Who Sang The "Music Of The Night" High Note The Best?

[@MisterGolightly]

Happy Halloween! This was really fun to made. I butchered Sarah's last name, sorry! It's Brightman.

[@uhm_5414]

Mister Golightly Happy Halloween!!!! 🖤🖤🖤🖤

[@scotthamp384]

At least you saved the BEST for last

[@eneurianerwin2287]

that's ok, you only butchered her name she butchered the music...where you want to BOW?

[@youtubingjaguar5082]

Mister Golightly there are better recordings of Norm singing that note than that promotional video. ;)

[@Lenaray818]

Mister Golightly i

[@susieok2732]

Everyone else: "beeeeeeeeeeee" Sarah B: "bwwwoooooooooooooh"

[@ethanlonchar]

Susie Ok colm Wilkinson said bae

[@susieok2732]

@@ethanlonchar 🤣

[@ceecee8757]

😂😂😂😂🤦🏽‍♀️ That was so overkill on that vowel!

[@hazelventura]

I didn't understand your comment until I got to that part and laughed so much 😆😆 literally a ghost booooooooooooooooh

[@boglitt6918]

Susie Ok 😂😂😂😂

[@emilyfuller1051]

Sierra Boggess and Ramin Karimloo will always be my favorites

[@agmpickup]

Emily Fuller All time favourites. The way that they act and sing the roles is just magical

[@karahmartin4961]

Ava yes. Just yes.

[@sammyrose797]

sarah and michael are mine

[@elihill8795]

Yes.

[@BethCampbell-b9c]

Mine too!

[@t2rnus]

Ramin's interpretation is incredible. Gentle, yet powerful, emotional. Such control, such beautiful timbre. It just soars above you after the phrase ends. I will never stop being in love with his version.

[@marcellasorially9330]

Same here.

[@angel_stark_art8348]

And that's why I'll always be biased and he'll always be my favorite (And the same reason I'm scared of watching the movie adaptation because my standards have been set incredibly high for costuming and singing by Sierra Boggess and Ramin Karimloo)

[@marcellasorially9330]

@@angel_stark_art8348 Take my word for it, don't watch the movie, it's horrible.

[@angel_stark_art8348]

@@marcellasorially9330 I've been told it's not good, and i actually watched a movie review of it. I was sorely disappointed seeing what the costumes looked like because the 2011 25th anniversary had such elaborate costumes. But yeah, I'm not watching it 😕

[@marcellasorially9330]

@@angel_stark_art8348 You are quite right, it will actually ruin the Phantom for you. It's not just that the voices are weak and the performances wooden, they also missed the opportunity to present us with that WOW factor that should have been easy for a film production. The direction of the theatre is so much better than the movie's, which should have been the other way around.

[@jmendo2546]

John Owens Jones Hands down must be a seasoned veteran holds the last note very long and is smooth on the entry and clear perfection 5:05

[@TT-nj6xu]

I agree. He and Ramin were my favorites of them all.

[@alexkoronec4326]

Yes I totally agree with you on John owen Jones

[@camotetv4265]

The best

[@nmg6248]

Absolutely he lifts her with that note. Incredible!

[@sheilahill6415]

John Owens Jones 100%

[@digitalartemis333]

1. Ramin - no explanation needed 2. Norm Lewis - I just love the deepness of his voice 3. Micheal Crawford - the og phantom. He’s got such a beautifully unique voice

[@oliverdelica2289]

Caroline because Ramin is handsome?

[@digitalartemis333]

Oliver Delica yes he is handsome, but I absolutely love is voice. It’s got such strength emotion and beauty to it. It’s really something amazing

[@jojohaj1087]

Ben Forster is good, Hugh Panero is amazing too but I do think of Ramin whenever I hear the song so I guess I'd say he's the most iconic in my mind...

[@Romeoofbrasil]

I also loved Colm Wilkinson and John Owen Jones

[@chathaf]

Actually, Wilkinson originated the role in the London premier, and he would be my favorite if it wasn't for his odd choice of pronouncing the lyrics.

[@BlueScarabGuy]

Sarah Brightman: "Let your soul take your where you want to BOOOOOHH" Colm Wilkinson: "Let your soul take you where you want to BAAAAAYYYY"

[@Boss_Bueno]

The way that Ramin is able to control his breathing to make it feel like one phrase, and not only does he sustain the note, he goes longer than the orchestra which makes it feel even more important. Furthermore: he has amazing chemistry and is by far my favorite Phantom of all time and I would probably sob if I met him or Sierra, because they are two of my biggest influences.

[@my2randomcents]

A lot of them do the phrase like that tho

[@printeredlasered]

@@my2randomcents Yes, but I do like how he sustains a straight tone then goes into a vibrato because I think that adds a lot more tension than if he just went straight into vibrato.

[@madeleine5561]

YES!

[@kristenalexandra2701]

I went to see Anastasia when it was on Broadway which was amazing of course. But the next day I was walking down the street with my mom and saw ramin across the street, walking in the other direction with his family. I was so excited like oh how cool! My mom was like “Let’s run over and say hi” and I was very much like “No let’s leave him alone with his family. And we continued about our day. A few hours later while we were walking somewhere else all of a sudden, I realize we were walking RIGHT behind Ramin. I thought to myself, what are the odds that we see him two times in one day, in huge NYC?! I took that as fate and decided to ask him for a photo and tell him how great his performance was. He was SUPER nice and his family seemed considerate of the fact that I interrupted their walk. I’m not sure how often he gets stopped or recognized but he seemed really appreciative of my compliments to him :)

[@spaceli0n]

Ramin still 2nd

[@larryrivets5971]

Crawford is in a class by himself. His voice has a unique clarity to it.He’s like Streisand.

