Samantha Barks singing "On My Own" from Les Miserables

Taken from • Video

[@InJeansWords]

It's all about that "pretending".

[@notesandlyrics9434]

Yeah haha.

[@carmona4233]

Hahaha yea

[@amirat.9805]

I love it

[@jasminmemorando6694]

Yup. 😏

[@bookemdano7567]

I hate this “new” way they are singing “pretending”. That’s not the way the note was written and now it’s changed so it can be a belty note. It’s so American Idol now. 🤮

[@mirahscharer3255]

I find it's easier to appreciate an individual actress/actor when I don't constantly compare them to another actress/actor. Lea Salonga is incredible, but so is Samantha Barks. One cannot replace the other, nor should we compare them to each other because they both have their own idea of how their character is.

[@johannalouise6524]

Finally someone said it. This is a Sam Barks video, and then the comments go all Lea Salonga.

[@evelinian]

I like this more live than in the movie...

[@ThatWeirdoSings]

evelinian the movie was live... if you look at the behind the scenes, they talk about how they performed the songs live and not in a studio so they could get the feel of emotions better than if they performed it in a studio months before they could even find their character. so they didn't lip sync it in the movie. they performed it live.

[@amadeusshaffer5780]

ThatWeirdoSings i think that @evilinian was just saying they prefer this version to the DVD version, and i agree :)

[@jonmoree116]

+heyevelina I feel like she had to hold back a bit in the movie so that she did make the rest of the cast look terrible in comparison haha

[@joshietoshie]

@@jonmoree116 They told everyone in the cast to kind of "Hold back" there vocals because the big belty sounds were a little too dramatic and big for screen.

[@sadie513]

The best part of the movie version for me is when she slides down a wall while singing. I mean, belting while walling? Come on, that's awesome.

[@SamanthaChadwickSteppingStones]

Although I agree Lea's version is stronger. I still believe Sam's is just a different interpretation of this song. Lea's is more adult and mature, expressing immense emotions that are very complex. However Sam's version I think portrays the childishness of the character, I like the fact she shouts on the higher parts. It's almost like she's angry and hurt. It shows the more child like side to the character. I honestly love them both and depending on my mood, I'll just pick my favourite at the time. I believe they just have a different ways of expressing and understanding the song.

[@asiamie23]

True. True. I agree 100% with everything you said.

[@cockroachcharlie5619]

Samantha Chadwick I say to you Bravo.

[@angel91485]

ok if you say so. lol!

[@ehhidontknow]

Very true!! Lea’s own is mature and held together. Although Eponine is more emotional and has a mischievous tone to her, with a tinge of impulsiveness..something Samantha really caught

[@brycekeyes6787]

I think Samantha brings to life the character better, I feel the passion and angst while Lea i don’t quite get that feeling... I don’t get the obligatory fawning over Lea, she technically is more sound I guess and does a real good job, but for me Samantha is a more powerful portrayal of the character.

[@starwarzchik112]

Upvote if you think she'd make an incredible Elphaba.

[@sarahberkner]

Starflame Yes, except she seems too sweet to play a witch.

[@faithperez7281]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/rXfdpmmInbesgNE

[@naomida22]

I’ve seen her in a KZbin video. Don’t really like her for Elphaba. Not that it matters you commented that 4 years ago.

[@benschaeffer8102]

She's more Glinda than Elphaba if I'm honest. 🖤💚

[@glumshoe6954]

i dreamed a dream that someone could sing this song without being compared to lea salonga

[@KeepCalmContemplateYourChoices]

PREACH

[@nothankyou191]

she’s better 🥹

[@Salakert]

Beautiful with fully clothed. ❤️

[@samanthabyrnes6608]

I think that Lea and Samantha had two different interpretations of this song. Lea's has more emotion because that's her interpretation. I feel like Sams is more that kind of nothingness emotion, you know that feeling when you just feel really raw and empty? I think both and really good, and there's definitely emotion in Sam's performance, it's just a different emotion

[@itskatiemydudes1541]

+Samantha Byrnes I like your thinking, and I agree.

[@dantasticguy5435]

+Samantha Byrnes Great observations! Ifelt that Lea's performance was more in tune with emotions of anger/sadness at the unfairness of life. I like both performances as well, but prefer Sam's overall

[@donkim123]

+Samantha Byrnes Also, from a more technical point of view, only one of them can hit that note "I've only been pretending" and the other doesn't even try, even though the accompaniment begs for it.

[@SamanthaChadwickSteppingStones]

thankyou. thankyou for your justified opinion.

