Advent Reaction Day 15 - O' Holy Night - David Phelps (the best one?)

[@karina4t]

The time when I see you break is the exactly the time I break. I love your pure, and honest reactions. Much love from the Netherlands 🇳🇱 ♥️

[@askara_755]

Can we take a moment and appreciate the pianist?! It's not overpowering the Davids singing, but is a whole other solo performance in itself.

[@pagames1531]

Anthony Burger was amazing!

[@jenniferfarrell1937]

@askara_755 I miss Anthony Burger so much.

[@arwynOG]

it doesn't matter how many times I watch this particular performance... I get full body chills every single time David hits that note & the choir comes in. I'm glad you felt the same :)

[@jag03ljg]

This is the greatest version of this song!!

[@pamelamiller3749]

Absolutely!!! The BEST!

[@billhanan3853]

Undefeated as the best !

[@alanparks7919]

Yeah, you can say it - it’s the best job on O Holy Night ever recorded!

[@LeaAlicesonSummers]

A lot of the background singers are Christian singing artist. Some very popular. This was awesome. This guy is well known for his Christian songs and his range. Thanks for reacting. ❤️

[@MargaritaDanoys-hv5pp]

The piano playera is so, so amazing oh Lord!! ❤

[@ArleneAdkinsZell]

Awesome reaction, loved your facial expression when the Gaither crowd joined in! Every one of the people behind him are professional singers and they always sound amazing when they get together and you are correct, no need to pick a best.

[@shilohauraable]

You should watch the candid video they mashed together from different people's personal videos when they simply met socially. They talked about people who had passed on & songs they had sung & then someone would casually start singing that song & all would join in! It was an amazing and beautiful look at those artists whose faith & being was the music! 💖

[@danapratola]

David's anointing is awesome. He's also known as the tenor who makes grown men cry.

[@lindaslater7782]

My "O Holy Night" favorites: David Phelps, John Davidson, Home Free, and The (Mormon) Tabernacle Choir.

[@serenity5535]

That audience is made up of ssome of the best Southern Gospel singers to walk the earth. Check out some of the old Gaither Homecoming videos to see more of this audience singing. Great reaction, as always. Merry Christmas.

[@SchoeneTante]

The choir behind David is the Homecoming Choir, containing some of the greatest legends of Southern Gospel music. For example, the "old guy" you mentioned was George Younce, bass singer for the Cathedrals, and member of the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame as well as the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. Bill Gaither organized a series of recorded Homecoming concerts back in the 90s which continue today, as a way of memorializing many of the legends of gospel music. These folks would take turns performing throughout the night, while backing the others up the rest of the time. Bill Gaither himself is a legendary songwriter, along with his wife Gloria, and is also the founder and leader of the Gaither Vocal Band.

[@zackamig4446]

This one takes the cake for me because every time i watch/listen i imagine what it would have felt like to be in that room during that performance. I don't think any other live version would give you the same feeling if you were there to witness it. People literally saw the lord that night lol. And the fact that he is a gospel singer and really puts true belief behind those beautiful lyrics is another reason its so great.

[@Pattiekins1]

One of my favorite things about this performance aside from Davids voice is when he sings that last note then turns and nods and says Thank You to Anthony Burger.

[@BarbaraVale214]

Cannot beat David Phelps .. best tenor on the planet ..Enjoyed your reaction. Check out his No More Night and Just As I Am

[@par500dragon7]

David's faith and conviction are huge factors in how affecting this version is. There are other lovely renditions, but this one is spirit-filled and truly touches the heart.

[@MoMoMyPup10]

The emoting by David is just unparalleled by all the other great voices that have nailed it. Like he said, the 'expressing of words' means something, and in particular, this song. Then the 'vocal prowess' of each artist just boils down to preference, because they're all nearly flawless in tone and strength of chords. Michael Crawford's has always been the best for me, before I heard David actually bring it to life, like it's supposed to be sung.

[@drawncept8391]

Amen. Absolutely.

