Who Sang The "And I Am Telling You..." Bridge the Best?

This is a really emotive part of the show. Effie's emotions are all over the place and vocally this song is a killer. I created this to demostrate how hard and amazing this song is. From the musical (and movie) Dreamgirls.
Watch the other videos of the original series "Who Sang It Best?" here: ► • Who Sang It The Best?
Follow me on my social media accounts!:
► Twitter: bit.ly/2Cy2QFJ
► Instagram: bit.ly/3zBx2v7
► TikTok: bit.ly/3A9BLWd
Timestamps
0:24 Jennifer Holliday
0:58 Jessica Sanchez
1:32 Lillias White
2:09 Tituss Burgess
2:48 Regine Velasquez
3:17 Erica Glenn
4:08 Jake Zyrus (Charice Pempengco)
5:41 Sarah Geronimo
6:07 Cynthia Erivo
6:48 Alex Newell
7:20 Jacquie Lee
7:53 Amber Riley
8:28 Jennifer Hudson
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
edited by me with the software Sony Vegas 18.0
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
#theatre #singer #musical

[@MisterGolightly]

I'd like to let you know that Charice has started to transition and now goes by male pronouns and the name Jake. Hope his transition is as smooth and easy as possible. I'm going to put this in here because I'm tired of replying over and over the same: Whitney's version WAS in here, but the video is so copyrighted to the point that it blocked this whole video so I had to re-upload this one without her.

[@noyaaaaa_]

Aldrin Española stop... lol

[@sawyer254]

Mister Golightly Is he still making music? I hope he his!! Hopefully he can still sing "And I Am Telling You", even though his voice might be deeper now lol.

[@MrPetlum]

Lintik na english yan.nakakangilo! Magtagalog n lang kc

[@denisegaschnig7784]

bianca ryan, should also be on this list

[@kuletlovelovelove1290]

The Adviser Lt s lintik...#pipilitinko #bakapede..bwahahahaha

[@simnikiwehlatshaneni6765]

I don't have the medical insurance to sing this song

[@synysterjazmyngates]

i lol’d xD

[@dee_irawan]

🤣🤣🤣

[@moon5988]

Lmao 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@Mrs.buildingblackwealth]

lol

[@dntdyer]

😂😂😂

[@notsusan]

Jennifer Holliday is the only one I believe is not going. Period.

[@jeppeaksrensen8316]

notsusan the others are just having a tantrum

[@davidb.854]

Why did this make me laugh so hard?

[@umisessentials8516]

I believe Lillia’s tooo

[@faithskinner]

PERIODT.

[@brishaunvalree4842]

notsusan yeah Jennifer Hudson kind of sounded like she might go.😅 she kind of laughed like she was getting her sh*t together on the low...

[@Lori-xt2lf]

I loved the totally underrated Amber Riley.

[@lordvoldemort5725]

Lori Smith She isn’t underrated but sure.

[@mynameisreallycool1]

She was the best on Glee imo

[@SnekkySnek]

She literally won an Olivier

[@ArkadianDream]

@@mynameisreallycool1 She was hands down the best

[@lija_leza]

@@lordvoldemort5725 you could also learn to take the joke but okay

[@luvz2reed]

This is a whole body song. If you ain't almost vomiting you ain't doing it right. Also, the emotion comes first, then bursts out in the notes.

[@skylerharp1266]

Yess periodt!

[@Hiiiiiiiiieeee]

That’s why I think a lot of these singers missed the mark. Don’t get me wrong, they pretty much all did it better than I ever could, but a lot of them are singing it way too pretty. This song is all about finding the balance between raw and rough but still hitting those notes with clarity. Such a great song. And honestly, it’s almost always the black girls that sing it the way it was meant to be sung. The little Asian girls sound wonderful but they just don’t have the soul imo.

[@jamangel]

LMFAO

[@johnhowley3149]

My ranking: 1 Jennifer Holliday 2 Jennifer Holliday 3 Jennifer Holliday

[@EmiSpace]

I agree. But I think switch Jennifer Holliday with Jennifer Holliday. Jennifer Holliday did significantly better that Jennifer Holliday in my opinion

[@vashtilantigua908]

John Howley yes, yes, and YES!!

[@ericaturner9194]

jennifer holiday had the voice, but personally i think jennifer holiday took it to the next level with the emotion. jennifer holliday had the whole package unlike jennifer holiday.

[@TreebeardWood]

You are right... but I'd have to give JHud an honorable mention :)

[@Danashae]

How wrong can you be? Seriously. Jennifer Holliday before Jennifer freaking Holliday? Have you ever really LISTENED to Jennifer Holliday? Or are you just biased because you like Jennifer Holliday? And honestly, putting Jennifer Holliday on here with Jennifer Holliday and Jennifer Holliday is an insult.

[@praisebeesus2785]

I’m just gonna say the only ones that could even touch Jennifer Holiday were Amber And Jennifer Hudson

[@queenbriplays8530]

Praise Beesus Periodt

[@jenniferlawrence9473]

No, Nicole Scherzinger was also amazing.

