Aretha Franklin's Nessun Dorma Live at the Grammy Awards rocked me

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[@boblawrence3861]

The most amazing thing about this performance is that they didn't change the key. She was singing in Pavarotti's key. I consider Aretha Franklin and Linda Ronstadt to be the two greatest female singers in my lifetime.

[@OGomSF]

Yes. Sting explained to both the live and TV audiences that Aretha had performed Nessun Dorma two nights earlier for (MusicCares) a charity event. She agreed to step in for her friend, Luciano, and perform the song. Aretha later explained in an interview that it was one of the very few times she was truly nervous before a live performance. I remember seeing this Grammy performance live on TV. Between the beauty of that song, the anticipation of how Aretha would do, and Aretha's transcendent powerhouse voice, I distinctly remember almost being moved to tears. To think, a woman who grew up singing gospel in the black churches of Detroit, stepped in for the greatest male opera singer ever, Lucianno Pavarotti - and "kilt" that sh--

[@vanessa4u4evr]

I know you didn't think that the Queen of Soul was gonna muck that up did you? She had less than 24 hours to prep for this. 😂😅😄 May both she and Pavarotti Rest in Peace.

[@DiscoFang]

Less that 24 hrs? Try 22 minutes.

[@Lakeshore14]

The story came out afterwards that Pavarotti was so impressed with Aretha’s performance that he offered to her to accompany him on his next tour. She declined only because it was well known that she had a mortal fear of flying and could not accompany him due to this. Before she appeared, Sting gave the explanation to the audience that Pavarotti was unable to appear and Aretha Franklin would fill in for him. She had previously performed Nessum Dorma at an event prior to this, so she agreed to fill in. It was amazing. Thanks for the great reaction. R.I.P. Aretha Franklin and Luciano Pavarotti. 🙏💔

[@ProdigyBowlersTour]

Aretha had performed the song just a few days earlier for another show. So she was familiar with it. But the orchestra and choir at the Grammys had practiced it in Pavarotti‘s key, which was not Aretha‘s key. Aretha‘s handlers advised her not to do this.But she agreed at the last minute and, well, the rest is solid gold history. No one will ever forget the night Aretha saved the Grammys.

[@tjrivers]

She wowed all of us! She was incredible! The stars were all in alignment for us that evening. A triumph!

[@marcisartpage4225]

I watched it live and I remember thinking I had witnessed one of the greatest moments in musical history.

[@exlibrisross]

OMG OMG OMG! Tears to my eyes, thank you so much for sharing this, blessings from Belfast Northern Ireland.

[@Escapenurse01]

I saw this in real.time and was so nervous and could not even sit down through the performance! I bawled the whole experience! I have tomsay that every.few years I look this up becuase it was so monumental ! Loved experiencing you have the same experience.😅

[@faznout]

I was a junior in high school when this performance first came out in 1998. I remember sitting at home watching the Grammys and got to see it live for the first time back then. It's one of those stories and performances that will stand the test of time no matter.

[@jdpaddon]

I was watching, and did not have high hopes. I loved Aretha, but Nessun Dorma? She wasn't an opera singer. Her voice was not suited to opera. And she'd only learned that night that Pavaroti couldn't go on, so she had no rehearsals. I almost turned it off because I could feel the second-hand embarassment before she even began and I didn't want to watch this remarkable talent go through that. And then...holy shit. I mean HOLY actual SHIT! She rose to the challenge, as she always does, and I was embarassed, all right. Embarassed to have doubted her. She knew what she was capable of. I guess I needed a reminder. It was an absolute privilege to see and hear that performance.

[@OGomSF]

Aretha had performed Nessun Dorma two nights earlier for MusicCares (a Grammy sponsored charity event). It's fair to assume she had prepared a lot for that first performance and that, in turn, served as preparation for the Grammy performance. I don't say that to diminish Aretha's performance that night in any way. If anything, it's in line with Aretha's devout work ethic. There is no way Aretha would agree to perform one of the most incredibly difficult songs on the biggest night in music without adequate time to rehearse. Aretha had a truly gifted voice, but what made also made her the Queen of Soul was her perfectionism.

