Wé McDonald "For Once In My Life" Tony Bennett: Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song

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Watch The Voice alum Wé McDonald perform "For Once In My Life" by Stevie Wonder. Tony Bennett: Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song.

[@terryedwards171]

She should have a cd of classics. I would buy it.

[@tadgers4]

She should be one of the biggest names in music

[@dieseldog00]

Only 18 she sings like that??? I've never seen Tony clap that much and the audience gave her a standing ovation!!!

[@peachykeem2941]

In front of Tony Bennett himself wow absolutely phenomenal, I hope she continues to grow as a singer

[@williamcervetti1455]

She is currently about to overwhelm this year's American Idol. Nothing she can't do.

[@ashpole59]

@@williamcervetti1455 lol not!!! People dont care for her fakeness. Good singer or not.

[@user-bn4gb5io7q]

I could watch this all day

[@jacobmccain8794]

This was flawless! She really sang for Tony Bennet and left zero crumbs🤯🔥👏! I can’t believe she was just 18 here! Now she’s 23 and killing it in American Idol! She’s a star and should just have a record deal! What a performance, and at 18, c’mon! Her voice fits jazz like a glove! I want her and Samara Joy to do something together!

[@ibeetellingya5683]

I'm 64, and a lifelong patron of jazz clubs and concerts here in New York City. I attended many sets with recording and Broadway legends. I'm in AWE of tbe perfection and fidelity of every element of her performance. It's surreal watching her now audition for and compete on American Idol.

[@jamesh.2015]

Goosebumps! I haven’t been this excited about a voice since Whitney! As amazing as this was, she’s even better at 23. Her voice has matured. Her stage presence has been optimized. Each time Ive seen her perform she managed to leave it all on the stage. Never a note out of place, never over singing. I’m awe struck!

[@barbrokow5077]

She is such a versatile singer and should win American Idol!

[@CelestialGatez]

The control.....the range.....the stage presence. This beautiful and talented young lady has it all.

[@ashpole59]

Not !!! She didnt come close to winning the voice or Idol.

[@louisprosper365]

Her control on her vibrato is insane. Mad gifted

[@TheMandoVlog]

Those audience members just got blessed.

[@Jose-ll1vu]

Definitely

[@rosylily101]

I was there it was amazing

[@fundjimarjorievanlimbergen2455]

Brilliant, absolutely phenomenal. Her voice range, her tone . She is a gem. This version is the best

[@rustymonkey2746]

who are the 18 toned deaf schmucks that gave this a thumbs down? Simply magnificent. We' !!! BRAVO !!!

[@blueskys2010]

YASSSS, she deserved that Standing Ovation, Stellar.

[@MsDavisPhotography]

I just don't get tired of hearing her sing this.

[@dinahellen]

She’s on American Idol now!

[@aishanaija5432]

Exactly

[@linda_smilesrfree2744]

Me neither; never get tired of hearing it.

[@ashpole59]

Singing sensation. Shes been a singer. Heres a video of her singing professionally. Fake shouldnt be on the Idol . Shes aleadt been on the voice.!

[@marysalvi242]

@@ashpole59 wow, I saw the title and thought, "oh it's great she didn't win - tied down to AI seemingly for ever and then - a few yrs later and THIS is not mentioned once..wow, I wonder how this did not out also, was she in on keeping this most prestigious event a secret. I'm disappointed in her if so...also confused why she's doing these shows - for a record deal??? P.S could be me being ignorant of her journey.

[@RachelDavisMatthews]

She deserves American Idol and is an American success story starting at Harlem School of the Arts!

[@louisprosper365]

No one will do better than this version. Hands down

[@ibeetellingya5683]

It's insanely perfect. She was 18 years old! At 23, she's now also an author, actor, dancer, as well as a singer of opera.

[@ashpole59]

She doesnt need to win.

[@ibeetellingya5683]

@@ashpole59 Case in point: Wè didn't need to win The Voice to be honored to perform this. She's already a star.

