Lea Salonga - On My Own (Les Misérables) [720p]

Les Misérables 10th Anniversary Concert at the Royal Albert Hall
Lea Salonga (Éponine)
Conductor: David Charles Abell
Orchestra: Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

[@blythewang711]

Let's be honest, you searched for this.

[@arielgrinhaug]

Blythe Wang, favorite Eponine. Hands down. You bet I searched for her.

[@comradetia1590]

Exactly what I just did.

[@stressedmarias9803]

Hello quarantine people

[@tating12]

yeah cause I watched the 2012 movie and nothing can beat this version.

[@lalaithan]

Yuparoony

[@Musicality77]

Can you believe this woman is the voice of Princess Jasmine from the original Aladdin, the singing voice of Mulan, and the lead role of Miss Saigon.. How much talent can you fit into one human?? She's always been so confident, like nothing can bring her down, since her childhood audition videos.. Truly talented, humble, confident, and graceful human being.

[@scyth_luvvv7296]

Grey you know that is lea solonga from Philippines I’m I am from Philippines 🇵🇭 she is still young in there 🙂🙂🙂 and she has I beautiful voice

[@lhorenaaguirre6925]

She also sang Burn from Hamilton

[@grantdaniel7218]

@@scyth_luvvv7296 i think it is irrelevant to mention her nationality lol

[@wisteriapoison3624]

Hello- Just a small correction. Lea is actually just the singing voice for Jasmine and the voice for Mulan. Anyways- she truly is an amazing woman.

[@adorapauig4474]

She was miss Saigon before a Disney Princess 👸

[@punksz321]

who still watching in 2024?

[@arnelbaclayon4826]

Me hahaha it's so nice to hear her sing❤

[@santinetic2957]

me!

[@chimmycatane1925]

me ofc :D

[@AndresCarima]

Me too

[@sonnyalcaras777]

i always watch Lea's video specially Miss Saigon and Disney's Mulan and Alladin

[@DestinyDiamond]

Yes she sounds like a Disney princess, her delivery is very theatrical, but also with so much control of her voice. She's a legend.

[@janeacusar]

She is a Disney Princess...

[@theragnaross6529]

She does the singing parts for Mulan.....

[@RiamuRamu]

@@theragnaross6529 shes also voices Jasmine

[@Carlytwc]

she's the only Disney voice actress to voice 2 princesses!

[@foad4067]

She's magnificent

[@johncasciani]

The Eponine of all Eponines.

[@frencinnelee]

indeed, she IS ! =)

[@gelineavenir5905]

agree, the best of all! Her voice is so clear. She turns everything to gold!

[@frencinnelee]

The VERY FIRST ASIAN to be cast in a strictlyCaucasian show......and landed as one of the DREAMCAST performers as picked by the producers themselves.....so it is definitely the VOICE ! SHE OWNS THE SONG AND NOBODY CAN EVER BE BETTER THAN HER......just argue with the producers....LOLS!

[@MrSupdup]

To be honest I think Samantha Barks comes very close. Its hard to choose between the two.

[@anthenakuracha8202]

100 percent true!!! I am in total acquiescence. Eponine is Lea Salonga. =)

[@thesavvyfilipino]

Anyone who speak English in different levels can understand every word of that song. Her diction is just perfect.

[@Rachel-zf2wm]

thesavvyfilipino 1000th like haha 💕

[@erikasarte8594]

@defective chairs that literally has nothing to do with the comment lol

[@ian.escalante]

ahhh ik especially since she is a native born filipino

[@christophermchenry1146]

And why wouldn't it be?

[@julchenn5298]

Tf are you not used to her kind speaking perfect english?! Jesus

[@trulyblessed5236]

This is the correct way of singing in Broadway or theatre, she's the gold standard. No one else comes close, Every word is clear, well enunciated and correctly pronounced, and pitch perfect! So audiences will connect to the show because they can understand thus feel it with their heart and soul

[@Armchair-Investor]

Exactly! I appreciate the clarity!

[@teresajimenez5634]

Yeah , very clear.

[@cjchristopher]

Whilst I agree with almost everything said here, I'll contend with Eva Noblezada being this current generations counterpart (especially when it comes to diction!)

[@owie1733]

​@@cjchristopherNahh...not even close.

[@johnpauljones9310]

@@Armchair-Investor That's what separates Lea from everyone else. Not only does she have power, range, technique, and breath control, she enunciates every word. Only Willemijn Verkaik comes close.

[@mythra7174]

When she sings, "a world that's full of happiness that I have never known", I'm glad she doesn't SCREECH the word "known" like so many others do. She let's it be powerful without sounding like a banshee. This is my favorite version of this song.

[@ktwashere5637]

its because she can really sing, so many people can't. Even professionals in theatre don't have a voice that is strong enough to cope with a song like this.

[@SiGr10614]

The note of "known" intead of belting, she mixes her chest and head voice so it sounds powerful and Light at the same time which is Genius technique.

[@tunadoctorwong2443]

After winning the Tony for her performance in "Miss Saigon," Lea thought that her career on Broadway would take off. However, many producers would not cast her on Broadway because she was Asian. Cameron Mackintosh called Lea and offered her the part of Eponine and she was delighted to take on the role. In the back of her mind, she knew that she had to be perfect in her performances to silence the critics and doubters. PERFECT she has been in her performances as Eponine and luckily this was captured for all eternity at the 10th Anniversary Concert of "Les Miserables."

[@facelesstrader1351]

cuz probably most stories of broadway are western stories so obviously the cast would be Caucasians.

[@isaidiot]

@@facelesstrader1351 that doesn’t mean they can’t cast poc for the roles

[@PC-kk2zw]

@@facelesstrader1351 There was a black Jeans Valjean and plant of black actors in Caucasian roles though...

