Michael Crawford - O HOLY NIGHT (1993)

Michael Crawford sings a transcendent "O Holy Night" -- possibly the best version ever recorded -- on the TV special "David Foster's Christmas Album" (NBC, December 10, 1993). The majestic arrangement (by Jeremy Lubbock & David Foster) starts out softly, then slowly builds to a spine-tingling crescendo, creating an unforgettable and timeless Christmas masterpiece.
This song is from David Foster's Christmas CD, which features an all-star cast singing some of the best Christmas music of the 1990s:
www.amazon.com/...
Michael Crawford would later include this track on his 1999 "A Christmas Album" CD:
www.amazon.com/...
He also lip-synched this song again on the Trans-Siberian Orchestra's 2001 DVD, "The Ghosts of Christmas Eve":
www.amazon.com/...
• Video
David Foster would later use this arrangement again, on recordings by Celine Dion and Josh Groban... and while their versions are fine, they don't quite recapture the magic of Michael Crawford's version.
Listen to Celine Dion's version here:
• Video
Listen to Josh Groban's version here:
• Video
Audio:
Produced by David Foster
Arranged by Jeremy Lubbock & David Foster
Orchestral & Choir Arrangement by Jeremy Lubbock
Acoustic Piano: David Foster
Video:
Produced by Linda Jonsson, David Foster & Michael Petok
Directed by Paul Miller
Musical Staging & Choreography by Walter Painter

[@runswithscissors86]

Even after 30 years, Michael Crawford’s version of “O Holy Night” still has the power to render me completely breathless. No one is allowed to speak when this song is playing in my house.

[@stephenosburn7319]

Me too!!!

[@gunnzitzelaupresty4740]

Nydelig

[@soozies.7048]

This song makes me literally sob. I cannot listen to it in public or around people. Especially since my family are gone.

[@debmiller893]

I completely agree! I just want to bawl like a baby when I hear it

[@dbeyers75]

Same in our house. No speaking allowed when this (the best by far) is on!

[@maryglenncrutchley8425]

Can't top Michael's version. Sends chills down your spine. The best version ever recorded. 🥰

[@soozies.7048]

Celine Dion does a nice rendition.

[@maxpom68]

Agree

[@jamesbarr1773]

Michaels version of this song is the best version ever to recorded, it is so powerful and and touches your very soul. Thank you Michael.

[@kevinkelley3657]

IMHO, this song is best sang by a Tenor with real power, and Michael fits the bill nicely. For a female perfromed version, I like Jewel Karcher's version a lot.

[@pacificblue3955]

I’ve told my wife that at my funeral, regardless of what time of the year it is, I want her to play this song.

[@bethholmes53574]

Do it! My daughter, who is an opera singer, sang Oh Holy Night at my dad’s memorial because he loved her voice and that song.

[@corneliabard5894]

I too wish this song at my funeral. Hallelujah

[@FredaMackenzie]

It isn’t Christmas without Michael’s Holy Night .The best ever!! No one to touch it

[@niallmcentee9400]

It's not Christmas until I hear this absolutely beautiful version of this Christmas hymn ❤

[@neilblaine424]

Quite possibly the most beautiful version I have ever heard

[@FSEVENMAN]

Oh most definitely, I have heard many versions none compare to this, it's phenomenal....

[@vinzonperez9538]

this version is really a phenomenal hit love to hear it every time

[@jimmoberly308]

I watch this all year. His version is just so beautiful. I've sung all my life and wish one time I could be this good!

[@FSEVENMAN]

@@jimmoberly308 I think you should keep trying, and honestly sometimes mixing in a little alcohol makes you sound better to yourself.....

[@peterward2275]

Go and listen to Puddles Pity Party version...

[@Rubbernecker]

Honestly, why doesn't this have 10 million views? This is the most beautiful recording of any song I've ever heard. It brings tears to my eyes.

[@johnbellamy6449]

fantastic

[@leekeen7410]

I agree - possibly the best ever!

