Cats Grizabella comparison - Memory

I put as many different portrayals here as I could. If a certain actor doesn't appear here I either couldn't find or didn't have audio/video of them singing the song, or they didn't perform the role until after the video was published.
Eva Almasi, Betty Buckley, Angelika Milster, Kim Criswell, Debra Byrne, Ruth Jacott, Laurie Beechman, Loni Ackerman, Gay Marshall, Yukimi Shimura, Rosemarie Ford, Cornelia Drese, Maria Del Sol, Stephanie Lawrence, Marti Webb, Diana Maria, Pia Douwes, Ruthie Henshall, Elaine Paige, Liz Callaway, Linda Balgord, Silvie Paladino, Helen de Quiroga, Izabel Zajac, Yvetta Blanarovicova, Maarja-Liis Ilus, Pernilla Wahlgren, Anita Meyer, Dianne Pilkington, Angie Smith, Louise Dearman, Chrissie Hammond, Antje Monteiro, Tina Cross, Giulia Ottonello, Paula Lima, Lisa Hopkins Seegmiller, Anastasia Lange, Kathryn Holtkamp, Maria Mauti, Lea Salonga, Paula Samonte, Ruthie Stephens, Melissa Grohowski, Jessica Hendy, Masha Karell, Katharine Heaton, Myriam Montemayor, Filippa Giordano, Debbie Prutsman, Joanna Ampil, Ma-Anne Dionisio, Natalia Sosa, Denise Tamburrino, Alice Redmond, Marina Prior, Olivia Buchio, Kelli Provart, Erin Cornell, Rocio Banquells, Lila Deneken, Vivienne Carlyle, Nicole Scherzinger, Sophia Ragavelas, Delta Goodrem, Kate Moore, Beverley Knight, Madalena Alberto, Prisca Demarez, Anita Louise Combe, Kerry Ellis, Susan McFadden, Chimene Badi, Leona Lewis, Marianne Benedict, Mamie Parris

[@emilyblack7342]

Maybe this is petty, but I’ve always felt like this is a role that should be played by an older actress. A young actress may be able to sing and act the role well, but it won’t feel the same. Grizzabella, as I know her, is an old cat shunned by the young. With an actress like Ellen Paige, it feels more real.

[@LauraBwayMorris]

Emily Black *Elaine

[@iamarine]

I agree. I've seen CATS in live in a travelling Broadway performance. I can't remember who played Grizzabella in that role but I've listened to others and in my opinion, Elaine Page was the best. She put amazing emotion into her vocals and it showed on her face and in her actions. I equate Grizabella with Christ in Jesus Christ Superstar. A lot of great actors/singers have played that role but to me, no one does it as powerful as Ted Neeley, especially in the last decade. The power and emotion is much more there with him. I feel the same thing when I see and hear Elaine sing Memory. She's the best!

[@elenaperez6664]

I disagree

[@elenaperez6664]

I think anyone, no matter the age, can play this role very well.

[@mikegarcia7986]

I like Elaine..saw her in Sunset Boulevard as Norma..she was great, but not really impressed with her as Grizzy.

[@exitedaardvark5480]

Anyone else also finding the makeup differences interesting?

[@crazycatcarnt]

I find interesting the most where the actresses go from a sense of entitlement thru to nowadays actors whom seem more dte

[@angreys]

Depends.. Personally, I don’t find it interesting until I watched the whole performance.. I had my own ideal based on Eliot’s the closer is Ms. Elaine’s..

[@paulfaulkner5786]

Some looked flat out demonic to me. Had me going for my holy water.

[@Hoshiono]

I can see why many have Betty Buckley as their number 1 choice, but to me it is and will always be Elain Paige as the top one with this song.