[@darthkurland]

Funny thing that you said that. Michael and Babs actually recorded the song as a duet for her 1993 album “Back to Broadway” backed by the entire London Symphony Orchestra.

[@alexkoronec4326]

After Michael Crawford. I would have to say John Owen Jones. Did carry the high notes

[@gracestupel4284]

Exactly

[@debrabaird7718]

Michael has such emotion in his voice.

[@rorus9530]

I love listening him sing O Holy Night.

[@heyitsblinded]

Sierra and Ramin my god. What chemistry. What beauty. What grace.

[@normgilmore7541]

I wonder how Ben Lewis and Sierra would sound together . or Ben with Sarah

[@ewaleokadia76]

@@normgilmore7541 Sarah Brightman's voice had definitely aged and she doesn't sound as well as when she was younger.

[@normgilmore7541]

Ben Lewis with Sierra would be interesting .but you have to admit the other 3 ladies that Ben sang with are excellent .

[@FelixTruvere]

“Be” ? No the REAL test is the last lyric, holding the last note, “Night”

[@highbaritone]

Felix Truvere as a Phantom that note is a killer in performance.

[@bethjarzombek4742]

Indeed! Mr. Golightly needs to do a contest for that next.

[@toriwave]

Indeed the challenge in the song

[@daviddumas5503]

Truee

[@王舒萱]

yeeeeeees！ and “soarrrrrr～”

[@jaxon183]

Holy cow Andrea bocceli can hit the notes as easily as slicing hot butter with a chainsaw

[@classicalhero7]

He certainly made it look the easiest of the lot.

[@MtnNerd]

He has such a heavy Italian accent though. It's like Piangi is playing the Phantom

[@joseg4249]

Couldn’t understand him

[@claudiomarcelogiannattasio4855]

But he's quite emotionless, as all he ever sings.Just my opinion, of course.

[@ijustwatchsomeyoutube2186]

Claudio Marcelo Giannattasio I mean well he is blind.

[@ilikeyoutube836]

I fell in love with the original POTO at the age of 12. I learned every word, every note, and listened to it so much that I literally wore a hole through the cassette tape. No one will EVER outdo Michael Crawford as the Phantom for me

[@darthkurland]

Crawford was the first Phantom I heard. As well as the first one period. So that makes him my personal favorite.

[@lorrainebishop3520]

Lloyd Webber was married to Sarah Brightman..she was a popstar but he saw beyond that. Crawford he chose... they are the two that really he composed it for... they are the best 👌

[@nancywood9531]

Micheal Crawford played the tall buffoon who worked in the general store in " Hello Dolly" with Barbra Striesand and Walter Mathow....what a difference in characters. MICHEAL was great in Phantom.

[@scaramouche_enjoyer068]

Michael is my favorite phantom, his voice fits the phantom as a character so well!!!!

[@eddominates]

I have to agree

[@ladygrumpycat]

The way Ramin acts when he sings “soul” makes me want to faint.

[@theyfearme1379]

He does that to all you ladies and makes you feel tingly in your undies lol. I'm a str8 male and he does that to Me too lol

[@avril_wsw]

ramin is HANDS DOWN my favourite phantom in every aspect,, he’s not purely traditionally technical when it comes to his singing and he adds his own little special parts that show his style, the way he pours his emotion into his singing is in a whole different level to me and it just gets me all the time,, and i just kinda like his tone a lot more than the other phantoms

[@kurtleonard3024]

I'll offer this: he's my favorite too. But imagine watching Michael Crawford establish the role, and the notes, and the emphasis on certain parts, and all that. The original OG is always the benchmark...but Ramin almost surpasses it in my mind! There are VERY few that compare to Ramin IMO! That said, there's a TON of vocalist/actors that do the Phantom justice. But yeah...Ramin is my current fave, although I gotta say that Gerard Butler did very well!! Giving credit where it's due, no hate. :)

[@cassierose751]

He's my favourite too.

[@marcellasorially9330]

I feel the same.

[@WillCrump-e5x]

@@kurtleonard3024 Michael's fluid movements....his hands...he is the best Phantom that ever has been.

[@timrepiphoni2008]

Notice how Ramin is the only one (that I noticed) who doesn't need a gigantic, contrived breath right before the octave leap, instead taking it earlier in the phrase at a place that makes sense of the text. That makes it a longer phrase to sing and he still nails the high note, and then some. This is the winner for me - remarkable.

[@elizaheathen]

had to rewatch you are correct he is breathtaking

[@ralelunar]

I'd say that him and Michael Crawford both approach that note fearlessly

[@TheAngelineFM]

Yes I agree!!

[@MoonSpinners]

Epiphoni ....yes, I completely agree, he's marvellous, clearly the best in my opinion, on a side note, i really though Josh Groban was going to have some kind of attack while hitting that high note 😂

[@cascharles3838]

I think John Owen Jones avoided that too!

[@chrisross1657]

I too grew up a Crawford fan but Ramin is just magical. It is no surprise that he was paired with Boggess either. WOW ! What a duo !

[@maximusmawle2904]

Nobody: Colm Wilkinson: BAAAAAY

[@crits2524]

Maximoose 2005 I was looking for this comment.

[@juliettriggs]

Also Sarah: Bwohhhhhhh

[@landioma]

Let your soul take you where you want to, BAEEEEE

[@tonze21]

Colm Wilkerson wavered

[@gothgirlgraveyard3539]

Nobody: Sarah Brightman: BWUOOOOOE

[@christinedickenson7514]

Saw Ramin Karimloo and Sierra Boggess's performance at Allbert Hall (25th Anniversary), and I was literally blown away. It was far and away the best performance of this that I have ever seen. Their chemistry was great, and their voices suited each other so well. Ramin had such range... soft and tender, but then equally strong and commanding. His voice was so gorgeous it made me cry!

