Gethsemane (I Only Want to Say) | John Legend | Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert

[@marioalbertolagunesperez2021]

This song without the high notes is like a cloudy day on the beach

[@JimmyJohn-gg4lj]

actually, i was surprised how much I liked this version. Quite clearly different from the original (which was remarkable), but nevertheless compelling, at least to me.

[@thomassmith-s4i]

Yep- no guts, no glory- the expression was never so fitting. Ted Neely was "God" when it came to this role.

[@PageNumber687x]

uhhh, this actor hit the high notes.

[@ghosty24601]

@@PageNumber687x no, no he did not, John Legend was the wrong actor for the role because he could not hit the high "WHYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY SHOULD I DIEEEEEEEEEE" for this song.

[@masonluellen7239]

The actual music doesn’t have the high note notated, it’s just something all of the actors have done. And John does hit the note, just in a different part.

[@ub6025]

John Legend is a good singer! And it's his version of this song. He goes out of his comfortzone and i find that alone earns respect. All people who critices him-go on stage and make it better!

[@pffffggg]

I LOVE the fact that he is holding a wine bottle, sounds reasonable, IT'S JUST SO MUCH TO ACCEPT... I love it. I applaude the bravery of the singer because he could've done something similiar to his pairs and he didn't

[@drballsballsballs]

Go off

[@silencemeviolateme6076]

He attempted what the director said.

[@pamyvilla]

It’s still Ted Neeley for me

[@Jahiriebless]

Watch the one from 2 years ago my daughter was part of you would like it from musicalsreimagined GESTHEMANE BLACK JESUS

[@АндрейГрязнов-и9в]

Black Jesus is funny and stupid.

[@jolandasnell6529]

It's Ted's song. Through all the versions I've seen, visited or even sang... It's Ted's song. 🤷🏻‍♀️💕

[@Phasmania]

Finally, the proshot for this song is posted on this account! I know it doesn’t have the crazy high notes but I’ve grown to appreciate this version. John has a great, rich voice, even if the role is a little out of his range. Side note: I love how he sings the “cup of poison” and “nail me to your cross” part, just the right amount of rasp in that belt

[@gretacarter3498]

Wow - John truly brings this role to life !

[@tonyaharman8369]

Each to their own, but Steve Balsamo has the vocal range and emotional expression that’s the best of anyone. All the layers and colours that JL lacks.

[@LibbyzLibby]

Very difficult to top Balsamo but I also really like Glenn Carter in the TV version

[@tiagodelgado1214]

Ted Neeley entered the chat

[@Songbirdstress]

Legend would be better in another role imo. He's an amazing singer, but this doesn't suit him.

[@nirvanirva1392]

I'm with you here. I like this guy, but Steve Balsamo has more than just range and expression. Something that makes him the Jesus people believe in. Something real.

[@Schoolgirl325]

I love John Legend’s voice. It’s very soulful and rich, but he’s very much a lyric baritone with a range that sits most comfortably between A2-G4.

[@Vinceras]

I know that John caught a lot of flack by JCS purists for not having the "ideal" rock voice....but damned if the man didn't get up there and absolutely kill that performance. The sheer emotion and grief in his voice and his movements are chill inducing. Well done sir!

[@Phasmania]

I wasn’t a fan of this version for that reason at first, then someone described John’s interpretation as more “soulful and gospel” which made me appreciate it more

[@redrasegarden]

I also liked his take in the temple. Depicting a man who felt like nothing he said was getting through while being pushed to his limits to help others he might not have the ability to.

[@chungusamongus3584]

Honestly I don’t think John Legend does a bad job; sure, he can’t hit those high notes like Gillan or Balsamo, but I feel like he still conveys the emotion very well and kinda makes his own take on the song. Personally I’m fine with Jesus actors not going for that high note but you gotta be able to compensate for it somehow and I think John Legend does this very well

[@CaptainKirkDiggler]

Nah. I'll take Ted Neeley for $500 please.

