great voice and nice interpretation. This in an Opera song, it's not pop music: further she was obliged to learn Italian (trust me the italian used in this song is 200 years old) in a few days... Rally nice performance Aretha :)
She is GREAT. GREAT. In every way. She interpreted this the way she felt it. I love her.She didn't worry about anything except the heart and soul of the music. Yes, if she had been in a studio it would have been fine tuned so to speak, but for her to step out into an entirely different genre of music and do what no other pop, soul , etc. singer would attempt to do is what makes her the epitome of GREAT. Just looking at her eyes when she was singing gave me chills.
She stepped in at "a moment" noticed...not too many singers can to that with a song like this. People are making a lot of nasty comments, but nobody else stepped up to the plate!
WHEN YOU ARE A TRUE LOVER OF ALL MUSIC AS I AM. YOU BEGIN TO REALIZE THAT THERE ARE ARE ONLY TWO TYPES OF MUSIC. GOOD AND BAD, THE REST ARE JUST CATEGORIES. WHEN ARETHA STEPPED IN WITH ONLY A FEW HOURS NOTICE TO DO THIS PERFORMANCE, SHE SHOWED WHAT A QUEEN TRULY IS AND WHAT A QUEEN DOES. SHE STEPPED OUT OF THE BOUNARIES OF CONTEMPORARY MUSIC AND DELIVERED A CLASSIC SO MUCH THAT EVEN TODAYS QUEEN ADELE, RECOGNIZES THIS PERFORMANCE AS HER FAVORITE GRAMMY MOMENT. LIKE A TRUE QUEEN.THIS WAS CLASSIC
A best friend died at age 63 from congestive heart disease and this, not a romance is what this does--to me--celebrate--the end of a life--momentously.
when you watch this woman sing, keep in mind, in light of Whitney's death, how difficult it is to persevere, as long as Aretha has, in an industry that's set up to allow more performers/vocalists, to fail, far, far more than they succeed. This woman has been singing since she was a VERY little girl..think about how many friends she's lost..think about how many struggles she's come thru, and finally think about how she OBVIOUSLY has been kept here on this planet, to do what she was born to do.
It doesn't matter how many of you post bad comments on here about Aretha''s performance, because frankly your opinions just don't count. The vote was already taken more then ten years ago in 1998 that people LOVED THE SURPIRSE PERFORMANCE THAT SHE GAVE. Even years after that including this years grammy awards (2012), there still talking about Aretha's Oprea performance. This year LL Cool J mentioned that Adele loved Aretha singing that and a few years ago Queen Latifah talked about it to.
Music is subjective, people. Remember that. People think this version is brilliant for a reason. They felt it. It made them cry. If something doesn't do it for you, it just doesn't. I appreciate all versions of this song, but this is my personal favorite.
Adele sent me here...didn't know about this performance until LL said it at the Grammys last night. Aretha isn't the Queen of Soul for nothing, this was an amazing rendition. Look at Faith Hill and Celine Dion facial expression, wow
A fabulous artist lending her incredible voice to tell a classic story in her own unique way! What was that??? Classical Soul??? Sudo-Operatic Dive? Outstanding. I wish I could download it.
I was still watching the Grammy's back in the late 1990s so I don't know how I missed this fantastic performance! What a versatile and dynamite woman! I know she did Pavrotti proud and to see my girl Faith HIll cry (how sweet)!
Love the reactions. Faith Hill wiping away tears, Celine going apeshit with awe, and Vince Gill mouthing "Wow." And then Sting kisses the hand Aretha just coughed in hahaha!
4:55. She coughs in her hand right before holding it out to Sting...and then he kisses it! LMAO! She's like a Queen all, "Kiss my germy hand commoner."
Shes not an opera singer.... but boy oh boy she did a very moving job in singing this in that majical Aretha style !!! She gave me chills up my spine ! She is one amazing singer/one of a kind/ long live the queen !
Cast aside all preconceived notions: This is a brilliant performance. Every time I hear it I weep: one of the greatest singers who ever lived singing one of the greatest songs ever written. Humans overachieving, Life is great. And, as Kurt Vonnegut said best, "Music is proof that God Exists."
I want all these stupid fucks that dog on Aretha for doing this song to look at my username. MUSICISUNITYANDLOVE! Music is not black, white, mexican, european, or anything else! Music is a beautiful treasure that we are blessed to have. Aretha did a gorgeous, moving interpretation that deserves love! Not hate! That is all I say!
Audience of music professionals? Half the audience started clapping before it was even over. That alone says that these "professionals" know nothing about opera or its performance practices.
@erikcray This was art friend not opera and Aretha is the greatest vocal artist in history, with this she placed herself above mere genre classification. She is simply ARETHA.
3:41-3:51. Know the purists hated that, but that's my favorite part. The AUDACITY, but at the same time it's not faux confidence, just NOBODY, maybe Ella, but that's it.
Yes Darlin' I am very well educated...but for those who are educated past common sense, as you seem to be, that can be a "normal" question.
If Puccini rolled over in his grave, it was to be able to hear better the voice of a Fellow Angel Singing a beautiful version of a beautiful song. Thanks for proving My point also....;]
@cecilycgordon Girl take a seat we all know she is not a trained opera singer but the people there loved her version and so do most of the people watching this clip. Take that stick out of your ass and watch another video if you don't like it. Singers have done their own interprertation of different genres of music over the years. Lets see you get up and sing it at the Grammy's oops I forgot no one knows you or cares.
I wonder how many of you critics could sing it better, with or without rehearsal. I liked it. Why the hell does everything have to be interpreted one way? Is there no room for a performance like this? I hear the same comments on all kinds of performances, and never from anyone who offers up better, or is such a musician that I'd have any respect for them.
I wonder if the DIVA'a multitude of adoring fans would react in the same overwhelmingly approving way if the shoe was on the other foot, with Pavarotti performing one of HER legendary pieces, 'RESPECT' for example, in HIS own inimitable operatic way.....
@enriqueali I would im an Aretha Franklin fanatic and I would love to hear Pavarotti sing anything even respect. A real music fan can appreciate all types of music.
I cried because Aretha Franklin gave an outstanding performance, a performance worthy of heaped-on praise and many extended standing ovations. To opera purists it probably is not perfect but it is the most stirring and emotion driven performances I have ever watched. GOD BLESS YOU ARETHA.