[@hisweet3355]

Lucky you!

[@bryankuppers4516]

AGREED!!!!!

[@d43imoet]

YES!! Tbh, I only care (very much now) about POTO because I saw them in the 25th anniv free streaming the other day! I’ve known POTO songs all these years and never really understood why people are so madly in love with this story or this musical. I even saw one of the tour production and it didn’t leave any good impressions on me. But omg all that changed when I saw Ramin and Sierra’s Phantom and Christine. Just something about their performance that changed my point of view completely about POTO. Their chemistry, their acting abilities, and beautiful vocals made me a phan forever now. 💖💖💖

[@EvermoreisTimeless]

you are so lucky, I watch to recording of it all the time!

[@rustyshackleford7404]

You actually got to see that performance live? What a treasure that memory must be. Very jealous.

[@craaazyboy5231]

I think Michael Crawford and Gerard Butler need to be recognized for the fact that their voices are so recognizable and unique.

[@matthewcooper4248]

Right? Gerard Butler wasn't bad, he just isn't as good as people who are actually trained for this. But Webber would 't have chosen him for the film if he didn't think he was the right choice.

[@RoseTheWeirdo]

@@matthewcooper4248 I just can't bring myself to like him. I'm mad about the fact that Andrew had apparently offered the role to Michael and he had agreed but they just dropped him and choose Gerard instead.

[@colinmcphan]

@@RoseTheWeirdo Totally agree! Michael should have gotten the role in the film. I got to see Michael Crawford perform the role in New York and Los Angeles and he was stunning and heartbreaking as the Phantom!!!

[@matthewcooper4248]

@@RoseTheWeirdo That's completely fair, but there's a difference in not liking a portrayal and actually being bad in the role.

[@RoseTheWeirdo]

Well I couldn't stand his singing. I understand that he had only three singing lessons before the movie and I'm sure he did his best but he sounded bad imo.

[@lizziebowen4127]

Personally I know that Gerard Butler didn't sing it best, but the film was what I grew up listening to. Therefore, his interpretation is my absolute favorite! There's a rawness to it that I love, and his chemistry with Emmy is beautiful. I also adore the other phantom's, but childhood nostalgia make the film my go to version to watch on a rainy day...

[@agabrielauriu]

yeahhh! totally agree, i know that he’s not a professional singer but i grew up listening him and loving the film, and i love it 💗💗💗

[@laudigerber9729]

I totally agree, Gerard is my favourite no 1. The fact that he did it naturally and not as a professional singer, is absolutely a disgrace to him and to me. Michael Crawford is my second choice..

[@karakaspar1791]

Same 💕 personally I love his performance. I’m not a singer so I don’t really understand why people are so critical of him from the film

[@aubreyharmon1581]

girl we literally living the same life that is my exact opinion!

[@EM-mw2qr]

Gerard's Phantom had an edge to him that was really cool.

[@annewandahl8420]

Ramin Karimloo definately has my wote as the best Phantom ever. I never understood what so fantastic about Phantom of The Opera until I saw his interpretation of the character. Suddenly I got it. Thanks, mr Karimloo

[@shammyturtle9741]

Y’all are sleeping on Colm, he’s honestly one of the most talented male singers out there. He makes it seem effortless, just as he did in his role in Les Mis. Even at his age now, he’s still able to sing like that

[@jespermayland571]

.. and his "Ché" has never been topped, in my opinion!

[@bob9lives]

Hands down. After listening to anyone else I always have to re-listen to Colm just to retune my innards.

[@Johnny_Nitro]

Colm for the win.

[@lordyeetus6317]

@@bob9lives Agreed, he for me has the best tone throughout the high note - the resonance is just soul-filling. In this compilation I also really liked Ben Forster, John Cudia, and John Owen Jones.

[@darthkurland]

Michael Crawford said that he can still hit those high notes himself. But he’s not sure how much longer he’ll be able to.

[@Vesnicie]

The earlier Crawford interpretation is just so effortless. You don't see him preparing, getting ready to really impress the audience with how long he can hold a high note. It's just natural and passionate and absolutely in line with the story. Hands down the best.

[@Xfactories]

That's because it was a promo video. He will be 'singing' to a backing track

[@sleepbaby17]

I watched a snuck video of the live full play in the 80's he actually does transition into it that smooth, there's no big distracting big breath before he takes the note, and his acting is great

[@elizabethproulx5262]

My favorites were Gerald Butler, Michael Crawford, Colm Wilkinson, John Owen Jones, Han Jo-Sang and Ramin Karimloo

[@computerpurple]

3/20/23 Hello, i just wanted to say i am glad that i am not the only one who mentioned Colm Wilkinson

[@megankelley1105]

Does anyone else whisper "only then can you belong to me" when the video ends?

[@youtubingjaguar5082]

I do *in this darkness that you know you cannot fight. The DARKNESS of The Music of the Night.* ;)

[@whedonsworld]

Megan Kelley As you wipe the tears from your eyes? Yep that’s me.

[@animelover6195]

After every clip, yes.

[@brebrebliss6286]

Megan Kelley omg YES!😂❤💯

[@torikessel4717]

Yep. Me. I have obsessions. lol.

[@brittanybroquadio8846]

1. Ramin Karimloo all the way *bowing* 2. John Owen Jones *swooning* 3. Norm Lewis. *captivated*

[@TheMsiaddict]

Brittany Broquadio Ben Lewis.

[@1sleepingdragon]

I agree with the three you picked, but I'd flip Norm and Ramin. The reason for this is that both Ramin and John are full fledged tenors and as such the Ab they are hitting is right in their wheelhouse. Norm Lewis though is a full baritone and so this Ab is near or at the top of his range and yet he hits it both here and on "soar" beautifully. As a fellow baritone though, I might be a little biased.