[@robertcoffman9563]

Whether you know it or not the choir behind him are some of the biggest individual gospel singers in the world

[@suffolkip12]

Davids rendition of this beautiful song puts me in the presence of God every time I hear it!! He is blessed by God!! Than you for playing!!

[@tracydecker-hn4sf]

I hope you enjoy this. David is a stunning vocalist and performer. Even 20 years later. Thank you

[@JamesJohnson-ig6of]

"David Phelps version is the very best ever!" There are many technically great wonderful singers, but if you do listen to more of his "live" reactions, you'll come to realize his very special calling on his life; to not take any credit for himself, but instead to his Creator who chose him and Blessed him with his unearthly voice and talent! THANK YOU for choosing and reacting to this! Happy Holidays from Minnesota way!

[@MBGolfer]

David is the greatest vocalist to ever walk the earth. PERIOD

[@azekel7687]

We don't know that. After all, there may have been greater singers that was never recorded in history.

[@gracemichelli.2am124]

David Phelps is incredible in any genre. He is one of the best tenors in the world. Great reaction ❤

[@333Judy333]

David Phelps does the BEST rendition of O Holy Night, which is my favorite Christmas hymn! WOW! I never tire of hearing it!

[@anneharley5319]

Sobbing now after seeing this for the first time. Thankyou for a great reaction x

[@514paul]

Everybody on that stage are world class gospel singers in their own right

[@korydyer8200]

David does sing this song with limitless emotion, control, and power. Let's give a huge shout-out to the pianist too! Underrated performance overall

[@beepndigr3634]

Pianist Anthony Burger. Passed away at the keyboard on a Gaither cruise several years ago

[@wellslj]

David does an magnificent job on this song. He blesses everyone!

[@annezzell6792]

Such a powerful performance. And no, it's not Tommy Johansson or Dan Vasc - it's not supposed to be. It's a southern gospel singer and choir, performed in 2000. And you are 100% correct - you don't need to pick only one to be the best. Carry on! And thanks for all the advent reactions!

[@iamhere4now980]

When that spirit hits your soul, its a wonderful feeling. This brought tears again, but this time was from when your hit. Thank you for sharing this reaction.

[@DCo-g6q]

With David you actually hear the angel voices, every reaction I have watched says goosebumps or they tear up, that is the Holy Spirit calling…I have watched many many times, still chokes me up, it is an inspired performance

[@SheilaY]

Absolutely beautiful

[@karenmonteiro4249]

You really should listen to No More Nights, or Alpha and Omega, both with Gaither Vocal Band. Really showcases David’s talent and skill.

[@eikyroos]

I've always absolutely loved David Phelps' voice and his version of this song is the best!!

[@normagordon1375]

David Phelps cannot be compared, he's in a whole nother stratosphere all by himself! He is just simply the BEST!🔥🔥🔥🔥🎄🎄🔥🔥💯... You should check out the piano player Anthony Burger, he is to piano what Phelps is to vocals❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@freialeonhardt4747]

That is the result when people sing christian songs not only because it is just the season, but when they are really close to God and his gospel! I just love Michael Phelps

[@jenniferfarrell1937]

David Phelps. Not Michael Phelps

[@tdjmusic]

Thank you for reacting to this! I saw him in concert three weeks ago and. He is amazing!!

[@msmith5121]

Best male vocalist in the world and has been for the past twenty five years...and it's not even close.

[@cheshire4266]

So agree!

[@HelmaOsmond]

Oh wow, that was truly stunning! This is exactly why I like watching reactors. For the epic new content I am exposed to…

[@jtphenom0811]

Definitely the best version of this song in history

[@annebiebrich9155]

Brought me to tears !!

[@traceonthecase]

Those singers behind him are some of the best Christian singers around. Listen to a few more of David's songs. No we don't have to compare, just enjoy.

[@VocMusTcrMaloy]

This version is the best. Whenever I hear other people perform it, I have a “ho-hum” reaction. You can’t beat 3 Db5s in the song. Most of the other singers have that one high note at the end. David hits it in the middle of the second verse, at the point that the high note is written in the music AND at the very end. The famous opera singers who did this sang a Bb4 on the high note. David sang a Bb 4 in the FIRST verse; then changed keys going into the second verse and nails 3 Db5s. All three sound effortless to him. Not only is he immaculate in blowing away the high notes with amazing control and vocal technique, he makes this song come alive. Although his notes are amazing, he doesn’t sing notes, he sings WORDS!