[@craigblyth]

Yeah, Betty’s vocals are so impressive! But Elaine adds the heart wrenching emotion into the mix along with the vocals

[@jjsmith4829]

@@craigblyth i agree, elaine is the best; at times betty sounds too much she is shouting

[@dr.burtgummerfan439]

The thing about "Memory" is that is as much an acting role as it is a musical performance. Being a great singer isn't enough to pull it off. It's a part of the role. The play doesn't stop for the number, it's an integral part. As is remembering the character is a cat. Some may sing it better than others, some may act it better than others. For me, it's impossible to choose between Buckley and Paige .

[@candiceschoice941]

Burt Gummerfan , Betty has it all, I can't see her ever being equaled.

[@tomgallowitz]

I agree many will say Betty but it’s a tie between her, Elaine, and Laurie since to me all 3 capture the pain Grizabella is going through and convey they need to be accepted and forgiven

[@kasegiyabu5030]

Buckley failed to sing Grizabella. She didn't get across the desperation felt by G as she begged and pleaded with the tribe to let her back in. So far only Paige and Parris have done an excellent job. As you wrote, 'Memory' is as much the acting as the singing.

[@astoriacub]

Betty Buckley by far...not even close.

[@JoeyMcSmokey]

Awe yeah!

[@JoeyMcSmokey]

@Adam Efimoff She was really good, such a great range.

[@philyhai]

@Vinsu Karma some says that Betty version still have fuel left in the tank to fight through

[@commentsboardreferee7434]

amen - betty buckley, as certifiable as she is, dominates

[@WongAndrew_]

@Vinsu Karma Jelical cats have felinity, and Betty portrays that glamour exclusively.

[@ryanbrown7440]

1. Mamie. Vocals AND emotion nailed. 2. Betty. Perfected vocals. 3. Jessica Hendy. Incredible performance and underrated. 4. Elaine. Grasped the emotion like no other. 5. Ruthie. Incredible as well.

[@georgepards]

Ryan Brown the rating I was looking for

[@blantonkb]

And Linda Balgord for best vibrato!! Llol

[@jalexthedancer]

Also, Mamie's breath support: 😱🤯👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@WongAndrew_]

very objective

[@Broadwayriah]

@@blantonkb best vibrato but lacks emotion and power

[@grannysgonerabid7425]

Betty Buckley for several reasons -- primarily for getting that belt on "touch me" while rising from the floor - but also because she blows the roof off with what looks like very little effort. She's standing tall, very little movement and letting her voice deliver the emotion. She wisely knew not to overact it. Some of these ladies are either wildly over acting with wide gestures, contorting to get the notes or really overdoing to it to the point of yelling.

[@craigk621]

It's both the original and the reprise that should be judged together. In that respect Paige gets my vote. Not because she has the best voice... That's opinion and I'd concede on that but it's her performance that's so spellbinding. Once you have seen her, live or in the movie of the stage production, I think it's difficult to watch it done outside the show. It's in the context of the show that gives her my vote.

[@misskittyfantastic]

Betty Buckley sings the song effortlessly. It's like it was written for her.

[@hellis3800]

Nicole Scherzinger is seriously underappreciated. She combined the power with the emotion fantastically.

[@StellaMarrisseNinalK]

Agree. I love her

[@tracymcmillan1466]

She was great and the her makeup didn't detract from how beautiful she is.

[@craigk621]

@@tracymcmillan1466 that's the problem. She's not credible in the role BECAUSE of her beauty. Think what Grizabella is supposed to be. Especially the "I was beautiful THEN" line.

[@kylestillwell7031]

The line is sometimes “life was beautiful then” but, yes, grizzabella reads as an older, washed-up cat

[@kylestillwell7031]

@ugly dog and i think the opposite: her whole character arc involves wanting to go back to the halcyon days of her youth when life was beautiful. But you're right, street listening to a few other versions of this song, i can see it's sung both ways.

[@EnglishVirgo]

Betty Buckley! She moves me to tears. She also makes singing it look effortless.

[@kimiisland9802]

Betty Buckley is the only one that gives me chills. For me there is no question about who is by far the best. Ruthie Henshall is the only other one who is similar to her in my opinion.

[@renac007]

Betty Buckley forever...