1- She forgot the lirycs when she was singing the english part.
2- You can't even understand when she sings the parts in italian.
3- At the end, when she sings 'Vincerò', she loses the voice and makes a pause and then goes 'cerò', 'cerò', 'cerò', wich means candle in italian. Makes no sence.
In her favor I have to say she had not enough time to practice the song, so it wasnt that bad. But it's not as memorable as others think. Not jumping up and down like others.
So many dumb comments. She is a soul singer, not an opera singer. And in her way she tells the story of this song magnificently and thrillingly: that's what the song is about; you feel her conviction of coming victory. It is fab.
i love Pavarotti....but the more i watch this the better i like it....as a matter of fact i think she was great!!!....have YOU ever tried to sing one of these numbers? i doubt it.....you must have the mastery of breathing and know where you are going next....not an easy task my friends....she was awesome....she did it in HER style and that made it even better....Bravo Aretha....Bravo!!!
ARETHA AND ARIA: ART @ IT'S FINEST. IT'S GREATEST. IT'S HIGHEST. ALL WAS AND STILL IS WELL WITH ALAN ALFRED LIDDELL. A FELLOW SOUTHERN AND VOCAL ARTIST WHO WAS FOREVER BLESSED WITNESSING THIS EVENT.
I get goosebumps when I see this vid, during the 1970's I worked at Sadlers Wells Theatre, and watched many great operas, but to see Aretha Franklin singing my favourite, its total magic, a real showstopper, thanks for posting xx
WHAT IS IT WITH ALL THESE POLITICALLY CORRECT PEOPLE. WHENEVER A PERSON PERFORMS BADLY AT SOMETHING, IT IS ABSOLUTELY OK TO SAY SO. EVEN IF THAT PERSON BELONGS TO A MINORITY. ALSO, SHE DID PERFORM RATHER POORLY, AND THERE IS NO NEED TO GIVE CREDIT TO ANYBODY JUST FOR DOING THE BEST THEY CAN; NOT AT THIS LEVEL ( EXCEPT FOR KIDS, YOU SHOULD ALWAYS PRAISE THEM ). IF YOU KNOW YOU HAVE ONLY LITTLE TIME TO PREPARE FOR SOMETHING AND YOU KNOW YOU CAN´T PULL IT OFF, THEN BOW OUT GRACEFULLY!
@lohphat THE REASON SHE GOT A STANDING OVATION IS THAT THEY RESPECT HER AS A PERSON AND HER ACCOMPLISHMENTS, BUT THAT IS BY FAR NOT AN INDICATOR OF A SATISFYING PERFORMANCE. WOULD YOU OPENLY DISAPPROVE AN ACCOMPLISHED ARTIST WITHOUT FEARING THE CHASTISEMENT OF YOUR FELLOW ONLOOKERS? AGAIN, WE DO NOT KNOW HOW THE MAJORITY OF PROFESSIONALS REALLY FELT ABOUT THIS. REMEMBER, NO MATTER HOW CRAPPY THE PESIDENT THROWS THE FIRST PITCH OF THE SEASON, EVERYBODY CHEERS!
She was asked to step in 20 minutes before the performance without a rehearsal -- in Luciano's key since that's what the orchestra rehearsed in the day before.
It's a heart-rendering performance that's deeply touching and emotive. Welcome to being human.
This is Aretha saying "I love this song, and I'm going to sing it to suit my voice and personal style." She's not trying to go to La Scala or the Met. She's not trying to audition for a role or record a set of arias. She's just singing this one song to her own personal satisfaction. People in the audience are moved to tears because they enjoy it. Why are some opera buffs being so snobbish?
That trill she does on the "O" of vincero at 4:02 is MAJESTIC! It brings that crescendo to new heights. This performance separates the closed-minded, greyscale-thinking, genre stuck, snobs from people who truly understand music & the universal elasticity of art. Music is about human emotion, not genre. She emotes passion which would have moved Puccini himself. I'd add that Aretha Franklin has done more for music & it's history than ANYONE here critiquing her. Signore Pavarotti agreed. Bravo!!!
I have never seen one event polarize people the way this moment did. People either love it or they hate it. I saw this when it was broadcast and I knew then what I know now: This moment was legendary and I was lucky to have witnessed it myself.
@wbbelcher I witnessed it too and had my vcr recording. I literally wore the tape out over the years. This was the performance that turned me on to opera. It taught me that music really does transcend.
I remember watching this, already being a fan of both pavoratti and nessum dorma, and I remember my body just freeze and take in that amazing style she brought to that piece. To this day, nothing moves me as much as this performance. Brava!!
@aldojm13 I remember watching this and thinking "Oh my God, is THIS how opera can make me feel? THIS is why people cry!" Even though I now realize that this rendition is very stylized, I still am absolutely floored by it.
I love how she cutely sashays around the stage after she just kicked our asses. You should see my face when I listen to this. It looks like someone just told me they ended a war by giving everyone puppies. Something like that. XD
The most magical awards show due to Aretha. I wanted to watch Pavorotti, and was confused when they announced Aretha as his replacement. I thought " what a set of balls, attempting this song" If she did not perform to everyones liking, they missed the out. She blew me away and even though it was quite different, it gave me the same tears and goosebumps. God bless them both.
She demonstrated pure magnificence and musical athleticism in this performance. One of the genius of African American artistry is the ability to touch any musical genre and transformed it and take it to new heights. Ms Franklin singing of this difficult piece demonstrated this fact and illuminated the fluidity and universality of music. A truly golden moment in the annals of American and world music...
For Pav to ask Aretha to sing is a true test of friendship and respect. I do understand and respect the discipline that opera requires. The same is said for true singers and given the fact that Aretha has been singing since the 1960's is a true test of her abilities to sing anything. Some of you need to take stock and realize that Aretha is the last of the greatest singers on the planet. The one before her was Ella Fitzgerald. And, if you do not know who Ella is....search YouTube and listen.
