Darren Criss Introduces Lea Salonga at Marie's Crisis NYC ... She Sings "On My Own"

Introduced by Darren Criss, Lea Salonga brings the house down with "On My Own."
A spontaneous night out in the west village at Marie's Crisis, a haven for musical theater enthusiasts (aka a piano bar). People come here and sing in harmony. And by "harmony" I meant, vocal parts (SATB). Off book. Sometimes in costume. But sans lighting cues and Sennheiser.

[@benabella4583]

No auto tune or lip synching bullshit! Broadway stars are the rarest and the best

[@CrecencioICruz]

musical theater people !!!

[@nicklubrino2606]

Among musical theatre people, Lea Salonga is royalty. That’s why he was so nervous playing for Lea.

[@fezzik7619]

She just performed a miracle. She made a room full of drunk people be quiet for an entire song. I’ve never seen it done before.

[@ayamalaluan3858]

haha true

[@Cons2911]

Lol yeah, not with drunk peeps

[@angelatambago4104]

haha

[@duanes2000]

At Marie's Crisis this happens often. This bar is totally a Broadway piano bar. When there is a famous performer, the crowd will be quiet.

[@lextalliones12345]

Lea Salonga is the standard of ON MY OWN. period.

[@karensantos5421]

Yes! The song may have existed long before she sang it, but it was she who placed the song on the map (so to speak)

[@graysang5386]

periodt

[@jashonrayfabia9531]

❤❤❤

[@j.b.7711]

Agree. Bar None.

[@Muskratlove]

@EUREKA lol of course she is, she is the original Kim, Tony and Olivier Awards for the role.

[@rafainton9975]

2020. Who’s with me?

[@tiktokjlyleqt]

All rise for the National Anthem of Friendzone. LoL

[@bravestchicken3528]

Make that Universal Anthem* 😂

[@tiktokjlyleqt]

@@bravestchicken3528 yeah ahahahahahahaha

[@iceeypotpot8182]

😂

[@arrelkimdelossantos8247]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAA

[@tiktokjlyleqt]

@@arrelkimdelossantos8247 😂😂😂

[@EleazarBitoon]

NO microphones, no specials effects, no auto tunes. Just raw and and pure talent. The best Lea Salonga!

[@banheesos]

There is obviously a microphone, the phone perhaps but yeah. RAW UNFILTERED TALENT, yes ma'am.

[@jaypseven993]

@@banheesos there is no microphone fyi

[@banheesos]

@@jaypseven993 YOU. CANNOT. RECORD. ANYTHING. WITHOUT. A. MICROPHONE. the device used in itself has a microphone, dumb facts get fact checks. isn't it hard to understand what the first comment stated & what I corrected from the false statement?

[@jaypseven993]

@@banheesos sobrang yabang ng de potah mukhang Jejemon naman

[@rinzamoncio2306]

@@jaypseven993 tama naman siya.

[@larissabrewington9065]

Lea is so generous and sincere. I remember when I saw LM ... omg... 26 years ago?? She was Eponine. We waited outside the stage door in the cold for everyone. And she hadn't come out about 20 mins later. Someone came out and asked if we were waiting for Lea and we said yes. She was eating dinner with her parents. They told us that they would try to get her. She came out MOMENTS later... INTERRUPTED HER DINNER WITH HER PARENTS. Signed my friends cast and greeted us SOOOO WARMLY.

[@Lara-vo6rp]

aw shes so sweet

[@YAOG]

I've always told myself I'd not overreact to meeting a celebrity, but if I ever met Lea Salonga, the combination of beauty and talent might make me pass out. She's just perfect.

[@Archurro55]

I met her and was speechless. Literally speechless. A couple I met had to talk for me so I can get a picture with her. It was probably the most embarrassing moment of my life but she treated me with so much kindness and professionalism. A talent as amazing as hers along with such humility is so incredible. Seeing her perform live is unmatchable. The way she supports her voice and keeps such poise is overwhelming.

[@mariaelmarrose6474]

;_[

[@algladyou]

youll be star struck

[@yvesordonio]

Don't forget she's also an academic smart. 😉

[@wig.8gles]

Me too

[@georgieag]

As much as I love Samantha Barks, Lea is hands down my favourite Éponine. Perfect.