[@ryanbrown7440]

Mamie is wonderful... Elaine captures the emotion perfectly and Betty's voice is outstanding. Popular opinion but top 3 for sure

[@seanhannonnn]

Elaine Paige Freaking OWNED That Role She Is My Favorite

[@martanunez56]

Exactly she makes me cry everytime i listen memories

[@asaelcastillo2258]

Betty Buckley 😍 no one has topped that performance to this day

[@EmilyGloeggler7984]

Actually it has been.

[@bunkstagner298]

my cat just jumped on my desk to watch so I touched her. She knows what happiness is.

[@ghostrider-it5ru]

They are, all, very, very good ... but none can equal the intensity, the pure emotion, the dynamic acting as did Betty Buckley. When I saw this show, on Broadway, and Betty Buckley came on stage ... the whole audience sat up, motionless, as if the supreme deity arrived on stage, and listened. When Betty Buckley finished .. the audience just sat there as if frozen in time .. and then .. all at once everyone stood up with a deafening applause that lasted for quite awhile. Many were moved to tears .. as I was. One of two of the most incredibly moving performances I have ever witnessed. To this day, I will watch it on KZbin and it brings back such beautiful, powerful memories. Thank you, and GOD Bless you, Betty Buckley, for a memory of a lifetime.

[@ceretomer5987]

Betty Buckley! For tone, power or softness, clarity, beautiful voice and presence. She wasn't called the voice of Broadway for nothing.

[@EmilyGloeggler7984]

cere tomer There is no softness at all or beautiful. Just a blare of a horn. Nothing more. Her bland cold singing did better as Margaret White in Carrie.

[@EvanOz85]

@@EmilyGloeggler7984 Lol Emily, just checked out your channel. Ironic that you talk about the blare of a horn....

[@stuckinabush]

It’s weird seeing Rosemarie Ford as Grizabella here because she’s been immortalised as Bombalurina in the film version - still a fantastic performer

[@xiawang7522]

Betty Buckley hands down. No comparison at all whatsoever.

[@carwyncymru]

I think the producer's have forgotten what this role is about. yes there are some amazing singers. but the role is about a washed up forgotten about and despised character. so when a younger person it kind of destroys the character!!

[@blackngoldcuttlefish3390]

Yeah. I mean IMO they can have a youngish person playing her (probably easier to belt it out than someone in their 50s for example)...but make sure to haggard her up a lot. Make her look all bedraggled, you shouldn't be able to tell she's young. Many of these were way too pretty.

[@purrkittycatman6496]

I love a lot of the younger singers who've played the role, but I do agree that it's more fitting to have an older singer play the role.

[@littlesongbird1]

Agreed..that's why I didn't like the costume designs for the revival.

[@AndrewMacLaine]

I am glad to see this opinion. So many roles that can and should be played by older, imperfect looking actors are pkayed young, pretty performers.

[@Kibouo]

Exactly, and that’s how it should sound vocally as well, worn out and desperate, as well as vocally sound, that’s why I love Elaine’s version

[@terrykramer9641]

There are all very good but Betty Buckley will always slay this song.It was tailored made for her voice and acting.

[@dimitristriantafillidis9316]

Betty is the song itself...

[@alisonbennett3919]

So many fantastic voices here, there's no one that I dislike. However, Betty Buckley is the best, IMO, because she seems to get that the name of this show is "Cats" not "Dogs." Her performance is as graceful, effortless, and controlled as you might expect a real cat's would be. She just conveys fighting back quiet pain while holding onto dignity, and because she doesn't hit me in the face with it, hers is the only performance that can reach into my soul and make me cry.....

[@Mj-bg2uj]

She really is amazing . All the performances are great but hers simply stands out

[@Evabell13]

Bettys is the only rendition that made me cry. And I've been trying to find the right words to express why this is so. You have correctly put my thoughts into words. Alot of people try to put too much emotion in grizabella. (Side note: I grew up with Elaine's version and never liked it, never felt any emotion with it.) But yes, its Betty's smooth and graceful movements and lack of trembling, crying, etc that I loved. Like grizabella buried her pain deep but tries to hold her composure. Its all in her eyes.