[@thesuccubusqueen9276]

Cynthia

[@youaintneverlied]

#1 - Jennifer Holliday (STILL) #2 - Jennifer Hudson #3 - Amber Riley

[@motherofanactress]

youaintneverlied Agreed

[@carlomestergiovanni7017]

Sara ikumu the best

[@yaddymmh6615]

Deben ver ésta versión. Pelos de punta totalmente. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nqqrnHVobJahh8k *Famous Oberogo* Sólo tiene 19 años. 👏🏼💖

[@AwsmNix]

YES

[@Hgood1]

youaintneverlied yes. Yes. Yes.

[@just6605]

1. Jenifer Holliday 2. Jenifer Hudson 3. Amber Riley That's my top 3. Dont argue with me because for me they are the one who killed the song! That's it!

[@mourningdove5591]

*Riley

[@devonmoss9115]

Jhavia Malic period

[@just6605]

@Matthäus Gletthofer oh I'm very sorry. My bad. I'll edit it.

[@iilumiiz6593]

Jenifer 😂, I'm sorry it's just looks so weird cause it's spelt wrong

[@SimplyTaylor14]

Periodt

[@moeystroop7073]

ITS FUNNY HOW RACHEL WAS THE “best” VOCALIST ON GLEE..... AMBER NEVER GOT CREDIT FOR HAVING THE BEST VOCALS ON GLEE

[@olyv8582]

Well imo her and naya had the best vocals on glee. Amber had the range and power but naya is my fave because of her raspiness and tone.

[@ejones8360]

i think its just a matter of opinion, and i think because rachel had a voice meant for musicals and things like that it made her the ‘best’ because it was a show full of musical theatre:)

[@theoperatripleaxel5417]

sorry, but lea michelle is a better vocalist than Amber. Just facts.

[@cherrymelonlps]

The Opera Triple Axel go home :)

[@ejones8360]

cherrymelon. its just an opinion...

[@Mshuntas]

That build up and then the sorta let down at “telling you” that Lillias White did felt so deep. You can feel the desperation. Phenomenal.

[@tigersily]

THANK YOU!! i had to scroll down way too far to finally find someone else talking about Lillias White. She left me speechless, her performance was phenomenal!

[@plexx365]

I know!! I FELT every single word she sang.

[@cucckles]

EVERYONES SLEEPING ON HER FR THO

[@333jay7]

okayy like i literally felt it my heart sunk for her

[@abydosianchulac2]

Didn't think her vocals were the strongest, but she was smart and realized the moment didn't need Whitney's 'channel the power of the earth' strength through here. It's more impactful that she does what she can (the character, not Lillias) and fails, but keeps going.

[@davidanthony604]

Who’s that white boy that was holding them notes for dear life?!?!?! 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽 He killed that. But Out of everybody, Amber Riley and the Jennifer’s did the job

[@nadyascott6521]

Von Smith. He almost needed for after that one..lol

[@joshhernandez6068]

Nadya Scott can you please fix your sentence it’s a mess

[@insertname1857]

right?? he was really good. reminds me of a guy from my school.

[@D3v1ut]

@@joshhernandez6068 damn. Savage.

[@joshhernandez6068]

D3v1ut that’s savage I was being nice

[@evarobinson4471]

Jennifer Holiday Jennifer Hudson Amber Riley Honorable mention to Cynthia Erivo

[@lordvoldemort5725]

Eva Robinson Nooo Whitney Should be in place of amber because she sa he it effortlessly.

[@clinton7846]

You must watch a lotto watch mojo

[@lordvoldemort5725]

Parmarth Niketan Why would they add Nicole if it’s top three?

[@ParmarthNiketan]

@@lordvoldemort5725 I just really liked her performance but you are correct

[@katelynknopp8397]

cynthia was amazing

[@chiedu90069]

Let's please keep in mind that Ms. Holiday sang that song 8 shows a week - without amplification. She is in her own category all by herself.

[@islandeatssand684]

Didn’t she end up injuring her voice or something?

[@chiedu90069]

@@islandeatssand684 Nope. Not true at all. She sang Effie on Broadway for 3 and a half years and has sung her signature song on and off since then. She WAS diagnosed with depression during Dreamgirls and multiple sclerosis later - but singing Effie didn't cause her health problems.

[@islandeatssand684]

@@chiedu90069 Oh okay, thank you for informing me.

[@danadabeckwith8989]

🗣🙌🏽YESSSSSS! SAY THAT ONE MO TIME FOR THE PEOPLE IN THE BACK!🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@Gingermamma]

Exactly what I was thinking. No comparison.

[@adamgarris7224]

Chi Chi Devayne ❤️ Even if she didn't sing it, she performed the hell out of this song! Rest in Power Chi Chi

[@valerieweary9923]

❤

[@aliciageary7653]

Chi Chi is the only other person I think of with this song behind Jennifer Holiday. She was a wonderful person.

[@mattgavlick9382]

Let’s not forget that Holliday was ONLY 21 years old in this 1982 performance... she was born in October 1960

[@mscdilly51]

Hmm, I thought she was older.

[@jenniferlawrence9473]

It's her son and always will be, actually.

[@gonzalosmith3340]

Jennifer Holliday is the BEST!! NO ONE can come close to her power, passion, innate singing ability, technique and stage presence! I had the privilege of watching her perform this song in Los Angeles in Dreamgirls. The sheer electric power of her performance had me in tears. Best memory ever!!!

[@carminebasile5347]

In this one, Amber suck her all in terms of power

[@DixonDixon65]

100%!!!!