[@garonpresley]

I am totally with you, Scott. The best version of "Oh Holy Night" I have ever heard and I have heard many - from Pavarotti to Bocelli. None of them come close to this. From the arrangement to the choir to Michael's incredible voice. A masterpiece! Wonderful job Mr. Crawford! Oh yeah, I get teary as well. Merry Christmas every one!

[@julie_annsmith4515]

@@garonpresley Brings a tear to my eye as well I have heard many singers sing this song but nobody can do it like Michael Crawford can do it its Saturday night Jan 18 after having a really bad day listening to this seems to help

[@LoveSnoopy1962]

This recording is on youtube on video cassette and part of an ALW A&E special. If you put them all together you would have a billion views.

[@martharogers9173]

Michael Crawford takes us to the gates of heaven with this song and let's us look in. So perfect

[@RobertL_0563]

As with nearly everyone else here, without a doubt this is THE absolute best randition of "O Holy Night." THIS is truly my all-time FAVORITE Christmas song. It Christmas time for me when I hear/play this version. Every other version pales in comparison. Thanks for posting & sharing this. God bless!

[@thorvonoden5879]

Try Jussie Bjoerling's version, let me know what you think ,,,,,,,,,

[@gsrygalloway5467]

Amen, simply put, the most fantastic version of my favorite Christmas song.

[@hsolanki7971]

Really great rendition, but personally I think Celene Dion's is still top imo

[@thomasreske4628]

Simply one of the most beautiful and moving songs to EVER have been recorded. This version helps me appreciate the blessings in my life even more.

[@brianmcenhill5948]

I agree with all the comments below. I get goose bumps listening every year to Michael singing O Holy Night. Its just angelic and I would like to thank Michael and wish him and his family a very happy Christmas.

[@tarynmarie4375]

Yesterday was a tough day for me, at the end of the day I took a drive with my mom (who also loves this song) and listened to this. All of the bad feelings disappeared. Michael Crawford always has this affect on me. ❤️

[@carolinemitchell5241]

Fabulous voice control at the end from the climactic top to the gentle sweetness to end. The sign of a Great singer. The song itself is so beautiful, but the way he sings it is exquisite. Michael Crawford is a classic example that training the voice properly is essential and that shouting is never needed. He adds qualities to the timbre of his voice in different ranges & always sings with such seemingly simple emotion. Wonderful.

[@margaretgaskell4958]

You are so right 😊😊

[@bettywillard8142]

I have been looking for THIS rendition since I saw it on TV. I watch my recording of it over and over. Will do the same here.

[@margaretgaskell4958]

@@bettywillard8142 Dear Betty so glad you found it ...what a lovely man love his voice ...Happy Christmas Love and Blessings from the UK.. Margaret :)

[@bettywillard8142]

I love this song, no matter who sings it. But this particular rendition by Michael Crawford is the best I have EVER heard. This hymn "belongs" to Michael, much like I feel "Nessun Dorma" belongs to Pavarotti. Some songs or arias suit certain singers best. This is Michael's. I first saw it on TV in 1993 and have the video at home. SO glad to have it on my phone! 😃

[@bettywillard8142]

@@margaretgaskell4958 Thank you, Margaret!! I want you to know I've been to the U.K. often! (1973-1997) My best English friend lives in Beestin, Notts. And I lived in Canterbury, 1978-79, attending the University of Kent and as a cathedral guide the summer of 1979. Your country is second only to my own, the USA, in my heart. Blessings to you!

[@judynoble1378]

When I'm in church I almost can't sing this song. I'm far too moved by it and its' meaning. My eyes always tear up.

[@annebitzer2675]

Agreed.

[@louieacampora6356]

Agree! So moving

[@juliadams42]

I must have died, because only in heaven will i ever hear something that beautiful.

[@maxpom68]

Oh, michael, how I love coming back to this video and your fab singing voice! 6th Sept 2024 04.45am

[@cathrynlevitt5937]

There are many wonderful versions. This is the best and most moving by a solo vocalist.

[@robertmorris5055]

Would vote for Josh Groban’s, but very close.

[@janettep.browne4546]

I love this individual delivery, the best 🙏❤

[@laurahurst3754]

My favorite version of my favorite Christmas song. Michael Crawford sings it so beautifully.