[@nathanisaac8172]

It’s just my opinion, but I think the climax of the song should convey her letting all of her feelings out. All of her pain and sadness, she’s begging to be let back into the tribe, she’s done with trying to hide it. And I think that’s what makes the song so powerful.

[@grannysgonerabid7425]

Elaine nails the melancholy, but, good lord, Betty is in full belt before she even gets to her feet, and brings to this moment something I'm not seeing in the other performances: there's a hint of defiance in her Grizzabella at about the 36 second mark as she raises her head up, spreads her arms, chest out and seems to dare the other cats from taking her dignity away. All the other video footage of the performances don't seem to be capturing that.

[@cameronedwards7449]

I’m torn! Elaine captured Grizabellas story perfectly but Buckley had perfect vocals so for me it could go either way

[@torikellyreeves]

I’m torn between Elaine and Betty because Betty vocal skills are very good as well as the acting. But Elaine Paige has a more emotional performance with the acting , but Betty vocals top tier for me. Betty has more of an emotional performance vocally but Elaine took over the emotional performance acting wise.

[@jamesduksta5595]

Elaine Paige, and Nicole Sherzinger own this role. Betty is wonderful as well but Elaine and Nicole really capture the pain and angst of the character the best.

[@Potionette81]

Whitney Houston should have covered this incredible song.

[@robertocervera912]

Sorry but no one can touch Betty Buckley effortless, soaring belting voice, a masterpiece

[@HuntersFatBoy]

Betty Buckley vocals are just so powerful and she makes it seem like it takes nothing at all to bring it. Just flat out nothing short of amazing.

[@candiceschoice941]

Billy Graves exactly! It's her song forever.

[@clubsnatcher]

Nothing compares to Ruthie Henshalls literal cat cry

[@richardjohnson5979]

Betty Buckley...period

[@mattg177]

I’m sorry but Betty Buckley’s vocals are simply unmatched. She is an amazing actress as well. She absolutely deserves the award she won for the role.

[@vm2276]

I heard Laurie Beechman sing this on Broadway in 1985. It was the most amazing thing I've ever experienced in a theatre. As she made her entrance, her body language alone made the audience begin to cry. By the end everyone was in tears as we rose to give her a standing ovation mid show. While everyone in this video brings something unique to this well worn song, Laurie Beechman's interpretation was legendary; I feel blessed to have been there. The performance here from the Phil Donahue show is but a glimpse of what the live experience was like.

[@smurf902]

Indeed. When she seared her way through "border of her coat, corner of her eye" I'm like oh boy. This is truly special. But then when she finally sang the finally Memory at the end, I literally SAW A FLASH OF LIGHTNING ⚡, not kidding, her voice blinded me. Unbelievable. Nothing ever has touched my heart so much as Laurie's performance. And then I got to see her again before she passed away the following year, in 1997 I saw her in her final run for a few months. And I waited for her at the door. A true star. Go watch her documentary LISTEN TO MY HEART. it's finally on KZbin

[@gi8093]

i absolutely LOVE the way Ruthie Henshall sings "alone"!! love all of them

[@bentonjennings]

No apology. Betty Buckley owns this role. Period.

[@christophercolton2179]

Elaine actually owns this role it’s her song 😂

[@giannaluva65]

Benton Jennings i didn’t see any emotion in her vocals but they were good as well, Broadway isn’t supposed to be perfect vocals, it’s supposed to encompass emotion.

[@truediva2598]

DiDaBu Elaine Paige is ALWAYS the best!!

[@marisa9968]

I feel Buckley owns this role! IMHO it is Betty and Elaine Page who set the bar for this role! Betty Buckley delivers this role with such beauty and ease.

[@christophercolton2179]

Raymond Duncan actually Elaine Paige originated the role the time periods in this video are not right

[@davidpellegrene1133]

Most people say Betty Buckley. I couldn't agree more. I also love Laurie Beechman and Liz Callaway.