[@louisprosper365]

​@ashpole59 she already has won.

[@zoozeeQ]

Does she ever not get a standing ovation? We, you are incredible. Wow!

[@ibeetellingya5683]

Yes, I just watched this in bed and even though I'm blown away, it's too cold to stand up.

[@ivanramos6856]

That "thank you" at the end was the best part!! I just can imagine talking to her and don't expected at all that she can sing this way! Bravo! 😍

[@lynnettachristie3043]

Iván Ramos ever heard of Michelle a ever heard of Melissa Morgan they all have baby voices and Cassandra answer so your history of Soul music Baby the girls with baby voice butt sing t he thereass off listen to their music and listen to There Voice

[@kadekwijayanta4821]

she needs to speak more wkwk

[@MC-bp1dm]

I literally got chills and I’m sitting next to a space heater 😅

[@lindasmilesrfree6067]

Wow! Eighteen (18) years old, adorable with a phenomenal voice! Dream Big! God Bless this credibly talented young woman!

[@nickwaxbe9668]

And her signature at the end:"Thank you." 😄😄😄

[@gailfrancis4889]

Can't get enough of hearing We'Ani McDonald!

[@stephaniefillman5226]

Wow! Her voice really matched this song/style. What a set of lungs! Hope she sings more of this style. ❤

[@Jose-ll1vu]

That was exactly what I thought

[@funkyfurballs1078]

Actually, her speaking voice would bring smiles to this crowd but her singing voice has them in awe.

[@ibeetellingya5683]

@@funkyfurballs1078 it's not just her voice that has them in awe like I do. It's the maturity, knowledge, experience, confidence and musical sophistication that makes her insanely perfect performance possible but is shocking coming 0for an 18 year old .

[@ibeetellingya5683]

@@funkyfurballs1078Of course, it's not just her voice that has people in awe. It's shocking for an 18 year old to have the maturity, knowledge, confidence, stage presence and musical sophistication to perform every note, between note, and physical movement with unparalleled accuracy and elegance.

[@funkyfurballs1078]

@@ibeetellingya5683 You should be commenting on her current American Idol performances. She's has great control but I'm not in love with her tone. She reminds me of JHud, which is a compliment.

[@robinbrown124]

Head to toe GOOSEBUMPS! I LOVE We's voice, countenance, personality, beauty - she's amazing! And now in this dress with this song - absolutely wonderful - just better and better. I have a long list of songs in my head that I yearn to hear her sing. I hope she makes a hundred albums but stays true to her self - loving and staying close to the One who made her and gave her all this gorgeous talent! Love you We'! 😇♥

[@ibeetellingya5683]

I am still trying to process she's was 18 years old when she performed this. Another argument for reincarnation. You're watching her on American Idol, yes?

[@ibeetellingya5683]

I mean, talk about an ending! Miss McDonald's performance is jaw-dropping perfect. How, at 18 yrs old, did she have the skill, knowledge, sophistication, stage presence, and polish to deliver a masterpiece?

[@peterfranceschi6766]

We’, you made Tony Bennet proud. You can sing any genre of music and thanks to iTunes, I can buy your music for my personal play list. You have the IT Factor and I believe you will win American Idol 2023. You have put in the work and it shows, every time you sing. Your future is just beginning. Take it from this 79 year old man who loves all kinds of music. l can’t get enough of your voice. You are a beautiful soul. What ever happens, please, please never stop singing. The world needs to hear your gorgeous beautiful voice. We’, you won my heart when I heard, the song “Flowers”, for the first time. Alway’s keep writing and singing your music. A new fan of yours, in S.F. Ca. ❤

[@Diaz0325]

I can't stop tearing how beautiful and elegant she is. loved her on the voice and still am. I hope someone signed her.

[@veronicaaccouche1478]

The control is phenomenal. If she didn't win, who did?

