Amber Riley Olivier Awards Performance "And I Am Telling You" and Award with win speech

[@Ifeelpretty21]

From shining on Glee, to winning Dancing with the Stars, to killing it in The Wiz Live!, to winning a Laurence Olivier Award for playing the role she was born to play! Love you Amber, you deserve everything and more!!!

[@derderderjay]

Sid lawernce

[@derderderjay]

Utube

[@virtuouswoman9714]

Yes she does...POWERFUL Voice 👏👏👏👍👍😁

[@theresag1969]

You forgot "Being Mary Jane".

[@jeanneh1247]

And at the beginning of it all, being an audition reject for American Idol. (2nd season)

[@KBlocker29]

The Jennifers must be so proud.

[@jackmason2989]

Occasionally I scroll KZbin late at night, and occasionally I come across a UK talent that's new to me. I recall one voice that blew my socks to the wall, a woman called "Sam." I haven't heard anything about her in years. Any comments.....

[@lucymoore7676]

Jack Mason sam barks? She was eponine in the les mis film

[@medofawzy4433]

I am soo proud of her

[@MsLady-xj3sv]

Yes hunny. She KILT THAT ISH and she made it her own while doing it.

[@wfalls9453]

Oh I wondered why I couldn't hit those notes, I need to be a Jennifer - deepoll

[@magnusvaldez622]

Quite ironic that She's literally living Rachel Berry's dream ❤

[@FKA91]

And she beat Fanny Brice in the Funny Girl revival.

[@choreoseq]

glee ended with rachel winning a tony, the oliviers are the uk version

[@FKA91]

I'm sorry but it's BARBRA! And Lea Michele is not Rachel Berry. Lea doesn't currently have a theater career (her choice, I'm sure, she seems to like TV more), Rachel Berry, at the end, had a successful one. So, yeah, Amber is living Rachel's dream. That's where the similarity is.

[@o_o-uv6eq]

FunkyFuchsia91 Damn! You are so rude

[@FKA91]

Deandra Sharita That was not my intention at all. I'm sorry if that sounded rude. I just thought that the similarities here were obvious and that poor Barbra's name is constantly misspelled and mispronounced.

[@toomuchtv5768]

MAJOR flashback to when she did this song on Glee though

[@musicislife1990]

iconictvmoments that was her audition

[@chrisjoseph5525]

Jess no it wasn't, she did that song to compete against Rachel

[@musicislife1990]

ExpressYourself Now it was a joke. That her singing this song on glee was her audition for dream girls.

[@chrisjoseph5525]

Jess gotcha! 😊

[@shevy_shev93]

She knocked it out the park back then too lol

[@DeeL3]

When she started singing 'And you, and you, and you" all I could do was envision her pointing at Ms. Pillsbury, Santana, & Artie in the music room. Then finally pointing at Kurt, who just blushes and puts his hand over his heart!!

[@ashleypoindexter7113]

OMG same!!

[@phylliswilliams5769]

UjjainHB 6

[@writegirl422]

I need need NEED this to come to Broadway. Riley could easily score a Tony.

[@firstnamelastname5331]

She could easily score twenty Tony's

[@franciscoavila36]

writegirl42 I sooo WISH this will come back to Broadway. It's been rumored that it will transfer to Broadway at tge end of the London run. but It hasn't been confirmed. but i still HOPE

[@socialchameleon8065]

It's confirmed! It's coming!

[@dignature123]

whoooo!!!

[@tntbandit5]

But for real what is the holdup? Clearly Broadway worthy and yep, the tony would be automatic!

[@ThePottergal]

This really does bring me great joy to see Amber out here prospering. The fact that she is doing this on her own and not with the help of Ryan and Co. She knows her worth and she knows, just like we knew she was being wasted on that show. Amber is out here living HER dream. No one else's. So proud of her.

[@anthonybarlow5955]

You are so right Amber was left in the back to long

[@DavidaLopez94]

T

[@commiraid8545]

Thank you for this wonderful comment!