[@eugene1197]

Lea salonga is a legend

[@nd6316]

to everyone saying but they hired ___ who’s a poc. let’s be honest there are only white people. Lea deserved better. we need more diversity, there are far better talents in the world but, the industry discriminates against that. sounds like racism to me

[@brittany9924]

It's almost poetic how the audience's applause sounds like rain

[@beetleorangejuice]

omggg trueee 😳😳😳

[@vxlerieyu]

BRO

[@pietrabueno6434]

OMG

[@iammarau4481]

HOLY

[@Lesleyallisonwalker]

Seriously!!! It’s amazing!!!

[@ADDICTb2st]

You can feel the joy of being loved, the pain of being left alone, the sadness of wanting to be with your loved and the acceptance that you will be okay, even if you’re on your own. Damn. Lea can really convey the emotions just through her voice. Chills.

[@bethanyirene7120]

And the anger of, “I hate you for not loving me, and I almost hate myself for being dumb enough to love you.” I love the fire and defiance in her eyes throughout the song, even in the moments of intense pain.

[@sulusu4812]

​@@bethanyirene7120I see it as more of sheer courage, perseverance & utter survival.

[@AlfredinaPagnottofa]

April 2024. Who is still watching?

[@jcb8817]

Its already 2020 guys, but i cant move on to this song

[@iloveyouthatswhy6021]

We're same. Keep coming back again and again

[@jaysonhibon963]

H

[@cristinasumadchat605]

I've watched this several times. Lea is one of the best talents the country has ever had. She's my favorite in her genre.

[@evangelinealdaya9186]

hi AHHAAJAJ

[@chessnut22]

S a m e.

[@roizeldiez3500]

Not many people have an idea how much Lea Salonga contributed in breaking barriers and stigma against Asian recognition in the arts. She is up there with George Takei and the likes.

[@cobidbeksin5200]

Yeah. M learning about her today for the first time

[@alyseb5730]

I wish it didn't matter what you look like as long as you can hit the notes. I'd kill to see Norm Lewis as the Phantom, and Lea is the perfect Eponine.

[@Mskatz007]

All people should see is a great actress and a once in a century voice. I would watch her in any role singing any song. She's incredible.

[@anisaguine]

Fun fact: George Takei and Lea Salonga starred in a musical together called Allegiance about the Japanese American internment camps.

[@meredithchandler73]

@@alyseb5730 Lea did play Grizabella in the Philippines around 2010, I think. I believe there are some vids floating around of Lea in that production and also singing "Memory" around that time to promote the show. Plus, Lea toured with Il Divo in 2014 and she sang "Memory" with the guys.

[@sarahfinley9600]

I love the original Eponine, don't get me wrong. But the moment Lea touches a role, she wins the best rendition, ever, hands down.

[@symph2000]

That's why Lea was the one included in the 'dream cast' of the 10th anniversary concert and not the original.

[@sarahfinley9600]

@@symph2000 Maybe she wasn't included in the original London cast because she was about 14 when it opened?

[@curious6051]

I agree to disagree I loved the original Eponine

[@Girl-rj3qe]

Don’t put down the original Eponine please. Both are great. Lea has the best musical theater voice, she sings this with great diction and pronunciation. Meanwhile, the original is closer to book Eponine, a character who is supposed to be a street rat.

[@leizlsicad9222]

Lea is the best

[@orpheusl8777]

many focused on her voice, let's not forget her acting was very convincing.

[@meredithchandler73]

Absolutely! Everyone who loves Lea's performance of this song should also check out Lea Salonga and Michael Ball singing "A Little Fall of Rain" from this same concert. Gorgeous singing and acting that will blow you away!!!

[@yaccothetaco720]

Lets be real. You imagined yourself singing this in front of people 😂

[@cargo71]

No, I can`t even imagine it...

[@camilangg]

yep

[@grayvesonetedman2619]

😅

[@graciejames3752]

Wow yacco the taco, why you gotta call us all out like that?

[@priscilapiedra9250]

Always

[@katelynw1151]

Who is here because they’re a sad theatre enthusiast with a depressing love life?

[@lhenardgreen08]

🤚🤚🤚

[@JOSHKREAK]

XD

[@MrDodgerdodson]

#relateable

[@vilmaj8725]

I feel attacked

[@marylynmercado6246]

🙋🏻‍♀️🙋🏻‍♀️🙋🏻‍♀️

[@annerako]

Who's here loving Les Mis in 2023? 🥺😭❤️

[@lordramoth3416]

Me ❤

[@srksrk1226]

Amazing sad music. I love it

[@stormluna8124]

❤️💕❤️

[@TheTrueBlueveyou]

2024 here!

[@davehooper4498]

In 2024 I am

[@daniellerizzitano1547]

The "I love him" at 4:04 is so raw and pure. She really embraces her character. Just beautiful.

[@cococoffee2305]

I actually cried around that part once 😅😭

[@moonlight3264]

If I could sing like that I'd die of shock at my own voice

[@blazingbrain1]

😂

[@angelynbriones5304]

😂

[@renzylovesyou]

🤣🤣🤣

[@ishie19.78]

🤣😂🤣😂 fck

[@louispotter9051]

Cause of death: shock to his/her own voice

[@rei3164]

her voice is so clear that it even cleared my pimples

[@alekthom9784]

pimples? zero

[@ewrincabarles7689]

@@alekthom9784 funny cuz lea is pinoy and the ad was from the ph

[@ewrincabarles7689]

U should listen to sharon cuneta next

[@joshuahansen1890]

Natsuki Hatake hotel? Trivago

[@jaderobarios4793]

Yeah

[@nielgerona2639]

13 years already but still an iconic version

[@meredithchandler73]

This performance is from the LES MISERABLES 10th Anniversary Concert in 1995! This is from 27 years ago. Lea was 24 years old here.

[@syquiasuebustillon3199]

Agree.

[@nidak5740]

@@meredithchandler73 Wow, thank you for the info, she's so perfect in that role!

[@iiAyJayo]

Idk why, but I get chills when she sings the line "In the rain, the pavement shines like silver"

[@uswe715]

Well, you can't spell cLEAr without LEA.