[@kennyhallam]

Thank you for sharing this!!

[@ratso4443]

This is my favorite version. One of my favorite live performances as well!

[@joyvanderveer2282]

David trained for many years to gain the control over his voice, but that gift of his for making you feel what he is singing, that is just a God given gift. He is by far one of my all-time favorite singers because of this combination. Beautifully breathtaking! Merry Christmas!

[@janetsmith4384]

You are such a sensitive and big hearted person! I can tell. I wonder how! 😊. Love your thoughts and passion. You are the best!! ❤️🎄

[@maryhall4756]

All those folks on the stage with him are excellent singer's. The audience is in front of him!

[@christielysdale1815]

My first time watching your channel and I loved your reaction. I saw the very second that the choir came in, the change in how you were affected

[@retiredslamjamm]

The people on stage with David are some of the greatest voices in Southern Gospel music. The 'Old" guy is George Younce, arguably one of the greatest bass voices.

[@beepndigr3634]

Miss him, and his friend JD Sumner

[@Pammie1221]

Beautiful way to start Christmas Day! 🌟

[@aarons5724]

That beautiful softness on the word "divine," all while seeming to trend toward a strong release...that's outstanding.

[@Pilot545]

I have literally seen hundreds of reactions to this rendition by David (by the way…there’s another that is several years newer and just as powerful…it’s part of his holiday barn series…hint hint)…and your reaction when the choir and organ and drums join in is probably the best I’ve seen! The shock was instant and emotional! Love it! ❤️👍🏼 Edit: btw, a LOT of singing talent in that “audience” behind him. Haha Edit 2: you’re the first person I’ve seen to point out the near perfect audio levels. They have a really good sound technician! They have a really good EVERYTHING! The piano player is Anthony Burger, too. Highly recommend checking some of his stuff out. And read his story…AMAZING! Unfortunately, he passed away a small handful of years ago. RIP.

[@askara_755]

The pianist was A.m.a.z.i.n.g. in his own right!

[@pamscarr8696]

I have loved David's version form the first time I heard him sing it. Of course everyone expects it to be sung by a high voice and regretfully, many butcher this glorious song. I got to the point I would not even listen to most sing it because they were just not vocally able to handle it. Then, last year, Avi Kaplan was finishing up his 2022 world tour in Texas. He had actually postponed the Texax part of his tour because of a family emergency so when he and his band got off of the tour bus 12/15/2022, he told them he wanted to do a Christmas sone for the audience and the song was O, Holy Night. Now Avi a a deep bass, but he had a very nice 5 octave range. It was almost impromptu, but his band is good and at the end of the concert, he performed O Holy Night Texas Swing style. It is a calm, peaceful rendition and Avi performs it beautifully. I am glad I have learned to enjoy many genera of music. Here is Avi Kaplan, performing Oh Holy Night. kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5TZk2WnhLpjpZI

[@michellemoreland3783]

This is my favorite Christmas hymn. David Phelps has been one of my favorites for years. Just know that as you let the tears flow, so did mine!

[@markmiller850]

Phenomenal!!! Jesus is King and David Phelps glorified Him in an incredible way. Praise the Father for sending Jesus to all humanity as His gift to us, and thanks to David Phelps for using the unique gift God gave him to lift up and glorify the Lord!!! I pray right now in the matchless name of Jesus that all of us who listen to this song would be inspired to take our gift(s) to the world to glorify the Father, Son and Holy Spirit! Amen!

[@rhonda620]

beautiful reaction!

[@MoMoMyPup10]

I tell you what, each of our favorite performances of this song are all the best when we are listening to them at that moment. The emoting by David is just unparalleled by all the great voices that have nailed it. Like you said, the 'expressing of words' means something, and in particular, this song. The 'vocal prowess' of each artist just boils down to preference, because they're all nearly flawless in tone and strength of chords.