[@bekf606]

Eponine is having a drink at the bar. :D

[@kr-ir5ll]

Because she was friend zoned by Marius ..;)

[@michaelwilliamybarra2409]

How coincidently resembling the original Victor Hugo novel, referring to Eponine to having drank hard liquor, thus making her voice rough and horsed, unlike here and with every other portrayal of the character in the Les Miserables musical's history.

[@janyou17]

BEKF606 give eponine a break. she deserved a night out. haha

[@zero5144]

RamIak 91 HAHAHAHAHA

[@mateeth]

LOL! HAHAHA!

[@maribethbanzuela5305]

the way the pianist was in awe of her, goosebumps !

[@MistyOakes]

My bad!

[@rrhotj]

she looked like she was having a good time. Lea looked like she was relaxing and drinking (maybe) but the moment she sings, it was as if she's performing on stage: perfection in any place :)

[@patcute07]

so true.. :)

[@klwl]

A mere "WOW!!!" is a gross understatement! It was an impromptu, unrehearsed performance, with no warm-ups, mikes or mike tests, and there Lea Salonga goes, singing and sounding as if she was performing on a Broadway/West End stage or inside a recording studio!! Absolutely amazing!!

[@zephanisalmo8318]

A real singer can sing beautifully anytime and anywhere.

[@mh1864]

I agree

[@jutube3493]

This bar could be on Guinness world of record of most quite bar in the World... Everyone are on silent mode when she starts singing

[@ellasuarez8464]

Everyone's shoosshing everyone so they can hear her sing. She's so fantastic.

[@rrhotj]

i think of other singers who are in the industry with the same or more years of experience like her...i believe not all of them can pull off singing the songs that they pulled off many years ago with the same level of intensity, pitch, clarity and tone like Lea. this video also shows how well Lea takes care of her voice. it's been years and still she could sing like she never got old.

[@robbydasilva3522]

Jeane Naisse yes. she is the greatest

[@janyou17]

Jeane Naisse and she has a style and class all on her own.. She is really amazing artist. Then and now never changed at all..

[@nicklubrino2606]

Did you know the Philippine media tried to “body shame” Lea Solonga by calling her fat?

[@Poetic_Justice1962]

The response tells everything about how loved and admired she is as a person and as a singer. Lea is really a princess in her own right.

[@janyou17]

winehousedrunk and she never copied any singers at all. she has a class on her own..

[@imgoodwhenurgood]

No auto-tune needed... just pure talent.

[@m4giceyetr1x]

Man, kinda makes me jealous of Darren. It's like, he just calls up TONY AWARD WINNING BROADWAY AND DISNEY LEGEND/SUPERSTAR, MS. LEA SALONGA, and was like, hey lets go hang out at a bar and just like that, she's like, sure lets go! and then goes on to bring the house down with her indescribable voice. WOW!! Just goes to show how she's just so unbelievably humble and does not act like she's better than anyone, even though her level is completely unreachable.

[@helix949]

My thoughts exactly. Incredible.

[@jobelleervin2446]

Proud to be Filipino 😊

[@jezzybanez2135]

Criss Darren is half Filipino. He's mother a pure Filipino

[@brownasianity]

Criss, Lea...Can we be friends too..LOL

[@rupeshortega9680]

Hey dude! Chriss is a Fil-am, so the connection is there.

[@yumivilk8078]

im so amazed at how her vibratto is so clear and so crispy I can taste and eat it. Bravo!

[@ExcelByDesign]

she has one of the best if not THE BEST vibrato in broadway. and shes got pure control of her voice. GENIUS.

[@--076]

She's sooooo amazing. Omg

[@wig.8gles]

Yes I love her

[@meredithchandler73]

I never get tired of watching this. First of all - love this impromptu performance. No rehearsal, no microphone - just a piano and a voice. Also, love seeing Lea with all the earrings! She has a total of 5 piercings (3 in left ear, 2 in right ear) but we rarely see them!

[@gumaming]

This, in the time when phone cameras sucked, looked like an AFV home video, but it can’t hide the clarity and intensity of her voice. Truly awesome.

[@LaSheefra]

Lea Salonga having fun on a night out with an impromptu performance (and no doubt a little alcohol :P ) is still miles better than the studio version from the Film. Best Éponine by a clear way :)

[@mkolstee]

LaSheefra Isn't that sad?

