Cynthia Erivo and Joaquina Kalukango Sing 'Killing Me Softly' | Next at the Kennedy Center

Official Website: to.pbs.org/3H4ZPyk | #KenCenNextPBS
"The Color Purple" co-stars Cynthia Erivo and Joaquina Kalukango perform the Hip Hop Trio Fugees’ funky rendition of "Killing Me Softly." The global hit steeped in unrequited love is told by two friends, whose friendship can be felt through the screen. Stream now: to.pbs.org/3H4ZPyk
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#music #livemusic #PBS
Cynthia Erivo & Friends: A New Year’s Eve Celebration
Award-winning stars Cynthia Erivo, Ben Platt, and Joaquina Kalukango ring in the New Year alongside the Rickey Minor Band, bringing powerful performances of some of their favorite songs to the Kennedy Center. The Tony Award winners take the audience on a journey through a diverse repertoire of songs that have shaped their artistic sensibility from Broadway and Motown to Rock and R&B. Intertwined with these soulful performances, Erivo shares personal stories of friendship and how this group of performers has supported her through her journey. NEXT at the Kennedy Center brings
together a powerhouse trio of friends, reflecting on the past, and offering hope towards the future. Stream now: to.pbs.org/3H4ZPyk

[@trentt5310]

Cynthia is the gift that keeps on giving

[@princemarkf.4526]

Literally every time I get on she had a new video up.!

[@BoetPrince]

Absolutely

[@aoz307]

Agreed! *slams table*

[@yolandahall1247]

Yes she is

[@onehonei2]

Yes she never disappoints.

[@ree3762]

Can’t get enough of Cynthia Erivo

[@nenyeo6090]

Me either

[@betsyhenderson3350]

I luv her and her style and look

[@womenofstature]

Shout out to the background vocals 🔥

[@kpj5272]

YES💥

[@aggarius2944]

They really did slay here

[@helenefaw3210]

She could sing me a grocery list,the phone book,legal papers,a traffic ticket, basically anything you'd put in front of her and I would be in heaven!!!! LOVE this woman💜🎤😇

[@iago07]

😂😂😂😂😂 TRUTH

[@LG-universe]

Not the traffic ticket. 🤣🤣🤣

[@tobisbookcorner131]

Their voices complement each other so so well and I love how much fun they were having sharing the stage together! And the ending… just wow… that was heavenly!

[@macwell]

I came here to say what you said, but you said it first - 🤔😮🤣😉👍🏿

[@sharkkeeper01]

Cynthia Erivo is one of the best voices of this generation!

[@dayumyopretty5317]

Amen

[@ms.lovelace5049]

Another Tether..!

[@gloriaharculete3932]

True

[@cacobapt]

the Lauryn hill melismas being the blueprint for every version of this song even tho it's a cover is fascinating

[@geoffreyblackmer]

I was j u s t thinking the same thing!

[@cacobapt]

@@geoffreyblackmer no matter how much time passes, people always give her flowers for that interpretation

[@ginaseon]

Robert Flack, the original version was a big hit.

[@cacobapt]

@@ginaseon I know that, not saying it wasn't, I'm saying that most of the black artists covering the song pay homage to her, and it's clear to see

[@klaritystjohn3074]

And contrary to popular belief, Roberta Flack's version is also a cover -- not the original. Much love & respect to all these queens being a testament to the definition of a classic record.

[@christopherb5338]

Perfect Cynthia never oversings...she always come to serve and compliment...what a spirit and gift

[@homodeus8713]

One the most generous artists ❤

[@Tenebrius1963]

Never oversing??? That's all she does from the first note, come on! Go listen to Roberta Flack again. That is no oversinging.

[@KenBarbz]

First time hearing Joaquina Kalukango...and that girl got soul!!!💯💯😊

[@Nico14071997]

You need to listen to her sing Let It Burn from Paradise Square! Cynthia is in the audience cheering her on when she sings it at the tonys

[@TaminoemiDiri]

Cynthia always compliments any singer in the world she sings with. She’s got such great musical balance. I love her so much ❤

[@01jeanie]

Cynthia's voice gives me goosebumps

[@ffthrne8995]

Cynthia's voice is like silk! I could listen to it all day

[@elliexls7278]

I was lucky enough to see this live and this was by far my favorite song of the night! They are just magical together!!

[@milliyonsimmons4385]

Cynthia is by far the best vocalist on the planet, delivery, and ability. There is no one like this woman. she is a phenomenal woman.

[@GraciesMom]

What can you say about this duet???? CLASSY! This is just beautiful -pitch perfect-just like butter. Mmmmmmm, could just listen all day…

[@kizzydiaz5051]

Cynthia on a different level, mind blowing and beautiful ❤️

[@moniquedennis4528]

❤

[@homodeus8713]

Masterful. Legendary.

[@Katie21892]

The harmonies gave me chills ❤❤❤

[@atlsuperstar]

Two Best Actress Tony Award Winners!!!!!!! Joaquina was actually Nettie in The Color Purple when Cynthia won. She is now a leading lady winning Best actress for “Paradise Square”!