[@Pretty-zz7ep]

No Jennifer holiday got her beat she sung that shit for 3 years n about 7 shows a week can’t no one compare to that

[@HomoLegalMedic]

Endurance doesn't mean it sounds better.

[@gonzalosmith3340]

@@HomoLegalMedic trying to sing out of your range by the others, does.

[@berenicesanchez6527]

Jenniffer Holliday and Jenniffer Hudson are amazing and the best. Both must not be in this group, they are other level.

[@34stzoo]

I agree!!!!

[@molly-gh4we]

Lillias Smith was really good, too.

[@sexychocolate10049]

Agree

[@ronaldgarcia1991]

Thank you!

[@LadyHawke78]

Jennifer Holliday is the real OG. But J. Hud also blew this song away. Two amazing Effies for two different generations.

[@HeatherDVA]

Chi chi devaynes lip sync was the best

[@bluepencil1014]

Rest in Power Chi Chi Her lipsync to this was incredible

[@TheTrickstersWife]

I miss her. 😢 🌹

[@walkingexistentaldread3079]

god, when her hands started to shake and the pearls fell off of her. a spiritual performance.

[@coljnn5879]

Was about to say that i was a little offended that Chi chi wasn't in that top

[@travisturner2780]

PERIOD.

[@tigersily]

Lillias White left me speechless, the depth of her performance was phenomenal < 3 And, of course, I will forever stan Amber Riley

[@celiathirimanna5118]

I had no idea that Nicole Scherzinger was so good!!

[@footballgirl1406]

She's actually pretty amazing. I recommend checking out her performances of Don't Cry for Me Argentina and Phantom of the Opera (she slays the high notes at the end!!)

[@Chezzgirl69]

celia. Me too hon. She NAILS IT!

[@ducky3247]

Also memory from cats

[@JamesFluker]

A slept on legend 😥

[@ducky3247]

@Candy Girl kzbin.info/www/bejne/qqvUe3eQgcqpbMU

[@bella_6292]

Amber Riley is massively underrated and slept on!! I'm so glad people in the comments are finally recognising her amazing talent.

[@sebastiaomarinho675]

This way! ❤👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@lija_leza]

She literally won an Oliver 💀

[@bella_6292]

@@lija_leza yeah and people STILL sleep on her

[@lija_leza]

@@bella_6292 ngl I see her like everywhere, and that’s a good thing too! Even when I bring her up to random friends now and again, they’ll be like “oh yeah I know her, I don’t listen to her tho”

[@billyt9830]

I was lucky enough to see Jennifer Holiday sing it in the original on Broadway when the show first opened! Still sends chills up my spine!

[@dennisloniak8774]

I saw her at the Paradise Garage in 1984 and she blew the damn roof off the place in front of over 1,000 people.

[@billyt9830]

@@dennisloniak8774 OMG! I miss the Paradise Garage! Those were the days!

[@juanitawashington106]

If you don't mind me asking, how old were you when you first saw her perform?

[@rochellefreeman4019]

So did I

[@blahblahblahaha]

Y’all sleeping on Nicole. I’ll admit it was a little too polished but it was amazing.

[@ervis6926]

it was the best imo

[@makerofthings6756]

@@ervis6926 you just don’t know talent sweetie but thats ok That sounded ruder than what I intended

[@e.anelson6853]

But it doesn’t sound like *her* song it sounds like she’s just singing it

[@carlabrooks5877]

I didn't even know she could sing lolololol!!

[@lilnabii]

I agree, she stayed in tune, transitioned beautifully, and kept the energy through, definitely slept on

[@TheYouPoop]

I think most of us can agree on the top 3 Jennifer Holiday Amber Riley Jennifer Hudson

[@ser55555]

And in that order!

[@Itz_KLONOPIN]

Not even

[@ser55555]

@j drayton Disagree!

[@real_lampcap]

@j drayton I agree! Amber is amazing but Jennifer Hudson is just a powerhouse.

[@gabrielcardoso5461]

@j drayton it's true, even tho Hud is great, Amber is much much much better

[@kendrickgreer]

I was shocked at how well Nicole sang this song.

[@footballgirl1406]

You should check out her performances of Don't Cry for Me Argentina and Phantom of the Opera!

[@iloveyourunclebob]

I know she's a classically trained singer but she still always surprises me

[@seanbarry2306]

Candy Girl She was part of the Pussycat Dolls, and is a great singer

[@quasimodo143]

@@seanbarry2306 ...and she has a Filipino blood too

[@seanbarry2306]

Cool

[@MrSeanPiggott]

Had the privilege to see Amber Riley perform this in London, live on stage. It was incredible!

[@sethbender2863]

AMBER RILEY IS SO UNDERRATED. IM GLAD SHE WENT TO ENGLAND TO BE A STAR ON THE WEST END.

[@hailyng12]

Miss Cynthia Erivo deserves some recognition. I'm literally obsessed with her.

[@zielakomodo]

coup de coeur :)

[@nayramarinho3762]

Concordo

[@cutedeltalawgirl]

Jennifer Holliday. The original, the first, the Alpha AND.....THE OMEGA. It's not even close.

[@Undra9]

Cecelia Hailes Jesus is the Alpha and Omega. 😊

[@reportaccount474]

@@Undra9 No, Jennifer Holliday definitely is.