[@roha3331]

Truuuu

[@garyguyton7373]

WELL PUT! So hilariously true. This lady defines clarity and purity of voice.

[@txkis4032]

Well you could spell a cr without her

[@streetlight7444]

clever

[@varonaldrin6251]

👏🏼👏🏼

[@trishamist6166]

Her pronunciation is clearer than the water...

[@Alicia-go8lw]

I don't get why everyone praises her pronunciation...it's not that hard to pronounce words clearly, especially when singing??

[@chizomessussylittlebtch3941]

Evie when most people sing this song its hard to understand what they are saying for some odd reason

[@jg583]

@@Alicia-go8lw say that to ms grande

[@user-u64251o]

@@Alicia-go8lw ms perfect english is not her first language, and singing like this with a clear pronounciation is truly amazing.

[@aceacemania]

@@Alicia-go8lw because eskeetit skrrtskrrt brap?

[@bsdx110]

Just a costume and a microphone on a stand; yet her facial expressions, body language, and passionate voice completely convey the lyrics' emotional roller coaster for the character. Phenomenal performance!

[@TheTibetyak]

Wonderfully stated. I am just amazed at the conveyance of facial emotion for each part. And how she held character throughout the applause - she never left that sad street - breathtaking.

[@gunmage1171]

​​@@TheTibetyakhe applause sounds like rain

[@jeniferbennett5159]

When you have talent like that, you don't need to hide behind all the production. Her voice and presence are enough. Forever my Eponine!! ❤

[@SvMykolas]

Lea Salonga is THE Eponine! This is by far the best performance I've ever heard. She is so authentic in that character, and her voice goes straight to my heart. Outstanding!

[@karaalley4219]

Frances Ruffelle sang this song the best…hands down. Because Frances’ voice had oddities and idiosyncrasies ; little “imperfections” with her enunciations of some of the lyrical words….which, all together, created her PERFECTION. Not sure how to explain this but…sometimes when a singer enunciates every word & syllable “too perfectly” it sounds somewhat generic….meaning, the uniqueness gets erased. IDK. But NOBODY nailed this song like Frances Ruffelle did.

[@SvMykolas]

@@karaalley4219 I respect your opinion, although you are probably the only one who thinks that way. Noone compares to Lea. And the person you mentioned most likely thinks that way, too. She knows that this song and this role will always be Lea's.

[@karaalley4219]

@@SvMykolas A song like that shouldn’t vibe sung and enunciated so generically. While Lea does obviously have incredible vocal ability, the uniqueness just isn’t there. But, to each his own I suppose.

[@tddizon3743]

There was a one mistake here.. she set the bar high in this role... It'll be tough to beat her.

[@Yobidefy]

true, ive listen to many version of this song but no one can sing it better than Lea.. this song is sweet and innocent with a little spice on it.

[@JenicaManiago]

This song was her audition piece for Miss Saigon, I bet she'd already mastered it - Perfection it is!

[@xuanlu4554]

Samantha Barks is quite good too

[@peachygig]

@@xuanlu4554 i love samantha version too & she's the first ive heard sing this song

[@xuanlu4554]

Tiffany me too! That’s why I quite like Samantha’s version 😁

[@beyondgirl178]

she's so pretty even dressed like a peasant wtf

[@dyme917]

my face could never even if I wear decent ones

[@exmrsnowwomanscorned8369]

@@dyme917 😂

[@ellenb9166]

the same way she looked so beautiful even when dressed in dirty rags in Miss Saigon... where she sings "I'd give my life for you". How does she do that?

[@renzojose6555]

@@guevarradaniella2482 lol. The dirt on her face os a bad contour. Jk

[@company-qu4ku]

Hermoso!

[@magnetizingnorth9954]

Lyrics: And now I'm all alone again Nowhere to turn, no one to go to Without a home, without a friend Without a face to say hello to But now the night is near And I can make-believe he's here Sometimes I walk alone at night When everybody else is sleeping I think of him and then I'm happy With the company I'm keeping The city goes to bed And I can live inside my head On my own Pretending he's beside me All alone I walk with him 'til morning Without him, I feel his arms around me And when I lose my way, I close my eyes and he has found me In the rain The pavement shines like silver All the lights are misty in the river In the darkness, the trees are full of starlight And all I see is him and me forever and forever And I know it's only in my mind That I'm talking to myself and not to him And although I know that he is blind Still I say there's a way for us I love him But when the night is over He is gone The river's just a river Without him, the world around me changes The trees are bare and everywhere the streets are full of strangers I love him But every day I'm learning All my life I've only been pretending Without me, his world will go on turning A world that's full of happiness that I have never known I love him I love him I love him... But only on my own...

[@cheeseca7529]

being in this situation and listening to lea's rendition is a real blow. this made me cry HARD 😂

[@motivationispurepower4353]

0😊

[@fighter-bz6wi]

Perfect❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@mattdeans9873]

Im 73 and I can listen to this song time and time again, thinking of of someone I had unrequited love for... and cry every time. My all time fave musical

[@psych_m2641]

Fun fact: Broadway performs 8 shows every week with a total of 1000 plus shows and Lea Salonga won all awards in one season for Miss Saigon including Theatre World Award, meaning that award is for debut performers. And you will no longer be second nominated nor more, so it is 10x more difficult to win than Grammys, not even the great Patti Lupone could claim that. She used 'On my own' for Miss Saigon audition. The producers of Miss Saigon are also the producers of Les Miserables, they thought that she should have been Eponine at 1st place. So, they decided to cast her as Eponine on 10th anniversary dream cast and Fantine on 25th Anniversary Dream Cast due to her unique crystal clear voice. She is the only person who portray two main roles in Les Mis in history. Imagine how the characters would fit into one human! There is also a racial discrimination back then so they tested Lea to perform as Eponine. Lea is the reason why the Asians are performing theaters from then, because Lea nailed it all and everyone including the haters are having a standing ovation. Some Filipino haters should do a research before hating a Broadway megastar. Her voice? you can't spell cLEAr without LEA.

