Tony Awards Jennifer Holliday Patti LuPone Betty Buckley-Ken Bertwell

The opening segment of the 52nd Tony Awards held 6/7/1999 is a Broadway Spectacular featuring Patti LuPone singing Don't Cry for me Argentina---Jennifer Holliday singing And I Am Telling You--from Dreamgirls and Betty Buckley singing Memory--from Cats! Just a spectacular performance by the power ladies of Broadway. Hosted by my favorite talk show host Rosie O'Donnell.

[@ilovethewickeddivas]

Jennifer Holliday is the queen of Jawbrato!

[@amazingstarzz]

Jen lost quite a lot of weight so she had to depend on her jaw muscles for support

[@eppomilidsetit6293]

@@amazingstarzz she’s been like that even when she was bigger. No need to cover things up. Whitney does that too

[@franciscoavila36]

That last gasp for air before that “MEEEEE” was and still is recognizable and famous!! That Number will always be the #1 Tony Award performance of all time!👏🏼👏🏼🙌🏽

[@thechristianteen9167]

Yeah

[@derrick1889]

One of the BEST Tony Awards openings EVER

[@osahju914]

2000 is incredible too!

[@beckydavidson8281]

I'm in tears seeing these incredible singers perform these iconic songs 🎵

[@randyroe5494]

Tie for me Best Tony Awards opening Love 1995 Liza & Bernadette 50th Anniversary Past winners showcase!!

[@DEFinitivelyHis]

Jennifer Holliday takes me to CHURCH every single time. You can teach technique and theory, but you can't teach "the gift" into someone. These three ladies are PHENOMENAL.

[@ARLADYLIKE]

I had the pleasure of being in the audience that night. Jennifer sent chills and goose bumps through me. The only one to get a standing ovation.

[@jeremifrancisco1]

I imagine the audio on this video does not do the actual event justice.

[@fatovamingus]

No one seems to be acknowledging Betty! If you see her in actual character...she will make you cry with this song

[@UmmOopsy]

Fatova Mingus they acknowledged her, just that they didn't want to clap to interrupt her during her number. That time, audience members knew when to clap during a number.

[@michaelmiller1215]

Fatova Mingus Love her! The vocal power of Ethel Merman!

[@taylorbanaszak4105]

I was lucky enough to see Betty in Cats....Jennifer in Dreamgirls and Patti in Gypsy (just a little too young to see her in Evita). Betty, or rather Mrs. Bradford as I knew her then...doing Memory was one of most special memories. It was a few months after my mom had died and that moment was breath taking. I've seen a lot of other performers do it...and many of them are fabulous....but none will beat Betty. She was just spectacular on Broadway...

[@arttez8068]

She owned that role!

[@chondradickerson4093]

She’s amazing!!!!

[@mike856ms]

Still the best opening of the Tony's. WOW Betty was phenomenal, Jennifer OMG and Patti is awesome. Even Rosie did good

[@randyroe5494]

Jennifer Holliday re-etched her name in Broadway history, never EVER to be forgotten, with her performance this evening......

[@jameshanley6886]

Jennifer Holiday hands down simply the best of the night

[@jordanconley3793]

+James Hanley I saw her in this on Broadway. I cannot even begin to describe the reaction of the audience when she did that song. Never seen anything like it. I still get shivers.

[@najafa3520]

It's a matter of taste. I have NEVER liked that song, 'I'm Telling You', and no rendition makes me dig it. Jennifer's voice is a little too yelly for me, I like subtle notes as well as loud ones.

[@jumpforjoy6]

She looks like she's having a seizure. No need for that. Too distracting from her talent

[@takingchances7693]

It’s her style of singing and it isn’t distracting it’s art

[@DaQuan-Boyd]

It's her way of singing shes one of the greatest vocalist of all time!!!

[@limitless4375]

There is more talent on that stage than anyone can comprehend

[@_MSD75_]

Jennifer just belted that out of Broadway and into the universe

[@tallulah2]

Love Patti's Merman impression when she says, "BroadWAAAAY!"