[@Dreececliff]

No, Jesus deffo is.

[@Atzuul61]

The Omega is the weakest in the pack tho

[@milkandhoney9849]

Cecelia Hailes these Koreans mimic everything

[@acarringman9076]

lol I'm sorry but some of these people disrespected the song ... this selection could be a lot narrower

[@tianahaley9913]

😂🤣

[@ahhasonna1]

Ong like wtf

[@phillippotee1910]

Thank you SO much for saying that. I didn't.. I didn't understand why the list was so long.

[@dechale]

I agree😂Call me what you want, but this song for them black women like Jeniffer Holliday! I'm sorry, but the others lacked the emotion, either played with it, or just cared how they looked. You gotta let go of the pretty for this song😂

[@StefanTonioSampson]

*cough* Jessica Sanchez *cough*

[@girlishgamer1]

Jennifer Holiday: How to win a Tony 101. Jessica: Not bad for an amateur Lillias: Wow the added emotion really adds to it. Tituss: A bit too happy for this song, but not bad for a guy. Regine: The note hold out in it was quite good. Erica: A bit too quiet and needed some more emotion in it. Charcie (Now Jake): He did a great job when he was that young. And yes, HE. Jake is trans. Von: A bit too much fun again but he's still not bad. Nicole: Very nice on the ears. Sarah: The funk beat in the back added a nice touch. Cynthia: Really captures the emotion. Alex: A bit fast but still good. Jacquie: Not too bad. Amber: Wow really captured it with the belt. Jennifer: How to win the oscar 101.

[@ajenriquez644]

Have you seen Tituss perform the whole song? His take on the song is really interesting. He really embodies this kind of delusional desperation, it’s a real performance.

[@franciscoavila36]

Amber Riley : How to in The Olivier 101 *😂👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 She DID THAT!! 🤪

[@dawnjohnson1965]

Accurate assessment!

[@jasonlicos]

I really love hearing nicole❤❤❤

[@indigobeauty1]

Charice is a boy now 😳

[@dougy_dawg]

Y’all, why we ignoring Cynthia’s version? ITS SO GOOD

[@julianrodriguez162]

There is a difference in hitting notes and singing notes. I’ve watched this video at least 100 times and can definitively say there aren’t many who are actually singing it. The Jennifer’s are pretty much it! Oh and Amber!

[@pokytheturtle1757]

@Julian Rodriguez I totally disagree. There isn’t just one way to sing something. They ALL have their own spin on it, and are bringing different emotions to the song. And what the heck does that even mean anyways? A difference between hitting notes and singing notes… FFS.

[@pokytheturtle1757]

@Noel Uchendu I see your point, and I agree. But I just want to mention, what if the strain and tension is what the singer was going for? What if they intentionally chose to sing like that as a style to try and communicate the stress and pressure the character is under, or how tired the character is? For example, I actually think Jennifer Holliday sounds very strained in her version. But maybe that was the goal? To show that the character is desperately digging through the pain and is exhausted?

[@pokytheturtle1757]

@Noel Uchendu I definitely agree with everything you’re saying. And that’s why personally I really enjoyed Jessica Sanchez’s performance. Some people said she sounded like she’s forcing the early notes, but that was the style she was going for IMO. Then she switches to clear ringing notes in the latter half and it’s just beautiful IMO.

[@pokytheturtle1757]

@Noel Uchendu Yes, I very much agree! I think her performance had a lot of emotion. And yes, Jennifer (of course), Amber, and Nicole did very good as well! :)

[@ruesingh8985]

1. Jennifer Holliday (always) 2. AMBER RILEY OH MY GOD

[@shemcg7830]

J-Hol had so much "throttle" in her voice and emoted such raw grit that you could almost grab a rag and 'wipe the saliva' off of your OWN face... from the back row! J-Hud; a definite contender (fm DG movie clips I've seen!) 👏 + 👏 = 💯

[@sandyleewhite]

I have never since, had such a visceral feeling, as I did, when hearing Jennifer Holliday sing this live, in Dreamgirls, so she will always have my heart, & most definitely, my vote, for the *BEST* !

[@daveolep7657]

Jennifer holiday went nuclear with that song. Jennifer left no room , For any pretender who tries to inhibit the song.

[@tianahaley9913]

🎯

[@waiskuxx]

I don't get why people don't admire Amber more...Her technique is top notch!! She didn't strain, crack, she used the right amount of vibrato, she had held the notes, she used growling in nesscesary places, she used trills in parts considered hard, she has the right tone without the over use of growling and that nasal tone Jennifer uses. The worst by far is Sarah Geronimo, she didn't give justice to the song by having it that low.

[@twin_1014]

Waiora Ranginui fr she the shitt 😍😍

[@mybro727]

Baby Jennifer effortlessly sangs that’s the difference and her technique is also superb. She can sound like 4 totally different singers if she wants to, vocals are so versatile it’s ridiculous. She just belts and growls so effortless that it’s the go to but she actually is versatile.

[@davidjack89]

Too clear voice

[@waiskuxx]

@@mybro727 Jennifers voice is versatile? HAHAHAHAHAHAH "baby" all of the songs she sings are RnB & Soul Ballads don't make me laugh she can't even stop herself from overusing that Vibrato in every single song she has sung. She doesn't sound like 4 totally different singers lmao and when she's singing it isn't effortlessly it's her straining, she's struggling to sing this song like she was when she sang Ain't No Way because her vocal technique isn't good. If she sang it so effortlessly then why didn't she hold the note which is one of the reasons this song is soo hard to sing in the first place? if you can't hold the note then sweety it isn't effortless.