[@cielomea1251]

You know the typical Filipino characteristic- CRAB MENTALITY.

[@meredithchandler73]

Lea isn't the only person to portray two main roles in LES MISERABLES history. I think she was the only person to play two different roles in those anniversary concerts. Off the top of my head: Judy Kuhn (singing voice of Disney's Pocahantas) was the original Cosette in LES MIZ on Broadway and replaced Lea as Fantine in the LES MIZ revival.

[@laurenmiller8084]

Like someone else pointed out, others have played multiple major Les Mis roles (maybe you’re solely talking about the concerts?). Ramin Karimloo has played Jean Valjean and Enjolras (I think Marius too?) and Hadley Fraser has played Marius, Grantaire, and Javert.

[@sorry_im_not_sorry1950]

Yes! Spit facts. She's so amazing

[@laurenmiller8084]

@@sorry_im_not_sorry1950 She really is! She's probably my favorite female singer ❤️

[@MrPrincebinondo]

LETS BE HONEST. we want Lea to be NATIONAL ARTIST OF THE PHILIPPINES.

[@batslayer0266]

I agree!🥰🥰

[@JiJi-si2sb]

agreee

[@ttgy_mlbb3328]

OF COURSE WE DO!

[@slayingthebootsdown4398]

wait she isnt??? THATS MESSED UPP

[@sage9405]

YESSSS!!!

[@andyranazzi7113]

Her staying in character through the applause is epic. Her voice has been legendary since the 80's

[@12_Cookiechips]

It's 2023 and let's face it, this performance will forever be known as a theatrical gem in the history of theater

[@CyberbackerJem]

Let's be honest. You can't remember the number of times you watched this performance.

[@bhealambino6655]

yup

[@yramesor9482]

Yes

[@deenalbrando9995]

Yes.. haha Lss

[@angelagarcia7093]

true

[@wanessalacerda9482]

Yes 😂

[@Milliardo55]

2024 and I keep coming back to this. Many have already said how Lea sang here, but I would touch more on how much she must have dug deep to get those different emotions out in one song. That's what made this rendition so special IMO. As someone who somewhat had been in theatre, it takes so much to get emotions out while singing and especially in front of an audience. You really have to be in that moment to get it all right, and Lea was in that moment when she went up to the mic to deliver this masterpiece.

[@paulburgess8909]

Absolutely!

[@akatsuki1986]

The people who watched this live for sure they'll never forget this performance. Absolutely once in a lifetime.

[@abegaylelocop6148]

She's so different..i heard many singers who hit the high notes and i cringe and lose my breath knowing that they could lose their voice from trying so hard but lea here, i just feel so relaxed. Her voice is just so soothing to the ears. Bravo!

[@keeby8376]

Lea said that during Miss Saigon - with 8 shows a week, her voice fails her and she feels like her body is rebelling againts her. Then, her producer introduced her to a voice teacher where she learned Classical technique.

[@brushup8889]

Yes she is the only one that I don't have to lower the volume when listening. That's like, the standard of being a good singer who brings melody and not noise to the ears. Others like Samantha Bark are also great but I always cringe a bit at the climax.

[@yeah7174]

So Whitney H. Wasn't high ?

[@GenevieveMathews-bu4ve]

The reason they can’t reach those notes is because they don’t have the vocal range. Plus the notes she sings aren’t that high

[@LitlaLjufa]

Abegayle Locop Where are the high notes???? The highest note is a C2 & that’s not high at all!

[@kingdomcomeundone]

Lea's performance here is phenomenal as always, but can we talk about how at the end of the song, you can see that she doesn't break character even when the crowd goes wild? She doesn't smile or wave at them. She looks defiant and angry and untrusting, which is how Eponine's character truly is, and I love that about her. That right there is true and pure professionalism, skill, and talent. She deserves so much better.

[@vlogswithandreareir]

If this Act is part of the play about the story, I think you really need to stay in character so maybe that's why she didn't make those smiling or waving gestures. If it's just her singing this without playing the character on the play but only on singing, her ending the song is indeed phenomenal! Either way, she's a theatrical legend :)

[@kentasbury3531]

AGREE. Lea is playing a character here, not performing in a concert. Breaking character would be unprofessional.

[@dazediss6629]

Breaking character would be unprofessional - but given that she’s the first Asian to be cast in a lead role on Broadway and a lot of racist toffs were dying for her to blow it - she shows outstanding professionalism not to do anything out of character. Lea changed the way that western stage performances operate forever with this performance, she must have been thinking about all her knock backs in the industry during that ovation (which is also unheard of at the start of an act). This was truly the most groundbreaking performance in the history of stage, she’s the only reason that anyone on earth can perform on Broadway or the West End in the modern day.

[@irish7533]

Talent pure talent she is very gifted

[@waterdragondennis1186]

She doesn't need to wave Because it's performance it's not concert And lea got award In this song and ofcourse she needs to be serious

[@kohammy]

my vocal coach sent me this song for belting, facial, and pronouncing practice. i have never heard this before and i am beyond blown away. i will be working on this song for the next few weeks and i can only hope to be as good as her

[@KennethSurillo]

You can do it!

[@alonelybunny1824]

We believe in you!!! Keep singing!

[@symph2000]

FYI, she is also the singing voice of 2 Disney princesses - Princess Jasmine (Aladdin) and Mulan

[@delaksies]

Sameee

[@user-rs6di5gq7u]

Nobody can sing it better, unbelievable!

[@SadRaviolii]

It's like my ears have taken Claritin Clear whenever she sings. So talented and clear vocals. Lea is a powerful, talented artist.

[@joeylopez1348]

Look at that mouth! The diction is clearer than my faceshield!!!!

