First Reaction | Lea Salonga - On My Own (Les Misérables) |

[@AmadaOByrne]

She's the pride of Filipinos. A very talented artist with a powerful voice.🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉😊

[@pedrokass2973]

Lea Salonga is a Broadway legend, West End legend and Disney legend, She's necessary to have a better world. Thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Salonga. Lea Salonga is a true artist!!!! Not so many not so normal.

[@meredithchandler73]

Lea was born Feb 22, 1971 (53 years old now) in the Philippines. Lea started performing at age 7, played her first lead on stage at age 9 in ANNIE, released her first album at age 10 (it was certified gold), hosted a musical tv show with her brother from ages 12-14, and more. From ages 7-17 Lea did theater, concerts, albums, tv and film in the Philippines. She became an international star when she originated the lead role of Kim in MISS SAIGON on the West End in 1989 (age 18), won the Olivier Award at age 19, then premiered the original Broadway production in 1991 (age 20) and won every major theater award in the US including the Tony Award.

[@teresitaluna3370]

You're proud of every people of the world magnifici❤❤❤❤😂😂

[@Bella-k3t3y]

Broadway Diva, Ms. Lea Salonga, is a Filipino National Artist. She's the voice behind Mulan, Reflection, Beauty and the Beast, & Alladin I. She's a Laurence Olivier & Tony Awardee for playing the role of Kim in Miss Saigon.

[@Michele18164]

Lea is a master class in technique. So many singers are afraid of looking silly so they don't really accentuate the mouth shapes they need to project and control. She's one of a kind.

[@meredithchandler73]

Lea was the first Asian/non-Caucasian to play Eponine in LES MISERABLES on Broadway in 1993 (just before she turned 22). And Lea was asked to be part of the 10th anniversary Dream cast concert of LES MIZ in 1995 - where this video you reacted to is from. Many consider this to be the definitive performance of “On My Own.” Eponine loves Marius, who is in love with someone else and only thinks of Eponine as a friend. You should watch Lea Salonga and Michael Ball sing “A Little Fall of Rain” - also from this 10th anniversary concert. Gorgeous.

[@nickforell1]

Thank you for this info!

[@aileenclarke9651]

I can’t thank you enough for revealing the name of the young woman I saw in this role. I never did find out her name and now I know. Her performance made my skin tingle, she was a standout in the entire production. Many thanks Lea Salonga ❤

[@pedrokass2973]

Im agree about this is the definitive performance of "on my own", Lea Salonga is a Master of Voice

[@Cecilia-zx8ok]

Nick, Lea Salonga is the only and first Asian to win Best Actress in Musical Lawrence Olivier Award as Kim in Miss Saigon and Tony Award as Best Performance by a Leading Actress in Musical. Lea Salonga is also the first Asian to play Les Miserables Fantine in the 25th Anniverysary Concert in 2010 and Les Miserables Eponine during the 10th Anniversary Concert in 1995. Lea Salonga is a respected international singer. Check Lea Salonga's Don't Cry for me Argentina, its really so amazing. Lea also had the opportunity to sing with Josh Groban, il divo, among others. Lea is the singing voice behind Disney's Mulan Reflection song and Jasmine of Alladin the A whole New World song.

[@tow5384]

Watch the10-yr anniversary show of Les Miserables. Incredible. I've seen Lea perform here in my semi-desert Valley twice in the past 10 years. And I think she's coming back again next year. Her voice is still incredible. And yes, she performed this song at both concerts.

[@samueljravestruz4702]

Thank you for featuring Ms Lea Salonga the Disney legend and the pride of the Philippines. Please more of her performances as well as other world class Filipino talents and artists. Thank you!❤️🇵🇭

[@garrysinger9704]

By reacting to Lea Salonga, you have now raised the level of your channel to include a top tier world class vocalist. She is a Rolls Royce of music; much different than some of the Fords like Taylor Swift, etc. which you previously reviewed. Welcome to real excellence in music.

[@SvMykolas]

This performance is widely known and appreciated as this wonderful song's gold standard. Lea is THE Eponine, and although this performance was long ago, it still sets the bar to unreachable. Personally I have heard this performance countless times, and it still moves me like the first time.

[@alanFconrad]

she's amazing

[@packerkats7578]

Lea is the gold standard as Eponine. Saw the show on Broadway long ago and it was amazing. The rest of this concert is worth listening to. Heart Full of Love is my favorite.

[@MrKockabilly]

What also amazes me is the self-control she has at 7:37 in maintaining that blank stoic face as demanded by the role and gallantly fighting the overwhelming urge to either tear up or smile despite the grand applause.

[@conniedean1977]

She also starred in Miss Saigon. Absolutely stunning.