[@marisa9968]

Betty Buckley's performance has the right emotion, she captures the essence of Grizabella The Glamour Cat.

[@sabrina__luk]

MAMIE PARRIS!!!!!!!!!

[@tianshiliao5372]

she doesn't need to breath.. omg

[@mastelero]

I agree. Mamie the best !!

[@LizaBleu]

you don't have to breath when you lipsync.

[@ryanbrown7440]

Liza she did it every single night! The only time I can find her lip syncing is the Macy’s parade which makes sense. But all love videos and bway videos she doesn’t breathe

[@amandapr1me]

Matthew Matousek that’s....not the same thing

[@marydellemccarthy1196]

Saw Betty Buckley on Broadway in 1983, and I have have never looked any farther; initially, I was in awe of Elaine Paige, but after hearing Buckley on the Broadway stage, that nailed it for me. Tops in my book! And in 2019, I still listen to her!

[@benwilliamson7787]

8:30 I swear NOBODY hit that 'alone' like Ruthie

[@thecatspajamas8918]

Betty Buckley’s effortlessly powerful voice and elegant, subtle acting make her the one and only Grizabella for me.

[@MrSatts69]

I think all these ladies are fabulous. Talent like this is amazing and I appreciate all of their work.

[@barbarapezos8625]

Betty Buckley, Kim Criswell, Debra Byrne, Ruth Jacott, Loni Ackerman,Yukimi Shimura, Stephanie Lawrence, Pia Douwes, Ruthie Henshall, Elaine Paige,Liz Callaway, Yvetta Blanarovicova,Angie Smith, Antje Monteiro,Lisa Hopkins Seegmiller, Kathryn Holtkamp, Maria Mauti,Lea Salonga,Melissa Grohowski, Katharine Heaton, Debbie Prutsman, Joanna Ampil,Erin Cornell, Nicole Scherzinger, Beverley Knight, Madalena Alberto, Kerry Ellis, Leona Lewis and Mamie Parris.

[@garyroberts3859]

What an amazing video to put all these together, loved it… Oh Betty of course.

[@maria-rosavaldivia6891]

The one and only .. Betty Buckley!!

[@TimeIdle]

After the second performance we already had a winner. No contest. Betty Buckley.

[@EmilyGloeggler7984]

No contest - she lost.

[@EvanOz85]

@@EmilyGloeggler7984 Jealous.

[@1906sfjd]

Betty Buckley, and then there are the others.

[@EmilyGloeggler7984]

No. Betty is one of the others.

[@s.j.johnson1961]

Couldn’t agree more! She’s fantastic.

[@chondradickerson4093]

Betty is phenomenal!

[@junipermeatball3802]

It's hard to compare the languages because the vowels they have to sing are different..

[@JonJonMorales]

Maria Del Sol all day! Love my Betty Buckley and Elaine Paige but damn. Cats México was powerful.

[@HenriqueAcquaviva]

I've watched Leona live and I can say that this video's audio is a lot compressed, her performace is overwhelming, no one even moves whilst she's singing!

[@Jimbojub]

hesan2000 exactly. You have to see her live. The video out there was for some news show and it didn't even remotely show how amazing she really was.

[@laurieallen2491]

I'm an utter noob about these singers, but Leona's voice was so smooth and clear! My only problem was what another poster said about kind of losing the heart of the role when it's not played by an older woman. On that basis, I loved the Elaine Paige and Betty Buckley versions.

[@haresear126]

First off, thank you, Betsy, for putting this together. In my opinion, Betty Buckley is far and away the best. No comparison. When she hits "Touch Me " I get shivers each and every time I listen to her rendition. There are many very good artists in this video, but I `m sorry Betty owns this song and always will !!!!!!!

[@Savvysnail7495]

i honestly feel that, but what about nicole scherzinger? She did sooooo well with her rendition.

[@EmilyGloeggler7984]

No comparison Betty is not the best. She is an overexaggerated robot with no understanding of the character.