[@lizzieball3795]

Lol

[@nanettealegado6190]

This is funny. Made me Laugh 🤣🤣🤣

[@serendipity4458]

hahahaha think she could eat the microphone with that

[@lizzieball3795]

@@serendipity4458 🤣🤣🤣🤣 lmao

[@lizzieball3795]

😁😂😂🤣

[@pinarellolimoncello]

In my books she has reached the pinnacle of human achievement the way she sings that song, it couldn't be performed and sung any better.

[@katrayos988]

Alistair Milner she has set the standard for all future Eponines

[@chrisbongcac337]

hi ate Leah Salonga

[@lolouge8601]

very well said.

[@def0rm0]

Agreed

[@martdeleon5918]

Legend

[@coridiaz3739]

I’ve seen this from Broadway to London and no one has done it better .

[@peterhutchins9246]

Lea Salonga is the bee's knees, and Les Mis is the greatest STAGE MUSICAL of all time. It will never be better.

[@CountryCowboy008]

All rise for the National Anthem of Friendzone. LoL

[@gabriellamedina1516]

Countrycowboy08 OH MY THIS COMMENT IS PERFECT HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH

[@jayjayr3634]

You have just won KZbin my friend!

[@diegogriluulima]

Gabriella Medina

[@janeyrevanescence12]

Countrycowboy08 put your right hand over your Kleenex box and your best 'I'm happy for you but really wish it was me' smile.

[@arra1295]

...And unrequited love

[@nikko3862]

when you don't have to search for the lyrics Edit: thank you for 6.6k likes 💖

[@albiefelix855]

Indeed...the lyrics were delivery crysyal clear ...

[@albiefelix855]

Delivered*

[@youarereadingmynamewhileis7369]

Yep

[@raspberrycrowns9494]

That's Lea for you

[@andymhardiaz4926]

HAHAHAHA right 👍😂

[@Anonnamus]

Just watched Les Miserables for the first time last night in a traveling Broadway production and fell quite in love with it, especially this very song. Here I am hours later and now I feel like last night I just watched a high school production. Lea Salonga is absolutely brilliant.

[@thesovgc]

I love how she sings "All my life, I've only been pretending." The note at the end of that line is so difficult 🙌

[@nicolewhinnett641]

I love how you can see her biting her inner lip during the applause to stop herself smiling... It's so beautiful knowing she's having to fight it back to stay in character and that she really is so humble💜

[@MuddyLaBoue]

+Nicole Whinnett Or possibly to stop herself crying. When an actor becomes immersed in a role, it's not always easy to turn it off once the scene is over.

[@rjgonzalez9220]

+Martha Ward that is more likely good thing I'm not the only one who noticed it

[@stanleyslawski1339]

+Nicole Whinnett Martha nailed it..... and in some ways it's the difference between a Broadway style performance, and "American Idol" and the like. The Broadway actor/actress BECOMES the character, and sings while living the emotional life of that character. So in this cut, you are seeing Lea become Eponine, and the lip bite isn't her being humble Lea, but still Eponine, feeling the feeling she just sang about.

[@kaitlyntyler3179]

+Stanley Slawski its probably both I know that if I had just nailed it, I would want to smile too! :)

[@bishounenkawaii13]

Stanley Slawski l

[@liezlederes5297]

*2019, who's with me? Oops. I guess I'm on my own.*

[@dcsunkyleharvey6058]

Me 😂

[@sharonsantos2882]

Liezle Deres its april 2019

[@erickasantos5302]

She sang this last Mar 2019 and sounded the same mygod, I'm binge watching her vids rn 😂😂

[@liezlederes5297]

@@erickasantos5302 OMG. And now, I'm back at it again. ❤️

[@diana-kk1zv]

yea ur on ur own :(

[@kimchuzy26]

It's 2024 and I'm still and forever be in love with this song, the best version ever.

[@franknotebaard]

Yes!!! still watching. Incredible performance . Not just Lea but the whole cast and the musical experience!!!

[@therealsWa]

She sang the hell, the heaven, the light, and the darkness in and out of that song. Lea Salonga is the Voice of Broadway.

[@blogginsriverbymnl48isabop86]

Heartbroken, lonely, defiant, weak, strong, courageous, afraid, hopeful, downtrodden, angry, in love. All in one performance.

[@ShashaDivine]

Thanks for your help in my audition!!! Even without you knowing you actually helped me

[@unspokencat6218]

Yeah, this is very helpful

[@Tribonaut]

yup rollercoaster of emotions. you really feel how Eponine must have felt to be miserably in love

[@savannahtollison4425]

2024 and I’m still watching this

[@davidbosquette2940]

The best EVER. No shouting, just pure tone. Effortless and gorgeous 💕

[@austinswngr3]

her acting was so good at the end that i thought she wasn't gonna have enough breath for the last "but only on my own". should've known better. her technique is flawless.

[@kr-ir5ll]

And she sang the last 3 words in a single breath ...

[@johnleonardfernandez2525]

nope she did that breathing to be heard for a purpose to let us understood the act but I beleive she can sing the whole song without breathing 😂

[@nons3887]

Frances' original rendition of this song portrayed a more childish, heartbroken Eponine. Lea's version transforms Eponine into a very complex character who is angry, upset, and dejected, but still dreams of having mutual love. The complexity of her version as well as her crystal clear, perfectly pitched voice is what brings me back to this video. Eponine as we know her today is greatly based off of Lea's version. While other versions (like Samantha's) are beautiful, no one has gotten the mix of emotions just right the way Lea has here.

[@Bushviper]

+nons I disagree, Ruffelle put much more heart and emotion into her renditions. Every time I hear Lea sing this, I find her performance, completely emotionless. She sings so rapidly and matter of factually, she never lets herself go, you never get the same yearning feeling you get from Ruffelle. Leas performances just come off cold and boring in my opinion. But hey, everyone likes something different I guess.

[@axin4088]

+Bushviper ..yet most ppl outright didn't like Rufelle's rendition, she sounded like a monotonous whining girl.