[@FelixDeeg]

Are we gonna ignore the fact that brad the piano player from glee plays the Piano in the bag for Aley Newell?!?!

[@michams69]

My ranking : -1 Jennifer holiday -2 Jennifer hudson( not the best version in this tape ) -3 Amber riley

[@LadyPhanthom1]

Her version in dreamgirls was the best in my opinion

[@cherdren7825]

TOP 1 - JENNIFER HUDSON TOP 2 - AMBER TOP 3 - LILIAS WHITE

[@editz.by.otter.]

@@cherdren7825 facts

[@basmikaelson7119]

I'm sorry but this is it: 1.Jennifer Holliday (iconic) 2.Jennifer hudson (what a wonderful singer). 3. Amber Riley (she made justice to the song). The rest were just average and trying too hard, except for the kid Von Smith, he was good tho.

[@nickrachjames]

Bástian James Edwards Woodley that's exactly how I would choose

[@rj-kt7cc]

yes exactly ^^, jessica sanchez is also very talented though imo

[@crystalmarshall3045]

I would have to agree

[@vicboi87]

Exactly right. Though this wasn't Jennifer Hudson's best performance of the song, we know how it is

[@jaden.3110]

Bástian James Edwards Woodley accreate

[@Suri-o7w]

Look at how Miss Holiday has left this kinda impact on people all over the world just goes too show that the whole world has heard and I am telling you...ive seen and her countless covers but Miss Holiday owns it.. signature song

[@joaomarcostorreslima]

I love Tituss' performance, it's really touching

[@andresuston7692]

He puts a different spin on it, but not too far from the original.

[@this_Joe_Smith]

Absolutely got to me

[@oliveb5768]

Came here to say this, thank you!

[@blkindians7974]

no it wasn't, it was a mess.

[@this_Joe_Smith]

@@blkindians7974 disagree

[@jamesbidgood7663]

This song belongs to the one and only Jennifer Holiday...I am 85...I have been going to Broadway musicals since the 1940"s! This was one of the most electrifying moments I have ever experienced in a Broadway theater....almost equal to Judy at the Palace...I saw it three or four times...the first time the show was in previews...the audience response was so tremendous...including people banging their seats ...I worried the mezzanine would collapse. Did you do a "who sang RosesTurn best ". That would be a real tough one. I would have said Patti LuPone...but even hers... brilliant as it was...may have been topped by Imelda Staunton in the 2015 London production....Lets call it a tie! And I saw the original...Merman. Chris Colfer also deserves honorable mention...

[@MisterGolightly]

Yeah I did Rose's Turn a few weeks ago check it out!

[@ThruTheLukingGlass17]

I’d love to be able to sit down w you for hours over coffee and listen to your stories.

[@barb3378]

Woah

[@andrebaker1943]

Im so Jealous James, it must have been incredible to watch it live, I heard the Single once on the Radio and immediately went to the record store to buy it, Ive been a fan ever since

[@karlasmith5402]

I had the privilege of seeing Jennifer Holliday sing this. Didn’t realize I had tears until my husband handed me a tissue. No one can beat her. Jennifer Hudson would be second

[@christian__kidd]

Amber Riley had the best mix of Vocal Technique and raw emotion. Jennifer Holliday is an obvious queen however she compromises a lot of her technique for the emotion of the song, and I will never understand how she could do that song that way so often without major vocal damage. Jennifer Hudson also always slays that song. Amber wins it for me

[@newmanestandre838]

Christian Demetrius Kidd I see your point, but after being taking singing lessons myself, I believe (maybe I'm wrong) she has applied a technique unconsciously that is used for that "scream" while still allowing a healthy vocal endurance.

[@MisterGolightly]

Newman Estandre she's doing it in a healthy way, it's called growling and it's the usage of the false chord in the vocal chords. Still is a really hard song to do weekly, gotta give Jennifer props for doing it perfect every day back in the day.

[@newmanestandre838]

Mister Golightly I touch based on that growl when I first started taking lessons, but seen few displays of it being done right. Thanks for the reference! 👍

[@devinguerreri]

Christian Demetrius Kidd she did preserve her voice for a long time, and she's the queen in my mind, but her voice is not the same now a days.

[@pamelaeverette8987]

The best wasn't even in there. Ms WHITNEY HOUSTON

[@sergiovela7686]

my girl Amber Riley she killed it

[@user-pr8uk6ss8p]

sergio vela I agree

[@aliceschmidt8114]

Totally agree, Amber is so amazing!!

[@nivp999]

sergio vela for sure!

[@dexxcorpse]

sergio vela agreed!!!

[@cecileedwards3768]

Yea she did but Jennifer Hudson did better

[@JahairasMission]

the Jennifers and Amber, all day. Without a church background, you barely stand a chance.

[@angelicashields9706]

The absolute best is the original Ms Jennifer Hudson. I saw her at the 1998 Tony Awards. You have to see it on KZbin. Amazing!!!! The next in line would be Frenchy Davis from American Idol.