[@karensimons9260]

Hi. I just looked up this occasion. She took the stage to sing 22 minutes after she learned he was ill. It is said that he cried when he heard her and offered her to accompany him on his tour. She was deathly afraid of flying, so that didn't happen.

[@susandecorrevont2262]

Carole King was awarded the Kennedy Center honors Aretha sang one of her songs back in the day and she sang it live on the night of the awards. Go check that out if you’re Aretha Franklin lover.

[@GTTL-lad]

That was the performance of a lifetime- hope you will check it out on the channel, don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

[@cjcurtis8944]

That was Natural Woman!!!

[@davidtooke5964]

Yes - she had sung Natural woman many times before, but that night she blew the roof off the Kennedy Center.

[@kimsloan4652]

I can’t remember if I’ve ever heard a female vocalist do Nessan Dorma before. Aretha did that more than justice, it’s almost another genre! Thank you for sharing, this was a real treat!!!

[@karlaarmfield9312]

My favorite version of this song. She brings more feeling than any opera singer has to this piece.

[@deborjhablackwell6162]

Rocked ALL of us when we watched it. Phones were ringing off the HOOK!

[@BOOMNERD51]

I can't believe I never saw this! How magnificent! ❤

[@Emilypost70]

Not just goosebumps here dude …I had tears …dang that really moved me …Bless Aretha Franklin

[@susanpeterson9947]

I knew she had the pipes, but who knew she could sing in Italian?

[@RichardBrennan]

Sting gave a short explanation in his introduction that Pavarotti, who the audience was expecting, was ill and that Frankin was stepping in. I can't remember if he mentioned this, but Aretha went in with no rehearsal - the show was already in progress when Pavarotti dropped out. She was there as a presenter. But, she had performed the number before several times with regional symphony orchestras, so she knew the piece. However, there was no time to put it into her key - a couple of steps higher than Luciano's. She had to do the already rehearsed arrangement. It was one of the most thrilling Grammy moments.

[@glenndespres5317]

We can only dream that any of us would ever rise to meet such a moment. Amazing!

[@KB-xp6dq]

I watched it live and was SO happy I was actually recording the Grammy Awards that night because I couldn't have imagined that KZbin would ever be a way to re-experience that performance all these many years later. I'm SO happy that younger generations get to see some stuff today when many earlier performances have been lost to history and just word of mouth. Word of mouth couldn't have done this one justice.

[@DiscoFang]

Yes. KZbin has totally transformed the way we can interact retty much with any type of music, any era, any recorded event. It's truly astonishing and despite what many people claim, probably the best time in history for music appreciation.

[@MichelleJones-p4e]

In addition to what has ready been said is this: this piece was one of Pavorrati’s signature pieces. Everyone knew when and where the big moments were going to be, and your soul just soared in listening. So, she took HIS signature piece - and she made it her OWN. This was one of the MOST incredible moments in music history of all time.

[@ceceliarussell-jayne2447]

That was a revelation! I’m not crying, you’re crying.

[@MCowie]

I remember that performance. Grammy’s highest point. How I wish we could see quality at the Grammys again.

[@remyhocage9854]

Very cool ! Her italian accent is very good. She adjusted the english version correctly. She's great. I love her ! She made me believe she will win !

[@ariadnepyanfar1048]

Chills. An utterly different voice. Same effect.

[@halcyonpoet]

I remember watching this live on tv and it was amazing!! We were were speechless! Still get goosebumps! She rocked it!!

[@karllincoln6859]

Both were generational artists

[@trevalarose8155]

I played this at my mother's funeral, she loved this version.

[@carolinasbeauty]

This was not the first time I watched this performance, but I wanted to see/feel your reaction and it was everything I hoped! Pavarotti and Aretha...you don't get any better!

[@Eugene-u8f]

Watch Pavarotti and James Brown sing "It's a mans world"

[@GTTL-lad]

Aretha Franklin was incredible!!!