Opera is a discipline and a lifestyle and should never be reduced to karaoke sing along time. If she did something well I'd cut her a break but she couldn't have slaughtered the language or the style more. Opera is a style. U fit into it, it should never change for you. Not ok
@vans1744 At the end of the day, Opera is music. Whenever a novice sings along to his or her favorite music of any genre, it's reduced to karaoke. Aretha has a history of singing songs made popular by other artists, and putting her spin on them(Rolling Stones, James Brown, Beatles, Diana Ross, Glen Campbell, CCR). I think in her mind, she was just doing the same thing again...I do understand your point of view however.
Singing isn't a piece of functional architecture to be graded on technical grounds. Thus piece is about love and heartbreak and she nailed it. Opera is about the human condition, not a technical permitting process with a pass/fail. This was a magnificent performance which had me in tears of emotion at the end. Her peers in the audience got them too. There's a clue in that.
Also if you need to use insults to emphasis your point, you show your own inadequacies. The ovation of the audience tells you that they were profoundly moved by the performance and her delivery. It was so unexpected and something no one had seen from her before. This performance has added to her legend as an extraordinary talent who has graced us with her gift for five decades. Like Pavarroti, she is one of the greatest voices of the 20th century. Argue if you must, but that much is obvious.
Incredible! For her to step into unknown territory at a moments notice without the preparation, and without the training and years of experience that singers in the classical music field are required to have before they step onto the world stage. Hate all you like, but this was a special moment that touched many who watched it live back in 98, and it still resonates today. One of the great live televised moments of the last two decades. She is NOT an Opera singer, she is a musical genius!
A genius? Come on! While it is undeniable that she did have a spectacular vocal range and impeccable tonal quality when young, there is not excuse for this utter disaster. Especially because she has been making a ridiculous amount of fuss about her "operatic" training for decades. Her legato is disastrous, she is singing in the tenor range and yet, her high notes sound strangled, her low notes are unclean and she can't vocalize. Why this mess is considered a great moment is beyond inexplicable.
@Apozimiosi Everyone knows Aretha is not an Opera singer. This performance moved people. Not because it was a technically perfect operatic performance. It was as much about the moment as it was the music. She transcended the technical requirements of the piece. She is a SOUL singer. Its interperative and about feeling. If it didn't move you, well that's fine. I might feel the same way if Maria Callas tried to sing traditional Rhythm & Blues songs.
I don't care who asked her to sing this, even if it was a favor, this is just TERRIBLE. Still to singing soul music Aretha- you're awesome at that. Opera, NOT so much.
Aretha Franklin and Sarah Brightman are the only two females who nail Nessun Dorma! I love all the male versions I have heard over the years from Pavarotti, Carreras, Domingo, to Andrea Bocelli!!!! Bravo to you all!!
she sounds like Aretha always does Soulful. she put her soul into opera to make an outstanding mix. But she didn't do it for the show or the herself. She did it for Pavarotti. To honor him as living legend of the year and in that respect this was Beautiful.
yall are going pretty hard at each other on here. I am a classically trained singer and I loved it, granted it was not technically sound but who would say that to the Queen of Soul and She would never say she was an Opera singer. I feel what everybody is saying on here and all points are valid, but the performance was still awesome. So lets just take a min to wu sa
@h2o768 you have a right to your opinion.no one likes everything are the same things and for this I respect you for. but I loved it because I have always loved Aretha's singing.and she really did a superb job!! because she is not a opera singer but the best gospel,soul and r&b singer there ever was.so keep voicing your opinion
She is Aretha Franklin and she is the epitome of all that is American. There is a touch of humor in this performance but the woman is every bit as much and important a legend as was Luciano and I dare say her music has probably touched many more lives. She really is one of a kind and I have a feeling that this performance will live on to be much treasured and loved.
Aretha Franklin is so talented and professional - respect, amazing grace,think, do right woman, sisters , i knew you were waiting, who's zooming who and nessun dorma (and all the rest) - a true musician. Thank you Ms Franklin for sharing your tremendous talent, your gift and your musicianship with the world.
I'm at the right age to see things go from great to "WTF" These children harp on this Beyonce lady...and they have no idea about stuff like this...heart, professinalism...and everything one could hope for. You could set yourself to not want to like this and end up floored. Why? Her heart was in it. Yeah she is the Diva, She is the Queen, because she worked on it and made thing her own..I love Aretha. xxxoo!
Aretha has been ill folks, lets wish her well and share this video on all your favorite share sights. Im sure it would cheer her to know people still love and admire her.. Thank you!
I just listened to all of the performances of this song and Aretha's and Povarotta"s have the most , Power, Raw Emotion, Feeling, Heart and Soul (Aretha's had the soul) I have ever heard.. This is something that no astest wud even try on such short notice even if they were an opera singer.. It's just a hard ass song to sing, LET alone in a key that is not your own... WOW ARETHA..WOW..BRAVO..BRAVO..
Aretha Franklin is a great singer and everytime I hear her voice I shiver, and when I watch this it makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up...Bravo Ms. Franklin!
Each time I hear this recording, I hear a different brilliant quality. This remains the performance that defines Aretha as a worldwide treasure. It's been told that when she sang it a week prior, it was keyed signficantly higher. Having to sing Pav's arrangement forced her to sing some low, low notes. But, she was able to soar at the end. Brilliant and anointed performance.
I'm not a huge Aretha Franklin and never have been, but there is no denying Aretha's talent unless you are an idiot. It's not fair to stereotype soul artists into one genre, because if this performance doesn't show her true talent nothing else ever will. This is absolutely musically amazing that this was even accomplished.
great voice and nice interpretation. This in an Opera song, it's not pop music: further she was obliged to learn Italian (trust me the italian used in this song is 200 years old) in a few days... Rally nice performance Aretha :)
alec984 8 hours ago
THIS WOMAN IS GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!
petranilla14 1 day ago
Flip, does she EVER not wear dead animals??
MsKStar 4 days ago
She is GREAT. GREAT. In every way. She interpreted this the way she felt it. I love her.She didn't worry about anything except the heart and soul of the music. Yes, if she had been in a studio it would have been fine tuned so to speak, but for her to step out into an entirely different genre of music and do what no other pop, soul , etc. singer would attempt to do is what makes her the epitome of GREAT. Just looking at her eyes when she was singing gave me chills.
JudionnaZ 5 days ago
UNA GRANDE!! SIN TEMOR A NADA!!
mrcaosguzman 6 days ago
She's good, but she should stick to what she does.