[@dianeallen9039]

Just heard this on a radio show. Absolutely wonderful version of one of my favourite carols. You need a powerful voice to sing it and Michael nails it.

[@garyjohnston5845]

Dear Michael. Praise be to the LORD GOD YHWH for inspiring you to sing this Holy hymn in such a majestic way. This rendition of O' Holy Night truly is matchless on the Earth for it's Sacred power and Holiness. May the LORD GOD YHWH (Almighty GOD) and the Lord Jesus Christ be with you! Sent with brotherly love in Christ...😊💙🙏

[@marthamathes5146]

gotta listen to Michael singing this "oh holy night" five to ten times a day. Doesn't have to be Christmas for me to listen. Others sing the song and some are great but they will not put their hearts into it like Michael and he is "AMAZING" And i will listen winter, fall, spring n summer cas this song touches my inner soul like no other, thank you Michael ya are amazing 🎤🎤

[@Steve-lt2wi]

martha mathes voice of an angel 👼

[@clydehunter9666]

Every year I have to listen to my favorite version of this song at least 20 times during the holidays. Brings a tear to my eyes when he hits and holds those highs

[@johnrice67]

There cannot be 9 people in this world who are willing to say that they do not like this wonderful rendition . This is nothing less than inspiring. Beautiful. John in Belfast

[@emmamcdonald3410]

@Gabriel Chin i think they just sad ppl tbh nd uneducated unfortunately :(

[@marjoriebarnes2208]

Absolutely beautiful none better!

[@katiecurbow7086]

Probably Josh Groban fans

[@paulmckerr469]

This is what Christmas is all about. This man has a majestic voice who sung this beautiful Carol without any effort.

[@julie_annsmith4515]

I agree after watching him in Some Mothers Do Have Em as a bumbling Frank Spencer I was dumb founded when I was told who this singer was he had an amazing voice I also heard true or not that he never had any singing lessons at all if that is true then for self taught singer nobody would have guessed Merry Christmas from me to you

[@paulmckerr469]

@@julie_annsmith4515 merry Christmas

[@240dc]

@@julie_annsmith4515 He's better yet as the original phantom in Phantom of the Opera. A very talented man - singer, comedian, stuntman, actor and an all-round nice-guy.

[@julie_annsmith4515]

@@paulmckerr469 Have a great Christmas talk soon

[@julie_annsmith4515]

@@240dc I never realised that he was the Phantom Of The Opera til someone actually showed me the piece in a magazine about his superb voice Merry Christmas

[@tprocess1993]

And on Christmas Eve, a lonely phantom sings into the distance.

[@mariaisabelcruz4943]

The best comedian, the best singer, absolutly unique . I heard this song more than 500 times and i cant get enough of his Angel voice

[@ianmanuel4246]

Yes, how can a comic Actor sing like this. It's unbelievable. He makes me cry when he sings. No other singer has ever done that 😁❤👍

[@laurahurst3754]

This is my favorite version of O Holy Night. Michael Crawford out does any other singer who has sang this before. He has a very Beautifully, powerful voice. Thank You, God for his creation of such a wondrous voice.

[@lindamanfield9992]

This is one of the most beautiful Christmas hymns I've ever

[@angelaredfern2936]

This moves me to tears every time i hear it. So very beautiful. Mr Michael Crawford, you are a superbly talented performer.

[@johnrice67]

I thought I had heard it all but at 83 years of age I have been dumb struck by this wonderful performance . I agree this is the best version ever recorded. John Rice, Belfast ,Ireland

[@blazecloude7471]

Been looking for the name of the singer; Michael Crawford since 93 and finally found him. Is as utterly sublime in the production and finally Found This version after years. The best I've ever heard...Tears are flowing.

[@lolagould7210]

When I heard this watching David Foster Christmas back in 1993. I literally fell to my knees crying! Praise the Lord! ❤️

[@mariaisabelcruz4943]

Beautiful

[@candiebar65]

THAT WAS ABSOLOUTLY stunning, what a voice just wow.

