Her performance is just excellent. Lea Salonga's voice is wonderfully clear and flawless but Ruthie's acting and the throaty ends of some words and simply the tone of her voice gives the feeling so perfectly.She takes her time with the song and I really felt her pain just through her voice, not even seeing her gestures. With her acting and her voice, she'll be my favorite Fantine for a very very long time, I guess.
I'm a Lea Salonga fan, don't get me wrong, Lea's voice is outstanding but... Ruthie Henshall (in my opinion) is by far the best Fantine I've ever seen, her acting is effortless. Ruthie feels the role.
After watching Lea Salonga sing the same song, this version seems a little bit slow paced to me. Ruthie is very good, but Lea is still the best Fantine ever!
Lea and Ruthie have their own unique style. Both performed magnificently. Comparing the two great singers is not right. Both deserve respect and admiration.....and both have given their best for the success of Les Miz.
This song is extremely emotional to me. I can't really explain why, just a feeling of connection with all other humans and their struggle for happiness I suppose. I almost always cry when I hear it.
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If I could change one thing about it I would have changed the last word "dreamed" to "dream". I think it would have added more to the song. no matter how desolate things get and how badly our dreams are trampled upon, we still dream.
There's a very throaty, nasal sound to her voice, which I don't like at all. She struggles with the notes and she barely acts. This is such a disappointing performance.
P.S. If you've seen the full video, you will see that when Ruthie completes the song, Lea Salonga, who is sitting behind her [she's in the role of Eponine], goes crazy with applause at Ruthie's performance. That's class.
Having seen the production several times (including with Lea Salonga who is an incredible artist), and knowing this song forwards and backwards, IMHO Ruthie Henshall's interpretation of 'I Dreamed a Dream' [this one] is the best that's ever been performed or recorded. Brava!
This performance is entirely expressive, but it's all minute. Anything more would be overacting in the concert format. Some people need to get a clue.
alright...obviously ruthie is wonderful, she got the part. personal preferences are just that, personal. dont bash someones interpretation of a song so rudely, all fantines have to have been talented to have been cast. songs change over time, interpretations are different, singers are original. so just enjoy the beautiful music rather than posting hate comments on videos:)
This is perfection of the role of Fantine! This cast is so much more immersed in what they're saying than in the 25th anniversary. In the 25th anniversary you see actors playing characters, in this you experience the characters!
Is is just me? It seems like she's struggling with the high notes. Or is it part of the performance? If Lea over enunciates words (which is really required in stage plays), Ruthie, I dont know. I don't understand some of the words she's singing... Lea rocked this one for me...
@cruelbandit I think it's part of the performance because she is quite renowned for her high notes. I just think Lea can be too mechanical, this is 'perfectly rough' if that makes any sense?
TO EVERYONE WHOSE COMMENT HAS "BEEN FLAGGED" OR SIMPLY IS HIDDEN, I have no idea who did that or how anyone could have access to my channel. None of that was done by me, and what's more I can't even undo those actions. It will let me show or choose "NOT SPAM," but when the page is refreshed, they revert back to the way you see now. Anyone know how to permanently undo all of these? —VeryCoolSound
@verycoolsound Don't bother. Walt1896, a fierce fan of Sutton Foster's, has been flagging comments on Ruthie's videos for ages, so that Ruthie fans would think it's Lea Salonga's fans doing it and attack Lea's videos. If you undo the flagging, Walt1896 and his 200+ clone accounts will just flag them again.
She has a very good, powerful voice. However I did notice that she has a tendency not to opened her mouth wide enough which did make her voice sound a little strained.
I LOVE Lea Salonga as Eponine... and I loved her as Fantine- vocally she's better than Ruthie. But Ruthie as Fantine is just AMAZING. I still prefer her version. There's just something about the 10th Anniversary Cast that puts them on top of any other cast.
I don't know about music, but i love the inflections of her voice...it sounded like full of passion and pain...kind of wasted, tired ..but the way she sings it, the acting i mean, it's heartless...she looks like a doll...i think Lea is much much ... yes much better!!!
@TheMangaManic Precision? Vibrato? Power? Ruthie struggles with the notes, one can barely hear her vibrato, and her singing is very WEAK! What hallucinogenics are you on?
@suttonfosteristhebes Really don't like doing this but I know what constitutes as a good performance and what doesn't. I don't think she's struggling at all, she's playing on the torment of Fantine. If you compare it to Salonga's you see how robotic the latter is; Salonga's vibrato is too enforced and come across too mechanical. Ruthie has a perfect nasal backing behind her voice and I'm pretty sure that I can hear her vibrato loud and clear. Weak eh? Whatever, fool.
@suttonfosteristhebes You have no idea what you're talking about. Her vibrato is very clear and precise. Intonation, power and diction are all present. You clearly are untrained and don't know what you're talking about. Why disparage a performance, simply because you admire someone else. Please grow up. If you're going to be critical, please at least inform yourself with the subject about what you are speaking.
This was a beautiful bitter rendition of "I Dreamed A Dream". Her subtle facial gestures were wonderful and towards the end where she starts to grip her hands together... it was beautiful. For a concert performance Ruth was fantastic and did well. I'm looking through the comments I can only say that I'm disappointed with all this comparing. It's pathetic and very disrespectful. If she weren't any good she wouldn't be up there at all. So stop acting like you know what you're talking about.
@flicfan416 Music geeks in general. It's good to appreciate music, but it becomes obnoxious when people become so stuck up and pretentious about it. I'm at IU right now and I can tell you, there's nothing worse than having to listen to some sophomore who thinks that because he got into Jacobs, he's some expert and all of the "little people" are uneducated low-lifes who aren't fulfilling their full potential by having unartistic majors.