[@Abdul_JaculBuratsadorSalsalani]

That's because when it comes to singing... never give the mic or the singing stage to a Filipino who had a sip of party beverage.... they will definitely turn the performance into a concert... 🤔 it's in the blood

[@benjieubal-ubal5604]

Even unrehearsed, impromptu, LEA SALONGA delivers.

[@Edith-dn3hr]

Singing with a nervous pianist and still sounds like a complete orchestra accompanies the sound that comes out of that totally gifted voice box.Yes Lea,You Own IT,nobody can sing that song better than you.❤️

[@CBZero]

Freaking pitch perfect Leah Salonga.

[@labellavita12]

Just pure talent.. No microphone.. No auto tune needed.. And that was a hard song to sing.. But she sang it with ease & flying colors! The best Eponine!

[@sonnyyombo2230]

This woman can sing. She makes it looks easy....

[@jamesjaredongonion2377]

That's because she is a broadway singer

[@russellramos934]

She Filipino pure blood

[@kamotekalabasa8729]

@@russellramos934 tangina kailangan ipangalandakan talaga na filipino sya. Ikakahiyang 3rd eorld mentalitym

[@ramilnorico]

Proud to be Pilipino

[@oikawatooru2060]

@@kamotekalabasa8729 ahahahahahahhaha

[@joelweisberg]

What a performance. In a noisy room with a big crowd and no mic she is perfect. I saw her five times in Miss Saigon in New York. She is as gifted a performer as you will ever find. Bless her heart.

[@strongbraveloud]

HOW CAN SHE BE 42???????? SHE LOOKS 23!!!!!!!!!!

[@KuyaKano]

That's because Filipinas at 23 look like they're 15

[@andrejamena4262]

Kuya Kano or could be wearing make-up

[@patcute07]

yeahh i'm 20 but when i come to bar they taught im only 16

[@KuyaKano]

LOL, When I went for my marriage license in Las Pinas PH, I looked at the girls working (or mostly playing on facebook) behind the counter and said to my fiance, "Mahal, I think its so great that the Philippines allow these girls to work at such a young age". She looked at me with shock and said, "WHAT??? Most of those girls at those desks there have college degrees". -That is pretty much how us Kanos estimate the age of Philippine women. (sorry about that)

[@0113Austin]

Kuya Kano I saw in a video she said Asians do not age HA! I do agree with that!!

[@SpaceAudio]

Live... no mic, no reverb, no auto-tune. Just pure talent.

[@frostysabzx7349]

her technique and musicality is still perfect even when she’s just casually singing...

[@crusaderqk]

Her voice just makes me believe that anything is possible.. Just like Disney movies! Perfect!

[@mabuhayPinay]

Yes that's it! I was trying to get back in my head and figure out what her voice does for me. Indeed, her voice makes me feel expansive, pure, that anything is possible.

[@chadcovers1724]

Her voice makes its own reverb. 😍

[@jhorgeneestiller9684]

Eponine singing live at the bar full of many Mariuses. Hahaha...

[@friendlyferolino1994]

"I'm so nervous..." epic statement for a pianist..

[@philippinelegendaries1909]

*The pianist appears to be lost, but her pitch perfect voice is just so precise all through out that the pianist is like being guided by the key she sets, and her tempo. By the way this is when Grand slam Theater Actress meets a Grand slam TV Actor. Lea Salonga took home 5/5 trophies from theaters highest honors including Tony and Olivier, Darren Criss also took home every best actor award including Golden Globes' and Emmy's for his role in The American Crime Story.*

[@mar_man813]

He's a bar pianist who has thousands of charts by memory. He's probably never played this before and is scared shitless. Cut him some slack.

[@siyukiito3312]

Whenever I see videos of Lea being invited to sing, everyone will really reprimand themselves to shutup for respect. That's how commanding her voice ans talent is. Bow down to my Queen. ❤

[@beaurem1355]

Lea is 44 this year so that makes her 42 in this video and still she sang great like the old times and still does..

[@mkearley49]

The piano player's comments before and after say it all.