[@MrQueiroz667]

Jennifer Holliday makes me feel in a mix of amazed with her singing and scared with the movement of her jaws

[@Thales1997]

Jennifer Holliday 🔥 so much power

[@crazyguy98456978]

Patti LuPone yelling "Good Luck" at the end.

[@bobbybubby7977]

Patti yelling “Yo Tony” gets me every time. And Betty’s smile when Rosie tries to match her singing always makes me giggle.

[@dansommo3473]

MAN did Betty Buckley rule that...Great!!!

[@Haylie2610]

I love Patti to death, she's amazing!! And, wow, did Jennifer smashed that, I got shivers all over, so unreal!

[@niev3006]

I applauded here alone in my apartment watching Jennifer sing...

[@aaronford2184]

Jennifer chewed the hell out of that last note but she's still got it! And as for the other two: perfection

[@jumpforjoy6]

I cringed

[@ricardoyoung4996]

Jennifer Holiday is a true Goddess she brought the house to its knees honey! I love Ms.Holiday she is a real diva!!!

[@experimentalactor]

This is so smart of the Tony producers - to put together these ladies! These are my three favorites - I can't choose

[@SethTV]

hi! It wss actually me and Rosie. She came up with the concept and asked me which three women should be in it. Then I wrote it!

[@alexanderdiaz1]

The three Iconic Grand Dames of Broadway from the 70s and 80s. What a great pleasure and honor for me to see them all.

[@vladimirnoel3132]

Tony awards 1998

[@Gaffahead]

I never get tired of watching this over and over again. These are 3 of the best Broadway belters ever, legends all. What I wouldn't give to be in Rosie's shoes lol. She's so slucky to have shared the stage with LuPone, Holiday, and Buckley. They simply don't make Broadway stars like these anymore...

[@reececleaver958]

I loved Betty’s dress “Shantay you stay” and that voice! What a legend.

[@SuperSkinandHairCare]

That boa was EVERYTHING!!!💕💕💕

[@omarmccray3282]

Jennifer killed it for the gods!!!!

[@ronniehull6746]

5:40 that singing though and them faces....i live

[@wu939]

THIS IS LITERALLY THE ONLY REASON Y I'M PUTTING THIS ON REPEAT. AND YES, IT DESERVES A FULL CAPS LOCK

[@dansommo3473]

WOW Betty still got it even at this age .I saw her in 1984 singing this she is just FANTASTIC..

[@dansommo3473]

WHY does it bother you that I like Betty.

[@dansommo3473]

you do your thing I'll do mines.

[@dansommo3473]

WHY DO I HAVE TO POINT OUT JENNIFER.YOU LIKE HER SOOOOOO YOU POINT HER OUT MAN..

[@ilovelove4833]

Napoleonic Emperor he can say who he like just like you did get over it

[@manuelorozco7760]

I came here partially because I am curious about Betty doing the new national tour of Hello Dolly.

[@rellenoz]

Ms Betty Buckley lays it DOWN! She's friggin BRILLIANT!

[@Ronizetti]

Thank God I was THERE this night! - A trio never to be forgotten

[@thamilton2010]

One of the best opening numbers ever! All three divas on one stage. Plus, gotta love Rosie when she was in her prime.

[@MisterMinajj]

Come on Jennifer! I am obsessed with this woman. She makes it look so effortless.

[@CraigFrancisSoto]

my favorite voice of all is the wonderful Betty Buckley. I was lucky enough to see her in Cats in late 1982 at the old Winter Garden theater. What a resonant voice . It just sails and cuts through the air like a knife. It is so thrilling and moving in person. Thanks for sharing this clip.

[@maszlagma]

This is so awesome! Lupone and Holliday after each other? A miracle the stage didn't explode from talent!

[@mariamaggard]

don't think I'll ever not cry during I Am Telling You

[@spanishstudiolanguagecente4751]

me too

[@NewsLynne]

Someone needs to re-tool "Whatever Happened To Baby Jane" for Buckley and LuPone. Can you imagine?!