[@DeeL3]

Straight facts! Loved her on Glee but they never utilized her the way they should have.

[@mykiamoto7145]

What I don't understand with Ryan is, he had been pushing for her since she was 15, even creating a pilot show for her. Unfortunately it wasn't picked up but 6 years later he held on to her and brought her on Glee and then just wasted her talent

[@sefiperi1500]

Ryan Murphy must be like "Why, again, did I make the show all about Rachel?"

[@BerryStraw15]

Because Lea is as good as Amber. Lea is more broadway-ish, and Amber is more soulful, that's all.

[@sefiperi1500]

Gleek Glee If they're the same level why was the show all about Lea then? 😂😂😂

[@BerryStraw15]

maybe because Lea actually GOT the role...?? You comment doesn't make sense, the main character of the show is a brunette and white girl. Beyoncé is better than Jennifer Hudson, why did they choose Jennifer over Beyonce? cause she doesn't fit the rol, same with Lea and Amber on Glee.

[@austinmckee4964]

Sefi Peri Because Rachel was the star and always has been.

[@ayoubaswaray1856]

Gleek Glee Beyonce isn't better than JHud vocal, not by a long shot, but okay

[@jul.2636]

That vibrato on the last note was very whitney-esque. She's really grown into her voice she is and always will be amazing

[@lokeyadams6799]

Very much so!

[@andreleb09]

Amber Riley was born to play effie white

[@DungHoang-rh5wr]

andreleb09 a

[@shakeshaharrison1549]

Breathe taking goose bumps

[@itskaron9146]

no

[@andreadh7913]

YAAASSS

[@keshiapeters1575]

Amber Riley is winning awards and so called glee fans are still trying to discredit her talent over another cast member. smh. Congrats Amber Riley! Amazing.

[@musicalmattress1053]

Girl screaming "Sing it!" at 6:07 - I applaud you!

[@jhubeJELLO]

i wonder if it was one of the cast members. it's so lovely to see all of them rooting for her up there

I loved her, I love her and I will always love her. Amber Riley you are amazing. ❤️

[@benjaminlobo2206]

I love you tooo! charot 😅

[@flyingobject123]

Yes she is ...

[@jamesrondo6512]

wow Amber Riley just kill that song in a good way her voice is absolutely amazing and so powerful she deserve to win that award

[@Shesaphantomm]

i just got through watching her on dwts and this mad me cry she is so fucking talented

[@diannafagan9477]

Cough cough. Guess who's back MA BOI oh how i love the sexy talented amber Riley

[@jamesrondo6512]

dianna fagan yes talented is right

[@diannafagan9477]

and sexy. I see you avoided that part -_-

[@terrencelonon351]

what's dwts?

[@Esi153]

Actually. for those saying this isn't as prestigious as the Tony Awards, British actors mostly work in theatre, that's where they learn their craft because there isn't a big movie industry here. So the Olivier Awards are for us what the Oscars are for Americans.

[@merdzky098]

Or at the very least, this is a British counterpart of the Tony's

[@intoarielverse]

Hipster B the Oliviers are equivalent to the Tony's. The Bafta's are equivalent to the Oscars (and the Emmy's)

[@Esi153]

Rey Quinzel I think you misunderstood me. I know that the Oscars and Baftas are both movie awards and the Tonys and Oliviers are both theatre awards. My point was more about the importance of the awards where actors are concerned. Most British actors revere theatre over movies because there isn't much of a movie industry in the UK, that's really what I was saying. I said it because people were suggesting that it wasn't as important as the Tonys, which I disagreed with.

[@lottie5821]

There isn't a big movie industry in the UK? You mean aside from the fact half of the highest grossing film franchises of all time have been shot here. The film industry is booming.

[@Esi153]

Lottieface There really isn't a big film industry here. The fact that it's cheaper to shoot Hollywood movies here doesn't mean there's a big industry here. In fact a lot of British actors that want to be in movies have moved to the USA in order to do so.