[@EvanOz85]

@@EmilyGloeggler7984 Jealous!

[@spicebag_]

Please tell me there's a proper recording of Ruthie Henshall performing the full song... that climax gave me shivers

[@jasonfarrell00]

🙏🙏🙏

[@Dalephredd]

Thank you for the video. I really enjoyed seeing all of the different faces of Grizabella. I saw Betty Buckley in the original run on Broadway, and in my opinion, she was the best. I listened with an open mind, but she had the moves and emotions nailed, and the singing was dead on. Some of the others went a little over the top, but there were some good ones.

[@undead.rising]

No matter what the song... my answer always seems to be Lea Salonga!

[@pokerface8242]

Much like Patti LuPone IS Evita, Betty Buckley IS Grizabella. Indelible, Inimitable, Iconic.

[@jchris_music]

0:26 Betty Buckley's vocal cords are heaven sent! I had the honor of seeing her in Hello, Dolly! from the FRONT ROW at the Kennedy Center in 2019. Such an awesome performer with an incredible voice!

[@swaingles]

First Buckley, second Parris. I love that you have included Diana María, one of the greatest singers in Argentina 7:28

[@HuntersFatBoy]

Thanks for the various portrayals, and Wow!! Betty Buckley was almost unbelievably awesome both in her visual and audio performance. I found the same performance in its entirety on KZbin recorded at the '83 Tony Awards, and it was phenomenal! I am now sad that I will never hear her perform this song live with Cats. I am sure it was even more breath taking to hear and see her in person. What an amazingly talented performer...

[@EmilyGloeggler7984]

Betty is terrible after watching her live performance. An overrated singer and performer.

[@tkw0123]

I saw her preform ithis at the Carlisle in NYC in the '90s and that voice and nuanced performance just blew me away.

[@EvanOz85]

@@EmilyGloeggler7984 You're clearly jealous, which is why you have to keep responding to people praising Betty.

[@brilensmit]

Betty Buckley blows them all out of the water!!!

[@robertjackson5645]

As ever, hitting notes is one thing, and I applaud you ladies; but Betty remains the queen of the crop. A note is a note is a note; mix it with the secret of TRUTH and it is NOW and FOREVER.

[@rickram1961]

Betty Buckley by a long shot!

[@arthurcaccam]

Betty Buckley.

[@finasol1019]

LEA SALONGA!!! I had no idea she played Grizabella!

[@pallafox]

Seriously for anyone saying Elaine or Nicole owned this role, too much head voice. There's a reason why Betty was known for taking owning this song over Elaine Page and it clearly shows here, chest voice all the way vs head voice.

[@mindcl0uds]

Betty Buckley "touch me.." still gets me till to this day #iconic

[@JaimeMesChiens]

Betty Buckley is perfection. I find everything about her exquisite.

[@LeatherDaddyAndy]

Damn... Ruthie Henshall had some oomph and grit. I LOVE Betty Buckley... but Ruthie may have converted me.

[@candiceschoice941]

Andrew Curtiss Betty owns this, it's her song forever.

[@kazior6521]

It’s that “Alone”

[@arriosmcafee1189]

My girl Elaine Paige🌟🌟🌟🌟 beautiful voice made me gave way 2 tears.

[@jackhamilton3024]

All of theses ladies were fantastic in the role, but my favourite is Betty Buckley.

[@22lyric]

Betty Buckley, but I also love Laurie Beechman.

[@aldodonovanleal8461]

Maria del sol amazing!!!! 😍😍

[@dianesullivan5521]

No comparison ! Betty Buckley is the best!

[@kittensruleforever]

tbh i think every person picked to play grizabella will always be amazing, but elaine and mamie are always going to be my favorites. elaine for defining the role, and mamie for being a genuine successor of it. i made a comment on mamies performance before, but seeing her live is absolutely chilling. everyone in the theater was on the edge of their seats and by the end people were in tears. i dont think ive ever experienced anything like it, or seen how music could bring together thousands of people in one room until that moment. im grateful i got the chance to see it.