[@angelicashields9706]

Sorry I meant Holliday in last post

[@retepyam5858]

There can be only one and you know who it is.

[@celinedionworld-wide3696]

Charice slayed it all

[@yaddymmh6615]

Deben ver ésta versión. Pelos de punta totalmente. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nqqrnHVobJahh8k *Famous Oberogo* Sólo tiene 19 años. 👏🏼💖

[@joannamccolvin3194]

The two Jennifer's are in a league of their own. Phenomenal!

[@charlesfranklinlambeth3944]

Lol! When you start it with Jennifer Holliday, there’s no where to go but down!

[@rorqualmaru]

Chuck Franklin Truth. Only two other singers even understand the piece. It’s not a song where one just hits the notes, it has to be emoted and with the fitting emotion which is not primarily anger or pride.

[@devonmoss9115]

1. Jennifer holiday 2. Jennifer Hudson 3. Amber Riley. In that order no one else qualifies PERIOD

[@tianahaley9913]

Enough Said 👏

[@nystrov]

Everyone thinks only Jennifer Holiday nailed the song, but Jennifer Hudson put so much emotion into it😭

[@hubabaloop]

Devon Moss yes

[@sunshine1076]

PERIODTTTT!!!!!!!

[@lavidaroberson5022]

JENNIFER HOLIDAY.... PERIODT!!! NOW STOP PLAYING....EVERYONE KNOWS THAT SHE KILLS THAT SH!T!!! 😍😍😍

[@jandidawick7100]

Sarah Ikumu and Jennifer Holiday would have made an awesome duo.

[@carajentzen5049]

Either AGT or BGT had a girl audition doing this song. Simon before she started was like 🤦🏻‍♀️ good luck - and then she was AMAZING!! I was surprised not to see her in this clip. Goosebump city!!

[@simoneruediger5884]

I think you mean Sarah Ikumu, I think her performance was incredible, especially considering her age!

[@browtf4796]

jennifer hudson slays this song 100% of the time no doubt. It's as if this song was made for her

[@samueltremblaay]

I agree!

[@Animalzoomie]

Belen Morales YES YES agree 100%

[@monsterhighfilmproductions1474]

Belen Morales amen

[@gilbertgiboyeaux5153]

She was also in dream girls the movie with Beyoncé so she has a ton of experience with the song

[@franciscoavila36]

Gilbert Giboyeaux not as much experience as the ORIGINAL Effie Ms Jennifer Holliday who sang it 8 times a week from 1981 to 1985 LIVE!:)

[@donnabreedlove6862]

The Jennifers and Amber are tops in my book. Alex Newell did a terrific job. A name to add to this list is Sarah Ikumu. She sang this for her audition on BGT and nailed it!

[@ratumeaw5825]

Yes Sarah ikumu and also Louisa Johnson the best version for me

[@beingme._.eilonwy4571]

You can tell with each performance how much they feel the song. When Titus had to stop for a second I almost cried 😭

[@frankieffbaby]

You could have picked a better one of Jennifer Hudson’s performances

[@sohyangworld1544]

Right! Out of the hundreds they picked that.

[@AMFangirl1]

I liked that one cause she was commanding the band too. Though I do agree that a better performance could have been used.

[@ryanp4396]

The person probably featured that performance to try to justify including so many other contenders to be "in the running" but even then she blew majority out of the water.

[@maireadhowell7973]

Why is no one talking about Tituss Burgess tho 😍

[@this_Joe_Smith]

Totally Got to me. 💕

[@blkindians7974]

all he did was move one leg like effie, his singing was terrible.

[@this_Joe_Smith]

@@blkindians7974 😲 disagree

[@caelynosbern4684]

Titus goes to my church and he is amazingly talented!!

[@RHI.750]

Boring

[@itsonlykairell7386]

1.Jennifer Holiday 2.Amber Riley 3.Jennifer Hudson 4.Cynthia Erivo

[@katiee4396]

Cynthia is underrated and sing meaty songs like this well

[@shabytin]

Jennifer Holliday. Nothing beats the original.

[@ZaamNoodle]

shabytin my thoughts exactly

[@cecileedwards3768]

Jennifer Hudson all the way

[@o.rgarage9660]

shabytin did you really say Jennifer Holliday?

[@joseph9531]

Pure epicary!

[@jefflester4131]

WOW WOW WOW! Nicole S. has an amazing voice!

[@tommybe4059]

I vote for Jennifer Holiday, Amber Riley Jennifer Hudson and Jesica Sanchez!

[@kahmorastimemanagement6096]

Tommy B. But JHud sang it originally

[@jeremywilson5094]

Cynthia Marie Jennifer Holiday sang it originally

[@Cocochanel1971]

Tommy B. Agreed!!

[@James-akaRhino]

The O.G. Jennifer Holiday owns this song. She is the ICON. Got to give it to her. Sort of like if she didn't originally sing it first would it have been sung so much by everyone else?

[@LiveAsDiva]

I think the key to succesfully sing this bridge is raspy full of rage voice for the first few lines and of course very smooth sets of belting...

[@Shesha626]

Exactly! Not gonna lie, if I didn't hear or feel that raspy or grit in their voices, I was like, "Nah, next!" lol. You don't sing that song pretty.