[@lynnettachristie3043]

Veronica Accouche a man that song country

[@Zeldamarie1482]

Sundance Head won that season. He was consistently great throughout whereas Wé struggled a bit with song choice in the live rounds.

[@strikebr]

Sundance Head was the winner, he was ok, but We was Way better in my opinion.

[@ibeetellingya5683]

Are you sitting down? American Idol 2023 just ended; she made theTop 5, but didn't even make it into the Top 3. Iam Tongi, a wonderful singer won, and the 2nd and 3rd runner-ups, I can't even remember their names. Thing is, she is so phenomenal and experienced without a sad story, that she didn't win the popularity contest. Crazy world.

[@lattylatty2866]

Wow. You'd never expect her to sing like that with that soft speaking voice

[@raphaeltowers4565]

Why do I feel like a very proud father when she sings I love her

[@sonhouse7642]

We McDonald is what the music industry needs. This is the most talented singer I have heard from this generation of singers. A generational voice. The fact she isn't already recognized as that. Speaks more about the music industry. Than her talent. My God, when was the last time. The public was blessed to hear this type of talent.

[@nancywells5626]

Amazing vocals! Best wishes on American Idol 2023!

[@booyah2u296]

This would have been the winning song on The Voice. Standing ovation. When are you releasing your own album? I cannot wait. 🙊

[@lynnettachristie3043]

booyah2u 2 me either me either

[@dir3907]

She is THE best (non operatic) voice of these times!!! No weird inflection, not horrible voice defects most female singers have been repeating for decades… This is The best female voice I’ve heard in decades! Yes! Hands down To me: she deserves all the acknowledgements and opportunities that can be given to her. Brava!!!🎉

[@danicapausa4078]

Shes my bet on the voice

[@danicapausa4078]

My bet on American idol

[@redphoenix4295]

SHE WAS ABSOLUTELY FLAWLESS, FLAW….LESS, SHE LOOKED FLAWLESS AND SOUNDED FLAWLESS AS WELL. IT WAS PERFECT ❤❤❤

[@abcertweld]

She could sing the phone book and make it a hit. Phenomenal as always.

[@allenamores04]

Hahahaha lmao. True

[@debynash1]

Wé is just special. Always enjoy her !

[@Ceh000]

Damn! And that dress 😍😍

[@redddbaron]

exactly.

[@davidjohn6070]

Cody Heindselman Her performance and dress is somewhat reminiscent to Whitney Houston's performance of Saving All My Love For You at the 1986 Grammy' s.

[@BlackGirlMarvel]

Tony Bennett's face when she is singing is beautiful.

[@billiesimmons4457]

she did awesome job,please keep going on we love your sing

[@ladylisaromance8129]

I'm hoping she wins Idol or gets a record deal. ❤❤❤❤

[@angiemorsby8429]

I am here since We Mac Donald is vying for the number one stop of "American idol"....Anyone else is.?.I don't know see any reasons why she shouldn't win .. Awesomeness 🤩💝🙌🏾👍🏾💯👏🏾💐

[@Jose-ll1vu]

A well-deserved standing ovation!

[@kingalou1]

A CLASS act! She's got everything and more to be a STAR. Hopefully after AI she'll fully SHINE ✨️

[@tee35353]

I wish my girl would have been American idol. What a powerhouse

[@moeses85]

Dude said "damn" it's understandable she is 🔥🔥🔥

[@johnjuan4741]

That was utterly exceptional. Totally blown away. The best live version I've heard of this since Ella's in the late 60s.

[@linda_smilesrfree2744]

TRUE! The Best!

[@markdaugherty6318]

We McDonald paid tribute. 2 Tony Bennett with jazz virgin classic Stevie Wonder hit 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@anthonycoca2202]

::Tears:: I am in tears.... I hadn’t heard this young lady before this moment. I clicked on this because I love Tony Bennett, not knowing what to expect. I am BLOWN AWAY. That rendition... That VOICE.... ABSOLUTELY MAGNIFICENT.