[@aidanprice9794]

1sleepingdragon haha maybe but I still think Ramins is better. More impressive, maybe not. Better, I think so.

[@CynicalCharmer]

TheMsiaddict Ben Lewis, most definitely. His Phantom booms in voice and soars with emotional range, it's quite extraordinary.

[@manchestertart5614]

John Owen Jones ❤️❤️

[@hannahhancock1185]

I love how Colm says "BAEEEEE" 😂 I wouldn't expect anything less from him.

[@missgot2qtpies]

Ramin kinda does that too.

[@th3m00nstone]

@@missgot2qtpies makes sense considering that colm is ramin's idol

[@Raveyl]

Oh, I can't stand it when they do that.

[@lordyeetus6317]

God, his tone though.

[@seraph1337]

@@Raveyl that's because it's a way easier vowel to sing high on, but it doesn't cut through the wall of sound as well.

[@stephenmurray2867]

John Owen-Jones, with two Welsh names you can hear the echos of the valleys in the richness of his voice.

[@zacharythelen9758]

Is everyone in this comment section going to ignore the excellence that is John Owen Jones? 1. Ramin 2. JOJ 3. Michael Crawford *Absolute Last* : Paul Potts

[@bambi7154]

Zachary Thelen JOJ is the best phantom for yelling “Sing! Sing for me!”

[@kimmychan1967]

My top 3 as well.

[@calokid]

Wow, Ramin is really good!

[@chaosnoelle]

last is Paul Potts? What about Matt Corby? 😬

[@MrKry]

Right?? The man is absolutely brilliant!

[@Abby-km6vr]

You should do a comparison of phantoms singing the “down once more” line. “Down that path into darkness deep as HELL!!”

[@blackngoldcuttlefish3390]

the "Down Once More" part is randomly my favorite part of the whole show lol...just the passion, the pain, the frustration and resignation in the Phantom...and the audience basically knowing "uh oh, we're in for it now..."

[@MasterGaming-le4ts]

Gerard would win😂

[@madphantom7161]

@@blackngoldcuttlefish3390 I love it too

[@blackngoldcuttlefish3390]

@@madphantom7161 YES I'm glad to know someone else appreciates the intense emotional magic of that moment

[@elven-magic-rules2356]

I need this video lol

[@bemused2774]

Josh Groban looked surprised he even hit the note tbh.

[@Kazeemi2810]

🤣🤣🤣 There's not much in this world that makes me laugh out loud, but this comment...😂😂...I've actually got the giggles too 😂😂😂. Thanku from 🐨💛

[@ryanmillerii9265]

@@Kazeemi2810 i snickered when i watched it and laughed out loud seeing your comment... too true

[@marcellasorially9330]

Lol

[@hollyrafferty3593]

saw this comment and then watched him😂😂😂😂

[@ashleyknight2344]

💯 🤣

[@peterhawkins3004]

While there are many GREAT voices here, it's the pathos of Michael Crawford's voice that stands alone! Ramin is a close #2!

[@officert5147]

I was really impressed by David Cook's "be" the pitch was PERFECT. His actual voice style and other notes weren't my cuppa tea but I was shocked at how lovely that note was.

[@KenLucon]

He sang an A! As opposed to an Ab. Impressive resonance too!

[@jaymariano2011]

Still Michael Crawford. Voice is hauntingly beautiful. Out of this world. When he sing you’ll always feel the pain , the pain the phantom feels...

[@Jenniflute_ATLien]

Yes!! Have you ever heard him singing Gethsemane from Jesus Christ Superstar?!?! There’s one note he holds in that song, in his Live In Concert video that ALWAYS gives me goosebumps and chills every time I hear it!!! If I can find that video here on KZbin, I’ll reply..

[@Jenniflute_ATLien]

Here’s one version of his performance of Gethsemane, at 3:40 is the most bone-chilling, goosebump-inducing parts of the song! kzbin.info/www/bejne/eqS2ZmZ4dreiqZo

[@shoshanakent3645]

The ones that moved me to tears are: Michael Crawford, Andrea Bocelli, Jose Carreras, Gerard Butler and Ramin Karimloo.

[@mastermind0981]

Excellent list

[@shannonmcclain350]

Michael Crawford, hands down. The emotion he makes you feel touches the soul. Take a listen to his 1993 "O Holy Night." It'll leave you speechless.

[@mattdonah]

Shannon McClain love O Holy Night.

[@Jenniflute_ATLien]

Omg!! I love his version of O Holy Night!!!

[@kellyp136]

Have you heard him sing Gethsemane? Spectacular

[@Jenniflute_ATLien]

@@kellyp136 OMG!! I love his version of Gethsemane!!!!! Goosebumpinducing!!!

[@lukeprimmer6780]

Josh Groban looks as though he realizes he left the iron on just as hes about to hit the big note 😂 watch from 8:04

[@guinevererodriguez3807]

Luke Primmer 😂😂😂😂 PERFECT ANALOGY

[@hadleylh]

IM-

[@victoriaho9697]

HAHAHAAA

[@gothgirlgraveyard3539]

When your mom comes home but you didn’t clean your room

[@maggiemay3108]

Luke Primmer 😂😂😂 I laughed when I saw his face, but I almost peed myself when I read your comment! 😂😂😂

[@meg1955]

I wish it was possible to hear Freddy Mercury sing this

[@realdealdaveabramyk9005]

Janice R agree but he’d probably do some skat daddy eh-o call and response thing in there that would kill me :)

[@madelynleytem4429]

HELL YES!!!

[@ruslanshalintsev4793]

Ask Marc Martel

[@Elnont]

Yes!!!