[@overload65]

Can't stop listening to this version, Michael Crawford has done this so very well . I hope people can have a good Christmas and remember others at this time. Keep safe to all.🙏🏻

[@NN-ug1kt]

I bought precious 2 CDs with Michael' signature when I was studied in uni 1993 and I still listening now.

[@jasonpsenicka4137]

Without question, the most beautiful rendition of this song I have ever heard. Take a bow.

[@jws1948ja]

Thirty years ago. There was a time he did not know he could sing. And yet there is this.

[@elizabethlenahan9833]

And his Nan told him he could sing. & he didn't,t believe her. She's dancing in heaven now!!!!!

[@daleparfitt7377]

One greatest ever stunning range a pitch perfect

[@krystalharwood4541]

yes he did follow her advice...he became phantom many years later

[@johnstewart3318]

Totally agree . In this terrible year.. this gives me hope an courage.

[@mariaisabelcruz4943]

He has a voice of an Angel. The best version of my favorite song ever.

[@geoffreywolf3318]

A true master putting the perfect touch to a beautiful song in fact the song of songs cheers and blessings from tasmania

[@daveycairns6050]

I never heard this version before and man it is brilliant 👏👏👏

[@krystalharwood4541]

the scene here looks all too familiar! lol

[@dkrumfox]

March 2023 In 1993 when we had VCRs to record TV programs, I happened to record, “David Foster’s Christmas Album” and was memorized by this performance - his outstanding voice, the setting, the colors. It could not have been any better. While he also sang it on a Trans Siberian Orchestra DVD and CD, this is still my favorite. We are stopped in our tracks every year when we play it.

[@julie_annsmith4515]

What is there to say but perfect beautiful the best version I have ever heard in such a long time

[@justinratcliffe947]

Remember me Julie?

[@DN_13]

Just when you think 3:55 is spectacular. He busts out 4:15 and that gives me goose bumps with that echo to silence. Amazing. Simply amazing.

[@ambiguous974]

I truly can't tell you how grateful I am that you shared this. My dad brought it to my attention back when it was first broadcast (it was his favorite Christmas song) and now I watch it every year to remember him. Please never take it down. 🙏🏻 Thank you.

[@Top2tow]

Michael, you are always such a joy to listen to. God bless you.

[@haveagreatday2823]

A voice of perfection!! Best rendition of "O Holy Night" ever.

[@chrisevans5259]

Merry Christmas to everyone watching in December 2019 🎄⛄🎀🎁

[@anitaluff830]

Happy Christmas to you too !

[@wendyelsey7765]

Thank you and to you and yours.

[@Saralv]

Merry Christmas!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@michaelgaynor6866]

Merry Christmas to all of you...A year later!2020

[@catherinebracy4332]

@@michaelgaynor6866 You as well! No better way to end Christmas Eve than listening to this angel!

[@suemaddern1782]

He has the most beautiful voice I've ever heard and a version of the song it's just wonderful Oh Holy Night it does bring tears to my eyes

[@Todd.P]

I searched for this recording hoping to find it ~ and I did! The most beautiful Christmas hymn I have ever heard, with the most amazing back-up choir and music. It stunned me back in 1993, and although I have the CD nothing compares to seeing this incredible performance! Thank you, OceanKingNY for keeping this online to be cherished by another generation!

[@IsaacUSA]

Same here

[@lynnfyffe7910]

What a beautiful voice. What Power. What control. Absolutely the most stunning version of the song I've ever heard

[@debbycastellitto6659]

I had to search this most beautiful and moving of all Christmas songs by Michael Crawford. My favorite. 🌟

[@travisn2875]

Such a gifted singer and a very kind man. Very unhappy childhood but he overcame it and look what he's become. Very inspiring man.

[@jimmoberly308]

Everytime I watch this, it just leaves me in tears. Just beautiful!

[@conniekingrey5891]

I get chills every time I hear this! I crank up the volume and get lost in it. Amazing!

[@sharon102645]

I do too. I absolutely adore him!

[@bettywillard8142]

Me, too. Hallelujah!

[@KodyW-x9l]

This version of Oh Holy Night gives me chills! Best Christmas Song ever recorded! Radios never play it! Such a shame!!!