[@Bushviper]

+Axin younger people tend to not like Rufelle, most older people I have ever talked to prefer her. The younger generation has their own mind about how a singer should sing and has developed a mold that they like their singers to fit into. They tend to not be open to unique singers that dont fit that mold, which is unfortunate because that types of singers are generally the ones that bring the most character to the role.

[@etherella]

I don't listen to any performance of this in terms of who sings it, but whether I can hear Eponine's heart in the lyrics and the melody. My problem with the Ruffelle version is that I don't like her her phrasing and enunciation on particular syllables - it makes it sound more like an 80s power ballad (so of its time) than a musical performance in its own right. I do not have a favourite performer, but I do not hear Eponine in Ruffelle's performance. I hear it in Lea's and in Sam's, but I don't think it is about someone being better. It's just about who, to me, persuades me that they're Eponine. Frances Ruffelle can clearly sing. She just isn't Eponine enough for my ears. But it is all personal opinion. There is no right answer.

[@davids5566]

+nons Bravo. Love reading comments like this on youtube, so sick of the trolls and idiots. Thank you nons for restoring my faith in the internet!!

[@grahamwilliams2595]

No one articulates a song as well as Lea every word is absolutely clear She is wonderful

[@michaelchamberlain5617]

13 years later and this still deserves a standing ovation

[@symph2000]

But this show was the 10th Anniversary of Les Miserables in 1995, 28 yrs ago

[@Lamporre]

The big difference in Eponine's portrayal in the different versions of "Les Miserables" is that in the book, she doesn't deserve Marius, while in the musical, Marius doesn't deserve her.

[@user-dt4ql3xn3o]

SO TRUE

[@sorestedhebytheTumtumtree]

Haha yeah.. I really hate her in the book but when I watched the musical I was like why did they portray her like she's so pitiful??

[@knickknacks8328]

yeah

[@anna_lytical]

@@sorestedhebytheTumtumtree lmao what was she like in the book

[@sorestedhebytheTumtumtree]

anna lytical well to be fair she is really pitiful but I never felt sympathy for her not until I watched the musical. I feel sorry for Anzelma but not to her. Maybe because she was cold to little Cossette, maybe because the money Fantine sent for Cossette ended up used for Eponine and Anzelma or most likely because she's a selfish little thing. Marius has no plan of joining the rebellion. But this Eponine tired of being a bridge thought "if I couldn't have him then it's better if we die together " (I really hate her at this part.) So she hid Cosette's letter(?) and informed Marius that Cossette left for England(?) Marius in despair joined the rebellion. Eponine then saved Marius. Eponine's death was tragic but was not sweet like A little fall of Rain. * (?)- I'm not sure if this is exactly what happened.

[@wedhoz]

After all these years. She's still THE EPONINE OF ALL EPONINES. Maybe there's a lot of good Eponines, but Lea is still untouched.

[@SteveShaha]

I honestly don't think there will be a better rendition of this song than when it is performed by Lea Salonga.

[@jocollantes4258]

2:31 '..in the darkness..' I've never heard anyone sing, invoke imagery of the word 'darkness' in such a bright and positively magical way. It became the perfect backdrop for beautiful things or like a veil that hids wonderful possibilities.. her delivery defied the common usage of that word. She paints with her voice so well.

[@anothercrappypianist]

There are currently 9,999 comments, which makes this the 10,000th. So I will share this anecdote: Many years ago, my brother and I were driving from Canada to Texas to visit family when we decided to stop in Chicago. On a total lark, a Saturday matinee of Les Mis was playing and nosebleed tickets were still available. I'd not seen it before, but my brother had and so he went into it with expectations. When Eponine first came on stage, my brother leaned over and whispered something to the effect of "an Asian Eponine? That's not right!" But then she started to sing and any expression of criticism or doubt abruptly ceased. Now in 2020, I compared notes with my brother and checked the timeline, and realized that indeed, in 1996, I had seen Lea Salonga perform live as Eponine. Now, almost 25 years later, although I recall being impressed at the time, I regret not having truly appreciated what I had witnessed in the moment.

[@rainyreverie8550]

I love how you said “on a total lark”, because that’s what Hugo calls Cosette in the book!

[@ekological]

I regret not seeing her in Miss Saigon or Les Mis, but I did see her in a quaint concert in Manhattan and even met her afterward.

[@MarianGermaineMaeBGerolao]

You're so lucky

[@windaseco5945]

Ah you have been blessed!!!

[@mariesia3449]

Saw her in Flower Drum Song in LA ages ago, didn't know the story but I knew she was in it and that was all I needed to know. 🤩

[@beasavariz6140]

Lyrics has left the chat.

[@rotd1727]

It's November 4, 2022 and i still have goosebumps while watching this.. Lea Salonga, you're a legend!!!

[@faftc-rcompany2800]

It’s January 29,2023 and I’m feeling the same emotions as you did!

[@queenjomay8062]

May 2, 2023. She is a legend, indeed.

[@darleneslr]

August 19, 2023 she’ll always be my role model

[@moment139]

Sept. 22, 2023 and I’m in awe, she’s incomparable!

[@amandacrowell2280]

Sept 26, 2023 😭

[@rawchelle23]

I kept searching for this song over and over again. I love listening to it. No singing comes close to Lea Salonga. She's gold ✨

[@llm96_]

The Voice, Control, Emotions, Diction & Pronounciation, I can say that this performance was beyond PERFECT!

[@theresalozano1399]

100 percent agree!

[@MitchellWiggs]

she should be a disney princess in some live action remake

[@autumnleaf.]

She sang the original Mulan theme too 😊

[@MitchellWiggs]

i can totally hear that!

[@robertperez2262]

Princess? She should be a Disney Queen!

[@apdroidgeek1737]

Shes already a princess, she sing the "a whole new world" and "reflection" so weird she didnt voice them but eh i would say she got the best part and line.