Oznogschannel 1 week ago
Comment removed
Jonnybass7 4 days ago
@Oznogschannel Ha! Yeah, right.
Jonnybass7 4 days ago
LL Cool J: "Aretha sang PAPAROTTI!" ... *FACEPALM*
Anyway, I would have loved to see Luciano step in last minute and sing, "You Better Think" for Aretha at some time ;D
xxxHeyZeusxxx 1 week ago
She stepped in at "a moment" noticed...not too many singers can to that with a song like this. People are making a lot of nasty comments, but nobody else stepped up to the plate!
slimtee2 1 week ago 2
WHEN YOU ARE A TRUE LOVER OF ALL MUSIC AS I AM. YOU BEGIN TO REALIZE THAT THERE ARE ARE ONLY TWO TYPES OF MUSIC. GOOD AND BAD, THE REST ARE JUST CATEGORIES. WHEN ARETHA STEPPED IN WITH ONLY A FEW HOURS NOTICE TO DO THIS PERFORMANCE, SHE SHOWED WHAT A QUEEN TRULY IS AND WHAT A QUEEN DOES. SHE STEPPED OUT OF THE BOUNARIES OF CONTEMPORARY MUSIC AND DELIVERED A CLASSIC SO MUCH THAT EVEN TODAYS QUEEN ADELE, RECOGNIZES THIS PERFORMANCE AS HER FAVORITE GRAMMY MOMENT. LIKE A TRUE QUEEN.THIS WAS CLASSIC
djhouse40 1 week ago
A best friend died at age 63 from congestive heart disease and this, not a romance is what this does--to me--celebrate--the end of a life--momentously.
stevensondavid096 1 week ago
when you watch this woman sing, keep in mind, in light of Whitney's death, how difficult it is to persevere, as long as Aretha has, in an industry that's set up to allow more performers/vocalists, to fail, far, far more than they succeed. This woman has been singing since she was a VERY little girl..think about how many friends she's lost..think about how many struggles she's come thru, and finally think about how she OBVIOUSLY has been kept here on this planet, to do what she was born to do.
MisterCrazyLegs 1 week ago
It doesn't matter how many of you post bad comments on here about Aretha''s performance, because frankly your opinions just don't count. The vote was already taken more then ten years ago in 1998 that people LOVED THE SURPIRSE PERFORMANCE THAT SHE GAVE. Even years after that including this years grammy awards (2012), there still talking about Aretha's Oprea performance. This year LL Cool J mentioned that Adele loved Aretha singing that and a few years ago Queen Latifah talked about it to.
faznout 1 week ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Wait. Any time they can just call you up on stage to sing a song like that-- in Italian, you're a bad, bad, bitch!!! Al hail the Queen!!
WowKowboy 1 week ago
I've never seen her in a more beautiful outfit! She sounds great!!!
RawJewel 1 week ago
Music is subjective, people. Remember that. People think this version is brilliant for a reason. They felt it. It made them cry. If something doesn't do it for you, it just doesn't. I appreciate all versions of this song, but this is my personal favorite.
buffyguy09 1 week ago 2
just incredible
xamdim1414 1 week ago
Lik if adele made u look at this
Isaac30301 1 week ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Adele sent me here...didn't know about this performance until LL said it at the Grammys last night. Aretha isn't the Queen of Soul for nothing, this was an amazing rendition. Look at Faith Hill and Celine Dion facial expression, wow
anye76 1 week ago
Comment removed
anye76 1 week ago
OMG!!! Worst "Nessun dorma" i ever heard...
Is this a some kind a sick joke?
Drosophila77 1 week ago
TY TY I have been looking for this ever since I first saw it on TV. Made me cry then and I am crying now. Aretha, you totally out-shined Pavarotti.
DandySandyMae 1 week ago
I remember watching this in back then and thinking "beautiful",,,the same thought i have now
2FUNNYMIKE 1 week ago
A fabulous artist lending her incredible voice to tell a classic story in her own unique way! What was that??? Classical Soul??? Sudo-Operatic Dive? Outstanding. I wish I could download it.
marbaulo 1 week ago
Thanks LL Cool J for mentioning this performance on the Grammys tonight!
Lovelymiz 1 week ago 12
I was still watching the Grammy's back in the late 1990s so I don't know how I missed this fantastic performance! What a versatile and dynamite woman! I know she did Pavrotti proud and to see my girl Faith HIll cry (how sweet)!
Lovelymiz 1 week ago
Love the reactions. Faith Hill wiping away tears, Celine going apeshit with awe, and Vince Gill mouthing "Wow." And then Sting kisses the hand Aretha just coughed in hahaha!
donkeygospel6 1 week ago
@donkeygospel6 yeah we get it she coughed in her hand... sheesh
cha53z 1 week ago
4:55. She coughs in her hand right before holding it out to Sting...and then he kisses it! LMAO! She's like a Queen all, "Kiss my germy hand commoner."
donkeygospel6 1 week ago 3
P A I N F U L L
Monrocsol 1 week ago
Shes not an opera singer.... but boy oh boy she did a very moving job in singing this in that majical Aretha style !!! She gave me chills up my spine ! She is one amazing singer/one of a kind/ long live the queen !
trigsams 2 weeks ago
At 0:40 - - - 4:25 you feel a freaking emotion in your heart!! YOU CANT JUST DESCRIBE IT IN WORDS!
Everyone was felling it!
kinkahochu1 2 weeks ago
Cast aside all preconceived notions: This is a brilliant performance. Every time I hear it I weep: one of the greatest singers who ever lived singing one of the greatest songs ever written. Humans overachieving, Life is great. And, as Kurt Vonnegut said best, "Music is proof that God Exists."
45butter 2 weeks ago 3
I want all these stupid fucks that dog on Aretha for doing this song to look at my username. MUSICISUNITYANDLOVE! Music is not black, white, mexican, european, or anything else! Music is a beautiful treasure that we are blessed to have. Aretha did a gorgeous, moving interpretation that deserves love! Not hate! That is all I say!
musicisunityandlove 3 weeks ago
@musicisunityandlove ...so well said...Aretha is a treasure !
trigsams 2 weeks ago
@musicisunityandlove Awesome! Thanks for telling ti like it is! People are so stupid! Bows to the Queen!
eagleswing44 1 week ago in playlist Favorite videos
@1hes2ranger85 You can't forget Ms. Billie Holliday! :)
musicisunityandlove 3 weeks ago
Wow, did she nail this piece. Anyone who disagrees should try to imagine Pavarotti singing Respect or Chain Of Fools.