[@barbraseville8984]

If only.

[@Asergiobv]

Omg imagine

[@zackisgreasy4503]

OH MY GOD YEAH

[@iancv6938]

Patti LuPone - a true star!!! I saw her in Les Miserables, Sunset Boulevard and her one woman show in London!!! I was lucky to see Dreamgirls with Jennifer Holliday on Boradway and again in London in a concert! Betty Buckley in Sunset Boulevard in London.... Boy have I lived!!!

[@edzonhernandez6210]

jennifer holliday the best ...

[@lesbianete]

miss patti lupone never fails to give me chills. forever a legend

[@jameshanley6886]

Jennifer Holiday hands down simply the best

[@barbarajones5799]

Jennifer was Awesome!!!!! That voice!!!!!!

[@otingerbrendan60]

No NPH opening could ever top this

[@manuelorozco7760]

The #1 opening in my opinion is 2004 with Hugh Jackman

[@roeg48]

What an opening! I'll bet Rosie was in Broadway heaven! Three of the best and powerful voices to ever grace Broadway imo! (yes there are more I know and these are three amongst them)

[@_MSD75_]

Every now and then I watch this clip but just skip to Jennifer. Cos it's amazing.

[@QueerlyBeloved386]

I just gay exploded watching this! Thank you for posting, the rainbow just got brighter

[@lewisedwards4058]

I’m shook, I’m scalped, and I’m exhausted.

[@Dc3atl]

i'll never forget this... jennifer.. .omg... loved her.

[@salvadorcruz3958]

Patti Lupone ❤❤

[@lb1262dt]

Salvador Cruz how did you get those hearts? they're very pretty. what screen do i have to go to , to get them?

[@salvadorcruz3958]

patty1977 just type < and 3 together

[@lb1262dt]

Salvador Cruz Will do, And thanks.

[@jameshanley6886]

Queen Holiday

[@littleb42]

I have heard Jennifer do that song a million times...and it STILL gives me chills.

[@crazyguy98456978]

5:47 gives me life.

[@billyboylb]

I could listen to Jennifer all day.

[@honeypop01]

Divas !!!❤️❤️❤️

[@johnnysnyder4]

This was SERIOUSLY one of the best openings EVER.

[@dianesullivan5521]

I LOVE all of these women, but I’m obsessed with Betty Buckley! Besides her absolutely AMAZING voice, she puts such feeling in what she sings! I’m a Rosie! Always wished I could sing like that!

[@gene1536]

I loved Rosie! That was a wonderful opening!

[@Jswines123]

The Greatest opening of the Tony Awards ever!!!

[@Litrocks13]

I've never seen this until now. Wow!!! To have those three woman on stage in a musical number together is a gift to us all.

[@herasmarket]

love this thanks for sharing and Rosie can carry a tune -- I think she did a wonderful job. All these divas nailed it good!

[@hollywoodboysa]

Jennifer Holiday is awesome. AND SO IS BETTY. Now what people see in Patti Lupone. Never Understood.....

[@BHAKTIBROPHY]

Loved all three. Beautiful voices...Heaven sent! Thank you for sharing. ;)

[@guybythedoor88]

So much fun!

[@dannysimion]

Hahaha, i love this opening. Rosie is hilarious and the girls are oh so good in their respective broadway performances. Honorable kudos to the men dancing around rosie...rawr!

[@brentholcomb84]

Betty freakin Buckley kills it! Love her!

[@victor10306]

Aqui por jennifer holliday. I love J-Holliday´s part ..... AMAZINGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG!!!!

[@eduardomatospereira6528]

quem diria um brasileiro! mas a Lupone é a maior Diva da Broadway!!!

[@gabrielmarques457]

LuPone Pode Até Ser Incrível Mas Jennifer Holliday é Fenomenal.