[@divamissk]

YEAH EVERYONE BETTER SHUSH THEY ARE IN FRONT OF BROADWAY ROYALTITY AND DISNEY PRINCESS LEGEND SHUT UP PESSANTS

[@YAOG]

+Ky Maddox "ROYALTITY"? Freudian slip?

[@divamissk]

WilliamRayWalters sorry over excited :(

[@yvesordonio]

The King missed his lessons for horsing around too much? Still a better place on the throne than at a peasant's nook, eh?! 😉

[@ExcelByDesign]

indeed she is! =D

[@iceland1455]

I'm so nervous!! LOL Lea Salonga Simply the BEST!!! Thanks Darren Criss. Hoping she can be Blaine's mom in GLEE

[@upmba2006]

That's a great idea!

[@peachybrets]

Why not?!? Love the idea :)

[@rice6682]

For the pianist this could be 1 of his unforgettable piece.

[@hizbollahabedin7310]

Precise vibrato at its finest!👍

[@jcwondrous]

She performs the final note much better than she did in the ten anniversary concert. I still see no point to change to head voice solely to sing the 'known' in TAC. and also the 'go ON turning' bit. But this time, she perfects all those parts for her strong eponine.

[@Ben-my2wz]

+Akia Clemente yeah it's definitely a mix ....love how she uses this technique so as not to hurt her vocal cord

[@albertcruz2084]

2019 was this 5 years ago? She hasnt changed.

[@hangeulgeek]

Ben yeah, the “known” part from the 10th anniversary was a chest mix. It’s a choice she did, considering the intensity or the rush of emotion she was feeling, and the number of times she had to perform that song. Chest mix was the way to go to belt that part without hurting her vocally. She didn’t want to experience what she experienced in Miss Saigon.

[@chickenlittle4052]

Bash HI. CAN I ASK? WHAT DID SHE EXPERIENCE IN MISS SAIGON THAT SHE DIDNT WANT TO HAPPENv

[@quiddy]

She was able to belt this in chest mix because it was lower key than the 10th anniversary one

[@maraschinomachine5693]

I would just like to highlight how gorgeous she looks here.

[@aldrenclariti120]

3:17 damn the power, control, perfect placement and vibrato of this high note is the best among all of her versions of this song, and even among other singers

[@nanzzzZZZZ]

I get goosebumps every time I hear her sing ❤

[@meredithchandler73]

To think - she is singing this about 25 years after using it to audition for MISS SAIGON (in 1988 - her original audition wasn’t filmed, only her callback), and 20 years after being the first Asian/non-Caucasian to play Eponine on Broadway!

[@ishie19.78]

I didnt realized its the whole fckn bar…. And everyone was quiet… good job humans

[@robertvelasco6582]

Geez, Leah's voice and singing made the piano guys accompaniment classy!

[@ChrisValera]

The Friend Zone Song.

[@sakitrain7766]

Your comment just fcked me up LOOOOL

[@princesssarahpasatiempo7441]

haha yeah very well said😅

[@mishiru1883]

The camera shakes make it more apparent how earth-shaking this free concert is😂

[@miguelneri5982]

Lea shows how to have class and still be cool.

[@doctorfuller9514]

pretty sure in a later interview about this night, she said she was a little drunk so it's even more impressive tbh

[@Mysweetings]

+Alexis Costello "Drink with me. To Days gone by..." LOL

[@hei0817]

Aside from her angelic voice, I really like her beautiful face. I really like the way she smiles and her dimple

[@drewgievan]

In your midst is Eponine herself.. Lucky peeps.

[@jakestryker35]

Marie's Crisis is the best Piano Bar for all the broadway enthusiast..i remembered recordingthe crowd singing and the piano artist man i was shut down..just amazing!

[@jezztinelnseth5083]

2021 here! Lea and only Lea Salonga can sing and take my breath away 💕💕💕

[@mariaadajar5524]

I actually watched all of her videos

[@HumanSagaVault]

can you imagine you are in the same room with the real Jasmine Singing voice herself? omg that would be better than a real concert. dream come true for everyone there.

[@guitarsandmraz]

Lea Salonga is Perfection! OMG.

[@angelinexbts]

The real Ms. Saigon never changes.. A Disney Princess too 😊😊

[@maejee8189]

Love how everyone listened while Lea is singing. Damn she is iconic!