[@COREKhaos]

Janice R I don’t think he would suit it

[@lesleywilcox]

Everyone after Michael is attempting to be as good as he was. Large and Owen-Jones came closest. He didn't need staging, mask or make up to instantly evoke the Phantom. He exudes the character through the screen especially the one with Dale - he'd left NYC just three months earlier and was in rehearsals for the LA opening. How many current fans realize that he worked on the note for "soar" for two months? Two months for one note because he wanted it perfect. So many are hurky-jerky and lack the presence, the cat-like movements and magnetism that Michael had. The character was so much a part of him that you can watch his transformation whether speaking about him or in concert. It just happens without effort on his part. Go watch MOTN from Cerritos in 1998 for his "come back" concert. You can *see* the transformation. Setting a couple rows away at his concerts really drove home that no one will ever be as good as him. I've seen PTO 9 times the last being in 2000 and have liked other performances and said a singer would make a great Phantom. There's still only one Phantom and that's Michael

[@waheedahosein9496]

I love how I heard Michael Crawford twice! This was so awesome.

[@darthkurland]

Michael Crawford still can command the entire orchestra just by the way he moves. And he said in a very recent interview that he still can reach that high note in this song. But he isn’t sure for how much longer.

[@jacksont79]

All I can say is Colm’s note is so Colm

[@Molly-tv5sv]

Honestly in my opinion; no one can top the pure CHEMISTRY that Sierra and Ramin have - plus the absolute power in Ramin's voice, coupled with the perfect oscillation into melodic soft passages. It's honestly as if he was born to play the phantom, and Sierra was born to play Christine.

[@AJ-hs7xj]

Michael Crawford, forever. My favorite. The most unique voice, the best, and the og.

[@thedoyles9075]

yes yes yes I don't understand why people think anyone else is even close. He has most hauntingly beautiful voice of all time, and I almost cringe when I hear any other singer sing this song. He has such a unique voice that all of these other highly trained singers all sound like boring robotic opera singers. It's not their fault. They just aren't unique like Crawford.

[@BlackPineNJ]

Ha OG .

[@jSyndeoMusic]

@@BlackPineNJ That really was clever, ha!

[@DarkLordDiablos]

When I saw this video I immediately said to myself, "why are they even bothering since we already know who will be number 1 as no one else can perform the song like Michael. It's like listening to other people try to sing the song on karaoke. Prop to them trying though. But anyone who doesn't say that Michael is number 1 is either tone deaf or just being a troll.

[@hopeaaron2027]

@@DarkLordDiablosI think that’s unfair- to me I don’t see how others DONT see how he obviously isn’t as strong a singer as many others on this list. Doesn’t mean he’s untalented though

[@robinwier]

This wonderful 12-minute "contest" is a testament to Webber's genius. Just think, he heard it first ... in his mind.

[@ilikeyoutube836]

I love this comment

[@rmyikzelf5604]

Except of course for the taaaaatatatatataaaa...tatatatataaaaaa tatatatataaaaaaa ... which was first first heard 15 years earlier in Pink Floyd's Echoes. Roger Waters later retaliated by writing "...Lloyd Webber's awful stuff runs for years and years and years. An earthquake hits the theater but the operetta lingers. Then the piano lid comes down... and breaks his fucking fingers. It's a miracle." And then there's Ravel, Puccini, Ray Repp, Mendelssohn, Frank Loesser. They were all dead of course. And Roger did not want to waste his time taking a serial plagariser to court. But yeah, hey, well done Andrew!

[@evanyo19992]

（～the phantom of the opera is here) ...inside my mind~~~

[@RealKungFu]

Michael Crawford!!!

[@Artur_0905]

Finally someone who has the same opinion as me

[@Momo_0_o]

Without a doubt!!

[@colinmcphan]

Totally agree!!!

[@DarkLordDiablos]

Everyone else on this list is just copying his performance so what is the point in this list.

[@victoriaspinella4604]

This will always be Michael Crawfords role!!!!! And I'm very surprised at how well Gerard Butler did. But definitely Michael Crawfords role.

[@Rosybub]

Nobody is commenting on Anthony Warlow, he's an amazing singer/performer and was perfectly cast as the phantom! I saw him in the role of the phantom during the 2007 Australian tour years ago and his portrayal was simply wonderful. Saw him again recently in Sweeney Todd, never fails to impress!

[@EdwardCa_A]

I totally agree!!!

[@rustingstardust5206]

Yes!!

[@normgilmore7541]

Yes Warlow and Ben Lewis . Its because they are Australian Ben Lewis is head and Shoulders over many .

[@chandlerbetts593]

I think a reason for that could be that he brought the key down.

[@brandonbenitez9746]

Warlow is an amazing vocalist and actor, definitely good for phantom and Sweeney, but the clip shown in this video doesn’t do him justice, that day was probably his bad day, he truly is just unbelievably amazing in other versions I’ve heard him in.

[@naonimusic5989]

Michael Crawford will always hold the top place in my heart. He is the OG of all phantoms and no one can top him.

[@gracehowell.]

I love how you manage to collect such a wide variety of performances, both male and female and in different languages.

[@woochatming9917]

Grace Howell Did he buy ticket in all these shows ?

[@pollyannafennell3581]

Michael Crawford ..... Definitely without question 🎭💖💫

[@riddler5624]

Gerald butler's short but natural and powerful 'where you long to be' will always be my favorite

[@kdeggraham895]

I love Gerald’s version.

[@alexkingalmighty]

@@kdeggraham895 meaning you first discovered the song through him😏

[@kdeggraham895]

@@alexkingalmighty Yes!

[@riddler5624]

@@alexkingalmighty me too!