[@NickAdelman]

the harmonies Cynthia's singing are perfect

[@serenemelody2165]

Cynthia Erivo is a masterful vocalist!

[@MsDjphoenix]

This is my introduction to Joaquina Kalukango Sing and I am loving her as well. Yes!

[@JW-do9wq]

Much love to these wonderful artist ❤! Please don’t forget the legendary Roberta Flack

[@angelasmith7369]

Yes, please don't forget Miss Roberta Flack!

[@GraciesMom]

I saw Ms. Flack years ago-oh my goodness….she is a queen!!!! She put on quite a show! 💯👏

[@cathyskahill39]

When I was in Jr, High School in the 1970s(!), I baby sat this family in Ithaca, NY. When the children were in bed, I loved listening to the records that the family had, and this was my absolute favorite song, I would listen to it over and over. I didn't watch TV, I didn't raid the fridge, I would listen to their records, and this song, over and over. It brings back so many memories! Thank you Cynthia and Joaquina. Your voices are amazing, and perfect for this song. 💕

[@Jumbaride]

The drums were a bit too heavy-handed for me, but the voices front to back were divine. 🩷💜

[@CumulusSkies]

Drummer here, and IMO, the drummer’s not heavy handed - it’s the mix. The person doing sound had the drums too loud.

[@Jumbaride]

​@@CumulusSkiesHi there. I didn't post that the drummer was heavy-handed; I noted that the drums were heavy-handed. It sounded like they had a mic sitting right on the drums. Despite the misunderstanding, I think you and I are ultimately on the same page.

[@CumulusSkies]

Ah, gotcha. Then yes, we’re def in agreement. :)

[@Jumbaride]

@@CumulusSkies 😊

[@raymascetta]

Agreed - it’s the mix…they all seem to cover her voice too much in these live performances.

[@priscillao7594]

Amazing harmonies!!! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾❤❤❤❤😍😍😍

[@williamhoward2731]

I wish to thank you for sharing this awesome music video with me .

[@nanarose8537]

The meshing of their voices makes me all 'goose pimply' and oh so happy! What an awesome blast of talent to have the privilege of witnessing. 😊❤😊

[@tiavon12885]

Cynthia Erivo voice is 🔥🔥🔥

[@DianeNielson]

Unbelievably soulful rendition of Killing Me Softly!! 😭Such talent!!

[@baronesslizzy8428]

This was the first song I heard when I came to the UK in 1988. I was 28. Sinead talked to me. Listening to it from Cynthia in 2024 at 64 I’m speechless. ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@lcortezsb]

i bet Roberta Flack is loving this. Best cover I have ever heard. Amazing!!!!

[@baronesslizzy8428]

Cynthia and Joaquina are rocking it softly and killing this song. ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@boogiebrewster8990]

CYNTHIA Gives Every Cover She Performs & EXTRA LUSHNESS...❤🎉❤🎉❤

[@DeeBaby365]

Their Harmonies were amazing and full of fun & Loveliness🫶🏾😊💯💯💯 both ladies did that👌🏾

[@fredcush6031]

The harmonies. The BGVs ❤❤❤. Cynthia and Joaquina, just heaven.😊😊

[@lexijco1]

Celie and Nettie back together!!! This was beautiful. I love their blend, they complement each other well 🤩

[@crystaljames-owensiii4430]

Tremendous! Harmonies on point! Background harmonies... tight! Drums mics are a bit loud, but sounded great. The ending was everything!

[@britneypage7342]

I'm just kinda in love with Cynthia and her many talents.

[@NickAdelman]

3:04... that duet 😮🤩

[@nancyhuffman5802]

I remember when this came out!

[@jefersonamilcarlima9880]

Apaixonado por Cinthia que voz . Que beleza ! Que mulher maravilhosa

[@Milani2k]

It’s sooo disrespectfully BEAUTIFUL to have a voice like Cynthia’s🥹😍😍✨

[@EDeyUCATE]

This is immaculate!💙

[@BinnOfficial20]

big applause to the back up vocals.

[@EvaBitterSuite]

Absolutely love this woman's talent.....triple threat!!!!!!!!!!! They both sound amaaaazing!!!!!!

[@joyajohnson2216]

This is a dream collaboration singing the perfect song.

[@HappySunshine37288]

These ladies are simply beautiful and the vibe is fire. Love it!!!❤❤❤❤

[@alleenthornton5225]

Absolutely amazing & so enjoyable!❤️

[@THEFAYLAWRENCE]

I loved it… great job ladies.

[@doryannedemille3961]

OUTSTANDING!!! Both so talented.

[@Prismatic9008]

My mom was a teacher. She was also my teacher. Every morning in 1995/1996 (I was 6 then & my mom was the age I am now - 33) before work (for her) and school (for me and mysister), she played the Fugees version of this song and stopped at McDonalds and got us the hotcakes and sausages combo. This song always reminds me of my mommy 💕💕

[@dawnthomas7690]

Cynthia Was Raised Correct; Always a Great Talented Gifted Lady ♥️♥️

[@laineyg6]

What a magical performance. I didn’t know Joaquina before this, but they’re both just gorgeous singers.