[@benjaline1302]

she’s already the signature voice og disneyy

[@whatsernamie1397]

Just got Eponine in my school play and I owe it all to Lea!! As a Filipina myself, I hope to do justice to her legacy.

[@_____jeymi]

Gluck

[@taurushere6380]

GOOD LUCK HUN

[@Dr_stogie]

How did it go?!

[@GeekNotice]

Lea Salonga's rendition of "On My Own" from Les Misérables is simply spellbinding! Her emotional depth and vocal prowess bring this iconic song to life in the most breathtaking way. Every note she sings resonates with passion and longing, capturing the essence of Eponine's character flawlessly.

[@macroamerica]

Her vocal performance in this concert is the gold standard for Eponine, IMO.

[@ramosity]

Couldn't agree more.

[@17pinksoda]

Yessss!

[@maredia9316]

absolutly!

[@brendasale2591]

Mme

[@harrysaintespenilla3592]

TRUE!!

[@briancuthbertson6448]

I don't believe I've ever heard a singer with such clear diction, accompanied by her consummate character acting and expression of passion and mood.

[@darcybrown7369]

I truly feel sorry that there are people who've never seen this most precious and rare gems of theatrical performance and there are those who don't know how to appreciate it...give them time, I hope they come around and can allow themselves to be immersed in the splendour of such a treasure

[@123Useless]

This woman has a crystal clear voice.😍

[@caligal1090]

came here to cleanse myself from the cats trailer again

[@lhenardgreen08]

😂😂😂

[@saraboot8002]

😂😂😂🙌🏻

[@user-vo8zr7vp7m]

Cats trailer???

[@caddywampus]

Too funny 😁😄!

[@horsinaround4404]

We shall purify our ears with Lea's brilliant performance.

[@patriciaKnightley]

As dumb luck with have it, my career led me to London when she was performing in BOTH Les Mis AND Miss Saigon at the same time. I saw her perform in both shows the same week!!! I’ll never forget it…

[@heheboi55]

OMG THAT'S AWESOME! I'm Filipino yet I still haven't even seen her perform or even meet her in real life yet 😭

[@catedoge3206]

L7cky! 🎉

[@bricktricks-legostarwars520]

What Lea does is mindblowing... she is the greatest

[@kentfranklin5468]

Truly one of the best voices to bless Broadway and the world … so versatile in so many roles ..

[@lionking_e]

Lea Salonga’s version is the standard you can see everyone else is trying to copy it.

[@colliric]

The original 1980 French version sung by Rose Laurens knocks this for six easily. The lyrics are even more beautifully written and it's called "The Air Of Misery" instead. But she performs it as Fantine instead, because originally the song was sung by Fantine after she gets fired and kicked out onto the street. She sings about the misery she is smelling in the air and the poverty she is seeing in the streets. kzbin.info/www/bejne/a3e5f6Z3rJJna80 Brings a tear to your eye the original version does.

[@earljohnsanchez2493]

@@colliric i thought les mis started at 1985?

[@colliric]

@@earljohnsanchez2493 That was the Cameron Mackintosh English Translated version for it's West End production. It in fact premiered on Stage in Paris during 1980 with the original French Language production following it's initial French Concept Album recording. Here is the full original album recording: kzbin.info/aero/PL8f_ACV3dM09rZCc5n_VGEgOr2YJVTqv2 Have fun, it's awesome. In some ways the English version, which made several changes, is an improvement (the prologue is entirely missing in the French original, as is Javert's "Stars"), in other ways the original 1980 French Language version is the masterpiece(Rose Laurens as Fantine is the best ever, and yes she also gave the best rendition of "I dreamed A Dream" in my opinion).

[@lionking_e]

Lea owns On My Own and I Dreamed a Dream. Can’t believe I cried hearing her versions. She is perfect pitch. 5 stages of grief in her version of On My Own. Everything she touches turns into gold. Such a legend!

[@perashaman]

@@colliric thanks for linking it. It's excellent, but the CONSTANT quaver gets to me. I think Lea's intensely (too?) clear version is a rough juxtaposition with the version you linked. Both excellent interpretations, though I prefer Lea's.

[@flowerbed7757]

Her face in the end is like "I told you so" / "Asians can do this role" and her teary eyes shows that she has passed through all the struggles she had to get that role, tears of victory!

[@paulagonzalezmartinez1405]

@@democrrrracymanifest fr¿

[@Konig141]

Umm nobody doubted her for that reason but ok?

[@flowerbed7757]

@@Konig141 she said it herself. But of course u know the real reason 🤗

[@emmadrew3911]

@@democrrrracymanifest Well talent in that case isn’t the meaning you thought. It means the talent as in actors and performers. Like there is the “crew” and the “talent”.

[@nathan-wk7bx]

Sha Dessi is so good in this role and shes asian and she is literally amazing in the role of Éponine

[@ondrayhor]

Darn, what a voice. People going crazy queuing for Taylor swift concert tickets, and here I’m thinking I would pay anything to be at this concert live.

[@StarryForMe]

This isn’t a concert

[@strawberrysingsthings]

@@StarryForMeit is. It is the 10th anniversary concert for Les mis

[@Reladg]

X2, In México is very crazy the situation

[@lapissed9620]

People cant praise anyone anymore without mentioning Taylor Swift.. the legend she is

[@khailsan]

Why do you have to mention other names? They are both phenomenal in their own field of work.

[@certifiedspacebisexual]

she’s my favourite eponine

[@allyhepburn405]

certified space bisexual I dont know what that means but Eponine is my favourite character. I identify with her in some ways. Go Les Miserable...further.