[@donnagutierrez5740]

Okay now you must see Barbra Streisand and Neil Diamond sing you don’t bring me flowers live at the Grammys. Now backstory: Barbra and Neil went to the same school in New York and both were in the choir. So they knew each other a very long time. Both released a version of this song and some dj started to play them as a duet. So Neil and Barbra decided to record it as a duet he on the east coast she on the west. Now belive it our not there was a time that Barbra was suffering from severe stage fright and had not performed live for awhile . In in the video you can see her shaking and Neil grabbing her hand to help her along( this makes sense if you know that she considers herself an actress who can sing)

[@GaiaOne]

Oh please. You doubt the Queen of Soul could ace this? Opera is overflowing with soul. You should check out Rob Lundquist and Austin Brown of Home Free sing this in Two Country Singers Try Singing Opera.

[@bobbiejojackson9448]

@sebsduran I'm not sure if you usually take reaction suggestions from the comments, but I thought the mood was right for this one. If you enjoyed this kind of "outside of the box" performance by Ms. Aretha, I think you'd equally appreciate an outstanding performance by Freddie Mercury and Spanish opera legend Montserrat Caballé, of a song that Freddie composed for the opening night of the 1992 Summer Olympics in Spain, titled "Barcelona". The backstory alone, is absolutely beautiful and so incredibly touching, that it'll give you goosebumps and the performance will knock your socks off!! I'm also not sure if you like knowing too much of the background information about the songs that you react to, but I feel like it's necessary in this instance, in order for you to fully appreciate the song and performance. Freddie actually composed an album, also titled Barcelona, in 1987, after being asked to write a song as the theme for the newly announced Summer 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona and this was the title piece. He composed it with the intention of performing it as a duet with Montserrat, since she was a native of Barcelona and he had been obsessed with her voice, ever since he'd first heard her perform. Montserrat sang the piece at the opening night ceremonies, with a backing track of Freddie's part of the duet, because sadly, Freddie had passed away on November 24th 1991, just 8 months prior to the Summer Games starting. The video that you want to watch is titled "Freddie Mercury and Monsterrat Caballé - Barcelona (Original David Mallet Video 1987 Remastered)" It was uploaded 11 years ago and has 23,894,710 views at the time I'm writing this comment. I promise you that you won't regret it!! Have a blessed day and upcoming weekend!

[@poodlegirl55]

You should listen to Michael Bolton sing Nessun Dorma or his duet with Pavorotti.

[@slim-y6b]

What has happened to the music industry when talent such as the great Aritha Franklin possesed is ignored or intentionally suppressed in favor of a formula sound for millions in profit instead of entertainment for the masses.

[@RebaGould]

I didn't know this existed! I LOVED THAT! Thanks so much for sharing this. I'm learning some new things from you. I really appreciate your channel and these videos you make. You're a breath of fresh air and seem very humble and genuine. It can be hard to find wholesome content sometimes, so thanks for your efforts. You're very entertaining.

[@lyndagleason8434]

Yes I watched this performance on TV in real time and was floored despite already being an Aretha fan! She is a consummate professional. Unforgettable TV moment.

[@wallyran]

That was freakin' cool! Don't know how I missed that back in the day

[@rebapuck5061]

I've heard that her Italian was atrocious. I don't speak the language so am unaffected. It was, to me, so emotional. I cry when I hear her sing it.

[@ElizabethLOhrn]

I never heard of this occurrence, and I have goosebumps right along with you, Sebs! It's been so fun to read the other comments, learning that she and Pavarotti were friends, and that she had performed this at another event, and that he wanted her to tour with him. Rock on, Aretha and Luciano, in heaven or the universe, wherever you are!

[@marthabernal1696]

I cried when it initially aired. Still do every time I see it!

[@MrBurdmann2]

Brother, thank you. The world needs to know genius. Blessings to you and your family Don Shelby

[@doloresofria8568]

And she sang it in hs key.

[@susangibney3805]

NEVER heard that before ! Many Thanks !! Nessun Dorma ?????