[@tinasmith5752]

TRUTH IS TRUTH! JUST THE FACTS! SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT! HER VOICE IS: ABSOLUTELY MAGNIFICENT! WOW! WOW! WOW! POW!!!

[@MISSJHON]

The 7 people that thumbs down must be deaf - Absolutely amazing. I voted for her when she was on The Voice - she's even better now!

[@lynnettachristie3043]

MISSJHON me too me too I love her

[@ibeetellingya5683]

She's now slaying on American Idol 2023. She's like, la-dee-dah, just another contestant...

[@Drewod485]

This was a phenomenal thunderous performance!!!!! This is what getting lost in the music sounds like. She just solidified her booking for any venue!!!! Such a rare gem 💎!!! A true vocalist!!!!

[@curly2smith133]

So beautifully done, and so unfazed that Tony Bennet was watching---and listening.

[@jadabeard1868]

This young lady is on American Idol 2023. I really hope she does her Thang❤

[@robertnorris4642]

WOW, the young lady can really sing.

[@lindak.3833]

GOODNESS...what was I doing when I was 18? Wow, wow, wow, exceptional! This girl is credibly talented and the way she sang this song, I was on the brink of tears. Girl, you are a force! Absolutely Amazing!

[@1409mcintyre]

she's wonderful, poised, talented, humble and beautiful -

[@allenamores04]

She could have won The Voice with this song! 😭😭😭

[@johnosam4681]

She killed this song, I think this is her best Ive seen here in the tube

[@lakeishabrranker6773]

You go WOMAN🎉❤. Many blessings to you amd angelic protection..

[@queentinadoire6931]

She's going to win.

[@twiidzz519]

Who is here after American Idol...like why hasnt she made it yet!!!! The music industry is brutal:(

[@ibeetellingya5683]

Truth.

[@preacher_chick]

Hmmm, gifted Young Lady. I wish her the very best & I pray her authentic style shines in her career💜

[@allisonhunter7729]

So great to see and hear her again after she was robbed at The Voice... We brings so much maturity and musicality to everything she does. Here's hoping she continues to be discovered!!

[@victorgarciajr9983]

This was a stunning performance. Flawless and heart touching. What great control and smooth delivery. Awesome! Just plain great (for lack of a better word).

[@AEIarea48]

Truly amazing. Thank you!!!

[@tomsmyth4836]

You can see Tony thinking .........’wow .....can she record with me’? Fantastic ...way before her time !

[@RodrickColbert]

Now I have hope in the current young singers.

[@acmorse8922]

Alicia Keys will be SOOOOOO Proud Broadway next?? Well earned Standing O

[@freshavocado2519]

AC Morse alicia kinda screwed her up for picking the wrong songs

[@Wildtingz]

ALICIA COULD NEVERRRRRRRR

[@estebanfassio78]

Nice, but nothing better than the original Steve Wonder version!

[@ibeetellingya5683]

@@freshavocado2519 I understand what you mean, but we don't know how how much she influenced the song choices. I'm guessing Wé had some influence on at least the majority of the songs, and that in many cases, coach's say or imply it was their choice of song to accept full responsibility for it to protect the singer. Those are theories based on 2 decades as an analytical viewer who digs into detais online. In any event, producers do, in fact, steer towards a contestant they prefer for whatever reason. I'm not defending Alicia, just saying totally blaming her is too simplistic and accuses her personally of being an idiot, which is not the case.

[@silviacastillo5222]

Wow, wow, wow !!! She is more than amazing !! She turns each song she sings , in pure gold !!!

[@joanngarland8841]

That voice, that dress, that song! Excellent?

[@makaylasmommy2006]

wow, this is just breathtaking

[@lynnettachristie3043]

I love her I can't wait till I album comes out

[@funkyfurballs1078]

Don't think her album will be this genre...? This is her bread and buttah, IMO!