[@pedrokass2973]

@@conniedean1977 when she was 16 years old in London, a big responsabilty for a teen and years later in Broadway, She got a tony award for Miss Saigon. She is so important person in show business, in my opinión Lea represents modern Broadway gold standard and Julie Andréws old Broadway gold standard

[@chet10367]

Lea Salonga is a legendary stage actress who won 5 awards for playing the role of Kim in Miss Saigon. For her performance, she gained five awards-the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical, the Drama Desk Award, the Outer Critics Circle Award, the Theatre World Award, and the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical.

[@AnitaDiaz-q8r]

You have made great points and such a professional analysis on her style; her projection and style; is so controlled and precise from the beginning to the end .🎉 ❤

[@teresitaluna3370]

You see how herdictions how she pronounce words sooo clear proud as her kabayan means lives in a same country ❤❤❤ you and simone b❤❤❤

[@paulmason6474]

She can do no wrong… perfection❤❤❤❤

[@nickforell1]

She’s quite amazing

[@josephtomaiuolo4096]

A flawless performer!

[@adiarainfoster]

This whole show is incredible. It's the dream cast for Les Miserables in my opinion. I used to have a copy and i wore it completely out watching it over and over through the years lol. It's the 10th anniversary of the show and there's a full copy on KZbin I believe. One reactor reacted to the whole thing, one to two songs per reactions spread over a few weeks from beginning to end. I haven't seen any other reactors do that (hint hint!)

[@MusicCityMere]

Gives me chills every time. And if you have the chance to see Les Mis, GO!!!!!

[@daviddee7175]

On the same stage she had a duet with Michael Ball... "A little fall of rain". She sang the voices of Jasmin and Mulan from the original Disney Movies Alladin & Mulan.

[@babsmasters8569]

Omg "A little fall of rain" with those two can never be beat out by any other duo

[@gleenmorevillacorta1379]

Dude? Thats THE Lea Salonga the original Kim of Miss Saigon , Mulan and Princess Jasmine. OMG!! Im shookt you dont know her.

[@Hamsterdamned]

If your life revolves around music, specifically broadway?? It is IMPOSSIBLE to not kow Lea.

[@BWats-q8x]

just saw this...fyi, for Les Miserables, she won both the Tony Award (US) and Olivier Award (UK) for Best Actress.

[@meredithchandler73]

Note: her name is pronounced LAY-ah. Lea is the singing voice for Jasmine (“A Whole New World”) and Mulan (“Reflection”).

[@nickforell1]

Thank you for that

[@christinamarie1027]

This song never fails to make me cry! Just so sad, something we’ve all felt at one point and always beautifully done

[@txheadshots]

One of the best Eponines from the definitive Les Mis performances

[@jamesrawlins735]

What's amazing is that if the original Eponine - Frances Ruffelle, who won a Tony for her performance on Broadway - weren't in the doghouse with Cameron Mackintosh, she would have done the concert, but she was never asked. That gave Lea the opportunity and the rest is history. (Apparently Phillip Quast, who was amazing on past recordings, was chosen for Javert for the concert because they wanted an international flair to the event.)

[@karinkrenn]

Beautiful vocals for this wonderful song. She's versatile - she also sang for with IL DIVO for example. 🎶

[@peterscocca3024]

A beautiful song Beautifully done I am moved to tears every time I watch her do this

[@166Bertje]

Yes, she is amazing

[@karehelene]

Les Mis is wonderful. About once a year PBS does the 10 year and/or 25-year concert version with the great cast members over the years. It is worth watching despite having to wait through their donation plugs for PBS.

[@jduncanandroid]

I believe Lea was in both, but different roles... (this video is from the 10 iirc)

[@Rkbmomma]

One thing so striking about Lea is her diction. You can understand the words in each song she sings.(as I was typing this you brought it up).😂

[@JR-nr2kj]

Please watch ( if you haven't already) Lea's audition for Miss Saigon and her singing Sun and Moon fully in the musical.

[@RobertDeMartin]

Yes, you did. But all of us watching you react to this accepted your apology. As the melody continued you literally fell in love with her and that was to be expected. Lea's performance was something to remember for a long, long time. In a word, it was 'spectacular'.

[@dalebuck7168]

Theatrical superstar...she is also the only one to be TWO Disney princesses, Jasmine and Mullan, hence the Disney reference.

[@snchills]

From the same concert, I recommend A Heart full of Love. Actually, watch the whole Concert. I've been obsessed with it for yrs.

[@rebeccapowell9944]

This is from the 10th anniversary concert. To me, every actor was the best for their role. Fantine was so good, I have never heard better. The duet between Fantine and Eponine at the end was extraordinary

[@iAmMaelyn]

my idol.. 1 proud Filipina here.. Lea also played Kim in Miss Saigon, 1st Filipina to win a Tony award.. she is also the voice of 2 Disney princesses.. Mulan & Jasmine..