[@isabellac4901]

seeing this after becoming so familiar with ben forster's version is difficult LOL I love john but this wasn't a good show for his voice type, bc he's got such a beautiful voice and I feel like this is just too gritty for him haha

[@FentonGib]

Ditto. Just seen this after Ben's and, although it was good, it pales in comparison imo.

[@isabellac4901]

@@FentonGib ben's version is ELITE level theater, like he's got the voice and the performance and I feel like John's performance was lacking haha

[@gillianomotoso328]

The top note was not even mixed. He just fluted it. No weight in it. He’s good at the baritone belts though, lots of tone and expression and pleading in them.

[@shmeshica_c]

That’s what I thought. No shade to him, John Legend is so good, but this show needs a different vocal style. There are moments where I’m like YES, but overall I wish he’d had a little more idk, grit?

[@joannelee8776]

Well I have to say for Legends type of voice he nailed it, he really put all his worth into the performance and kudos to him. This role was originally intended for a rock voice hence Ted Neely with a wide octave range will always be the best.

[@movieguru289]

The fact he was sick during this performance is just a testament to his talent!! Bravo John Legend!! 👏👏

[@aaronkrolikowski6599]

You can remember 5 years back that he was sick? I think it just wasnt his type of song to sing, personally. He's a great singer, but not for this particular role.

[@LibbyzLibby]

You can hear he's not feeling his best. What a trouper though!

[@Songbirdstress]

@@aaronkrolikowski6599 You can hear his vocal folds aren't closing

[@amangogna68]

Fantastic musical and amazing singer !

[@chrissellers3014]

What, it's like an elevator version. Maybe if I was getting a root canal and hearing it, it may pass

[@sheilalayton7162]

He has brought another angle to the song and I think he did a great job with a different voice type

[@jnaught1358]

This was not for him to do.. All fan love aside.. This is a song in which one must know WHY the notes must be sung a certain way, not (how)… My barometer (from childhood) is, if I shed a tear when i hear “before I Chang my mind” it’s done correctly.. I felt nothing but “please stop” in this performance.. And I’ve listened since the broadway cast of “71”…. Ouch for this.. But crazy respect for his music and talent. This is a fish out of water scenario.. 🙏

[@marlenef777]

Yes! This! It’s definitely the why not the how. I don’t feel the deep anguish. This is a very emotional song and needs to feel like it’s being sung with wild abandon. The part that’s my barometer for bringing me to tears starts right before at “I will drink your cup of poison…” Ted and Ian will always be my favorites. Although I did watch a video of Carl Anderson singing this and it also was amazing, but he had a very powerful and passionate voice. Legend has a nice voice, no shade, but not the role for him.

[@maribethwhiting7114]

I agree! I honestly was a little hesitant to leave a comment saying I didn't care for it because there are so many people saying how much they loved it. My favorite is Ted neeley. When he sang it he really made you feel he was going through it and not an actor. John just didn't do that. It felt so forced. Its hard to explain.

[@gondwanalon]

Magnificent! Captivating!

[@danajohnson498]

The 1st time I EVER saw JCS or even heard any of it's songs was this LIVE production on Easter 2018 and it, literally, was life-changing. And I don't think I will ever think any other production and any other artists than these have ever or will ever be any better than these! Love this! Love Legend in this! Love his voice.

[@jobreakstheinternet5100]

It is my favorite musical and always will be. Seeing it when I was a teen (1993 tour!) was transcendent.

[@joshygoldiem_j2799]

Should've been aired on Good Friday instead.

[@jennybroad1763]

A tune which touches my soul...helps that Jesus is singing it ❤

[@joesixpac8710]

Outstanding voice!

[@SueNicoll-ep7ht]

He's brilliant

[@stevecrutchley3616]

Omg what a voice and interpretation 😢

[@arabigo]

John Legend is a great artist but this song without the painful "why?!" feels incomplete

[@captbara2299]

I see why some people would not appreciate this but I really enjoyed it. Emotions, vocals, and all. Not so much about how he shrugs, moves around, and the way he shifts from one emotion to another (with his face). But overall, it's up there with other actors. Really really good!