[@zoe9690]

Finally some people who agree that gerard butler did an amazing job

[@jerrykennedy120]

Michael Crawford! We saw him in his last performance as the Phantom in New York City. Even got his autograph.

[@sblegostudios8585]

Michael Crawford remains the best in my opinion, although multiple of these such as Ramin remain magnificent.

[@marypapak5759]

Michael Crawford, hands down. Many others incredible, but my heart is with Crawford ❤️

[@marypapak5759]

Crawford had the voice, just the right timing, just the right everything… the original, never to be replaced❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@WillCrump-e5x]

I wish Michael hadn't had those horrible health issues! Who knows....He might have been able to get the role for the movie! I don't know why Andrew doesn't get the archival footage of the original London cast, clean up the video and audio and release that to the public on BluRay.

[@helainak.9363]

Okay but all of the guys from the Asian casts were SO GOOD!!!!!!! Like HOW HAVE I NEVER HEARD THEM BEFORE?!?!?!?!?!?

[@Elnont]

Ramin’s my fave but I quite liked how Norm Lewis’ voice sounded and obviously Andrea Bocelli sounded beautiful as usual.

[@darthkurland]

Both clips of Michael Crawford show his incredible presence and his voice is music to my ears. I still believe that they should have cast the movie with him reprising his Tony Award-winning role.

[@trustyshellback4724]

Michael Crawford! Not too short, yet succinct and powerful and perfect!

[@belindamcbride1]

I actually liked David Cook's take on that phrase. So many of the singers treat it like an athletic competition, and he has this lovely, soft run up to that note. Lovely contrast of softness and projection. Andrea Bochelli just makes it sound so easy. LOL!

[@xiction]

Me too! He's got a really unique voice!

[@FrozenRose816]

I remember watching that live and never expecting him to do that song as well as he did! He said he chose to do it that way because his reputation on the show had been to create arrangements for songs that were unusual, so he wanted to sing it straight to show he could pull it off. It was him doing this song that made me a fan and I still follow his career today.

[@janetsmith8566]

I liked cook's natural (yet precise and very sweet) performance of it. I too dislike the overly operatic ones - and the shouters!

[@JulietteVeronica1201]

I feel like we can all agree that Sierra, Emmy, and Gina learned the character of Christine the best. Christine loved the Phantom, whether you think of it as a teacher/best friend way or a romantic way, she loved him. I feel like the majority of Christines completely lack all chemistry with the Phantom they are working with. Gina, Sierra, and Emmy don't do that. They are hypnotized, completely dazed, they show Christine can have a big part in this song too when it comes to emotion through facial expressions.

[@TmBVB23]

JulietteMarie this is so true! Christine did love the Phantom. People can debate what kind of love it was, but the most beautiful and poetic part of this story is that even after EVERYTHING she went through, it was still so hard for her to leave him. He was a part of her.

[@torikessel4717]

Yay Emmy!

[@kittyflarekatarina]

no Sarah Brightman

[@xubs5919]

JulietteMarie Yeees! Gina and Sierra are my favorites!

[@shelleydong211]

... Oh, trust me, we do not all agree... and there are probably hundreds of Christines out there who have/had fantastic chemistry with their Phantoms. Actresses also choose to portray her differently, so you can't compare all of them on the same acting choices/portrayals. No one can have possibly watched all of them, anyway. You of can, course have your own opinion, though.

[@naly202]

Just take a moment to appreciate how effortlessly Andrea Bocelli hits that high note at 2:42

[@sandyaw3057]

I totally agree!

[@cady4074]

Honestly, with the way Ramin sings it so passionately, he's my favorite.😁

[@ziggazagga2835]

You're asking the wrong question. The hardest note for the Phantom in this piece is his last one. Sustaining that note through those slow, creeping chord changes is a real challenge as "brute force" won't work - you need amazing breath control which Crawford had.

[@Mikep487]

I disagree. Crawford's voice lacked the requisite size for that note.

[@zoharmars2162]

Mike Pinc. Thats absolutely ridiculous.

[@largeandmildlythreateningr2966]

PPP GGG unfortunately he sounds like he has sinusitis is the rest of it

[@saundrajohnson1571]

Apples and oranges. Yes, sustaining that note for that long through all of those key changes is challenging. But if I were to cast my phantom, I would pay more attention to the power note. Getting to it, hitting it, holding it, and all the while expressing the power and emotion that go along with it are much more memorable and in keeping with the Phantom, as a character.

[@littlecafegirl]

For a non-singer Gerard Butler did a great job. Also liked Stig Rossen.

[@p.caroletolley5429]

Saw Colm Wilkinson live and his top note was held extra long and gave me this shivers - amazing!

[@asyd2421]

Michael Crawford......my all time favorite phantom. ❤️

[@Chadisms]

If you know the character of the phantom there was something mysterious, creepy, and beautiful about him. With that being said I have to go with the OG Michael Crawford. He paved the way for all the others. Thx for putting this together.

[@jvr6272]

John Owen Jones for sure , he sang that “Beee” by raising from lower to higher notes. Too beautiful. Most of them just sang the high note with 1 flat note

[@hughwong144]

Exactly!

[@TheMusicPinkLover91]

Agreed

[@danielbeeferman5327]

Anyone else think Josh Groban's head was going to explode when he hit the high note?

[@youtubingjaguar5082]

I thought his face would fall off. He seemed shocked that he even hit that note! XD ;)

[@jobertsevilleno]

terrible.

[@toobeme24]

He saw a ghost on that note

[@thomashernandez1592]

Hahahahah

[@TALIS4ANGELS]

😂🤣😂

[@babyblue1194]

Micheal Crawford hit that note with the pure emotion behind it. Watching others after him, they are, as so many do, trying too hard. There are those that hit the note perfectly. They hold hold it to perfection. But they lack the emotion. Others try to emulate the emotion, but in their desire to recreate it ultimately fall short. When a song has been sung so iconically, everything else will always be compared to it.