[@alittlebitanna]

Honestly who cares if she's a soprano, she absolutely crushed this performance!! This was insane!

[@Kiki-en9vm]

Amen to your comment.

[@prinspray]

Once again, your decision was wrong Simon Cowell.

[@mykiamoto7145]

She didn't even make it to Simon. It was those damn producers during the pre audition

[@vreese3350]

That was good,she did a great job. She doesn't have the same weighty power that Jennifer Holiday & Jennifer Hudson has. She did an awesome job, her voice just sounds different not to take anything from. Love this song & like to hear a variety of great singers sing the same song. Again I liked this video

[@onlyyouheart]

So is your spelling

[@manfromrome7710]

She was nowhere near as good as this then..who knew she was going to be this great? I was not impressed with her first solo performance on glee..but dayem she got really great..

[@conniethompson6976]

He's said that he's never been happier at being wrong when his rejects SOAR

[@jadeiman3094]

I love how the audience gave her a standing ovation. At the tonys they just think everything's beneath them. I remember fantasia performed at the tonys and blew my wig off 😂 and they had the nerve to still be seated

[@kpoprelated3455]

Jade Perrin because its tony s awards

[@Octopop2010]

Hoshi Knows y

[@TMT-4869]

Cynthia Erivo got a standing ovation for the same song, though. I think they just put butt glue in the seats the year that Fantasia sang.

[@brunodeandradeful]

It’s all about emotion... that’s when the magic happens ❤️

[@ebythelofd8787]

I CAN JUST SEE SAM BEING SOO PROUD OF HER

[@johnlathers4430]

I believe Chord did tweet about her win

[@LarrySonOfMilton]

ladies and gentlemen, Miss Mercedes Jones!

[@fable23]

I was actually worried about her on Glee. I thought her voice sounded strained on some songs, I was worried she might be losing it. Those worries were clearly misplaced-- she sounds better here than she ever has. Powerful. Stunning. Her voice is a jolt of energy to my very soul. She brings me LIFE.

[@dbrel]

She has said she really worked and took care of her voice for this role knowing the stress her cords would be under. It definitely shows in how great she sounds!

[@DeeL3]

I know this comment is kinda old but I'm just curious, which songs in particular did you think she sounded strained on? From Glee I mean?

[@nicolesalmon4583]

@@DeeL3 was wondering the same.

[@KayleJudicator]

The strain has always been intentional, her voice has never shown any sign of damage, it always sounded healthy to me.

[@fifthat]

Amber has said in interviews that when she recorded the songs for Glee, they made her scream out the some of the notes, a technique she wasn't used to doing but she did it anyways. We can see now in this performance that she's singing more than screaming, but girl can do both and do them so stunning!

[@jamesrondo6512]

The people who dislike this performance needs to go see a ear doctor or stop smoking crack lol because this performance was epic it was so damn good she started off amazing and she ended it off evening better with that long-ass note singing like a boss I guess if you dislike this performance obviously you don't know Talent when you see it or hear it Amber Riley is one of the greatest Live Singers out there. Flawless performance well done Amber Riley

[@AtaiaTempleton]

James Rondo hear** but yes! I loved Amber Riley since Glee ! 😍

[@andyhutson1130]

dianna fagan you better know it

[@carltonwalton9819]

I liked this song all my life, but this version I Love. Her tone and perfection is only matched by her passion. Great Job!

[@DONDoesLife]

I agree

[@heidyoh5293]

Maybe they disliked the darn ad in the middle at the last note. I almost hit dislike because of that. So wrong. 😠

[@PegacornX]

Wow. Her voice is so crisp and clear while at the same time so powerful.

[@Nextburjalarab]

Her and Lea have literally switched paths from Glee

[@lisahopkins4379]

Lea Michele wishes she had half the talent Amber Riley has!! Love her, love her voice! So beautiful!!