[@bernadettespeakman355]

its so hard to believe that he was on TV in UK as a comedy actor "Frank Spencer". All the time this lovely voice was hidden. "Some Mothers do 'ave 'em" it was called.

[@muyarodrickshibweche834]

I can't wait for Christmas 🎄

[@rickideemus]

This is the man who made "Phantom of the Opera" famous. He gives great credit to his teacher, and honestly, before he teemed with that man, his interpretations were flat and forgettable. This should have 1.9M views, not K. The choir was brilliant; the orchestra could be replaced by a single harpist. But all that pales beside Micheal. Just Michael. Bravo. Bravissimo!!

[@nunzc3016]

The one and only phantom ☺️ his voice is so magestic and magnetic. It draws you towards him. He can whisper and belt out those echo tones.

[@kathleenevans2264]

It is the most beautiful version of my favourite song I have ever heard. It is so passionate I couldn't stop myself crying. Thank you so much x

[@wendycowan4627]

No has even gotten close to eclipsing Michaels rendition of this hymn, it takes you to heavenly places! Those ‘Noelles!’ 😮😮

[@rhondamoore3467]

This is the best rendition of O Holy Night I've ever heard. The children sound like angels!

[@Anonymous-qg9xx]

Thats because they are angels!!! Angels in white!

[@barriehiatt1214]

Absolutely fantastic no nobody sings it better than Michael Crawford.

[@Mell-7]

Best "Oh holy night" ever! Awesome!

[@thatbankergirl]

Take a bow Micheal Crawford , this was an excellent rendition!!!!

[@angelasilvi2619]

Is it just me or does Michael Crawford voice just give you the chills when he sings! I think that Nat King Cole and Michael Crawford singing this haunting beautiful song is by far one of the best I have ever heard.

[@christinebadagliacco8972]

Ok this was the first time I heard him sing O Holy Night, my favorite Christmas song, It’s incredible, what a voice. I have the chills. 💕💕💕

[@marjoriebarnes2208]

Takes my breath away!

[@FredaMackenzie]

Beautiful Beautiful .Never get tired of hearing this

[@aucksmix]

No one will ever top this!

[@garonpresley]

I've heard many, many versions of this and I have not heard one better.

[@joeyhawkins1870]

Josh Groban did!

[@Scottwilkie18]

James Ostmann The only other person that can match this is Pavarotti

[@satchmo79]

I love this version!! You should definitely check out David Phelps’ version as well!!

[@patrickjarvis6160]

That's true

[@margaretwalker3620]

Just beautiful! I could listen to this all day.

[@mikeyono100]

My late mother's favorite Christmas song, done so well by Michael!

[@patrickpeters298]

There are many good renditions of this song, but Michael Crawford's rendition is legendary. It brings tears to my eyes just about every time I hear it and it is the only rendition that brings me to tears. IMHO it is the best rendition ever. A true masterpiece!

[@kevintobin2743]

i heard this for the first time just now, i was never much of a fan of Michael Crawford, but i must honestly say when i heard this, i thought my heart was going to stop, i have never heard a version of this song that was this good, it has the old fashioned arrangement, i would swear that Michael Crawford owns this song. very few songs give me chills and this one did.

[@Peter-jp9tq]

kevin tobin you have fabulous musical taste. I totally agree with your comments except I am a Michael Crawford fan. Never mind if not true re Christ’s birth, this is so uplifting to the spirit, I would be happy for evermore if I never listened to another song. Happy NewYear.

[@bettywillard8142]

Michael does own this song. He is exceedingly gifted in practically every way possible. I first saw him in that hilarious sitcom, "Some Mothers Do 'ave 'm" .... No, it was in Hello, Dolly! But when I heard about a Michael Crawford starring in "The Phantom of the Opera," I thought: Naw! Can't be the same guy! Well. We all know it was and is! I recommend 2 things: "Michael Crawford In Concert" and his autobiography. He's got a way with wirds, too! A highly gifted and fine man.

[@bettywillard8142]

@@Peter-jp9tq It is true about Christ's birth! The whole Gospel is prophesied in the Old Testament! Shall I give you some references?