[@PageNumber687x]

this is my favourtire musical. i love the 2000 version. but this actor is crushing it! amazing!

[@linheadington9777]

I have watched all the versions and each one is unique and JL brings his wonderful voice. I just love JC Superstar with all its high and lower notes! xx

[@PatriciaHFD]

I really like this version, although sometimes I miss the emotion other versions bring.

[@marzana07]

Honestly, I feel like this is a great version and it does not deserve the hate it gets. I personally feel that it is perfect vocally but lacks a more theatric feel (Ben Forster's version is a great example of that theatric feel), which may not be everyone's cup of tea. I personally feel that JL is too gentle - whether that be due to his vocal range, acting abilities, or what-have-you. I really like Ben Forster's version because it is raw, it really brings out the anguish of the scene.

[@AlysonDLucca]

I agree about John Legends rendition. But its too....i dont know. I keep going to The original with Ted Neely, then ti Steve Bálsamo, then to Dan Vasc. All The others are left very....very far behind( Andrev, John, Ben, Michael, Jared, etc.). I made my decisión. But its better you go see these 3, & decide 4 urself, The thank me later.

[@huhwhatasht]

I am very confused on how he got an Emmy nomination for this

[@chalkncheeseneeds723]

He adds a lot of raw unfiltered emotion into this interpretation,with a more soulful and introspective apriach to where the high notes are that the fans will know. And the bottle maybe its. His emotional support bottle who knows?

[@letitiahoward6582]

Its the gospel interpretation for me!

[@Phasmania]

Forreal, I initially was put off by the performance for not having the rock voice/notes or even Broadway in a sense, but the performance being more Gospel and soulful makes so much sense and I love it in its own way

[@askbrettmanning]

With all the fantastic singers in the world, this was the wrong choice for this song. John is great with his music. But this was underwhelming.

[@jennybroad1763]

I saw the original on a school trip to London in the 70s....but this production is the BEST! ❤

[@billybaldwin8918]

LOL!!

[@rafaeltenorio4718]

Beautiful performance. I still like Camilo Sesto's better but dang this is good.

[@PlanesyViajes]

The SOUL version. I love it

[@ivyhewett4996]

Ben Forster did it best • 2012 area tour always • x

[@michaelmcconnell-n5n]

Ted's a hard act to follow

[@billybaldwin8918]

Ted was horrible.

[@reesemilhone9313]

i will never ever get over this performance

[@chrissellers3014]

I won't either, it's really sucks that bad, im sorry too

[@junestar_91]

Crazy ......OMG

[@bukojoetheslapsoils8273]

More like drunk than crazy.

[@meredythwithay5187]

If John Legend Jesus has no defenders, I'm dead

[@brendannahor1460]

You either nail this, such as Steve Balsamo, or you act it, such as Ted Neeley. Or else you struggle with it, such as John Legend! 🤔

[@danajohnson498]

To me, it shows the emotion that must have been felt by Jesus at the time. More realistic than someone singing perfect.

[@brendannahor1460]

@danajohnson498 It was probably written that way originally. But they made the mistake of giving it to singer Ian Gillan of the Rock band Deep Purple, and everyone has been trying to emulate him since. Or not, as the case is here! If you want a version that conveys the emotions, listen to later day Ted Neeley. 🤔

[@MissSallyB1]

considering he'd literally just gotten over being sick.,,

[@mumagrace4046]

And i don't feel the emotions and feelings at John Legend how he sing this.

[@YvonneBurggraaf-555]

Nobody is better of walking on this earth.

