an opera song - I was mind-blown by this Aretha impromptu but super performance- that's why I shed tears. Thank You Aretha. You were amazing!
Wow wow wow. Ive never heard of this. Ever. And Aretha has been a fav for ever and ever. Nessum dorma and Pavarotti as well. Thank you soo much for making me stumbling over your reaction. It just popped up, and i have to relisten. Right now. ❤️❤️❤️ And prepare for tears 😊
I just LOVE your reaction to this outstanding performance and I agree with everything you said. We are so fortunate to be able to watch this special treat any time. Thank you for sharing! Take care - stay safe!
I'd heard Nessum Dorma only few times as I am not an opera fan. But I've listened to Miss Franklin's performance many times now and she brings me to tears. I did not know she had such a fine voice. Natural Woman and R-E-S-P-E-C-T don't really show off that aspect.
Aretha gave a tremendous performance! It is said, once she left 'Columbia Records' , she would never again sing anything like anyone else had ever sang it. She took this tenor opera classic and made it her own, she didn't sing it like Leontyne Price, Jessye Norman or anyone else, she sang it her own way! Could Pavarotti or Placido sing 'Respect' - probably not, opera singers, sing opera and not much else, the few times they have ventured out and tried, the results have not been great, they tend to sound 'stilted' etc . . . and I enjoy opera but, 'Ree is 'Ree and she still sets the standard, expanding boundries in music.
Pavarotti was sick so Aretha stepped in. He called her and asked her to do it. She said yes because they have been friends a long time. Yes, she's a contralto.
The presenter mispronounced nessun (it's nay-soon). Her vocals were off the charts but I wish someone had worked with her on the proper Italian pronunciations. E is pronounced like AY as in day, thus Le is pronounced Lay. Stelle is pronounced Stay-lay, not stell-ay. Her version is still so lovely to listen to!
@Stephen B It just seemed sort of offensive, I suppose. I mean, _of course_ it wasn't going to be like the original. But, to dismiss Aretha Franklin's performance as "she tried," seemed rather disrespectful. I think this might be a case where very different meanings are gleaned from the same statement.
Tired what. She's the greatest female voice in 1000 years is what the power who rule this world assets. The planation, the church, the oppression it's all there in that voice. Respect!
Sorry to every person. My english isn't very well. If I wrote something offensive I'm so sorry. My idea was to remind how pavarotti was great not dis-aprecciate Aretha's voice. She can have the best voice of all time but, particularly in this song, I haven't got chills. Every single time when I listen pavarotti's version I got chill. I speak Italian so i understand perfectly what he say and for me he is unbeatable. The original song give you too much motivate (if you understand what he says) it's like rocky Balboa's music. Give you energy and motivation. But this Aretha's performance give me nothing Maybe because I'm used to listen the original version almost every day. God bless you
I have listened to this over 100 times, I remember when this was done. I cried!!! ONLY ONE ARETHA ❤❤
I've also listened to this performance dozens and dozens of times. Whenever I need to get out of a bad mood and feel great, I turn on Aretha's Nessun Dorma. It makes me cry like a baby. I actually remember hearing it when she was on the Grammys in 1998. I was working as a TV news producer in New Orleans, and we were all so blown away that we made this the lead story on the news that night. New Orleans is such a musical city that it worked great. Phones started ringing off the hook, asking us to play it again, so we showed it again at the end of the newscast!
Aretha was at the grammys to perform a new version of Respect that was featured in the Blues Brothers 2000 film. she had finished her new version of respect (with a little hiccup) and was back in her dressing room basically done for the evening. Luciano is there to receive an award and to perform Nessun Dorma but just before a commercial break he tells the producers that his doctors advised him that he cannot perform. Remember the grammys were live, the orchestra and choir was already set and ready to go as they were next up after the commercial break and were tuned to Luciano's key. with 7 minutes to go, one of the producers remembered that Aretha did this song 2 days prior at the music cares benefit (in her own key) and ran to her dressing room to see if she would do it. she did not hesitate and said yes. She literally had no time to rehearse and they did not have time to change the key to suit her and so she had to sing it in Luciano's key. did she sing a perfect opera, no, however she brought her own soul to this song and captured the evening. She was the highlight of the night and this is noted as one of the greatest moments in Grammy History. Luciano was watching from his hotel room and invited her to come sing with him in italy. (she had a fear of flying and never went) but they formed a friendship after this. that year was a huge comback for her of sorts (did she ever really go away). but there was a great renewed interest in her career and she went on many talk shows and performed her version many time. her new album that same year (A Rose is Still A Rose) went gold and the title song went top 5 R&B and went to number 26 on the billboard hot 100.And then there was also the DIVA's Live. Anyway can you tell i'm a fan. Aretha franklin is the greatest singer to have ever walked this earth.