[@reed7178]

Exactly- this goes for the while song. A lot of the individuals who attempt this song have “light” timbres that just don’t work. Like...you could have Mariah Carey singing this and it wouldn’t be as amazing because her voice is light. It’s just best sung rough.

[@tmg1023]

Everybody was freaking fantastic! I never had such a great time! What voices! They all are powerhouses!!! But we know the 1st Jennifer did that, then passed the torch to the last Jennifer. I had to watch it twice! They have more talent in one hair, then I do in my whole body. I wish! I wouldn't shut up!!! Amazing song. They forgot a couple of people though. That girl that got the golden buzzer. This song is brilliant. I love love love music. The 1st Jennifer took me to church! Eviro, girl whew!!!

[@LCAmarkymark]

I vote Chi Chi Devayne

[@cheriedanielle13]

LCAmarkymark Amen!

[@utara987]

LCAmarkymark yaaaaassss!!!!

[@mybetafish6690]

LCAmarkymark BYE 😂

[@karenhernandez9847]

AMEN

[@bennycook1]

Yes Gawd!

[@GarageStudio7]

If it weren't for Copyright, *Whitney* would have been here to show them how it's done. *Both Jennifers* totally owned this. Honourable mentions: *Jessica Sanchez, Amber Riley and Charice plus Von Smith (impressive that he sang that high)*

[@ZeekStreet]

GarageStudio Jim sorry but Whitney version was not they good to me, all those dame riffs and pastor like approach to the song killed it for me.....i love Whitney BREATH so there is no hate just preference

[@its_me_lah288]

GarageStudio Preach ✌🏻

[@brightautumn7355]

only whitney can sing it beautifuly, with beautiful face, poise and elegance. for me ... another just scream. its another level of singing. while jenifer holliday at other level. both are best.

[@dattmecker]

whitney slaughtered that song and not in a good way. half way through she had one note left and beat it to a shameful death. all her whooping and waving and glam posing was a poor substitute for singing, as usual for her after she started believing her own hype. she had talent and she threw it away.

[@robertperez2262]

No offense to Whitney but this is JENNIFER HOLLIDAY'S song. If anyone were to be showing the world its JHol. :-)

[@mahogany_chanel]

Jennifer Holiday will always own this song.

[@kabyashreeboruah6938]

Yeah

[@julhol7482]

Jennifer Holliday, Jennifer Hudson, and Cynthia Erivo have my heart! Honorable mention to Amber Riley, she's a legend!

[@Tarikkb]

Jennifer hudson is not human she sings it sooooooooo efortlessss

[@victorvelazquez174]

Jennifer Holliday deserves the credit not only for singing "the hell" out of this song, but also creating all of those legendary runs that all those others great singers are copying. She should have also received song writing credit for this song.

[@Hgood1]

Victor Velazquez yes, yes, and yes.

[@plexx365]

They all have good voices but the one that actually made me FEEL was Lillias White. I FELT her words and her passion.

[@rosemont2283]

She is the best Effie imo

[@kylebriscoe2592]

For emotion 1. Jennifer holiday 2. Titus burgess 3. Jenifer Hudson For vocal quality and ability 1. Amber Riley 2.Jenifer Hudson 3.Jenifer holiday

[@kylebriscoe2592]

Actually Nicole S would come third for me in vocal quality but overall I enjoyed Jenifer holidays most

[@onlyforwatchingvids3848]

Kyle Briscoe *Jennifer Holliday*

[@tracyowusu9134]

Amber Riley 😍😍😍

[@tjwash2]

Drey Haynes check your calendar, 2017 dude

[@alexisbellonavarro]

Totally Agree!

[@susanferrazzano1957]

Our beatiful unsurpassable Whitney of course! Never too be matched or even come close! It's not just the power its what you can do with the voice that intangles you into the song with that singer and thats what our Whitney did! Phenomenal !

[@Geotubest]

Wow, Scherzinger surprised me. She was great.

[@Kim63146]

I agree! ❤️

[@jtrobins1]

Same for me

[@mikeharris468]

I remember her soft voice with the Pussycat Dolls, but didn't know she had such lungs until I saw her here.

[@heartofglass6802]

Omg they were all amazing but I'll be honest I loved von!

[@MisterGolightly]

ScreamingFish those facial expressions are something else haha! But honestly his voice is so amazing glad I watched his performance.

[@louisejones5773]

That song was made specially and specifically for Jennifer Holiday....

[@Lujal859]

That's gonna be a toss up between J Hud and Amber Riley for most pleasing to listen to. But, if you wanna say who sang it the best based on the original? None of them as none of them sang it like J Holiday.

[@justdontaskidk302]

I'm totally convinced Alex Newell had Brad the Piano guy playing for him, someone tell me I'm not crazy

[@heidalwave8897]

I think you may be right.

[@elanor8909]

i think you right, that's totally brad!

[@kirstencaruana7621]

Late reply, 2 years later, but i noticed it pretty quickly, it is the piano guy from Glee!

[@snickerdoodle212]

Ms. Jennifer HUDSON. Done brought tears to my eyes and chills from my toes to my spine.

[@jenniferlawrence9473]

She sounds like she's screaming. Sorry.

[@keytho1002]

Jennifer lawrence it’s suppose to be that way though it’s an emotional song

[@pamrussell2412]

SARAH IKUMU ABSOLUTELY KILLED IT ON BRITAIN GOT Talent!!!!