[@stevecrutchley3616]

Hallelujah amen

[@Olgusha89]

Не ожидала, честно...Мне очень понравилось,видела очень много разных исполнений,но Джон Легенд понравился❤❤❤

[@GermanGreetings]

𓁷𓏤𓎟𓀀𓁐𓏥𓃀𓈖𓌱𓅓𓎛𓅱𓀔𓈖𓌱𓅓𓎛𓇋𓇋𓏏𓁐𓐍𓂋𓋴𓂝𓎛𓋩𓉔

[@virginialoer400]

I don't know why everything has to be a competition. This is clearly a different take on JCSS. If we are going to make comparisons, look at Alice Cooper. He is nothing like any of the Harods before him. Instead of singing, He just talks practically , even though he is from that era of rockers and high note belters. It's clear this was meant to be a new version. It's nice simply to enjoy an artist's interpretation of this character. The old way has been done over and over and over. It's refreshing to see this production evolve just a bit .

[@OlgaChardakli]

Never though I'll like someone after Steve or Ben, but this was great

[@coolocelot]

Superfans are always miserable 😊 This is the first version I ever heard and because I grew up in the church this feels very natural heartfelt prayer song. I would encourage people to check out "I need you now" by Smokie Norful "Give me a Clean Heart" by Fred Hammond and "We must praise" by J Moss to better be able to appreciate this version. (I had to watch all the other performances of this song to understand what all the hate in the comments was about. I think this version brings out the melody in a way i prefer but I can see how the high notes are make or break for rockers or fans of other versions). Rock is kinda the secular mainstream cousin of Gospel music. In a way a rock prayer is back at home in gospel 😊

[@Sides3Sides]

I LOVED this performance. Even though I’ve listened to the original cast recording (on 8 track!) and have seen other versions, this production blew me away. I watched it live on television and cried at the final number. Loved the staging, too.

[@rachelsparling9409]

I love his version the others stream. John sings it.

[@rachelsparling9409]

He does it best

[@josemarques7208]

Excelente

[@commandercurly3933]

Would’ve been nice if he hit the high notes but this is a cool take - cool smooth Jesus

[@evalontai7226]

Ian Gillan...the best for me

[@antonellacelotto8455]

NO, NO, NO !!

[@normanbonk8064]

What an excuisite performance! Genius! ❤❤❤ Prayers.

[@erintilley6552]

No his vocals was wrong for this song wait till you hear Ben Forster if you haven't heard him yet saw him live playing the role he gives you goosebumps

[@ClevelandBrownSurvivor1996]

Great performance

[@mattlefebvre123]

Not even the top 3 versions i heard of this song. For me Dan Vasc’s is far away the best!

[@IGOBYTHAKID]

This is the one

[@averagezoomer]

Ik people go after this version because he doesn’t do the note but come on guys are you hearing THE REST? Dude has the voice of an angel.

[@foultips]

I thought John Legend could to a spectacular rendition... how sad!

[@abrahamcano9350]

Ian Guillian , he was and hes the man until now

[@davew3817]

I saw Jesus Christ Superstar live on Broadway when I was a teenager. I loved the original pre-production recording and listened to it a million times. I scratched my head at the 1973 movie but enjoyed it anyway. But this is the performance that I am drawn to. John Legend's performance of this song is so, so compelling and powerful that it brings tears to my eyes every time. An incredible, passionate performance. Wow.

[@christopherwilson7698]

Lord thy will is hard and you hold every card. That’s the correct lyrics. And much more powerful to me in my opinion

[@ToddMorgan-lm7sf]

I once saw it sung 'thy will be done, murder your only son'... that packed a punch

[@낮잠후간식]

👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@dianerabatin3604]

John did good but just watched Dan Vasc virsion ...incredible. He does Amazing Grace best i ever heard also!!

[@rachelsparling9409]

I disagree John kills it!

[@billybaldwin8918]

I can sing this much better than him.