[@BWats-q8x]

she was also the lead for Miss Saigon - Cameron Mackintosh auditioned her in person - his team was scouring Asia for the lead role. There is a video that shows the audition itself. Lea was obviously very young

[@Rkbmomma]

She was 17 at the audition

[@Kevmacc1000]

Best version, ever. 😊

[@airbourne2]

Thanks!

[@nickforell1]

Thank you! 😊

[@roadkill7314]

I've seen a ton of musical theater and Les Miz is my favorite of all time! Well maybe that and Hamilton; call it 1A and 1B. And Lea is as close to perfect for musical theater as you're ever going to find.

[@scoopersmith5]

Lea is my idol!

[@josemiloatis3714]

Yes she nailed it... Alot of versions of these song. From various Broadway female Artist.... But she's different of them all...

[@JulieFreyHomeWebBiz]

The stage 10th anniversary special is an excellent way to view Les Misérables story as told by song on home video. 10th Anniversary en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Les_Mis%C3%A9rables:_The_Dream_Cast_in_Concert "A Little Fall of Rain" is a duet with Michael Ball (playing Marius)

[@criseldasamson2470]

Ms. Lea Salonga! 💖🔥

[@TonyPucci11]

My wife has turned me into a big musical fan. Nothing, especially I've found with Les Mis, beats seeing it live on stage.

[@brendanc.8019]

Lea was an absolutely beautiful Eponine.

[@abetskychua]

She's a legend!

[@DeborahGedert]

Lea did Christmas In Our Hearts with PTX

[@janhankins911]

Lea Salonga is an absolute legend. She's won Tony awards, Grammies, and many other awards. You may wish to look at some of her work on Miss Saigon (when she was 17). She'll rip your heart out (if you know the story of Miss Saigon) and make you cry a river. By the way, Eponine (the character portrayed by Lea Salonga) does die; she's shot by French soldiers.

[@janhankins911]

BTW, I found the book written by Victor Hugo much better than either the movie or the stage production. I recommend the book highly. I read it "on my own"; didn't have to read it for school or anything. Great literature.

[@angela897094]

She was absolutely spectacular as Kim in Miss Saigon.

[@zenaidaabuan6396]

Awesome

[@kencarsula3307]

UNREAL

[@jwhiteuk]

The film is readily available and I've watched it once, and enjoyed it. Les Mis is in the theatre in London's West End, approximately 100 miles from my home, and I've seen it 5 times. In my opinion the theatrical version is so much more powerful and moving that the film, and well worth the effort of getting there! Pay for the best seat you can afford...... On my last visit I was centre stage 4 rows back and I saw a tear trickle down the cheek of Cosette at the end of this beautiful song. It is (arguably) he best catalogue of songs in a single musical. I would encourage anyone with an interest in musical theatre to see Les Mis (at the theatre) at least once!

[@leonardoflores9605]

Thank you Nick for patronizing our Filipino artist

[@SonomaBill1]

The first time I saw Les Miz in NY (london previous), Debby Gibson was playing the role of Eponine. And she did a creditable job to my ear. ('91 maybe ? )

[@suzannepaj290]

To me this is my proof there is a God because this she is unbelievably talented and I feel my soul come alive inside me and tears just stream down my cheeks

[@TLC62]

Somewhere on KZbin there is (or was) a concert by Lea where among other things she sang "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" from The Wizard of Oz, and "Defying Gravity" from Wicked. I've also heard her sing a duet with John Barrowman, of "Tonight" from West Side Story. She gives me chills. :-) And she is by far my favorite singer next to KD Lang.

[@nelidamendoza8261]

Love Lea subbed

[@samueljravestruz4702]

❤❤❤️🇵🇭🇵🇭🇵🇭 love it 💕

[@daniellaalejandralee3612]

Beautiful rendition wow… she really is a tony award winner and Oliver award winner as well..

[@nbx2au]

If you are struggling for a world... I suggest PERFECT. 😊

[@traceyneuville6834]

You should have a look at The Staged Concert 2019. I have been to two live musicals of Les Mis the past two years going to the 40t Anniversary in Belfast in September. I like Lea she was fab but so many of the current ones are just as good

[@MusicCityMere]

One of my favorite songs ever and definitely my favorite Broadway show

[@michyn4959]

The movie is no where in the same ballpark as the original cast and anniversary casts!!! I promise live performances were on another level!

[@manueldeterra5090]

I just discovered your review today for the first time. I love your perspective and outlook. I have been performing on stage since 1949 and still do community theatre whenever I can. I have no idea if you have ever reviewed my other favorite female song stylist, but if you have not please do yourself a favor and do Lara Fabian, a Belgian/Canadian singer who sings in 14 languages. Please listen to her take on Je Suite Malade sung in French with English subtitles. I guarantee you will not be disappointed.