You are a smart man!!!👍🏾
love this
The spontaneous adjustments the Queen makes here is crazy. She sang that song in his key. Pavoratti sings that song as a tenor, building power crescendo. The orchestra knows the nuances to build for his power and volume. I assure you that no member in that orchestra has less than 20 years of performing with a known orchestra. But nobody is thinking that these classically trained musicians were going to change their key without rehearsals - It is highly unlikely to get the best tenors to sing Nessun Dorma in another key without rehearsals. As a musician (listen to her play the piano in Bridge Over Trouble Waters) in this performance she has to figure out how to meet the right note just five seconds in front of her while hearing a giant and near perfect band screaming and set right on top of her.
She didn't sing that song... she SANG it!
The Queen of Soul did her thing 🙌. 😊
To me, this is one of top 10 vocal performances of the last 50 years. In terms of how it moves me to tears every time I listen to it, it is my person number 1. Aretha Franklin's performance is simply astonishing. She did this without rehearsing with this orchestra and conductor, and on 20 minutes notice. She brought her own style into a piece of classical music and totally crushed it. Demolished it. Those people are lucky the roof didn't cave in after that ending. I think the video might have been edited. I heard that she received a 10 minute standing ovation. And I am sure the brought a lot of people to tears. I can't imagine anybody, even opera buffs, criticizing her performance. She interpreted it as her own and her own emotions came through - her artistry seems boundless. Rest in Peace Queen of Soul.
well said :)
yes let's talk about Grammy magic. Certainly we have all types of music access.
let's say originality. accessible and goosebumps. what is your thoughts?
I literally just cried. I'm still crying. I didn't know that treasure existed. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.
This is definitely hidden. Idk why more people ain’t talking about this great performance!
Me neither, found out about it while watching the upside movie
If my memory is correct. Luciano Pavorotti was so impressed with Aretha Franklin vocal range he invited her to an Italian festival.
He did
But she didn't go :(
@@valen1884, that's cause she was afraid to fly...
Awesome, The Queen, The Best...She sings it all...!!!
That was like something out of mythology. That is up there with the greatest vocal performances of all time. And it is the greatest Nessun Dorma of all time,. The vocal tone, the appropriate/clean/unique embellishments, the soul, the range, and the emotion. Unbelievable.
#1 Female vocalist of all time, and I'm a Dolly Parton apologist. She just walked out there and and threw her thing down and there was nothing anyone before or since who could do a thing about it.
I'm a concert violinist. Classical music is my oxygen. This performance is maybe my favorite performance of any kind of all time.
I don't believe in much, but I believe in Aretha Franklin.
This is why she's the greatest singer!
No, you are correct. She brought the _soul_ like no one else could. And probably no one realized that song could be just as amazing when sung by such a soulful sister.
Aretha was and is a legend She is know to sing anyone song better than the original artist..
She can sing any song..
she's a gift from God who knows to use it. small blurb from Grammy producer ahead has answers. such as sang in his key. The orchestra and choir, she knew with pure confidence they had no time to re tool it for her.
Why I care? my father had a beautiful voice. I can recall mom phoning me to be certain I saw this.
Knowing difficulty of particular notes what is he thinking
ah Diva Luciano
This just shows her versatility.
That woman is a legend!!!! I never knew she did this. Thank you for sharing this.❤❤❤❤❤
On a side note: I have a halloween suggestion. Lullaby of Woe cover by The Grissini Project ( I may have spelled that wrong). It would also be really good for your speaking lyrics channel.
Long live THE Queen. Tears and goosebumps the entire time every time
Finally ppl reacting to this masterpiece 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
SHE HAD SUNG THIS 2 NIGHTS PRIOR!!✔ AND SHE ROCKED THE HOUSE AGAIN!! LIKE THE QUEEN DOES!! SEEN THIS WHEN BROAD CAST!! I WAS IN TEARS BRILLIANT!!❤❤😂😂
Dave, I remember watching this as it happened. We had friends over started watching the awards show. Many of were looking forward to Pavarotti and the room let out a sigh when Sting announced he could not perform. Then everyone as surprised when he said Aretha was stepping in ... when she finished there was not a single dry eye or butt in a seat! I will NEVER forget it! She SLAYED! we cheered so loud some of us lost our voices me included.