[@cyrelleathenamorados5269]

August 31 2018 and im still watching 😍

[@sammeh769]

@@allyhepburn405 it means that Lea Salonga is her favorite actress/singer that plays eponine

[@klaudia711]

certified space bisexual personally Samantha Barks is my favourite Eponine because she reminds me of ho gay I am???? And also I love her voice but Lea has a great voice

[@angeliqueriou2660]

Yeah, I'm torn between Lea and Samantha. They're both so incredible om their own ways

[@jackier4238]

She turned what could have been a 2 dimensional wishy washy lovesick character into such a complex being with one song. It would have been easy for her to be sad while singing this song, heartbroken and even desperate, but Eponine had some street smarts in her. She was a tough cookie, had to be. When she was young her mother doted her but then everything went to shit after Jean Valjean took Cosette away. She was worth nothing more than a look out for her parents and the one person she considers her friend and potential lover, falls for another. Yeah, she's pissed, she mad at him, at herself, the world in general, but in the end she realizes that she can't take away his happiness for the sake of her own. It's not fair to him or her and Lea portrays this so well in the final notes. So hands down, my favorite Eponine.

[@DeepScreenAnalysis]

Not true. Frances Ruffel is the one who created a three dimensional character with heart and soul. Lea was too clean, everything from the enunciation to the singing had no edge to it.

[@MGustave]

@@DeepScreenAnalysis I just dont see it I'm afraid. When I listen to frances it feels like Im listening to a bonus track on the album from a mediocre 80s pop star. Bonnie tyler or something. Nothing against her, shes obviously very talented, but I just cannot appreciate her as Eponine.

[@holyflame2]

Messylin Ew...

[@ayeeshaprakoso]

fun fact : in the brick éponine was the one who gave marius the idea to go to the barricades, dressed as a dude, the reason is because she thought if she can't have him no one can

[@jp3813]

@@DeepScreenAnalysis Frances revealed in a 2010 interview w/ Elizabeth Sanderson that she was never invited to take part in this Dream Cast concert. Hence, the creators of this musical felt that Lea was the definitive choice for Eponine despite her not being white (minorities were rarely hired for Les Miz back then).

[@monettedelafensor956]

It's now a normal habit for me to watch this once a month. I love this❤

[@JewishKeto]

It sucks to have feelings for someone who does not feel the same way back. :(

[@lianneotan]

Hehehehehehe!..😅😅 happensTo readThat theJaps madeAn interestingDrama ofA_Guy seeingHis dollWomanly thanAll theWomen ya!.. so, i. Eponine hadMost worthiestRival!.. ii. regardlessMen orWomen whoLoves theCloud_Atlas's idea, ourTrueness realTruthfulness lovePaves theLoved 4us& he/She seeingDolls onAll othersReally cheers!.. 😀😀

[@motivationispurepower4353]

You damn right 👍

[@maryjoycorrales7568]

Covid can't stop me for watching Ms Lea

[@belmontelancechristopherol597]

Syempre wala naman lockdown sa internet nyo

[@aaronpaulyambaobarsana6862]

@@belmontelancechristopherol597 🤣🤣

[@nashmangigin2039]

Covid made you watch her

[@wig.8gles]

Me too

[@adriennemendoza2065]

Same hahahah

[@DaveGraciadas]

The clearest singer ever!! Clean dictions!!!

[@jejutaurus]

It's 2023 and still coming back to witness this masterpiece.

[@grahamwilliams2595]

The very best Eponine I have ever seen or heard...MAGNIFICENT

[@jeffreyfernandez8940]

Her diction is even much clearer than the future of her own country.

[@ALLshALLfALL06]

that's so harsh but so true lmao

[@lele0720]

haha

[@bellalaurilla9404]

grabe ka HAHAHA

[@raeyoshi5670]

NAWWWWWW 💀💀💀💀

[@jjungoniee484]

HAHAHAHAHAHAH for real

[@PeterNguyen]

I don't think this song can be sung better than it is here. This performance is extraordinary. Powerful, nuanced, moving. I've watched this video countless times and I'm moved to tears almost every time. And not just because of the meaning of the song in the context of the story. Greatness is an awesome thing to witness, especially when the stakes are so high.

[@wheredowegonow768]

THIS.

[@marclecur6827]

Yes, the french version of 1991

[@rachelharvey9346]

Yep. This is a masterpiece.

[@tanphu9160]

Hi my fellow Vietnamese

[@michaelbarlow6610]

What a powerful and magnificently beautiful voice Lea Salonga has!

[@gintaskriauciunas2164]

Absolutely the gold standard for this role. The raw emotion she conveys is superb.

[@mauirada2501]

BINGE- WATCHING LEA SALONGA I LOVE HER SO MUCH AND SUPER OBSESSED WITH HER!!! SHE'S THE DEFINITION OF PERFECT WHEN IT COMES TO SINGING!!!

[@terrencelamar4327]

I should be doing my homework but I'm having a Lea Salonga binge

[@hopetikvah2294]

Lol same and my speech is due tomorrow and I haven't even started

[@mayerza4831]

same here 😂

[@ltesealt]

me right now

[@faye_xd]

omg yas same. i should be reviewing right now but i feel like i should listen to lea first haha

[@deanedwarddimaguila2089]

me too

[@YAOG]

Five stages of grief 1:42-2:44 - Denial/Isolation - She's alone, pretending he's there even though deep down she knows it's not real. 2:58-3:12 - Bargaining - "Still I say...there's a way for us..." - She's trying to make it work in her head to avoid reality. 3:11-3:35 - Depression - This is the height of her depression, although the whole song has a depressing tone to it. She has snapped back into reality a bit and realizes what her life will be without the one she loves. 3:48-3:53 - Anger - Notice her face when she says "without me, his world will go on turning" - She's angry...angry at him for being so aloof, at herself for not doing enough, at life for being so unfair. Why does he get to be happy when she cannot? 4:25-4:30 - Acceptance - She resigns herself to the fact that she will never have him...except in her mind.

[@katsuragikeima8809]

This is actually pretty great to keep in mind while listening :)

[@DrDre-oy1gl]

Very Well

[@AshlynnLeeTheAwesome]

Deep.... But true

[@dalanxd]

Thx for the light ^_^

[@BacadoTheSkoggy]

I kinda wish it was in the right order