[@arnnoseque4385]

@@lisahopkins4379 lmao girl Lea has as much talent as Amber, what she doesn't have is humility, but no one can deny Lea's amazing talent

[@bored3847]

AaronNoseQue Amber is the better vocalist, this song is extremely hard to sing and I doubt Lea could sing it. Anything Lea can sing Amber can sing better. Sure, Lea is an amazing singer but she isn’t better than Amber and it doesn’t take a genius to know that. Vocally, Amber runs circles around Lea.

[@ellisamarieisme]

bored I think it truly depends on style. Amber is an incredible powerful force, and practically everything is within her wheelhouse. However, there are some songs based in more classic Broadway that Lea fits better. Amber Riley has far more range, Lea has a better advantage when it comes to Broadway itself. Lea however cannot top this woman’s spirit, aura, and grace. There is a reason your eyes are always drawn to her.

[@curvalisiouscurves5579]

Lea pride was her downfall she was to hyped and prissy like the character character

[@ovoizaiah744]

*Black Girl Magic* ✨❤️

[@julialandry1456]

She deserved that standing ovation!

[@kaileegarcia612]

I've always preferred Amber's voice to Lea's. It just so much more soul and depth to it. So immensely happy for her!

[@latrelljohn02]

Well people said that she did not "Fit" the vocal role of Effie cause she's a Lyric Soprano and Effie was originally a Dramatic Soprano/Mezzo but this bitch changed her technique to goddamn fit the role. Well Deserved award gurl

[@tashkay5389]

I still think she doesn't fit the song as well as the Jennifers. But she sang and acted it well and deserves the award.

[@gladyspayne6417]

She messed me up .always enjoyed JH version but after listening to Amber ..man she kilt it!

[@Strauchie95]

this was a religious experience crying so much right now 😭

[@theatricaldiva3028]

This brings tears to my eyes. I watched glee mainly for her and to see her underused and often ignored and neglected as a character. To see her come to my city and not only kill vocally but win this prestigious award. Lawrence Olivier award, that is prestigious. So proud.

[@VickysStuff]

She's not just incredibly talented, but she has such a humble sweetness about her. You really do just wanna love her!

[@pablobentancor5765]

Amber best singer on Glee

[@dylanmichael6688]

Her vocal nuances are ON POINT.

[@DeeL3]

The best part about this is that you can see that she's not trying to sound like either of the wonderful Jennifer's. Instead, she's simply putting her own take on it and singing with her own passion and her own emotions and I love every bit of it.

[@joturner-greve3690]

wow! she's always been wonderful but this? truly remarkable. contrast this with the time she sang this on glee and her growth is amazing

[@kukkiduchess]

I've lost count on how many times I've watched this & its only been up for a day. I keep coming back.

[@itsbrittfutch9396]

Patricia M ahh! So glad I'm not the only one!

[@tbam73]

an the orchestra. wow. american award shows can learn from this

[@sexymodelboy]

Tee Murrs American Award shows do have orchestras lol They're just hidden from view

[@carltonwalton9819]

Facts. I was thinking, they sound so good together (Amber and the Orchestra). Perfect harmony!

[@TheBeautifulDisaster]

Tee Murrs On Broadway, there is a maximum number for string instruments performing in one production. Maybe there's a limit on violinists at American award shows too?

[@trgoohileshea2820]

The girl that was rejected by American Idol. How ironic that she is one of the best singers in the business today. AI, you blew it!

[@kylasmith3142]

this is better than the recorded version....amazing

[@30katiekate]

And just think Simon turned her down for American Idol, Ive loved amber's voice for many years xxx

[@bielieber365]

She sang this Spectacularly on Glee and with time she somehow got even MORE AMAZING!!!!!!!!! I'm literally in tears it's so good!!

[@sharkeisha2225]

She better SAAAANNNNGG !!!! she took me to church !