Thanks so much for your reaction. I loved your reaction and your comments. Pavarotti and Aretha were friends and he knew that she loved opera and sang opera. As a matter of fact, Aretha Franklin had sang Nessun Dorma a week or two before at a Charitable Benefit. Pavarotti had heard Aretha sing it. When his doctor told him that he had to rest his voice due to illness, he asked Aretha to step in at the last minute. Luciano Pavarotti is most often considered the greatest tenor of all time. So, if he asked Aretha to sing it in his place, that is indeed a tremendous compliment. That means that he had confidence that she would give an amazing performance. It also means that Pavarotti thought that Aretha's rendition was something that should be released to the world. I was watching the Grammy's that night along with my family. It became a household favorite. We were so proud of Aretha. It was an extraordinary performance and Aretha sang it like no one else would sing it or could sing it. The color, texture, and tone of her voice combined with the passion that comes from her soul makes this a once in a life-time performance. My family and I always hoped that she would release an album of her favorite Opera pieces. Sadly, it never happened. I happen to listen to opera because Jessye Norman, who is one of the greatest Opera singers of all time, who happens to be a Black American, attended the same church as me in Augusta, Georgia. She walked me to church on the Sunday's my grandmother had to work. Growing up in the Jim Crow south, her career really began in Europe. She was recognized and received abroad before finally being welcomed and allowed to sing at the Metropolitan Opera House in the US. She is considered as one of the Top Ten opera singers of all time. When I heard Aretha sing Nessun Dorma infused with her gospel roots, sound of soul and R&B, I were thrilled and captivated by her performance, so was my family. You are right on point about the response from the "snobbish" opera lovers. Some of the responses were most definitely based upon racism and bias. Some were harshly critical and you could feel the hatred as if she had touched something sacred. They had a "How dare she" attitude. There was definitely a backlash from people who are so narrow minded in their thinking, that they could not appreciate how beautiful the tone of her voice was and the extraordinary fusion of genres brought to the song. It was disturbing to say the least. HOWEVER, there was a lot of praise for her performance. It was We could see Celine Dion standing, clapping, and shaking her head in awe at seeing Aretha sing opera. I am thankful that there well received by her peers and most people. Aside from Pavarotti, there were many classical artists who applauded her performance as well. Thanks again for your reaction.
I remember watching this live and it blew my socks off.
That’s my Favorite Song
I got teary! I love Aretha Franklin and I really was hopeful but hopeful turned into pride!!! I love her LOVE HER!!!!!
She was my first album lol ,,,,,,nothing but love and appreciation to you , THANK YOU
XO zane
WOW!!!! I have goosebumps head to toe! I've never heard her perform this. Such soul she brings! Thanks for finding this and sharing!
I got chills all over!!!!!!! Oh my God, I didn't know I needed this!!!! 💖💖
What a Queen, the world is a little dimmer without her.
There is a cd of Aretha's recordings with other artists entitled "DUETS" You will find 'Nessun Dorma', the studio version on this cd. I believe that she is backed by The New York Philharmonic Symphony.
Beautiful lady, with a beautiful soul, my heart melted. Thank you for this. Bless you're heart. Stay safe, and keep smiling. 👍💞😷👍
She did a great job, a very moving performance !
Never knew about this.
The addition of the English part gave a hint as to what the song was about, and made it that much better.
RIP Aretha and Luciano.
Awe inspiring and in the end when she showed her range I cried and became extremely emotional.
How dare you be nervous for the Queen. That brought tears to my eyes. She did the song in his key.
Pavarotti said to her "you can do what I do, but I can't do what you do"
It’s a known fact that Aretha Franklin had a 4 octave range. I remember when she performed this at the Grammys and Pavarotti watched it. He was so impressed by her performance that he invited her to Italy to perform with him. Due to her fear of flying she had to decline. That performance was one of many legendary performances she gave throughout her career. She was the Queen.
I wept when she took to do the rendition in English and I perceive the shock of hearing her master an opera song - I was mind-blown by this Aretha impromptu but super performance- that's why I shed tears. Thank You Aretha. You were amazing!