[@deborjhablackwell6162]

Pavarotti wept…

[@kittylemeu]

Omg. I was not expecting this. Just amazing ❤

[@marnibars9932]

I remember seeing this the night it was televised and being completely blown away. When KZbin came around, it was one of the first videos I searched for. AMAZING, MEMORABLE & TIMELESS

[@kristi6799]

I have an amazing song for you to check out. Iced Earth “When the Eagle Cries”. A fantastic song about 911. Toby Keith “ American Soldier “

[@VioletTruxal]

OMG! Goosebumps and tears. Thank you.

[@michaelp.7893]

Aretha's "Ain't No Way" isn't opera but it will likely give you the same feeling that this performance did.

[@caseyhazelman2390]

I saw it live on TV. I think they told the backstory. Aretha bowled me over!✌🏼❤️🎶

[@dsomerville5293]

Supertramp dude! Supertramp. The song School to start. Your mind will be blown but you will have a smile your face. The album Crime of the Century that song is from is top 5 produced rock album EVER.

[@inkgrrl]

I have full-body chills! Thank you so much for sharing this!

[@kevineggler3153]

Thank you for sharing.

[@LoisChisholm]

I remember watching this on TV the night it happened. Sooooo, unexpected!

[@karenwitt8042]

😢I’ve never seen that. Awesome 👏 goosebumps and all! WOW❤

[@krazedvintagemodel]

I tuned in for Pavarotti's performance that night, and remember feeling I was hearing history being sung by Aretha! Unforgettable!

[@midgebraden6003]

I am so impressed by you!! Thanks so very much for exploring all types of music and finding so much talent in all genres of music and and the talented artists through the years. And ARETHA...we all knew she was a most talented woman with a phenominal voice but after this performance.....WOW!!!

[@LadybugLuv]

I saw it. I thought she was going to make it more R&B. I was completely shocked! I had no idea that Ms Queen of Soul and R&B could sing opera! I get chills ever time I watch it again. But of course why wouldn't she be able too? My small mind go bigger that night!

[@davidcochran6291]

Any questions about who the best ever was?!! Nessun Dorma with a Jazz Blues and R&B flavoring!! I can Luciano at home trying not to laugh. Not that her performance was humorous, but that this force of nature would be blowing the minds of conventional listeners. Because I don't goosebump, I was adding tears to this mix of emotions. Sebs if she could have gotten to this 10 years before the crowd would have burned the house down in celebration and amazement. Aretha had lost much of her upper range by this time, but she could still handle a song.

[@joemoe765]

Love your reactions Sebs, especially to the Allman Brothers. I'm jealous that you get to hear so much of their music for the first time. Seen the Brothers at least 20 times live, so I got that going for me. You've dipped your little toe into the ABB pool....keep listening, they'll be in your top 3 real soon. Jelly Jelly Statesboro Blues Jessica Ain't Wastin Time No More These are just a few to get you started. There are hundreds more....Enjoy!

[@jbardet]

I know you probably won't see this but I think you need to do a review of Jacob Collier Little Blue Mahogany session. Same feeling as you get with John Mayer, maybe more.

[@wandulyncollins5266]

I love your channel! Your responses are so pure. I saw this on tv as it was happening. Me and a bunch of friends had a Grammy watching party. Sting informed the audience that Pavarotti was sick and Aretha would fill in. We all laughed because it seemed ridiculous. After that rich alto in the beginning we were quiet. Then we had goosebumps. By the end we were in tears. It was stunning. 25 years later its still powerful. She truly was a Queen. I'm so glad you got to experience it too.

[@nancykorensek4083]

One of the two most memorable musical television moments of my life. The second was Michael Jackson's moonwalk at Motown 25. Both times I had to pick my jaw up from the floor.

[@AP-gb3eh]

R&B royalty meets Operatic Classical - a new art was born. With the Three tenors and artists like Cecilia Bartoli in the 80 s there was a wave of opera popularity. Freddie Mercury sang with opera singers . It was a lovely era

[@margaretbarnes5254]

We did watch that performance live that night - we were both in tears!! She was amazing - I think I forgot to breathe a couple of times. 💖🥹👑

[@TexasMagnolia]

A long rabbit hole….Aretha, there will never be another that will come close. It’s important to know. Aretha was still performing while battling cancer. She would perform while, strategically having her chemo bag attached to her!