[@LucasFerreira-rl9nd]

Patti >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> resto

[@BitchyonceKnowles]

I LITERALLY JUST CLAPPED IN FRONT OF MY LAPTOP. ALONE. ALSO, I GAVE JONNIFER HOLLIDAY A STANDING OVATION.. AGAIN, ALONE. a;sldk/dsaldlsa;kd

[@Pepperjack1986]

Me too

[@COMPACTTVHD]

Her voice was STRONG AF! How the hell she did that !

[@JJ-nd8rd]

Jennifer is brilliant. But I wouldn’t want to be Rosie, following perfection.....

[@officialmichaelcarrasco]

She's not following...she's the headliner/host. 😂

[@richierichit]

Loved Betty Buckley's performance. No comment on LuPone. But seriously, Jennifer Holliday blew everyone right the fuck off that stage.

[@BlueSpirit3743]

Rosie O'Donnell is an absolute legend. No one can top her, and here's why: her playing card to fame was that she always was the 'stereotypical rank outsider': not slim, not attractive, not a great singing voice, not the best actress. And yet, she rose to the top of the ladder with her heart, her self depreciation and her love of the arts. She's also a natural entertainer, talker and showgirl, and she knew how to work Hollywood to tailor to her. One of the best Tony openings ever!

[@wilhelminamagdalenakapatow3213]

This clip is a gift! Thank you for posting it.

[@stopthelies4249]

Love them all

[@letitgo6361]

Tony standing ovation is a BIG DEAL. They never stand up for ANYTHING.

[@brandonharlow3608]

A whole lotta crazy up on that stage that night.

[@mike856ms]

Betty, oh I love Betty

[@CalaAndres]

Jennifer Holliday

[@barbhawkinson659]

A very bright and touching moment for Rosie to be on that stage with these 3 Broadway superstars.

[@stopthelies4249]

I love Patty LuPone Jennifer holidays Slayed it.

[@darrandism]

I love Jennifer Holiday, but I cant help but crack up at her facial expressions.

[@mimievee84]

The beauty of Broadway's Divas.. genuinely pure talents.

[@PeaceFan1]

JENNIFER HOLIDAY !!!!! DAMN , Speechless ....xoxo

[@SuperSkinandHairCare]

JENNIFER ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@maryexstroughtonaire4244]

Go on Jennifer!

[@sidious8945]

THE GREAT DIVAS - LuPone, Holliday and Buckley JUST OUTSTANDING and of course O'Donnell

[@BrendanClifford]

I wish the Tonys would do more openings like this, joyfully celebrating and showcasing why Broadway is so amazing and special, rather than mocking or making light of it and its fans in order to seem cool. Bringing out 3 actual bonafide Broadway stars responsible for some of the most thrilling and iconic performances in musical theater and having them perform those moments is the perfect way to do it, rather than having the host alone or with a chorus, re-doing them. Doesn't have the same effect. This was good to see.

[@osagej4]

These types of miracles need to happen more often!!!

[@Deeoliviero]

name me something more iconic, Patti and Jennifer really hit different

[@rankna1]

THAT'S HOW IT'S DONE THANK MISS J.H

[@meauxzellebaptiste879]

These women can sing their asses off!

[@Tropicalpisces]

Friggin epic. So good.

[@garyphillips7518]

Unbelievable opening. It will never be better than this.

[@darkboy2816]

I love this so much

[@80smusicfan1067]

Incredible!

[@michaelsaferin-reedlcpc9428]

I was waiting for the confetti at the end... LOL

[@elizataylor4666]

JENNIFER!!!!

[@marcr.o.859]

A DREAM, AMAZING!!!!!!!!!

[@JMCNYC79]

Wow! Betty killed it! Her voice is still so powerful and so thrilling!

[@bridgetbonds5169]

I love the women singing and songs that are amazing and fantastic

[@riyadalnwili1895]

@5:45 I DIED!!!

[@TheRyry84]

FABULOUSE

[@vintage1520]

BETTY HAS AN AMAZING VOICE