A Goddess! Truly!💜
Only the Queen can take a song and make it her own
The look on Celine's face at the end says it all.
Im in love with that video. Always make me cry !!!!
Wow wow wow. Ive never heard of this. Ever. And Aretha has been a fav for ever and ever. Nessum dorma and Pavarotti as well. Thank you soo much for making me stumbling over your reaction. It just popped up, and i have to relisten. Right now. ❤️❤️❤️ And prepare for tears 😊
When you listen now, I bet your tears have turned to smiles!
This is my 100% favorite version of this song. Brings me to tears every time
your correct Jewell Williams, he even wanted to send his privat plane, pitty she didn't because of her fear for flying. Love you my Queen Aretha!
I'm sorry. You are completely wrong. You said one of the best singers, SHE IS THE BEST PERIOD!!!! Great reaction!!
Well, Where would you place Whitney Houston?
I would say number 2 is Lauryn Hill (Fugees) then Whitney, rest her soul. I miss Whitney’s smile and wonderful voice.
That's was her gift. She did that to respect made it her own.
Aretha cam in AND SHOWED OUT!!!
I just LOVE your reaction to this outstanding performance and I agree with everything you said. We are so fortunate to be able to watch this special treat any time. Thank you for sharing! Take care - stay safe!
Stunning...chills...again!
She did great , love it !
THE QUeen!!!!!! Omg heaven💙
I'd heard Nessum Dorma only few times as I am not an opera fan. But I've listened to Miss Franklin's performance many times now and she brings me to tears. I did not know she had such a fine voice. Natural Woman and R-E-S-P-E-C-T don't really show off that aspect.
congratulations on the video, I liked your reaction / parabéns pelo vídeo , gostei da sua reação 🇧🇷❤️💕
How do you give Opera Soul? Aretha
Your commentary is Boss, so inciteful
Aretha gave a tremendous performance! It is said, once she left 'Columbia Records' , she would never again sing anything like anyone else had ever sang it. She took this tenor opera classic and made it her own, she didn't sing it like Leontyne Price, Jessye Norman or anyone else, she sang it her own way! Could Pavarotti or Placido sing 'Respect' - probably not, opera singers, sing opera and not much else, the few times they have ventured out and tried, the results have not been great, they tend to sound 'stilted' etc . . . and I enjoy opera but, 'Ree is 'Ree and she still sets the standard, expanding boundries in music.
Pavarotti was sick so Aretha stepped in. He called her and asked her to do it. She said yes because they have been friends a long time. Yes, she's a contralto.
No one with the faintest idea of what music is about would ever say anything bad about this performance.
Now... haters always gonna hate.
Voice of god
Don't be nervous for me queen
Best
And Celine Dion is speechless, and shes another one of the greatest singers ever. Not as good as Aretha but still.
The presenter mispronounced nessun (it's nay-soon). Her vocals were off the charts but I wish someone had worked with her on the proper Italian pronunciations. E is pronounced like AY as in day, thus Le is pronounced Lay. Stelle is pronounced Stay-lay, not stell-ay. Her version is still so lovely to listen to!
Ma perché?
Ok, she tried. But the original version is unbeatable
She made her own version 👌🏽
Sourpuss comment. Surely you can try again, and say something nice this time?
@Stephen B It just seemed sort of offensive, I suppose. I mean, _of course_ it wasn't going to be like the original. But, to dismiss Aretha Franklin's performance as "she tried," seemed rather disrespectful.
I think this might be a case where very different meanings are gleaned from the same statement.
Tired what. She's the greatest female voice in 1000 years is what the power who rule this world assets. The planation, the church, the oppression it's all there in that voice. Respect!
Sorry to every person. My english isn't very well. If I wrote something offensive I'm so sorry. My idea was to remind how pavarotti was great not dis-aprecciate Aretha's voice. She can have the best voice of all time but, particularly in this song, I haven't got chills. Every single time when I listen pavarotti's version I got chill. I speak Italian so i understand perfectly what he say and for me he is unbeatable. The original song give you too much motivate (if you understand what he says) it's like rocky Balboa's music. Give you energy and motivation. But this Aretha's performance give me nothing Maybe because I'm used to listen the original version almost every day. God bless you
I THINK THAT JUST MAY BE THE BEAUTIFULIST THING I EVER HERD....THAT WAS AMAZING...IM FLOORED