[@DannyNorton-x9e]

Loved Aretha standing in for Pavarotti! Have you ever heard Phil Johnson singing The day HE wore my crown? I would love to hear your reaction to it. Love your show.

[@dnahaller376]

I didn't appreciate her as I should have while she walked this earth. She pleads and entices in this rendition. I heard what happened but wasn't watching that night. Definitely going on my Playlist. Goosebumps and tears.

[@PebblesBlue]

Your reaction was just like mine when I first saw this live on TV and every time I've seen it since. It is overwhelming, it gives me goosebumps, and it brings me to tears. She was not just the queen of soul but the goddess of song.

[@jman3254]

And she was so comfortable, at ease, and almost carefree doing it, like she was merely talking to some girl friends over a cup of coffee or something. . . now, that's the stuff of legends.

[@becksullivan4796]

Miss Franklin has always been number one one my list of extraordinary singers. What a gift she had and what a gift she was to us. My favorite song of hers -Chain of Fools. But this is exceptional.

[@jwickham65]

I've watched this performance dozens of times, and the power and beauty of her voice brings me to tears every time.

[@joannmay-anthony1076]

Which i could have seen that. But I worked nights and missed it.

[@jennifergreen1567]

Here’s a fun fact for ya. I live in the burbs of Detroit where Aretha was from, (btw she was church trained not professionally trained). Anyway she always insisted on being paid in cash b/4 her performance therefore she always carried her purse on stage with her. I don’t know where she hid it but it didn’t leave her because it was full of cash. This was told by her niece after her death otherwise it could have been disastrous but it was kept a secret very well. 😮

[@LindaJack-u9f]

I've been a singer most of my life, trained in classical voice, singing in choirs, but my heart has always been in singing the blues. She has a foot in each world, and is the best of both.

[@BaxterBigboy-e1g]

Hey Sebs do the keeper of the stars next, it’s a true religious country song about love. And do it with your wife if you decide to do it.

[@riafitzgerald2988]

Hey, have you done Foreigner yet or Scorpions?

[@brettmiller7138]

I saw this live. Yes. They explained what was happening.

[@dawnbellemare3731]

I did not expect to get choked up! I mean I knew she could do it, but wow

[@user-ii3vn8tn3q]

I remember this the night she sang that. We sat rapt, in silence, nobody moved and Aretha blew us away. We were as excited as she was.

[@scsu5085]

------------ Simply terrible rendition. The discipline of Opera music is very exact, it is the absolute absence of soul music. Soul music wanders & deviates too much, & is about 'attitude' vs a true classical rendition. Thumbs down!

[@shika5524]

I would really like for you to react to some Kelly Clarkson 😀

[@TwylaCastleschouldt]

OMG ! That was AWESOME ! Bravo ! 👏

[@helensarkisian7491]

Well, of course she put her soul into this. She wasn’t the Queen for nothing.

[@ElaineDayton-o1i]

I'd heard this happened but I hadn't seen it. Incredible!

[@vincentnicoletti]

You have to listen to Stevie ray vahne play leave my little girl alone live in texas.you will stunned,it’s the best that I have seen.It’s a must see.

[@juniorsantos4453]

Please, more of Aretha! ❤

[@catherinecrow5662]

I didnt see this liv and I did get to see Aretha live , twice it my life. Voice of our generation

[@thomasdavis9890]

Check out gary allan bro he's country songs about rain is one of his best songs and man to man is a good one to

[@saritadugat3708]

I get goosebumps every time. shes was so awesome.

[@PaintingandExercise]

I am even more impressed that she did not sing it in opera style.

[@jacquesummers4766]

The talent that was hidden away…. Sweet Aretha

[@riafitzgerald2988]

Oh yah, Stevie Ray Vaughn?

[@pameladavis3946]

A friend of mine was in a crowd dance in one of her videos.a voice.

[@rhondaserges5136]

Ohhh Aretha .... your the best.

[@liddybird3608]

God. I'm crying.