[@alexanderreyne872]

If you haven't yet watched her new video for "Head Up High", look it up. She's just an incredible talent and person. Too bad mainstream corporate owned radio doesn't care about real talent, just mostly trash "hits" where someone sings/raps about how awesome they are, how much money they have, how many b*****s they f***. We' deserves major promotion. She is the real deal.

[@funkyfurballs1078]

True... Just watched a new Ashanti video... did not give me the good vibes from her past.

[@allenamores04]

Ikr?

[@ourbreakthroughpodcast9353]

But on a more important note: She looked amazing and was absolutely breathtaking!! I smiled so hard as the camera panned to different audience members singing along. What a beautiful moment ❤.

[@Jose-ll1vu]

"... singing sensation..." Oh, yes indeed! ❤

[@beans5536]

Her voice is like a bold smooth tea.

[@angelawhittington6293]

I love her voice, amazing talent, she will go far, I hope she wins

[@BelikeAngel1121]

Phenomenal! And that that "thank you" reminded me of how soft her speaking voice is.

[@lindaward6057]

I just love her! Phenomenal!

[@lyricsornah9882]

i wish I could hear her sing all those timeless song

[@KL-ir1nz]

Every so often we get to hear a voice that has obviously been Anointed. Hope she has the right people around her holding her up...

[@Lovejazz01]

Wow, incredible!!! Speechless! 18 years old!!!

[@debrathompson4319]

Lovejazz01 bbbbb

[@Jose-ll1vu]

A promising future

[@lap0081]

She is good. Hope she accomplished all her goals in life, She has a good heart

[@caroleappling2007]

WoW🤯💖💖 this is my first time hearing this, she just blew me away!!! Magnificent!!!!!

[@tsisanakavtaradze9695]

It's amazing! I don't know how many times I have listened this rendition of hers...

[@judasiascott-murray2764]

DECEASED absolutely timeless😍 I want to hear her sing a billie holiday song so bad.😭

[@lynnettachristie3043]

Judasia Scott-Murray instead of saying her on The Voice she sang A Billie Holiday song and tore it up

[@robmack2837]

She needs to sing these type of songs, not some stupid pop rock.

[@carenhernandez426]

Amazing

[@alsierangeles1034]

What an incredible rendition from this young lady,WOW! ❤😮

[@churchillcoins8519]

She has an a wonderful, sultry voice. She needs to be a big star and I don’t know why it hasn’t happened.

[@polyprinz]

Amazing. She was my favorite on the Voice. Wé McDonald....is so versatile...her voice is perfect for Jazz and Blues!!!

[@kevinwells4986]

Well, if Broadway comes back from all this virus crap - she needs to be there at least. But we definitely need to hear her for decades to come. Great girl. Such a cute voice too, I forgot about that until the end. Just total cuteness.

[@sarahgermick9634]

Just fyi for you We, I will never understand how you didn't win. You are the clear winner in any contest you enter!! I love your voice and listen to it all the time.

[@kennethsims5308]

That was fantastic! 🔥🔥❤

[@european51]

She is simply fantastic, I wish her a great singing career.

[@RB-ux9bh]

Her voice is simply a gift from the heavens

[@user-un3jl4ot1y]

Her voice is so special.

[@lanabarcelos1734]

Great job how awesome is that singing for Tony bennet

[@bellestarr4040]

Standing Ovation 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@sectionalsofa]

Such a gorgeous voice and performance. Eighteen. Amazing.

[@Zack-sf7qs]

Oh my Frick! That was just simply a perfect performance

[@suzQ66]

So glad the world is your stage... thank you for sharing your gift!

[@SageCypher]

This is my favourite performance of hers! NGL these vocals are next level

[@tatalovejc]

God! I have a neverending goosebumps! What a VOICE! And 18??!

[@ronaldmoscovitch6914]

She is magnificent and will go all the way to the top as an entertainer

[@rickipacaci1338]

She gives me chills. Brilliant ❤🙏🏻🙌👏