[@nellieshoals]

I like both, but I actually emotionally prefer Samantha's overall. Lea's hits me hard at the beginning, but I feel in the middle "fantasy" part she is too happy... Samantha seems to be aware of what's going on the entire song, and it feels more complex to me. I like her slouching posture during the song too - like she is aware but ashamed. Feels more real to me.

[@ashleyb5510]

Am I the only one who thinks she should play Eliza in Hamilton? I would pay so much money to see her as Eliza. She would be perfect!

[@lacedeleon5290]

force choke YES

[@kyperry]

oMG YES

[@ElenaChan]

No

[@klaudia711]

force choke YEEeeEEesSSS

[@amberzehra8496]

Those roles are for people of color

[@DANOVERBOARDvlogs]

My favourite version. Beyond flawless. Every note. Every nuance. Nothing compares. Don't bother.

[@DANOVERBOARDvlogs]

Julia Vu

[@ItsMrE.K.]

Daniel McIsaac she is just perfect, there are no other words.

[@kattcoob7742]

+Daniel McIsaac I think Lea's is better. IMO

[@NeedMoreJuice.]

Nope autotune this was a movie

[@ElRiffio58]

+Rax Lex r u dum

[@sophiacorrigan2014]

samantha barks is stunning and her voice is amazeing such talent

[@user-cn2wg2jk9t]

Her voice is amazing. I always cry when she sings this song in the movie Les Misérables, and this time too.

[@blastdude89]

Dat flawless belting technique

[@ProudSpeakerofWhale]

HOW. How does this have more dislikes than likes??? This is a perfect performance. She has a glorious belt, and the freaking RANGE of her chest voice is insane. Sam is the perfect Eponine.

[@klawis]

For me, Lea's version is the best when it comes to technicalities and Sam's version is the best when it comes to portrayal although they exhibited two different interpretations of Eponine. Lea's version is more mature and Sam's version is more of like a teenager. I can't really choose because they both killed it but when we talk about the easiness to hear i'd go for Lea :)))

[@leejungmin6454]

It's just that lea sings to express and so much emotions i love the fact that even when she's hitting the high notes she's still in the wave of emotions idk i just can't explain she never made the high notes sound like a shout it's really amazing

[@alial.mocsana644]

💕💕💕

[@Alkhciosbihadal]

Everyone has their preference, but to me Samantha Barks will always be Eponine

[@tvu86]

Lol

[@beckyc8104]

Agreed

[@lunamondo2411]

She scared me

[@andre77ification]

Agree. I love that they brought her on as eponine in the hugh jackman les mis

[@hoshipitan]

I love Samantha.

[@MM-tx7gi]

AMAZING SHE IS BY FAR THE BEST! HER BLEND IS BEAUTIFUL AND SHE IS STRONG ACTING WISE!

[@drdeborahhockney5609]

Sam has a beautiful voice and this is my favourite of all time

[@sharonlowney6866]

She's amazing!

[@kellyroby84]

Every time i hear it.......chills!!! I feel her emotion, raw unrequited love! Its heartbreaking!

[@yelloWitch23]

I get goosebumps! She has an amazing voice!

[@hoot72]

Probably the best performance thus far in the history of Les Miserables for the character Eponine...Sam Banks has got it 120% spot on with the quality of her voice and talents.

[@paolomannu783]

For me Samantha was the best Eponine , A hauntingly gorgeous rendition that has passion on display from beginning to the end!

[@aileenbidad4344]

"I've only be PreeeTEENDing." Favorite part

[@084everyoung]

she is so freaking amazing! i'm getting shivers from her performance, there are no words that could justly define it.

[@CharlottexxRebeccaxx]

Love this girl so much, she plays Eponine beautifully 💜

[@robertwheeler3359]

Amazing voice and brings you goosebumps.

[@allytranter3938]

Goose bumps!! love Samantha Barks version.. mostly because she shows emotion when singing

[@joharraj5286]

She's good. But Lea conveyed the message much effortlessly. Why people compare them? I don't know. Obviously Lea Salonga is a senior almost a legend in musical theater world. So why compare? I'm sure Sam will reach that caliber but for now there should be no comparison.

[@joharraj5286]

***** hahahahaha. You're funny.

[@kaeioshi]

Lea was young back then as well

[@kirara5137]

Aren't you comparing as well?

[@RoseFlare1]

her voice is amazing its my fav song in movie. just the way she sang it makes me cry

[@hornedboi2012]

I feel Lea's version because she's conveying pain, sorrow, longing, and bitterness and wanting to fight for her unrequited love for Marius. Sam's version is just... sad and that's it. She's just and nothing more. Lea all did this with with full emotions and vocal perfection. It's really a no-brainer why Lea is the epitome of Eponinisque.