[@siddharthnaagar7028]

The character of Effie White literally has won all the big awards it just is short of an Emmy

[@JenniferBrigitteOpticalVortex]

Make it a TV movie with Amber

[@wfalls9453]

There's that softness, there's also the power how and where that comes from? She's amazing

[@DeeL3]

That has literally always been my favorite thing about her; Amber can transition to soft to strong to straight up powerful like it's nothing. I swear they did her so wrong while on Glee.

[@ygk1389]

🙌🙌🙌 She made me "stank face" for quite sometime, even after she exited the stage... wow!! she is amazing

[@alloftheabove8552]

Eric Potter me too😂😂😂😂😂

[@Schneefernerkopf]

She is so loveable and open and vulnerable and strong all at the same time. No wonder she is a great Effie!

[@kingjaeden2358]

List of things Amber Riley did: that ✅

[@mammaz1016]

That girl can SING ❤️

[@cazzymusic9965]

She is so gifted! Her performance and speech inspired me to another level! She's even better live!

[@fluffyhales]

She was always my favourite girl on Glee and damn, look at her now. Such a queen.

[@graciehadlich]

Literally the best singer in Glee, in life, ever.

[@Faith_Ell22]

The way she sang "Ever" at 5:11. My goodness!!!

[@faithharris7173]

I'm so late but the fact that they broke the rule to hold their applause at the end goes to show you AMBER IS A QUEEEEEEEN. SHE IS AWESOME

[@victoria58]

Holy smokes. Just watching her sing for so long made me feel like my throats was hurting and strained

[@WuWei7]

Effie White is the gift that keeps on giving. Jennifer Holliday won the Tony for the original Broadway run, Jennifer Hudson won the Oscar for the movie adaptation, and now Amber Riley winning the Olivier for the original West End production. I LOVE Jennifer Hudson (I'm from her neighborhood in Chicago so we love our hometown honeys). But she did not give me the same goosebumps I got from Jennifer Holliday when she sang this song (a few years ago, I attended an event where Jennifer Holliday performed this song impromptu and she still hit every note and wrung out every but of emotion as she did on stage). I just got goosebumps from this performance by Amber Riley. Maybe it is because she relates to this character the same way Jennifer Holliday did all those years ago. Being told you're too big or not pretty enough to be successful leaves a scar on your soul. But just like it has throughout the ages, pain inspires great art.

[@sarahgillies4847]

Why am I just seeing this now??? She's INCREDIBLE

[@scttydsntknw]

It gives me a strange joy seeing Amber getting to play this part on broadway. Like i got to see her grow up and live a great life.

[@jerrybee566]

Great performance. Even more special that her mother was around to see her win

[@SteveWeaverIvyfield]

WOW! Very powerful performance of an extremely difficult song to sing night, after night, after night. Amber made it her own - this is a much better performance than she did on the Graham Norton show - I guess because she could really 'let go' in front of thousands in the AMAZING Royal Albert Hall where I saw THE SUPREMES perform. They were STUNNING too!!!

[@carlosjoseortizlemus9520]

Steve Weaver she was sick when she sang this one there

[@kenzieversace9337]

If that performance didn't make you break down and sob, i don't know what will.

[@selmandeyanayih]

That woman deserved a standing ovation. Period.

[@sieniauvele641]

Woooooooo! She definitely killed it! The audience were on their feet 😍😍😍😍😍

[@PrincessSarahJP]

I knew when I first saw her sing this on Glee! She's a STAR!

[@patsysoto1686]

this song proves only pure talent can possibly sing it.... very few can sing it the way it should be sung, and she shows she has the chops to do it... BRAVO!!

[@yosuasasauw2663]

Next, GRAMMY!!! she deserves with that beautiful talent, beautiful person, a whole person. Shes one of a kind. Amber, you inspire so many amazing people around the world. I hope shes happy and accomplish her goals.