[@WillCrump-e5x]

Yep! And if all others admit it at some level they wondered if they could stack up to Michael.

[@storm_5088]

Ben Foster and Earl Carpenter anyone? They actually had some solid note hits. I really liked theirs.

[@rosiemcgosie7376]

Love Earl Carpenter's phantom. :)

[@kdeggraham895]

Ben Forster!!!!!!

[@ariffinyuya]

earl was an AMAZING phantom.

[@agent_277]

I usually stick to Ramin (because I think that his voice is unique and no, it's not just because hes handsome 😅) but Earl really deserves some credit 👏

[@tanya_ivy]

love Ben!

[@blondewriter99]

David Cook had a few days rehearsal and nailed it. Michael Crawford has that eeriness about him no one else has.

[@wesdo77]

Ramin’s smooth transition without a pause or breath of “to - be “ is gorgeous control and sound.

[@brigdoneddie0153]

I was always taken by Crawford in the role and his mastery of the high notes and the last note.

[@londonwick9538]

Michael and Gerard always my favorites. Gerard is my favorite personally, prob an underrated opinion idk, maybe because I knew him first, but he has an special power in high notes to make such a strong and resonating sound, like in The Point of No Return.

[@alexian6023]

Please add in Jonathan Roxmouth.he’s an excellent Phantom to me.

[@jimjamballsy]

agreed!!

[@RH-ru8nm]

Yes! I watched him live and I fell absolutely in love with his voice

[@vivian9842112]

100 percent agree with you. Saw him performing live few days ago. Is voice by far for me is the best. It’s so mesmerising. He captured the phantoms feeling completely. He def deserves more recognition

[@julinasanthijohami6443]

I totally agree! I watched him last week and I was mesmerised!

[@kskhoo81]

@@vivian9842112 without a doubt, the night is hauntingly beautiful under his voice. Spell-bound. Glad I went and would want to go again and again

[@andreacardoza9582]

1. Ramin Karimloo (Something about his voice and the fact that I saw him live will always make him my favorite) 2. Anthony Warlow (Such a great strong voice and so good as the Phantom, wonderfully cast. Also amazing in Jekyll and Hyde singing The Confrontation and This is the Moment) 3. Gerard Butler (My first experience with the phantom and always one of my top faves and his voice is actually pretty good) 4. Caleb Hyles (He has this depth and gruffness and almost a rock edge to his voice and performance that offers this great darkness to the song that is just so Phantom of the Opera for me)

[@samuelmyers3904]

Not often to see caleb in the top 5, but I agree

[@lulu-wc9yd]

you saw Ramin live? fuck I’m jealous lol

[@andreacardoza9582]

@@lulu-wc9yd It was amazing saw him live in Phantom of the Opera and in the Sequel to Phantom of the Opera called Love Never Dies as the Phantom. Amazing! It was the best moment of my life.

[@belsnow1158]

@@lulu-wc9yd They released the entire broadway musical during the weekend but I think they took it down

[@lulu-wc9yd]

Bel Snow oh yes I saw it and it was amazing! Now I’m binge watching all Ramin’s videos lol

[@georgedamps]

How this was put together I do not know but what a fantastic job. Everyone has their favourites but giving people the opportunity to listen to all the greats is a feat in itself....thank you.

[@tomv1140]

Beautiful compilation, tons of time and work and research to put this together. I may be 'slanted' but Michael Crawford still stands atop my list of some of these greats.

[@thomaswalsh4080]

Ramin and Sierra are the Michael and Sarah of today.

[@ur1simp893]

facts

[@cristinepante6986]

How dare you say the truth

[@cookiealexd123]

Michael was not the one for me. Mincing round that damned stage with that soft voice :L Couldnt take him seriously as a dark forboding phantom.

[@cookiealexd123]

that said peter joback was worse.

[@gisellenguyen8272]

Sarah Brightman and Sierra Boggess both have abbreviations as S.B

[@26Purplegirl]

Literally the Christines' reactions to that note are everyone's reactions to it

[@lune78]

Wow, I wasn't expecting so much love for Gerard Butler, I thought most people hated his performance. To me, Michael Crawford remains the one and only phantom.

[@maryjanestomberg2097]

I'm not surprised to see the love for Gerard Butler. He is extremely powerful in his handsomeness and strong, masculine physicality which pushes that great sound out and he is a great actor as well.

[@6024ke1]

He was truly awful in the film! No acting skill and certainly no emotion at all in his singing or portrayal of Phantom. Truly ghastly!!

[@RSNitsua]

lune78 He is my favorite. he’s got a great powerful voice. He portrays the emotional aggressiveness of the Phantom really well.

[@eyb0sswelcometothericefiel752]

I tend to lean towards him as well since I am a rock & heavy metal type, and I **LOVE* powerful baritone voices.

[@RSNitsua]

Ey b0ss welcome to the rice fields Yeah I think that’s why I like him is because I listen to Metal mostly.

[@hannahkasper9309]

You’re forgetting Paul Stanley, who played the Phantom in the 1999 Toronto production. In my opinion, he sang the shit out of it and knocked it out of the park. The fact that he identifies with the Phantom because of the fact that Paul was born with microtia, makes it an even more powerful performance. Highly suggest checking it out. There are recordings of it on KZbin if you search it up 😊

[@amandac9894]

I like Ramin but when Michael sings “where you long to be” it’s so magical and spectacular, he puts so much power into that ‘be’ and you can hear so much of his characters emotion. At the end of the day he truly believes Christine is meant to be with him, when he goes soft after that I’m left with goosebumps at how soft his voice is.