[@Jeff_n_Texas]

Listen one more time. It’s absolutely the best! ❤

[@FrankHampton-t7m]

The best performance of this song ever

[@palombi5150]

I dare you not to cry! David Phelps, in my opinion the "best" male tenner ever!

[@user-JLV777]

Great reaction, I have always love his singing. He performed a lot with The Gaithers.

[@mizzmary861]

*sigh*..getcha right in the feel goods don't it? 😂 We love our David.

[@annelieshoornik]

Thans Viking for another great reaction. I was waiting for the song to go places, but with the choir it really hit home. Goosebumps!😊

[@nateschmidt708]

Yes, "Viking", the English word you're looking for is indeed timbre. And the thing I love about David's artistry is his interpretation and 'breathing' as he reads and hears both lyrics and melodic lines (plural in the sense of harmonics, etc.)

[@cindyfoster3586]

THE BEST!!!!

[@mikeleenlaurent9691]

David is my absolute favorite!! He could sing the alphabet and it would be fabulous. He is still going strong at 52 years old. Check out his cover of 'I Have Nothing'.

[@KathyMaKB]

I love your reaction to this one. It's the first time I heard this version with you. The choir did give a POWERFUL impact that I love. Please listen to Pentatonix "Oh Holy Night" Matt has an amazing solo in the song. They are all incredible as always.

[@shilohauraable]

Ok. I would say the new video by Pentatonix is probably the most amazing version I've seen. But vocally? David cannot be beat vocally! It comes from his strong faith and meaning every word he sings! An absolute masterpiece of sound! 💖 BTW - The guy who wrote Mary Did You Know was standing behind him, part of the amazing gospel choir that joined in at the end. 😊

[@stephenbeck7222]

Lowry and Phelps were both part of the Gaither quartet at the time, fronted by Bill Gaither, the old guy who came out at the end with the mic and who hosts the whole ‘homecoming’ series of similar concerts filled with gospel singers.

[@karenm5681]

Loved your reaction when the choir/ audience came in. ♥️

[@Grammaadell]

My favorite

[@crazycatlady7621]

That was freaking amazing!!! I was surprised like you when the choir came in. That is definitely memorable. Have you done the brnd newly released Pentatonix O Holy Night??? That one made me cry. It is extra freaking amazing. To me it is better than Kiss From A Rose.(which is freaking amazing). Would love for you to react to it as well. I promise it will make you cry. The best I have ever heard them sing...ever. This is my last Christmas here on earth and I am so thankful i got to hear this from PTX. It is like a slice of heaven...something for me to look forward to so won't be so scared of what is coming. Hope you are doing well. Sending you tons of love. From Texas ❤️

[@marciakucher6174]

Loved your reaction! You know music and talent. Not everyone knows about gospel southern music, but David Phelps is classical trained and is very talented. Not everyone knows this, but this performance was planned at the last moment, and he just asked the pianist to follow him.

[@Princess_karen]

You should really watch his version of No More Night. The live version

[@brendac9151]

Everyone behind David are gospel singers.

[@karenminyard517]

The "Choir" is all legendary gospel singers! They all have their own careers and are well known in the gospel world.

[@lynnebaker7787]

A few years ago, at the age of 52, he did a cover of Whitney Houston's " I have nothing " that I absolutely recommend. He still has it even at that age.

[@cheshire4266]

Your reaction is the best I've seen !! Ty

[@cheshire4266]

Also, David has so many songs to react to. He's the best imo. He covered Whitney Houstons I Have Nothing....recommend it:)

[@dalekeeler7209]

Was someone cutting onions in your room too? Man, what a powerful song and voice!

[@maryhall4756]

Absolutely

[@caleblauber1441]

It’s the BEST! Hands down.

[@jeffwesthof9711]

Thanks my friend..

[@radtadtrackster]

The best live version

[@timhunter8880]

If you don't get goose bumps listening to David sing Oh Holy Night, I suggest you check to see if you have a pulse. That was not a choir. Those are all individual singers that perform on tours

[@VikingReacts]

Yet, in this case they were singing as a choir… right? ;)

[@timhunter8880]

It was impromptu not directed

[@timhunter8880]

I was in the audience

[@Magdi5]

The best, the best, the best..!