[@cho.s.en1]

facts

[@sisiwnisuson2928]

+Hello Pussy true

[@andymhardiaz4926]

Indeed 👍

[@milliejay1451]

True but by just showing sadness it adds meaning. I have depression and this to me shows the emptiness connected with my mental health problem so it's actually quite relatable wether lea's version is so over acted with emotions that it loses the subtlety and subtext of wanting Marius to be safe and happy and just makes you focus on Eponine rather than the lyrics and what the song is actually about

[@kattcoob7742]

When you close your eyes you don't get that feeling that the song gives.

[@pae1]

Awesome voice!

[@bealatorre9657]

I love her voice.

[@mastertaker666]

again every time i hear her sing this it takes my breath away

[@anjuhlique]

Chills. It's too good!!!

[@PurushaDesa]

What’s so impressive on top of her voice is how she really put in a great acting performance in the very tightly shot film version.

[@aurorastill7779]

She’s my favorite

[@skysautter8240]

Beautiful

[@millachavez122]

So much emotion

[@lorraineroberts7671]

This song is so beautiful. I can sing the whole song perfectly.

[@audreybecker5761]

Amazing!

[@johnstroud8388]

The very best ever!

[@tgaines23]

I never thought I would find someone to sing it better than lea. But she did

[@audreybecker5761]

This song always makes me cry

[@TheLadyKent]

She is such and amazing singer and inspiration! I wish I could sing liked her.

[@HollyMusicGirl98]

Nothing beats this true emotion

[@dc013]

I've got chills.....

[@crimdell]

Barks is a great singer. Anyone would agree with that. To be compared to Lea Salonga is an honor. But when you listen and watch Barks sing this song it seems a bit forced. It is not as natural and easy as Salonga's delivery. It is still an amazing performance.

[@margaretannepaguia]

I agree

[@unfabgirl]

She made up for it in the movie, though. That performance of On My Own made me cry.

[@kuyaboben5300]

I agree, Lea has more power and it's not forced, though I say Miss Lea's version is better, this one is still amazing

[@crimdell]

***** To each his own. I would never diminish your opinion. By the way; maybe there is a reason Salonga's voice sounds "Disney-ish" to you. She has done the vocals for not one, but two Disney movies. She was pretty amazing in both. You gotta admit that doing a Disney production is quite an honor. I don't think Barks has ever been chosen for one (yet) and Salonga is the only one chosen for two.

[@lucykinski]

I think we can safely say that Disney is not what we are looking for here!!

[@craigmaxa3108]

Amazing control. She is amazing!

[@nicolegallant5722]

I love it! But only on my owwwwnnnn!!! X

[@davidfotherby9862]

Beautiful love her

[@MrTlawrence84]

Fabulous

[@arianaramos9700]

This literally gave me the chills...

[@1004jinji]

goosebumps❤

[@lkingyin]

strong and awesome voice

[@snoosemoose469]

she brings the perfect amount of soul and innocence to the role

[@MusicalGirl4983]

Thanks for posting! I don't know how people don't like her! She is an amazing singer, and it takes talent to be able to belt like she does! :)

[@NikiDepphead]

And again I'm cryiing..so beautiful and who doesn't feel like Eponine once in life? Samantha Barks is perfect for this role. I love her!

[@aviana-xc6km]

i love samantha’s interpretation of eponine. she perfectly managed to find the hafway between frances’ childish, innocent eponine and lea’s angry, frustrated one, while bringing a certain desperation to the character with a melancholic tone.

[@lisawyatt3278]

That voice!

[@safuan2009]

Im here because of Sam Barks, it took sometime to find this version , even to my detriment I kept searching for this version, not saying that pass versions are less great. Hers just Cut Deeper...

[@EllieeJaneexo]

Why does everyone have to compare all the time? People come and go from this role - it's inevitable! Enjoy each and every Eponine for their performances because they're all going to bring something different to the role!

[@baixiaoba]

perfect！

[@manugodinho4880]

I Love Her...

[@malcolmcox17]

Well sais Mirah Scharer. I was initially thinking on the lines of comparing them at first but after reading your comment, you made alot of sense and so, I too now believe that it is fairly uneccessary to compare them because of their different interpretation of the character

[@paucastaneda4314]

Samantha brings pasion and super love to te song and lea michelle brings a very sweet voice. I love the two girls

[@HuggiMa]

onions and onions and onions...oh my...