[@darthkurland]

You should have heard Michael’s final performance. The emotions that he let loose with will truly hit you with the same impact as the crashing chandelier.

[@desrgamersqumpai7764]

Micheal sings "music set you freeeeeeee"

[@darthkurland]

@@desrgamersqumpai7764 only in the first recording. He used the final lyrics for his stage performances.

[@thomaskaupish8841]

I know Gerard gets a lot of hate for his version of phantom, but he definitely got this part right.

[@nmg6248]

I loved his performance, he carried the movie with the emotion he gave the Phantom

[@zee3184]

I don’t get the hate cause there’s similarities of his performance with Earl Carpenter

[@michelenolastname]

He actually sang the song 1/2 tone higher. A was the high note.

[@Thepixiebella]

John-Owen Jones is just amazing, I can't. He's the best.

[@theresachaffey4404]

Ramin Karimloo no one can better him, the richness and clarity in his voice is superb ❤️

[@narnianiche9585]

Crawford just has that sneakiness to his voice which fits the Phantom. Gerard Butler wins in the sexiest Phantom category. I also enjoyed Anthony Warlow and John Cudia.

[@jengallagher8236]

Anthony Warlow... I've seen him play the phantom live 20 years apart and his voice is like chocolate and seductively flawless.

[@ravenhyde7046]

I also think he's one of the best!

[@kathysav3219]

He is amazing - though this isn't his best version

[@doodledude8190]

Yes, was looking for more Warlow lovers! I will admit, I liked his on stage preformances way better than the HD concert video.

[@dzfz2100]

agreed

[@eddominates]

In this comparison, I think he is the only one that can even hang with Crawford.

[@WildeGeekRach]

Who else was waiting the entire length of the video to hear Ramin Karimloo? 😂

[@elizabeth3588]

The Wilde Side amazing things take time:-)

[@pearl218]

Save the best for last lol

[@veronikabartakova1977]

Yeees 😂😂

[@joshparks9825]

yep😂

[@gothgirlgraveyard3539]

Nope, was waiting for Gerard

[@Tasha22Bella]

Ok, so the 1st, and best for me will always be Sir Michael Crawford. There is just something so magical, seductive and breath-taking about his rendition that I always find lacking in anyone elses rendition. Its the way he caresses some phrases, whispers others, and then belts and sustains other notes that just gives me chills and butterflies every time. Yes butterflies.. Remember how it made Christine feel, it swept her up, and off her feet, hitting in the heart and that's what his rendition does to me. Having said that, there are only a handful of others that I feel manage the same. In this list the stands outs of ones I've never heard are Earl Carpenter, John Cudia are incredible especially that they manage to sustain the note as well and powerfully as they do. From those I have heard: Andrea Bocelli as a tenor its his forte so its no surprise that he is able to sustain and pull of that note, Sarah Brightman is just Sarah Brightman need I say more, then albeit his version may not be as impressive as others on the list Gerard Butler does amazing as someone not from a classical/operatic background, and lastly Ramin Karimloo does it justice as only he can, tenderly when it needs to be and powerful when its required and lastly with feeling. Not on this list is a young gentleman I saw in The Southern Opera and Musical Theatre Company's production of The Phantom of the Opera presented by The University of Southern Mississippi School of Music with support from the Southern Miss Alumni Association. If anyone is interested I'll post the link. I sadly don't know the gentleman's name but if someone does I'd love to know it. It's The Phantom of the Opera 2017: Gold Cast. The gentleman who played Phantom did an amazing job.. Btw, his name is Ezekiel Andrew. goosebumps and chills and butterflies.. worth a watch, so here's the lilnk: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o4Ooq3x4orSjeLs

[@jfrey726]

For me Michael Crawford and Ramin are almost even with Michael being in front

[@chinosjay]

Michael crawford, his voice is the iconic phantom for me

[@damnnndamien6085]

Ramin Karimloo (no doubt) Gerard Butler (Og phantom in the movie) Norm lewis (amazing just amazingly amazing)

[@mattstjean11]

Exactly who I had in the same order

[@eljordinio7647]

Some of my faves are Anthony Warlow, Ramin, Norm, Caleb, Michael Crawford and JOJ. Those r some of the prime examples of the best Phantom imo. Caleb really should play the role cos his cover was great

[@damnnndamien6085]

@@eljordinio7647 true

[@feeonabee]

I absolutely love Ramin but when I first heard Norm Lewis I got chills

[@damnnndamien6085]

@@feeonabee same here 👍👍

[@TheWorldAccordingtoJim]

Congratulations to all of the Phantoms!!! I would buy a ticket to all of their performances Bravo

[@arladicey]

The one, the only, the OG... Michael Crawford. After him, the great John Owen Jones, then the powerfully-voiced Ramin Karimloo. All these men are gifted (even though he was woefully miscast, I'll even give Gerard Butler credit for giving it a noble try), but those are my top three.

[@caboose1909]

Michael Crawford and John Owen Jones

[@arladicey]

@@caboose1909 John Owem Jones is also very good. He was a very good Valjean in Le Mis, as well.

[@grahtman]

I greatly appreciate this.

[@julieeverett7442]

agreed

[@Spifflik]

Michael Crawford 1 2 3 and 4. Its not just the voice, but the acting, the movement, choreography, its his whole memorising delivery which makes him untouchable. Timeless masterpiece.

[@gerlynromano7570]

1.Ramin Karimloo 2 Michael Crawford 3.Norm Lewis 4.Gerard Butler Heeheehee

[@sammyrose797]

Michael should be one

[@kaceydonnelly]

Sammy Rose it’s her opinion and I agree with Gerlyn

[@owenkey3239]

This is the correct order

[@lilamichellegarza7743]

I agree 100%

[@mattstjean11]

I agree