[@ismaeleguren8545]

Betty Bucley is the only and ultimate Grizabella.........Nicole Scherzinger is close to her. Don't forget the splendid Memory of Barbra Streisand...but it's another chapter; all Streisand's renditions are unique.

[@tomlarson5388]

Betty Buckley number one. Elaine page number two.

[@mcwyman7928]

Saw Mamie on Broadway, and she singlehandedly converted me from a Cats skeptic to a Cats fan.

[@andysimmons1842]

Betty is great, but no one can touch Elaine. Period. And I really liked Kim Criswell's rendition as well.

[@robertomurri1278]

And Prague! Krim Criswell 1985 such emotion and the orchestra! Debra Byrne(Australian wow!) :) Loni Ackerman- Loved the ending 1989 Broadway Maria Del Sol- Que bella! Stephanie Lawrence- Sounding angelic! Pia Douwes- Vienne 1995 Q Bellisima voz! Ruthie Henshall- 1997 Wow those pipes "all aloooone!" :) Eleaine Paige- Movie 1998 need I say more! 💙 Liz Callaway- Broadway 1989- Beautiful voice! Linda Balgord- 1989 Broadway Amazing! Yvetta Blanarovicoca- Prague 2004 I'm loving their rendition! And the language! Dianne Pilkington- UK 2005 Bravo! Angie Smith- US 2006 😣😢 Louise Dearman- Cyprus 2007 👏 👏 👏 Antje Monteiro- Netherlands 2007 I'm speechless! Just...speechless Tina Cross- 2009 Love the voice and the make up-costume y todo! Giulia Ottonello- Roma 2009 Ti Amo Italia! Nice makeup and the whole costume! Maria Mauti- 2011 Holy Voice!!! 😢 "if you touch me" was wonderfully executed Lea Salonga- Manila 2011 Awesome voice! Paula Samonte- 2011 Love the opera sound from her voice! Melissa Grohowski- 2012! She should be singing in many shows! Including Cats! Jessica Hendy- 2012 oh what a voice! Joanna Ampil- UK 2013 The piano nd her voice just compliment each other! Natalia Sosa- 2013 Ay ay ay! Pero q voz tan fuerrrrte!! Kelli Provart!!! 2014 She just captured the desperation of wanting to be remembered! The feeling is mutual for many, I assure you, ❤ Vivienne Carlyle- Beautiful! Piano seemed a bit off Nicole Scherzinger- 2015 Strong and Powerful voice!! Kate Moore- 2015 Look at that performance! 👏 Beverly Knight-2015 ❤ Madalena Alberto-2015 Mi corazon ya no puede aguantar mas! Kelly Ellis- 2016 West End She is feeling it! Susan McFadden- 2016 Great voice! I didn't see Betty Buckley, nor Heather! But everyone knows those two have powerful voices! Mamie Parris- 2016 Broadway Of course her lungs can sing the best part in one take and still show so much emotions! Well all these girls sing amazing! I honestly just picked my personal favorite ones lol. Damn that took a while

[@batekush8135]

Between Betty and Elaine, both have the vocals and the emotion!

[@redcurrantart]

Elaine Page, always and forever.

[@katr7969]

100%

[@batsugars1439]

Is there a complete recording of the Ruthie Henshall version available somewhere? I can’t seem to find.

[@JosephJohnson-gu5fw]

I swear it's on a Broadway compilation album I had when I was a kid. It had a bunch of stuff from the 70's and 80's

[@alexmg3648]

#1- Betty Buckley 2. Angelika Milster 3.Elaine Paige 4. Maria Del Sol 5. Debbie Byrne

[@timothyluscombe1876]

Alex MG how is slain Paige not 1 she is clearly the best

[@Pelhampete]

Betty Buckley #1?! I'm guessing that nuance, subtle texturing and dynamics aren't among your top priorities? Don't get me wrong, I'm well aware that besides Ms. Paige -- my personal favorite -- Betty Buckley has the most fans.