Jonnybass7 3 weeks ago
Comment removed
Jonnybass7 3 weeks ago
Puccini meets Franklin.
1hes2ranger85 3 weeks ago
Aretha is the best singer on the planet.
Jonnybass7 3 weeks ago
Audience of music professionals? Half the audience started clapping before it was even over. That alone says that these "professionals" know nothing about opera or its performance practices.
erikcray 3 weeks ago
@erikcray This was art friend not opera and Aretha is the greatest vocal artist in history, with this she placed herself above mere genre classification. She is simply ARETHA.
3:41-3:51. Know the purists hated that, but that's my favorite part. The AUDACITY, but at the same time it's not faux confidence, just NOBODY, maybe Ella, but that's it.
1hes2ranger85 3 weeks ago
@erikcray That's only because they were so stunned at her performance.
Jonnybass7 2 weeks ago
That was breathtaking. Puccini would be proud. Opera and Soul have more in common than we think. She can sing ANYTHING!!!!
tillyboos 4 weeks ago
i can never stop listening to the last part amazing that soul right there
loveytaimani 1 month ago
@cecilycgordon
Yes Darlin' I am very well educated...but for those who are educated past common sense, as you seem to be, that can be a "normal" question.
If Puccini rolled over in his grave, it was to be able to hear better the voice of a Fellow Angel Singing a beautiful version of a beautiful song. Thanks for proving My point also....;]
sugarrgerl7 1 month ago
@cecilycgordon Girl take a seat we all know she is not a trained opera singer but the people there loved her version and so do most of the people watching this clip. Take that stick out of your ass and watch another video if you don't like it. Singers have done their own interprertation of different genres of music over the years. Lets see you get up and sing it at the Grammy's oops I forgot no one knows you or cares.
viz1 1 month ago in playlist Favorite videos 2
@viz1
Very well put...!
sugarrgerl7 1 month ago
amazing
kaqcruz03 1 month ago
That's why Aretha Franklin is the biggest singer of all times.
2009renanrenan 1 month ago
I wonder how many of you critics could sing it better, with or without rehearsal. I liked it. Why the hell does everything have to be interpreted one way? Is there no room for a performance like this? I hear the same comments on all kinds of performances, and never from anyone who offers up better, or is such a musician that I'd have any respect for them.
steamboat75043 1 month ago
I wonder if the DIVA'a multitude of adoring fans would react in the same overwhelmingly approving way if the shoe was on the other foot, with Pavarotti performing one of HER legendary pieces, 'RESPECT' for example, in HIS own inimitable operatic way.....
enriqueali 1 month ago 2
@enriqueali I would im an Aretha Franklin fanatic and I would love to hear Pavarotti sing anything even respect. A real music fan can appreciate all types of music.
viz1 1 month ago in playlist Favorite videos
I cried because Aretha Franklin gave an outstanding performance, a performance worthy of heaped-on praise and many extended standing ovations. To opera purists it probably is not perfect but it is the most stirring and emotion driven performances I have ever watched. GOD BLESS YOU ARETHA.
lovemusic676999 1 month ago
This gave me tears too, but for another reason.
elainebmack 1 month ago
1- She forgot the lirycs when she was singing the english part.
2- You can't even understand when she sings the parts in italian.
3- At the end, when she sings 'Vincerò', she loses the voice and makes a pause and then goes 'cerò', 'cerò', 'cerò', wich means candle in italian. Makes no sence.
In her favor I have to say she had not enough time to practice the song, so it wasnt that bad. But it's not as memorable as others think. Not jumping up and down like others.
randallpp 1 month ago
@randallpp Really? Wow, since you seem to know so bloody much and can
have the bollocks to 'talk down' an Aretha Franklyn performance, then let's see
YOUR RENDITION of Nessun Dorma posted here on You Tube. If you're not
willing to post one, then keep your daft thoughts inside your head and OFF
the keyboard. You're not even worthy of mentioning Madame Franklyn's name.
What a bloody cheek you have.
British0Pixie 2 weeks ago
This is embarrassing. She is not an opera singer. She RAPED this aria. It's atrocious.
MsTattletell 1 month ago
and most opera singers think they can sing everything, but most of the time all they can sing is opera
mabdancer 1 month ago
She literally BROKE TO PIECES one the greatest masterpieces ever!!! Living proof of how a great voice can also ruin a song!!!
snoopy84able 1 month ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Omg I am in tears! I just heard this on NPR yesterday and there are not words to express the beauty and power within this vocal moment.
lnsyking 1 month ago in playlist classical/opera
Comment removed
lnsyking 1 month ago in playlist classical/opera
Bravisimo! Aretha did take piece and make it her own. Amazing!
greatscottomaha 1 month ago
Aretha Franklin is a trooper and her interpetation was beautiful. What a treasure.
SJBecker999 1 month ago
To all the haters...It is the epitome of Ignorance to not Recognize Beauty.....
sugarrgerl7 1 month ago in playlist A Jams 2
@sugarrgerl7 You're an idiot. Why don't educate yourself about opera repertoire and how it should be sung.
MsTattletell 1 month ago
@MsTattletell Thanks for Proving My Point....Appreciate that.;].....
sugarrgerl7 1 month ago
Beautiful!!!
rabbitears123456 1 month ago
So many dumb comments. She is a soul singer, not an opera singer. And in her way she tells the story of this song magnificently and thrillingly: that's what the song is about; you feel her conviction of coming victory. It is fab.
doobeedoo2 1 month ago 14
@doobeedoo2 it's not fab. It's crap... It's like playing opera in a McDonald: WRONG!!
dioioego 1 week ago
@doobeedoo2 I agree but she did murder this song from a classical stand point. It doesn't mean that she isn't an AMAZING singer although.