[@alessandrasantoro6555]

I knew she had such a voice but this performance is incredible

[@shirokisasaki3233]

curtis is so handsome tho....and Mercedes is literally living Rachel Berry's Dream.

[@sarahclark6225]

I just arrived to the party. WOW. AMBER. Please keep the passion. In all that you do. This did not remind me of someone else.(although I luv the others) You stand in no ones shadow. Own girl.

[@itsminxy_]

People of colour have some of the most beautiful, pure voices I have ever heard. You go girl!

[@jedigoddess]

Amber Riley is absolute perfection here, WOW!

[@terrchellebrooks4191]

oh lord she has done it again then blow my mind and made me cry this woman incredible just mindblown outstanding perfomers 😭😍

[@zeropercent2737]

Anyone who says she's just screaming. Fine. I'd like to scream like that lmao

[@micasaespobre]

She's amazing. I have no words to describe it. I just love her!!

[@elisabethblackwood3921]

There is only one Amber a Riley, and she's stunning!

[@fancii]

I suffocated just listening to this. That's some breath control. She is pure talent and the personification of the "it factor" and just SO beautiful.

[@raultorres-bonilla5649]

Not a superstar, but a freaking whole galaxy this woman is!

[@blkbella]

The host’s reaction to her performance was priceless. Been a fan since Glee. Amber is just highly favored and blessed with her voice! Too teary 😭😭😭 to keep typing!

[@khalilaraj3971]

she soooo totally deserved it , loooooovvve her😍😍😍😍😍😍🙌🙌🙌🙌

[@mrniwrad6987]

Wow! Mercedes living the life of rachel berry!

[@jragonsong]

Imagine having to share a stage with Amber Riley THEE Vocal Powerhouse. Literally I'd be scared out of my mind to even just stand there in a suit, she's too legendary!!!!

[@joaopaulosalvador]

Amber Riley is IT

[@claudiablake3308]

She is amazing, she sang the hell out that song. She gave me goose bumps. 😈😍😀😀😀👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿

[@dales1992]

Amber was born to play this role this performance hits me every time she is a powerhouse her voice is just outstanding !!!!

[@thisisme5504]

Thank you so much for posting this. Amber is my favorite and I am so happy to see her shining moment.

[@zara-uu1ux]

hollering at the glee fans under this video that can’t separate characters from actors, insane

[@tonimonetsway]

When you close your eyes and feel someone's voice and emotion tingling all over your body. And when you open your eyes again and they are filled with tears...

[@U.Lindsey]

One of the most underrated vocalist in our generation. I've been following Amber since Glee. She is AMAZING...LOVE HER!

[@maysonleeflores8914]

she is so absolutely stunning!!! her rendition is impeccable. PERFECTION!!!

[@karengames4522]

She did THAT, She DID that

[@helloxons]

She is the definition of true brilliance...!!!

[@troypatruno2602]

You know something epic just went down when the orchestra conductor turns around and applauds.

[@dalbertbs1]

Amber you are so great! I love u and your talent

[@alanmaslowski6926]

To sway all the naysayers from her Glee days. That WAS her, people.

[@carmenmoctezuma2043]

Amber is one of the most talented, amazing and powerful woman that I ever seen.❤️

[@Mister_Mag00]

Riley and Hudson are forever the greatest

[@isabelrain9602]

Im so proud and happy for Amber, she deserves all the success and awards and love, she is such a wonderful person, and so talented, Im looking forward to all her future projects, love her so much

[@michaelthornton4789]

" That's what a standing ovation looks like"

[@1985blkboi]

Chills, I was smiling the entire time like that was my sister or cousin. Amber Riley is incredible.

[@alainb68]

An amazing performance. Amber you didn't make it with Simon but he doesn't always understand real stars. You are an amazing incredible star ☺ And I have to add what a great great speech

[@Michelleblinkie12]

I am so proud of this WOMAN, unbelievable.

[@kalima-at5003]

Amber!!! Girl you KILLED it!!!! Spirit showed up and showed out!!!!