[@heatherrohde6541]

Wow❤ Just AWESOME!

[@maggiesatterfield2402]

Bill and Gloria Gaither were authors and producers of many of Southern Gospel's Greatest Artists. The Gaither Hour was a weekly broadcast during the 1990s to early 2000s that featured many of Southern Gospel's greatest artists. David Phelps was one of the (then) up and coming young talents that were supported by Gaither Productions and mentored by Bill and Gloria. The classic Southern Gospel Hymn "Because He Lives" was written by Bill Gaither.

[@elainegregoire-mitchell5393]

Definitely the best

[@MusicalJackknife]

The "old guy" at 5:38 is George Younce, one of those traditional super-deep gospel basses. In fact that whole choir is full of southern gospel artists that were big at the time, like the Gaithers wjo put the whole thing on, and Mark Lowry (right behind Phelps) who wrote "Mary, Did You Know."

[@hayleyphilpott4146]

@@MusicalJackknife mark lowry wrote Mary did you know x

[@andreadee1567]

Yes, I liked that moment too. 😄

[@marynaperley-robertson9264]

Wow..❤

[@mikechadwick3278]

Loved this reaction. The choir are all professional Southern gospel singers. The other man at the end is Bill Gaither. There is a series of these type shows.

[@colleennovak1558]

Come on guy you know this was the best

[@ianrs6310]

Yes, it’s the best.

[@thadofalltrades]

You could tell David Phelps was feeling the Spirit that night. I've heard him sing it other times and it's not nearly this good.

[@eunicebardin9629]

The "choir" behind him is made up of Gospel legends, groups and soloists. Bill and Gloria Gaither host these evenings of music in which each group or soloist takes a turn. Bill was the man who pulls David back out during the applause. Gloria was the pretty blond woman with both hands in the air, multicolored top, at the end of the song. They have written hundreds of songs over the past 50 years, many of which are still sung in churches around the world.

[@pbjabq]

David became a part of the Gaither Vocal Band after I saw them perform with Bill and Gloria Gaither Family Gathering in the mid-90s. It wasn't as massive a choir as this Gathering, but WOW. I sat next to Guy Penrod's wife and got some wonderful insight into the Family traveling and performances. David is classically trained, as well and recorded several operatic arias. It took my breath away when the choir did join the performance. What a rush! Your choices of reactions bring back so many memories and I love sharing the experiences. Thank you.

[@donaldriddle230]

Just so you know, the "Choir" are all Recording artists in tge Southern Gospel genre. Many of them are Legends in Gospel music. Point in fact. the "Old Guy" was the Legend, George Younce of the Cathedral Quartet. He was performing Southern Gosple Quartet music since the 50's . The older lady with her hands lifted was Eva Mae Lefevre. Her Family sang together in Gosple music for many many years. Bill and Gloria Gaither are the hosts of this concert. They are legendary Song writers and singers. Written many famous Gosple hits. Some of which are in the Church Hymnals around the different denominations. Yes in fact, the entire choir are recording artists, performers, singers, song writers, but also though they may not be a professional choir, they are in every sense. A Choir of Professionals. David is part of the Gaither Vocal Band, as well as a Solo artist.

[@rose-hk5pm]

great reaction I never heard of this guy. O holy night is one of my favorite Christmas song. You should check out David Bowie and Bing Crosby singing The little drummer boy

[@sallymorehouse3179]

As a single vocalist with a backing choir, David Phelps is awesome, but my favorite version is the new Pentatonix version they released on their New Christmas album this year. They just released the music video for it yesterday. To me, it is stunning.

[@singinme103]

Fun fact! At 7:38 in your video (not sure the time stamp in the original), the man that appears at the left of the screen over David’s left shoulder wearing the black suit, red shirt and red tie is Mark Lowry, one of the co-writers of Mary, Did You Know. There are recordings of him singing that song with David and the rest of the Gaither Vocal Band providing this same kind of choir feeling.