Christiandavakis 1 week ago
@Christiandavakis Maybe this is true from your perspective, but it gave Me chills.
stevensondavid096 1 week ago
my god, ms aretha made me cry this is so beautiful her love for mr pavarotti truly shows. my lord my lord
soulfullsongbird88 1 month ago
when I watched this I almost cried...she took it and made it her own and it was lovely.
BlissfulMary 1 month ago
i love Pavarotti....but the more i watch this the better i like it....as a matter of fact i think she was great!!!....have YOU ever tried to sing one of these numbers? i doubt it.....you must have the mastery of breathing and know where you are going next....not an easy task my friends....she was awesome....she did it in HER style and that made it even better....Bravo Aretha....Bravo!!!
italy4blktop 2 months ago
sting for godsakes!
1Winoh 2 months ago
Interpretazione fantastica! Grande Aretha!!!
Massimo66ist 2 months ago
HOLLY SHITTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT........ POOR GIACOMO PUCCINI, IF HE LISTEN IT, HE TAKES A GUN AND BLOWS HIS BRAIN AWAY.
mauriciomille 2 months ago
ARETHA AND ARIA: ART @ IT'S FINEST. IT'S GREATEST. IT'S HIGHEST. ALL WAS AND STILL IS WELL WITH ALAN ALFRED LIDDELL. A FELLOW SOUTHERN AND VOCAL ARTIST WHO WAS FOREVER BLESSED WITNESSING THIS EVENT.
anointedalan 2 months ago
This woman is a national treasure....
byor1 2 months ago
I get goosebumps when I see this vid, during the 1970's I worked at Sadlers Wells Theatre, and watched many great operas, but to see Aretha Franklin singing my favourite, its total magic, a real showstopper, thanks for posting xx
RUBYMUNRO 2 months ago
WHAT IS IT WITH ALL THESE POLITICALLY CORRECT PEOPLE. WHENEVER A PERSON PERFORMS BADLY AT SOMETHING, IT IS ABSOLUTELY OK TO SAY SO. EVEN IF THAT PERSON BELONGS TO A MINORITY. ALSO, SHE DID PERFORM RATHER POORLY, AND THERE IS NO NEED TO GIVE CREDIT TO ANYBODY JUST FOR DOING THE BEST THEY CAN; NOT AT THIS LEVEL ( EXCEPT FOR KIDS, YOU SHOULD ALWAYS PRAISE THEM ). IF YOU KNOW YOU HAVE ONLY LITTLE TIME TO PREPARE FOR SOMETHING AND YOU KNOW YOU CAN´T PULL IT OFF, THEN BOW OUT GRACEFULLY!
cuchulainn1967 2 months ago
@cuchulainn1967 Why did an auditorium of music professionals stand with an ovation? Why are you typing in all caps? It doesn't help your cause.
lohphat 2 months ago
@lohphat THE REASON SHE GOT A STANDING OVATION IS THAT THEY RESPECT HER AS A PERSON AND HER ACCOMPLISHMENTS, BUT THAT IS BY FAR NOT AN INDICATOR OF A SATISFYING PERFORMANCE. WOULD YOU OPENLY DISAPPROVE AN ACCOMPLISHED ARTIST WITHOUT FEARING THE CHASTISEMENT OF YOUR FELLOW ONLOOKERS? AGAIN, WE DO NOT KNOW HOW THE MAJORITY OF PROFESSIONALS REALLY FELT ABOUT THIS. REMEMBER, NO MATTER HOW CRAPPY THE PESIDENT THROWS THE FIRST PITCH OF THE SEASON, EVERYBODY CHEERS!
cuchulainn1967 2 months ago
@cuchulainn1967 Now it's a conspiracy. Got it. Troll.
lohphat 2 months ago
03:40 - 04:07 is my favorite part! :) Aretha is the best!
swedishfishfans 2 months ago
She was asked to step in 20 minutes before the performance without a rehearsal -- in Luciano's key since that's what the orchestra rehearsed in the day before.
It's a heart-rendering performance that's deeply touching and emotive. Welcome to being human.
lohphat 2 months ago
This is Aretha saying "I love this song, and I'm going to sing it to suit my voice and personal style." She's not trying to go to La Scala or the Met. She's not trying to audition for a role or record a set of arias. She's just singing this one song to her own personal satisfaction. People in the audience are moved to tears because they enjoy it. Why are some opera buffs being so snobbish?
rellenoz 2 months ago 2
espectacular la mato
juaniithooxxful 2 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
That trill she does on the "O" of vincero at 4:02 is MAJESTIC! It brings that crescendo to new heights. This performance separates the closed-minded, greyscale-thinking, genre stuck, snobs from people who truly understand music & the universal elasticity of art. Music is about human emotion, not genre. She emotes passion which would have moved Puccini himself. I'd add that Aretha Franklin has done more for music & it's history than ANYONE here critiquing her. Signore Pavarotti agreed. Bravo!!!
FameThreeTimes 2 months ago
Comment removed
FameThreeTimes 2 months ago
I have never seen one event polarize people the way this moment did. People either love it or they hate it. I saw this when it was broadcast and I knew then what I know now: This moment was legendary and I was lucky to have witnessed it myself.
wbbelcher 3 months ago 13
@wbbelcher I witnessed it too and had my vcr recording. I literally wore the tape out over the years. This was the performance that turned me on to opera. It taught me that music really does transcend.
rellenoz 2 months ago 2
Gesù, Giuseppe e Maria...!!!
79lorylo 3 months ago
bellisima!
bingklat 3 months ago in playlist bingklat's favorites 3
Simply incredible.
djsinnag 3 months ago
Goosebumps every time. wow.
greg609 4 months ago
@vans1744 ... Seriously grow the fuck up..and open your eyes or should I say ears!
cgr389 4 months ago
if you know the English translation and listen to her. She's actually giving it more emotions than it originally had.
theVoice9457 4 months ago
Comment removed
Marcusjj1973 4 months ago
Wow.....all I can say is wow. Aretha was spectacular, especially for last minute. She just isn't there today....sadly.