[@sonofgod8855]

I only want to say If there is a way Take this cup away from me For I don't want to taste its poison Feel it burn me I have changed I'm not as sure, as when we started Then, I was inspired Now, I'm sad and tired Listen, surely I've exceeded expectations Tried for three years, seems like thirty Could you ask as much from any other man? But if I die See the saga through and do the things you ask of me, Let them hate me, hit me, hurt me, nail me to their tree I'd want to know, I'd want to know, my God I'd want to know, I'd want to know, my God Want to see, I'd want to see, my God Want to see, I'd want to see, my God Why I should die Would I be more noticed than I ever was before? Would the things I've said and done matter any more? I'd have to know, I'd have to know, my Lord Have to know, I'd have to know, my Lord Have to see, I'd have to see, my Lord Have to see, I'd have to see, my Lord If I die what will be my reward? If I die what will be my reward? Have to know, I'd have to know, my Lord I'd have to know, I'd have to know, my Lord Why should I die? Oh why should I die? Can you show me now that I would not be killed in vain? Show me just a little of your omnipresent brain Show me there's a reason for your wanting me to die You're far to keen and where and how, but not so hot on why Alright, I'll die! Just watch me die! See how I die! Then I was inspired Now, I'm sad and tired After all, I've tried for three years, seems like ninety Why then am I scared to finish what I started What you started, I didn't start it God, thy will is hard But you hold every card I will drink your cup of poison Nail me to your cross and break me Bleed me, beat me Kill me Take me, now! Before I change my mind

[@bartelbyfloats]

Love his "constipated baby" style of acting. Very brilliant, much performer.

[@caeruleusbritannus]

Beautiful and amazing - personally I would have transposed it up for him; I'm not certain if it's more to do with his tessitura or the sound mixing, but the lower portion of the song sitting more in the baritone range generally doesn't carry as well...

[@janw491]

Such a difficult song to do well really good effort considering this is so different from what he usually does

[@milosen6744]

Nope! There's only one version that affects me and makes me cry every time I watch it, and that is Dan Vasc's. All the other covers I've listened to fall flat and don't affect me at all. Dan sings with such credibility and feeling that you believe every word he sings. It's as if he really feels what he's singing (fear, regret, anger, sadness, acceptans etc) and he manages to convey those feelings to me, which all the other singers fail to do.

[@billybaldwin8918]

No, Ian Gillan's version was much better.

[@milosen6744]

@@billybaldwin8918 Nope, he didn't affect ME at all, and that's what my comment is all about. I didn't ask which version people think was the best. I only wrote which version that affects ME and you can't tell me my feelings are wrong.

[@billybaldwin8918]

@@milosen6744 Isn't this all about giving opinions? You gave yours, I gave mine.

[@rebeccadennen7063]

Love when Ted Neely and John legend both sing this song

[@gustavocortesmunizaga814]

Has anyone seen Camilo Sesto’s spanish live version??? Best ever

[@graziacavasino8884]

Horrid. Cheesy. Predictable.

[@MorganaDarkgoddess]

OMG amazing. I never knew he had it in him.

[@EMPRESSGLADYS]

He doesn't.

[@murasakishikibu6704]

Molto bella.

[@dpunktspunkt]

Ich muss weinen - so viel Gefühl

[@arnoldfuentes7564]

I watched this after seeing Michael Ball. Painful to watch.

[@johndeagle4389]

Legend sounds like he's singing Karaoke. What a mess.

[@graytlo]

My dad played JCS a lot growing up, the film soundtrack. I never cared much for it. But then I saw this show live on Easter and it BLEW. ME. AWAY. John Legend and this cast may very well be the definitive Jesus Christ Superstar for me now. It’s all so so good. The staging is… unique, but not bad, and my GOD, Judas! Can you please post The Last Supper if possible? It’s my favorite

[@Phasmania]

Yess this isn’t necessarily my favorite version of JCS but The Last Supper is pretty much perfect here. Not to mention that one high note John hits during the “GET OUT!” part. Also Brandon Victor Dixon is one of my favorite Judases, just incredible

[@FinkerMcBinker]

Oh wow this is the single worst version of this song I've ever heard

[@picknmiks4318]

That was painful! Way out of his depth…

[@GermanGreetings]

I like that `tobacco` in your voice, Sir :) Thanks a lot !

[@karenthomas1456]

He did a good job and I liked the rock element of his interpretation, but I’m afraid that Steve Balsamo has spoiled me and I don’t think this holds a candle to it. And, it was so quick, he didn’t have the pauses to really dig into the performance and so it felt a bit like a regular pop/rock song. It’s the drama of the performance that just blows it out of the water, as he goes from arguing, questioning to that gut wrenching grief and acceptance that he’s going to die.