[@Pusiinn]

TO. TA. LLY 👏👏

[@miadior8590]

Jennifer Holiday- the original so automatically get props Jessica Sanchez- beautiful voice just too much growl not a good song of choice Lillias white- great voice just not great strong belts Tituss Burgess- Great for a male voice ! Regine Valasquez- just wasn’t hitting it for me but nice voice Erica Glenn- entirely good much vibrato Charice pempengco- Great ! Von Smith- no comments 💆🏾‍♀️ Nicole sherzinger- my favorite non black performance don’t @ me 🕺🏾 Sarah Geronimo- pretty average performance (Great musicians too!) Cynthia Erivo- amazing!!! Alex Newell- the fact that he is almost singing this in the original key blows me he’s great Jacquie lee- also no comment 😬 Amber Riley- 😍😍😍 beautiful ! Jennifer Hudson-🤩🤩🤩 stunning ! (Sorry for any misspelling)

[@thatone6913]

nicole is black i’m pretty sure

[@caidi4192]

Don't worry It's marley She’s Filipino and Native Hawaiian

[@thatone6913]

Your Dad’s Dog o ok thx

[@nofancypants]

Nicole was great, a little bit flat on the 'I AM' at first though. But she sorted it out with the vibrato. The bit afterwards was amazing!

[@acmart99]

I felt that head nod to jacquie lee in my soul

[@nitab.6098]

Von's faced scared me for a sec lol

[@cindyjordan2800]

No comparison...Ms. Holiday is the master of this song. She delivers like no other.

[@caitlinlily556]

Had the chance to see Amber live in May and let me tell you...it was INCREDIBLE. She was not only better than this version here, but better than the recorded version shown. Also, One Night Only made me cry from the first note ❤️

[@leilanyx]

Caitlin Lily I saw her in June and she got a standing ovation. She genuinely blew me away with her vocals, and I almost cried - it was so beautiful and magnificent.

[@numbersixson3980]

Jennifer Holiday, still reigns supreme as Queen 👸 of I'm Telling You. #2 Amber Riley. #3 Cynthia Ervino and shockingly #4 Jennifer Hudson, I've heard her sing this many times, which this is performance would rank last. We all have a so so day. She definitely wasn't focused. And I'm a top advocate for JH. Love the girl World Class Entertainer.

[@SoulKnightKing]

Your crazy if you think Erivo can handle this song

[@MeYou-lk8be]

No matter what... you‘re the perfect first mover ... and nothing else matters! Thank you, Jennifer! 😍

[@1NYCHombre]

The original Star, Jennifer Holliday and she’s got the Tony Award to prove it! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@SoulKnightKing]

Hudson with the Oscar too 🏆

[@Diva_D]

The Diva ORIGINAL Miss Jennifer Holliday - there were some gr8 other interpreters, but no one even remotely comes close to Miss Holliday. And I tried hehe it's one of my go to songs when not lipsyncing

[@MisterGolightly]

Diva D you go! haha werk it

[@snoggy75]

Jennifer holiday’s soulful and powerful voice hands down kills this she is a supreme being Jennifer Hudson does an amazing job too , surprised Whitney’s version didn’t make the cut she did the song credit 👏🏻

[@trishaurvan9439]

Both Jennifer's, Nicole, and Amber

[@Dillonkhola]

Ok, but Nicole did a BEAUTIFUL job... of course the Jennifer’s and Amber excel! But Nicole blew me away as well!

[@salmineo4132]

No soul

[@amariahlovelace5113]

@@salmineo4132maybe not, but the vocals were there.

[@ricardopacheco4284]

Jennifer Holiday originated the role and everyone else’s version is influenced by her performance. Plus she had to do it while acting night after night. She also didn’t have the luxury of being able to pause or take long breaks as some of these performances.

[@nedrahickson4060]

ALL of them killed it!

[@TylersTake]

Jennifer and Jessica did a collab on the AI finale and it was absolutely insane. Jessica is one of the best vocalists I’ve heard. Amber and Hudson definitely kill it also.

[@RyanselfAz]

Yes!! SO Underrated and she was just a teenager at the time. Jessica Sanchez is all that and a bag of chips

[@mewells]

WOW, pipes on all of them... absolutely amazing and sounds like a really difficult piece.

[@namhoan1]

No one talk about Lillias White, i'm so sad :(

[@jeromealday614]

She didn't belt it 😥

[@ronaldolyrio9404]

@@jeromealday614 She had a lot of emotion though in my opinion and hit the note in the end in my opinion that makes up for her not belting.

[@tashkay5389]

Can't decide between the Jennifers

[@samdizon2012]

amber wins! gotta give props to those filipinos who made the cut :)) regine, sarah, charice, jessica, nicole.

[@ledparinify]

Sam Dizon I love them all.....

[@jujubeejulez5738]

Like HELL Ms. Jennifer Holliday owns this song she is the original of this

[@Okkkkkkk-ol5kz]

Are all Filipinos power houses??? I mean WOW!

[@leityaharris619]

EVEN THOUGH SHES NOT INCLUDED IN THIS VIDEO.... WHITNEY HOUSTON!!!

[@kimmie6924]

Yes! I came on here to see if someone was gonna sing it better than Whitney and none was better R.i.p to the greatest voice of all time ♥️ WH