[@chiedu90069]

To suggest that Buckley isn't performing with subtle texturing, nuance and dynamics is unfair. What about her trance-like cat movements, her phrasing before the climax, and that little smile at the end? There's a lot going on! I love both Buckley and Paige, but their approaches are entirely different. Paige is more accessible and relateable. She remembers what she's lost and desperately wants it back. Buckley is in a dream state, as if she hasn't accepted that time has moved on. Different, but special all the same.

[@Jukka70]

She's got the most fans for a reason, because she lived the part

[@alexmg3648]

Elaine Paige is one of my favorite musical theatre performers, but for this particular role i prefer an actress with a deeper voice. However, she would top my list of favorite Evita's.

[@Foxie635]

Why do I cry every time with this song? Nicole is so great

[@sammybrown8797]

Mamie Parris sends chills down my arms. Such a Queen

[@Phobie_2000]

Mamie Parris, Chrissie Hammond, and Elaine Page 100%. Every single person in this video is exceptionally talented. But their voices and acting are amazing.

[@JMCNYC79]

I hate comparing people but let’s be for real, there is but ONE Grizzabella: Betty Buckley even though Elaine Paige originated the role. Betty brought Grizzabella to Broadway!!! I believe it has something to do with the sheer power, control, and truly unique quality Betty’s voice had, especially in her prime. It had a thrill in every note. It was effortless, full of breath but seemed to pour out of Betty zero effort and with the utmost control. Her ability to hit a piercing high note with power and belt that grabs the emotions... she’s amazing! That’s why she won the Tony! That’s why she’s Betty Buckley! Part training and craft but also part genetics and god given talent.

[@EmilyGloeggler7984]

Betty failed at performing the role and lacked the melancholy that the role needed.

[@EvanOz85]

@@EmilyGloeggler7984 JEALOUSSSSS! What a nut!

[@JoeyMcSmokey]

At first I thought this would be annoying but I really enjoy the comparison of all the performers. Thanks for uploading. Very cool

[@dragonboo6644]

Betty Buckley had incredible vocals, definitely one of the best versions. But I feel like emotion is so incredibly important in this song, and I feel that she was lacking slightly in that aspect. Ruthie was beyond words, she sang it like she actually lived Grizabella’s life.

[@rivenrime]

I liked Betty Buckley, Mamie Parris, Elaine Paige, and Laurie Beechman. I liked Giulia Ottonello, too, though I'd never heard her before this. And others, but there were so many to go through, and I wasn't keeping notes.

[@amandapr1me]

I get that not everyone is Mamie Paris, but I always prefer the versions where they don’t breathe after “touch me.”

[@insasiable]

Betty buckley so effortless. Nicole is second.

[@Luv2Dnce4]

John Mejia I feel like I scrolled forever to find a comment that praised Nicole! Hers was so well done! 😊

[@graaaaaaaaaaaaaaace]

Laurie, Betty, and Elaine capture the spirit of the song best to me. There's a better recording up on youtube of one of Laurie's last performances as Grizabella, before succumbing to cancer a few months later. I recommend listening to it. She carries the emotion well. Paige and Buckley of course capture it well, as most of the comment section agrees. It's deserved for the two oldest Grizabellas.

[@kp4692]

They're all SO amazing!

[@nathalybabushka5564]

MAMIE HANDS DOWN. SHE DIDNT EVEN NEED TO BREATH UNLIKE THE OTHERS

[@ashidosa]

Nathaly Babushka ikr!

[@candiceschoice941]

Nathaly Babushka you apparently didn't see Betty Buckley own it!

[@Zdolny1982]

Betty of course best ;))

[@tracyparker6676]

SO MANY beautiful voices singing one of the most moving songs written. ALL are amazing.

[@lourdessadiua3522]

Betty Buckley, of course... she hits all those notes so effortlessly!

[@beefer123]

I'm not ashamed to say that I cry, everytime.

[@canislunaticus]

Betty, Elaine and Mamie are by far my favourites