M
Marcusjj1973 4 months ago
I remember watching this, already being a fan of both pavoratti and nessum dorma, and I remember my body just freeze and take in that amazing style she brought to that piece. To this day, nothing moves me as much as this performance. Brava!!
aldojm13 4 months ago
@aldojm13 I remember watching this and thinking "Oh my God, is THIS how opera can make me feel? THIS is why people cry!" Even though I now realize that this rendition is very stylized, I still am absolutely floored by it.
rellenoz 2 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
I love how she cutely sashays around the stage after she just kicked our asses. You should see my face when I listen to this. It looks like someone just told me they ended a war by giving everyone puppies. Something like that. XD
createallow3126 4 months ago
The most magical awards show due to Aretha. I wanted to watch Pavorotti, and was confused when they announced Aretha as his replacement. I thought " what a set of balls, attempting this song" If she did not perform to everyones liking, they missed the out. She blew me away and even though it was quite different, it gave me the same tears and goosebumps. God bless them both.
jhuff200 4 months ago 29
@jhuff200 who is the introducer????.... He made me known
mauriciomille 2 months ago
She demonstrated pure magnificence and musical athleticism in this performance. One of the genius of African American artistry is the ability to touch any musical genre and transformed it and take it to new heights. Ms Franklin singing of this difficult piece demonstrated this fact and illuminated the fluidity and universality of music. A truly golden moment in the annals of American and world music...
ederrick987 4 months ago
For Pav to ask Aretha to sing is a true test of friendship and respect. I do understand and respect the discipline that opera requires. The same is said for true singers and given the fact that Aretha has been singing since the 1960's is a true test of her abilities to sing anything. Some of you need to take stock and realize that Aretha is the last of the greatest singers on the planet. The one before her was Ella Fitzgerald. And, if you do not know who Ella is....search YouTube and listen.
rajtennis 5 months ago
She reaches beyond musical confines to success.
jones6119 5 months ago
Opera is a discipline and a lifestyle and should never be reduced to karaoke sing along time. If she did something well I'd cut her a break but she couldn't have slaughtered the language or the style more. Opera is a style. U fit into it, it should never change for you. Not ok
vans1744 5 months ago
@vans1744 you've just redefined anal retentive.
lohphat 5 months ago
@vans1744 It's your kind of snobbish thinking that KILLS CLASSICAL MUSIC. GOD.
wallish 4 months ago
@vans1744 At the end of the day, Opera is music. Whenever a novice sings along to his or her favorite music of any genre, it's reduced to karaoke. Aretha has a history of singing songs made popular by other artists, and putting her spin on them(Rolling Stones, James Brown, Beatles, Diana Ross, Glen Campbell, CCR). I think in her mind, she was just doing the same thing again...I do understand your point of view however.
rellenoz 2 months ago
Gives my chills every thime I watch this.
unamatrix08 5 months ago
Singing isn't a piece of functional architecture to be graded on technical grounds. Thus piece is about love and heartbreak and she nailed it. Opera is about the human condition, not a technical permitting process with a pass/fail. This was a magnificent performance which had me in tears of emotion at the end. Her peers in the audience got them too. There's a clue in that.
lohphat 5 months ago 3
She does it in English too! Love her!
tinkerbells2012 5 months ago
Also if you need to use insults to emphasis your point, you show your own inadequacies. The ovation of the audience tells you that they were profoundly moved by the performance and her delivery. It was so unexpected and something no one had seen from her before. This performance has added to her legend as an extraordinary talent who has graced us with her gift for five decades. Like Pavarroti, she is one of the greatest voices of the 20th century. Argue if you must, but that much is obvious.
bolder2009 5 months ago
And might I add, The Queen of Soul!
bolder2009 5 months ago 3
Incredible! For her to step into unknown territory at a moments notice without the preparation, and without the training and years of experience that singers in the classical music field are required to have before they step onto the world stage. Hate all you like, but this was a special moment that touched many who watched it live back in 98, and it still resonates today. One of the great live televised moments of the last two decades. She is NOT an Opera singer, she is a musical genius!
bolder2009 5 months ago 2
A genius? Come on! While it is undeniable that she did have a spectacular vocal range and impeccable tonal quality when young, there is not excuse for this utter disaster. Especially because she has been making a ridiculous amount of fuss about her "operatic" training for decades. Her legato is disastrous, she is singing in the tenor range and yet, her high notes sound strangled, her low notes are unclean and she can't vocalize. Why this mess is considered a great moment is beyond inexplicable.
Apozimiosi 5 months ago
@Apozimiosi Everyone knows Aretha is not an Opera singer. This performance moved people. Not because it was a technically perfect operatic performance. It was as much about the moment as it was the music. She transcended the technical requirements of the piece. She is a SOUL singer. Its interperative and about feeling. If it didn't move you, well that's fine. I might feel the same way if Maria Callas tried to sing traditional Rhythm & Blues songs.
bolder2009 5 months ago 3
I don't care who asked her to sing this, even if it was a favor, this is just TERRIBLE. Still to singing soul music Aretha- you're awesome at that. Opera, NOT so much.
Saxophonology 5 months ago
I GET CHILLS EVERY TIME I LISTEN TO THIS (OH HOW THEY DOUBTED HER AND HER SKILLS HER MUSICAL KNOWLEDGE GO GO GO I JUST LOVE THIS
isacubana77 5 months ago
Aretha Franklin and Sarah Brightman are the only two females who nail Nessun Dorma! I love all the male versions I have heard over the years from Pavarotti, Carreras, Domingo, to Andrea Bocelli!!!! Bravo to you all!!
broadwaymike92 5 months ago
@broadwaymike92 Please check out this wonderful Australian singer. She also did GREAT justice to this magnificent aria:
watch?v=_8Z5zYguW1E
zucchini2007 5 months ago
@zucchini2007 Omigod she is another genius! A trip of Divas singing Nessun Dorma!
broadwaymike92 5 months ago
@broadwaymike92 And Fiona Mariah even looks like Sarah Brightman! LOL
zucchini2007 5 months ago
she sounds like Aretha always does Soulful. she put her soul into opera to make an outstanding mix. But she didn't do it for the show or the herself. She did it for Pavarotti. To honor him as living legend of the year and in that respect this was Beautiful.
theVoice9457 5 months ago
NO ONE else could do this last moment like Ree.
stardusth2o 5 months ago
Retha just put some soul into opera!
Devalis 5 months ago
show some r-e-s-p-e-c-t. That was really interesting hearing a soul singer's interpretation of nessun dorma. I liked it!