[@corneliabard5894]

Most beautiful celine dion also does a fantastic oh holy night

[@marklandrith6667]

I'm so glad that at some point in Michaels early life he decided to become a singer, because there's just nobody else that can sing it like he does,,

[@crosisofborg5524]

Best recording of this carol I’ve heard.

[@Steve-lt2wi]

Angelic music for anytime of the year! , I can only just imagine those in heaven will be enjoying music like this but even better! 😍 this was my grandfathers favourite Christmas song 😍

[@JamesManning-tu6rs]

Only Michael Crawford can perform this beautiful song the best. Hands down, this is the best version that I've ever heard. I've yet to hear anyone sing it better than him.

[@dansan80s]

Saddest Michael Crawford Christmas 🎄 song ever. Absolutely 💯 💯

[@davidjones3433]

I didnt know until a half hour ago that Michael Crawford had a version of this beautiful carol I was reduced to tears as I listened to it on the radio I have KZbinb it 3 times since I am a church verger my life is often spent within my church walls and have heard this song played .sung by choirs and by individuals over the years but I have never been moved so much as I have been on hearing this version

[@limelight8018]

it's that killer high note

[@jennydedmen9380]

This gives me goose bumps when I listen to Michaels rendition. Beautiful and part of my Christmas listening.

[@RFazor]

The greatest version of all time of this magnificent song

[@robertawalker2]

So beautiful I am speechless. Just tears streaming down my face with love for the feeling it evokes.

[@carolpereira5916]

The most beautiful rendition of this Christmas Carol I have ever heard. Its taken my breath away. ❤

[@rochellenavarro4155]

Awww… the original Phantom. You’ll always be my favorite, Michael Crawford. I can’t believe that he’s the same voice in Oh Hello Dolly. He worked hard and it paid off. Such an epic voice. ❤

[@bmt9927]

Absolutely Beautiful. What a god given talent he has.

[@louieacampora6356]

The most beautiful version of this magnificent song!❤️🙏🏻

[@susankelly4911]

This is my favourite Christmas song of all time. I LOVE THIS. I have to say Michael Ctawford you are full of surprises and good ones. Thank God. From having me in tears of laughter as a comedian,as Frank. In Some Mothers Do Have Em. (You were hilarious). To having me in tears of joy now listening to you sing this most beautiful song and the way you sang this had me riveted. It is a very hard song to sing in some places but you absolutely nailed every bit of it and I can't thank you enough. This was so beautiful in every single way. You are a man of many talents. This song has been so special to me. Thank you Michael. God bless you. Susan xxx❤👍👍🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@VinceMancine]

That is the BEST !!! For some reason they never play his song on the radio when they play the Christmas songs.

[@corksown1965]

Truly beautiful version thank you so Michael

[@Lorraine-z9t]

This is so beautiful

[@daleennis3140]

What a voice he has,god has blessed him!!

[@intercessorz7479]

Michael's voice is beautiful; the control of his voice is perfect; and his performance is flawless. So far, this is the best "O Holy Night" that i liked most. One of the Must listen to Christmas Songs!

[@margaretsinclair1722]

So beautiful and perfectly sung. Love Michael Crawford singing this lovely Carol 🌟❤❤

[@alandrasochia3036]

Fantastic, what a gift.

[@gregorymccarthy8688]

I have over 1000 Christmas recordings and I can say that this version of O Holy Night, by Michael Crawford, is the best recording of a Christmas Song. His singing of it, the children's choir and the orchestra, in the background, produced a recording which takes your soul to heaven. As many times as I hear it, I never cease to be astounded. The notes Crawford hits sound as if no human could do that.

[@gerardcasserly764]

Wonderful

[@GreyWolfLeaderTW]

My favorite version of one of my favorite Christmas Carols. Possibly the best rendition of this classic.

[@sallypitts7659]

Nobody but Michael Crawford can perform this classic to absolute perfection!!!

[@ck1234k]

The best vocal for the beautiful song.

[@NicksWidow]

There’s a discussion on Tik Tok about best version of O Holy Night. I made sure to let the poster know this is the best version…it’s 💯 perfection