[@user-bj1zv8om9o]

Finally real talent!!Cynthia has a beautiful voice. Her and Joaqunia complement each other.

[@bertrandndakwi5933]

Cynthia Erivo is BANGER. Jesss. ❤. She sings effortlessly. Pure voice. A rare gem😊

[@sharhondagarrett4245]

Cynthia is AMAZING! this was awesome! 🙌🏽❤️

[@bransft]

Oh my how beautiful these ladies sing. Roberta must be honored with that.

[@hiatusmode989]

Cynthia’s voice 😫😫🫰🏻❤️🫰🏻

[@bobgarrett3367]

the end is exquisite

[@freaksy2073]

Immediate goosebumps when Cynthia started singing 🥰 Best rendition of this song for a long time.Roberta Flack’s original version is for me the best but this was fantastic 👏👏👏💜

[@sportsfan7012]

Don’t forget my girl Lauryn

[@freaksy2073]

@@sportsfan7012 how could anyone forget Ms Hill? Also one of the great renditions of Ms Flack’s original 👍🏻

[@josephinebournes8212]

The original belongs to Lori Lieberman, the actual songwriter.

[@SheeshAbbility-jt2vg]

The moment she started the song gives me chills all over my body, and thinks that Cynthia will ate this one!🔥

[@user-fq7vs2de8u]

My hope is that these two make an album together and it is sold in the U. S. A. Please ladies make it so. Much respect and love.

[@jheremymedina4092]

LIKE WHAT!!?? AMAZINGG❤❤❤❤❤

[@tif875]

one of the very best performances of this decade lowkey

[@aglayblanquel8864]

Excelente voz de Cintyas ❤

[@nickymorales8209]

Cynthia’s voice is beautiful! Makes me feel like I’m in heaven

[@mbrookes1669]

Cynthia, you are beautiful, graceful and amazingly talented lady.

[@Amanda-bd6vk]

AMAZING ❤️❤️ Essa mulher é um patrimônio da humanidade ❤️❤️ sensacional demais 🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷

[@user-qv9tn2ed5z]

Absolutely beautiful. You two did roberta flack quite a heads up. Always been beautiful song. You are beUtiful, loving women. Thank you for the joy you gave me liste ing to this untimely classic....debbie❤

[@cherisej7829]

Love the background vocalists!!!!❤❤

[@renatoperreira7031]

Quem sabe faz ao vivo, obra d arte raridade totalmente!

[@user-un8cx6os2p]

Absolutely enchanting! I'd love to have just an ounce of her talent Her "Alfie" performance at the Kennedy Center awards show was supreme!

[@Rosannasfriend]

Beautiful. The harmonies really made this.

[@camarampaso396]

One of the clearest voice I’ve heard ever in my life. 😍 My first time to hear Cynthia 😍 I’m in awe 😮😮

[@paengjones8081]

Joaquina’s face at 0:05 like “ikr” is sending me

[@mariacoronel2547]

0:43 What a voice! I love Cinthya’s songs and overall vibe!

[@EddValdez]

that vocalization 03:39 is the greatest thing i didn't know i needed

[@zettabranch6038]

Cynthia has an AMAZING voice ❤

[@user-jg8vb2fn5k]

Kudos to the backup singers 👏

[@zoecunningham3019]

Perfection! Each note, blend & harmonic mesh

[@lauragarcia6310]

Beautifuly sung by 2 beautiful Ladies!! ❤ Those voices😮 so gracefuly sung🥹 what a performance Ty PBS for sharing this

[@rolucero2439]

Divinas voces ,geniales mi admiración total🇦🇷

[@rainy_day079]

シンシア様、一度だけ生でお声を聴きました。まさに、至福の時でした。

[@louisehancock324]

Lovely👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@hihihi5367]

She is amazing, wowza

[@aligator9552]

Cynthia is a PHENOMENAL talent!! The way she attacks the notes and accents the song is tear educing.

[@TheK9class]

That kiss on the cheek and the reaction to it was so pleasant to watch

[@OhioFootHills]

That hit a spot. Thanks.

[@phectoralonso6802]

So majestic!!!

[@teutobras7]

Wow! ❤

[@cathyskahill39]

💓So beautiful!

[@katbairwell]

Chills

[@carlosquintero8188]

So much talent!!!

[@sunnieknight4592]

Just in awe.

[@LondonHasFallin]

I could listen to the intro on repeat 🙌 So gentle and powerful at the same time.

[@nolimitsshan9713]

That's was Amazing

[@cardswithcrystals6294]

Lovely. Just so lovely!

[@velmawooley7879]

Amazing Voices!!!

[@davidcottrell1308]

Wow....lovely!!

[@Lynezinha8D]

Magical ✨

[@lauriemorgan8463]

So precise!