[@Woeismyhoe]

I love how most Filipinos actually don’t know how respected Ms Lea Salonga is internationally lmao

[@m4giceyetr1x]

Eh kasi biritan lang ang hilig ng mga pinoy eh.

[@boalinda329]

Considering the audio been recorded on a cellphone, Wow that Vox just Wow!

[@paykii]

the pianist was so cute!he's nervous..!😍

[@burburchacha]

For those who accused her of lip synching on stage, this is proof that she doesn't and never has to.

[@bettytake8766]

Wow Ms Lea you are really a great Singer even without microphone you can sing fantatic.

[@marie080385]

those people were soooo lucky to hear her sing LIVE!! i know she misses playing Kim and Epiphone in Miss Saigon (Broadway), she's playing those roles for 7 or maybe 12 years, if i'm not mistaken.... and still her voice is just so beautiful to listen...

[@mayetreyes8415]

What makes Lea Salonga a great performer is that, she's singing every song as if it was hers. Plus the fact that her voice is like a fine wine.

[@ceej_don15]

When the pianist was left in awe at the end...

[@shinepinas5601]

For some reason, I’m on my 5th replay of this video (in succession!)...... and still can’t get over how she just causally sat there, sang, and broke my heart and made me fall in love again.... I am thankful that I am living at the same time as lea salonga. To witness such talent... breath taking.

[@88st44]

SUPERB! Classy singer with a voice that no one can replicate. Very clear vocals, superb voice calisthenics and very clear pronunciation. I'll never tire listening to her voice! JUST INCREDIBLE!

[@angelocadena7094]

Ang ganda talaga ni lea. And syempre best in the world uung timbre ng boses.

[@tezkahkunimitsu9533]

My goodness!!! Lea's diction, enounciation, and total voice are clearer than my future!!!!

[@djlovelyjoe7453]

It feels like the world freezes when Lea sings.

[@baliDOTid]

Now I want to watch Les Miserables again..then I realize it's 2 hours and 40 minutes long movie with non stop singing it's crazy

[@ChelPablo]

Such a lucky crowd.

[@jaysongopio9702]

3:18 eargasm

[@marilouhampton4932]

It’s 2020 , and still cry when I hear Lea Salonga sing. She’s a jem!

[@richardk8821]

Marie's Crisis is such a magical place. I've never had a bad evening there.

[@mewrigreis]

May 2019 anyone?

[@arielm6119]

may 3, 2020 now. Keep safe. 😉

[@margeco1]

May 22, 2020

[@mewrigreis]

May 24, 2020. Take care everyone

[@maximobistoyong3600]

She really owns ON MY OWN! and she is Miss LEA SALONGA

[@rubzed2004]

Hahhaha its fun to see a celebrity like her cursing "you.. fuckin ass.." hahhaha love it!

[@Snubol]

She still looks so young and beautiful!

[@Edith-dn3hr]

OMG,she is God's gift to us with her amazing voice.🥰🇵🇭🇺🇸

[@DanilaJDGG90]

GOOSEBUMPS. She wins at life.

[@upbeatmusic8826]

it's been 2020 and I'm still listening this over and over again 😍

[@christophervarquez275]

I could only think of one person when we speak of Eponine.. LEA SALONGA. She has made her mark. And this song would always remind me of her :)

[@smalls9852]

Saying this is beautiful is such an understatement. Her soul shines through everything she sings. Such a legend

[@patcute07]

I'm so proud for Miss Lea, you had all my respect :) he never fail the Filipinos

[@pauldavidpanganiban]

Hearing her sing this live is breathtaking. She wasn't even trying but still sounds amazing and crisp!

[@janen1120]

yung napadaan ka lang tapos na inlove ka na sa ganda ni miss Lea ❤

[@charmiaj12]

Everytime i hear Lea's version of this, nothing ever changes. Consistently perfect!

[@elle02220]

wow! angelic voice! I gotta say Lea has gorgeous hair!

[@benabella4583]

Yes she can sing whatever whenever, 35 years in the biz yet better than ever! That's true talent right there

[@seramae2900]

Lea is an absolute marvel, wow!

[@glennhardy8781]

Lea you are amazing! I truly believe the you are the best singer on the planet and I'm not trying too be a suck up. You could actually sign the phone book!!

[@clairegalado5856]

And just like that, she brought the house down.