[@Zoey2230]

Perfect

[@user-bn5nt4hy3r]

안그래도 추운데 소름돋아서 더 춥네요 사만다 짱 ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

[@alawalabean17]

everyone can stop hatin cuz she got the part of Eponine in the 2012 movie

[@tvu86]

Lea was too old at this point in her life - otherwise she would've got the part... But yeah okay I guess that's hating lol

[@lewisnorth1188]

@@tvu86 look at this way, Taylor Swift was going to get the role but they went with Samantha Barks instead

[@fairlyadorablepancreas3746]

@@lewisnorth1188 i love Taylor Swift but that would have been terrible 🤢

[@KeepCalmContemplateYourChoices]

She absolutely carried that movie, and we could have had Taylor Swift, so it's a goddamn miracle we got her

[@Salakert]

I love her I love her But only on my own ❤️

[@emmamueller3921]

Sam

[@edmondfung6579]

I love you,Sam

[@theamazingdayofamaramae9687]

Beautiful, absolutely beautiful. She increased my love for Eponine even more.

[@krisjohnlimpiada7991]

Why????? even how much i try to like her especially her rendition of on my own i still keep coming back to Eponine 10th tac version.

[@meganjane7588]

She's pretty and I love her voice!

[@MustardSeedish]

Perfect alto voice!

[@clea270]

great performance...

[@hannahwintle7341]

Got to sing this for my school production, quite a lot of pressure!!

[@gl012y13]

She truly is the perfect Eponine! Beautiful, flirty, and strong!

[@wishfulthinker2286]

👏👏👏 but its still lea for me is the best of all Eponine. I mean Lea Salonga is the Eponine no one's gonna surpass lea's voice qualities, the diction, pronunciation, the emotions are all superb. Lea Salonga's voice is ethereal.

[@GoodVibes-yw7qb]

I don't know any technicalities in music. My opinion is just based on a normal person's opinion. Samantha Barks performance sounded like a pop singer's (maybe its more appealing to younger audience and more suitable in movies, just guessing) while Lea Salonga's performance sounded as if eponine is telling a story (how a theater performance should, i think). I don't hate Barks' version, I just felt more of eponine's sadness and hurt from Lea's performance.

[@alial.mocsana644]

💕💕💕

[@nvm5486]

Lea is a broadway legend and a disney legend.

[@Sharpe1502]

I don’t hear pop when Samantha sings. Less focused on singing well and more about conveying emotion is what I hear. Lea will always sound prettier, but I like Samantha’s interpretation better.

[@arthrit7076]

flawless ♥

[@BigHappyGuy23]

She has the grit...but Lea's version is legendary...it spoke of innocence,pain and hope forever encased in Lea's crystal voice....

[@satorikonigsberg]

I think Lea has better technique, but Sam portrays the emotion better.

[@meralynmontero7040]

Satori Konigsberg pop, lol😜 shes like a banshee, i hate the quality of her voice, annoying to hear😜

[@darwin7999]

@@meralynmontero7040 no u

[@robertperez2262]

I love Lea Salonga but sometimes she lacks a bit on the emotion side... listen to Ruthie Henshall singing I Dream A Dream... she just had this grit when she got to “and he was gone when autumn came” that drew me to her version more instead of Lea’s

[@leemc9943]

@@meralynmontero7040 yeah, she is almost shouting

[@lionsmaine1238]

@@leemc9943 it's called belting :P

[@teacherpaulsclassroom]

Lea Salonga's version emphasized the shift of emotion from being happy and in love in the beginning while ending being pretentious and angry in the end but pulling it all back with the hope in the end. Such dynamism encapsulated with clear tone, spontaneity and ethereal enunciation.

[@joewhitehead3]

She was meant to sing this, is just so unbelievably incredible and talented!! :D

[@MsEpicGirls]

Beautiful voice I wish that I could sing like that

[@luisfelipecondegarcia6740]

Me encAanta su voz

[@dunnje8]

she is in the new movie and she is amazing

[@markvarona7522]

Now that I've watched this. My vote will be on lea. I can't understand how some of you says sam is better than lea. When in all fact, Lea gave justice to this song. With all the emotions possible. Whenever I hear lea sing this, I feel the pain, bitterness, and the longingness at the same time. That's the effect of ms. lea. She's the eponine of all the eponine.

[@jackforpresident22]

Indeed. #Wellwisher 4 lyf.

[@mandygososo9830]

Lea's version gave me more goosebumps! Superb eponine version ever

[@FAX335]

Beautiful interpretation. Probably the best Eponine so far.

[@moondoogle]

Oh Eponine...I love you so much. Come with me and live!

[@ShugglesStuff]

this is perfect!

[@TitanDraugen]

There are always jealous people who dislike other people for talent they don't have.

[@c8Lorraine1]

What a voice She’s amazing No wonder Cameron chose her.