MrDJCrazyDiamond 5 months ago
yall are going pretty hard at each other on here. I am a classically trained singer and I loved it, granted it was not technically sound but who would say that to the Queen of Soul and She would never say she was an Opera singer. I feel what everybody is saying on here and all points are valid, but the performance was still awesome. So lets just take a min to wu sa
okswagg60 6 months ago
I don't like it at all...
h2o768 6 months ago
@h2o768 you have a right to your opinion.no one likes everything are the same things and for this I respect you for. but I loved it because I have always loved Aretha's singing.and she really did a superb job!! because she is not a opera singer but the best gospel,soul and r&b singer there ever was.so keep voicing your opinion
because that is your right.
huslerk 5 months ago
Comment removed
outoftown0611 6 months ago
I love what Miss Aretha brought to this song! And Celine Dion is so cute!!!
IseeYouAndYouDont 6 months ago
She is Aretha Franklin and she is the epitome of all that is American. There is a touch of humor in this performance but the woman is every bit as much and important a legend as was Luciano and I dare say her music has probably touched many more lives. She really is one of a kind and I have a feeling that this performance will live on to be much treasured and loved.
DaDaddySF 6 months ago
horrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrible
2591740 6 months ago
Damn lol Now that is what being a versitile artist is all about ha x All Hail The Queen Of Soul ha. Love Celine Dion's reaction ha.
bigmac7523 6 months ago
Damn lol Now that is what being a versitile artist is all about ha x All Hail The Queen Of Soul ha. Love Celine Dion's reaction ha
bigmac7523 6 months ago
I dnt understand why she sung this, its not very good at all, her voice seems so light dead and airy on those high notes
moroney1 6 months ago
Her voice is so freaking powerful... I could listen to her sing all day every day.
moopastey 6 months ago
thats one of the most powerful things iv ever heard
DivaStar0210 6 months ago
This is Aretha! Wow. Yes, it's not La Scala but it doesn't have to be. She is the Queen of Soul and made this aria her own for this night. Respect.
likesdamoosic 6 months ago
It's good but she doesn't have the right voice if u listen to Sarah brightman she is an opera singer and she has the right voice for the song
nixg1020 6 months ago
all hail the queen!!
Kellogs43able 7 months ago
i have to hear this everyday
MrZamounda 7 months ago
this is what a real artist looks like.... long live the queen
MrZamounda 7 months ago
this is what a real artist looks like....
MrZamounda 7 months ago
wonderfould i cry here....my good celine dion is very happy at areta. i love is two.
TheWise38 7 months ago
Aretha Franklin is so talented and professional - respect, amazing grace,think, do right woman, sisters , i knew you were waiting, who's zooming who and nessun dorma (and all the rest) - a true musician. Thank you Ms Franklin for sharing your tremendous talent, your gift and your musicianship with the world.
likesdamoosic 7 months ago
Don't just give her a standing ovation. You should all bow to the Queen.
popups46okay 7 months ago
Speaking of Entertainer they are just 5 Legends : (Entertainer doesn't mean Amazing Performance vocal but Dance Performance )
1- Tina Turner (72 Years Old)
2-Janet Jackson
3-Madonna
4-Beyoncé
5-Shakira
Braxtonmania 7 months ago
1-Aretha Franklin(Best Vocal Performance Ever-Deep to Shrill and Shrill to Deep)
2-Tina Turner (Incomparable Deep Voice)
3-Toni Braxton (Incomparable Smoky Sexy Deep Vocal Range°
4-Mariah Carey (Incomparable Inflection & Shrill Voice )
5-Jennifer Hudson
6-Christina Aguilera
7-Leona Lewis
*Céline Dion -Barbra Streisand could have the same voice so they are not incomparable.
*Whitney Houston is Good but Deborah Cox & Cece Winans can Sing as she does .....
Braxtonmania 7 months ago
Simply perfection...
shopdude10 7 months ago
I'm at the right age to see things go from great to "WTF" These children harp on this Beyonce lady...and they have no idea about stuff like this...heart, professinalism...and everything one could hope for. You could set yourself to not want to like this and end up floored. Why? Her heart was in it. Yeah she is the Diva, She is the Queen, because she worked on it and made thing her own..I love Aretha. xxxoo!
OldJackProduction 7 months ago
Aretha has been ill folks, lets wish her well and share this video on all your favorite share sights. Im sure it would cheer her to know people still love and admire her.. Thank you!
keal57 8 months ago 2
I just listened to all of the performances of this song and Aretha's and Povarotta"s have the most , Power, Raw Emotion, Feeling, Heart and Soul (Aretha's had the soul) I have ever heard.. This is something that no astest wud even try on such short notice even if they were an opera singer.. It's just a hard ass song to sing, LET alone in a key that is not your own... WOW ARETHA..WOW..BRAVO..BRAVO..
tbdurant 8 months ago 6
black power!!
1992DirtyDevil 8 months ago 3
This is what the word GORGEOUS sounds like! Bravo Ms. Aretha!
grw5459 8 months ago 2
这是最可怕的鞭笞一块去了我的耳朵
himkornfan 8 months ago
Aretha Franklin is a great singer and everytime I hear her voice I shiver, and when I watch this it makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up...Bravo Ms. Franklin!
LIAM21ca 8 months ago 3
You guys...Celine Dion came.
EmmyLuxeMakeUpInc 8 months ago 7
@EmmyLuxeMakeUpInc, I wouldn't go quite that far.
But she looked like she wanted to jump on stage and bow at Aunt Ree's feet.
swaregirl 6 months ago
Just heavenly
apiamission2008 8 months ago
Each time I hear this recording, I hear a different brilliant quality. This remains the performance that defines Aretha as a worldwide treasure. It's been told that when she sang it a week prior, it was keyed signficantly higher. Having to sing Pav's arrangement forced her to sing some low, low notes. But, she was able to soar at the end. Brilliant and anointed performance.
GospelAccording2ME 8 months ago 5
I'm not a huge Aretha Franklin and never have been, but there is no denying Aretha's talent unless you are an idiot. It's not fair to stereotype soul artists into one genre, because if this performance doesn't show her true talent nothing else ever will. This is absolutely musically amazing that this was even accomplished.
g5pigott 8 months ago 2