[@ivycutler1907]

Hes good but no Ted Neeley...

[@MahoganyCrafter]

my biggest problem with this is the bottle he's holding. he literally doesn't do anything with it, which leads me to believe that someone didn't strike it, and so he just kinda grabbed it

[@Phasmania]

I mean maybe there’s something there about the “cup of poison” or the blood of Christ? But yea I don’t think there was an actual reason, I’m just throwing stuff out there lol

[@juanarellano6244]

notable version

[@pansyofthesouth9313]

What I really don't like about this performance/version is that it feels waay to made for profit, like John didn't understand the meaning of the song or couldn't put his soul into the performance.

[@nickflight]

So good.

[@maureenmigliorati3582]

This guy hasn’t got the falsetto of Ted Neeley and the brilliant Steve Balsamo

[@billybaldwin8918]

You shouldn't be singing in falsetto.

[@gazmondo]

John has a great voice when he's singing stuff that suits his vocal style and range. It's not really his fault, as someone thought it would be a good casting. Sadly, he doesn't have the vocal strength to play this part, and hit those notes. Heard lots of cracks and breaks that weren't intentional for stylistic reasons. The falsetto is really thin. It was also either rewritten with bits down the octave, or he ad libbed it away from those big, high, powerhouse notes. Vocals aside, I also felt nothing watching this. Compare him to Steve Balsamo. His version gives me goose bumps and tears every single time, and by god, he's got a set of pipes on him! By far the best version, and I had the pleasure of seeing him live.

[@Ripleys_mom]

Agreed hands down. This doesn't compare.

[@Ripleys_mom]

I am so jealous. I'd love to have seen him. I looked on Amazon for a recording of the soundtrack from that run. I was so disappointed when I discovered his understudy performed for that recording. He is by far the best. For me he captured the emotional energy of Jesus coming to terms of what lays ahead for him. I've seen the recent performances and found them either flat or to much anger. I've always felt Jesus would have been scared and vulnerable while coming to terms with what lays ahead. Steve Balsamo will always rip my heart in two when I hear his performance.

[@lesleywilcox]

Interesting they're using the music rewrite ALW did for Michael Crawford. And changed the wording at the end a bit too. Legend does it justice and he's a great singer but no one sings it like Michael does.

[@lakesummitabelo8848]

Bro he anticipated my opinion on the high note

[@sas2300]

Great efffort but i always feel that everyone is trying to imitate ted neely

[@sidnac6545]

Looks like I'm not with the popular vote here, but i didn't like this at all!! I am a huge fan of JCS and this is my favourite song in the movie version. The most iconic part of the song is where Ted Neeley hits those high notes and that wasn't even attempted here so that alone was a major letdown! In fairness, I'm guessing that John Legend can't hit those notes (I'm sure not many people can) but to me, that just shows even more as to why he was a poor choice for this role.

[@tatyanaf2119]

And there is c5???

[@AlbertoMedina-e8j]

Ben Foster

[@YvonneBurggraaf-555]

So now... after all those years... the inner child is coming to the surface.

[@Lets-do-the-TimeWarp-again]

Wow, that was beyond mortifying! At least everyone else could carry a tune there. John Legend had no business playing Jesus. He's good at what he does, but he's NOT Musical Theater material. I hope Gerard Butler will be the next Jesus.

[@aristotleorplato]

The song was bigger than the singer. He did not sing it well. Struggled all the way through it felt.

[@DeniseKelley-xw9tz]

Ted Neeley

[@aaronkrolikowski6599]

It's an okay performance (to be polite), but if you can't hit that high note you shouldnt have been cast for the role.

[@gandalfthegrey]

Disagree....

[@tsguitar1]

I’m sorry but you need a powerhouse vocalist to properly play this part! This was cringey. Sorry! The master Ian Gillian ruined it for everyone