[@corvus1374]

She's so good at clearly enunciating

[@shelleydee6217]

Please react/comment on her Miss Saigon. She won the Sir Olivier Award here. Lea is gifted, she has a photographic memory and she accelerated several years of school.

[@berlyn3014]

Lea is an absolutely amazing performer. I've not heard anything from her I don't love.

[@narotsky23]

Woe!! Would you consider Rodine Al nido by Pavorati. Its beautiful. It’s the in Italian. It is in Italian, but it is the story of a father’s joy and pain watching his little girl leave the nest,

[@lsa2470]

Queen Lea 👸🏻 you should also react to her “I dreamed a dream”, she did both Eponine and Fantine roles!!!

[@Anthony-nj6gt]

Technically brilliant with perfect diction.

[@marcyng3522]

I am so lucky that I can enjoy her performing this song at Bridgewater Hall.

[@terribrown8089]

I can tell you don't have kids. Everyone knows Lea as Walt Disney princess .When you do look her up your mouth will hit the floor She is just amazing.😍😍

[@davidtullis2810]

Must react to Lea auditioning for Miss Saigon

[@ferdiesanantonio7940]

LOL... She was the original Kim of Miss Saigon fame in London way back... Where you been?

[@babsmasters8569]

Funny that you say she has some Disney sound to her. She was the vocalist for Princess Jasmine and Mulan's singing parts in the originals.

[@theodorepanglao9552]

Hi please react to Lea Salonga singing Don't Cry For Me Argentina thank you.

[@Tc-nw1gr]

You should highlight Daura Veater of Life in 3D singing On my Own. Best I’ve ever heard!

[@jungersrules]

Come on, we need to give Nick some grace. He's a young man and Lea took on the role of Kim in "Miss Saigon" when she was 17, 18 years old. She's in her 50s now. Love that she won a Tony for that role back in 1990 (I believe that's the year, lol).

[@Sherman1fan]

Please watch the entire 10th anniversary show. Then the next anniversary where Lea is Fantine.

[@kurikuri6683]

Love it! Please react to the short animated music video "shelter". It's so beautiful ❤️

[@janet8418]

Impressive

[@fcllyvr3000]

Lea doesn't need support. She is internationally well-known. She is the voice of Mulan and the princess in Alladin ( Walt Disney). She initially started in the Broadway version of Miss Saigon and at a very young age.

[@jamesrawlins735]

It speaks volumes that Lea returned as Fantine for the 25th anniversary concert.

[@pedrokass2973]

Agreeeeee!

[@fabianaalba3268]

The truth legend Frome the Philippines

[@joolstrout8036]

Please do Lea's Don't Cry For Me Argentina. It is the best version of the song I have ever heard. By the way, I love your honest emotional reactions, and subscribed because you listened to Eva Cassidy. It would be nice if you listened to Eva's Nightbird, my all time favourtie song which no-one else listens to. Love from Yorkshire, UK.

[@maya5789]

Lea was went to England when she was 14 and audition with ANDREW LOYED WEBER , and Andrew hired her for emediately after hearing her sing . Lea won also a Tony Award for Miss Saigon . She also sing for the 2 Disney priseses .

[@meredithchandler73]

Lea didn’t go to England to audition for Andrew Lloyd Webber at age 14. Lea was 17 when she went to England for “final assessments” (callbacks) for MISS SAIGON. And that show was written by Claude michel Schoenberg and Alain Boubil (who write LES MISERABLES).

[@maxmd9218]

Lea Salonga is a Tony and Olivier awardee.

[@jeffreyworley3321]

It's a Musical 🎼

[@markppennington6639]

You should listen to Lucy Thomas sing "Memory"!!

[@OOCFM]

Did you know that Lea was the one who told Alan Menken about MORISSETTE? she was the push behind her getting her to be the Voice to perform A Whole New World, with Darren. Highly suggest you look into Morissette Amon, Thanks. P.S. she was asked to fly to Tokyo to meet Will Smith and Alan for the Promo.

[@larynanntapp6333]

I have to recommend Samantha Barks instead of Lea...it's easy to find Samantha performing this in the movie. You can't walk away from Les Mis without hearing Alfie Boe singing Bring Him Home...his voice is impeccable!!

[@elmalopez8489]

Bravissima lea, pls try to react go the distance on wish bus by katrina velarde grazie

[@tuting1965]

I recommend morissete amon from wish bus she is amazing

[@richardfranz3180]

Mozart said,"The music is not in the notes, but in the silence between".

[@ButchDelmonte-yn9il]

It's a story of unrequited love in so far as Eponine is concerned.

[@aldoelmerbalubar8958]

You haven't heard of her since? well, not unless you've watched the Disney movie Aladdin and Mulan..

[@JohnpaulBilas]

Leas diction is clearer than my future 😂

[@Sagitarria]

Watch miss Saigon