I heard this was originally written for a musical about Eleanor Roosevelt and that she was supposed to sing this after her husband's death, but the musical never materialized... can anyone confirm this?
If you don't have anything nice to say then don't say anything. In short, quit spreading your ugliness and keep it to yourself. This world has enough as it is. Thank you.
Henshall's voice suits this song more as she is able to portray suffering through her voice more accurately. A great example is when she sings "so different from this hell I'm living" at 3:38. The raspiness in her voice then reflects the hardships the character has gone through.
Lea's singing is great, but her voice is too vibrant: it sounds more like anger than someone who is despairing and weak. With that kind of energy, she should stick to playing Eponine. It suits her more.
@ILoveSkarmbliss & @nimechan i agree with both of you.. i prefer Ruthie's performance as Lea comes across being a very strong person (it seems to emanate from her). but with Ruthie, the "he took my childhood in his stride" line is completely believable. and that raspiness just tears at you.. heartbreaking at "but he was gone when autumn came". she really did do an amazing job! (btw, why are so many genuine comments / feedback - incl both of yours - marked as spam??)
I think Henshall was able to convey her emotions better through her voice, and Salonga did better letting the emotions play on her face. I also like Lea better as Eponine. She has that spark and fire that fits the character.
I think Ruthie Henshall is amazing as Fantine. I think Lea Salonga makes a better Eponine :) They're both incredible. I just think Ruthie is better as this part.
Ruthie Henshall is an amazing singer, but overall I think Lea Salonga is perfect for the role. Lea exudes just the right emotion and interprets the song excellently.
@mishmashpie Now yours is a comment I can respect, as opposed to suttonfosteristthebes' comment, which serves only to disparage. There is nothing the least bit redeeming in her comment. And it's completely, if not obviously, off the mark technically.
@mishmashpie I think that Philippines should be BAN from internet, because you guys just spamming everywhere. I like your singers like Lea, Charice, Sarah or Regine, but this propaganda is just annoying
reading these comments make me want to piss in my pants bc i have to sing this song for an upcoming festival. I put every ounce of myself into it and been looking at every godforsaken version of this song and i have to say that im going to pray to god before i sing this song and that fateful night. Oh dear please wish me luck.
@MsEtoile16 You'll do well. If this mediocre performer got away without any acting at all, any other performer should be able to pull it off. Good luck!
@samdgreat47 You obviously can't understand the subtle face acting she's doing. It's not great, but it is acting. And Ruthie is actually a fabulous actress.
I think her redition is the best. Lea should stick to On my Own, and the infamous Patti LuPone doesn't give the heartfelt emotion to this song that Ms Henshall does. As far as Susan Boyle goes, she is not a broadway superstar, although her life story brings a special meaning to the song.
I saw this show about a dozen times back in the early 2000's. Those performances, the "Original Broadway Cast" recording, and a few of Lea Salonga's performances were the only versions of this song I knew. I'd always felt that none of them showed just how incredible this song really is ...until Ruthie! Finally, I get to hear how this song should be performed. Goosebumps on every other word. It's both bone-chilling and beautiful at the same time!
I thought she was amazing in this... I also think she did a great job at expressing emotion. She's quite talented. Maybe I'm not a "professional" like you guys. you hipsters..
@oreowizard1 My thoughts exactly, very emotional. I can just feel the bitterness. Salonga does great aswell, but maybe she tries a bit too hard to express emotion, i'm just not buying it.
I love hearing her version, because to me, she powerhouses this song at then end more than the others...in my opinion. I don't know...to me I really feel it when she sings, " But there are dreams that cannot be and storms we cannot weather. I had a dream my life would be so different from this hell I'm living. So different now from what it seemed..." Just gets me.
just unbelievable that Henshall got such a lot of dislikes........... to me, she is the best so far, even though i kinda think that she was too young to sing Fantine, too young to sing a "mother." But still, her interpretation of this song and situation is good. Fantine is definitely not a happy character. she is strong, but weak at same time. Henshall's acting shows both so well.
@slimphotog Technically, the Les Miz leads are the male characters Jean Valjean and Javert. Significant female roles are Fantine, Cosette, and Eponine. The song "I Dreamed a Dream" is perhaps most popular with the older crowd, "On My Own" with the younger crowd.
I'm sorry but everyone who is comparing broadway singers obviously don't have a clue what they are talking about or otherwise have no appreciation as to what live performances are really about.
Your opinions about which version sucks or which are better aren't made of gold by the way - a lot of people (not saying everyone) write as if they dictate who should or should not be on broadway. These people are on stage because they are captivating in some way.
Ruthie Henshall is Fantine. I love Lea Salonga and I think Lea was the perfect Eponine. The 10th Anniversary of Les Mis will always be the best cast of singers and actors ever.
@dreamcatcher2242 Thanks so much for saying that it's your taste. Personally, I greatly prefer this version; Lea's just seems far too aggressive for how I see Fantine. It's so nice to see people that can debate respectfully.
@dreamcatcher2242 I think Lea Salonga is more acting, NOT natural anymore...i don't feel Lea's version....Ruthie's version is more from the heart. I like Ruthie way, way better than Lea. sorry :-}
it is so true that recordings do not always do the performers a justice, i have seen ruthie many times and she is simply capivating i was honoured 2 b in the audience. after being at the rivival of evita i bought the recording starring elena roger, only to b disapointed, i went back 2 see if i was wrong, but on stage she was simply amazing!! i have learned not to trust recordings or film versions any more, as sometimes the opposite occurs! sometimes they sound good but r really bad live
I was sick to death of this song, and yet when I heard Ruthie Henshall's version for the first time I was reduced to tears. So much genuine emotion. The sound quality of this video does not do her voice justice.
They're all talented in different ways. Lea Salonga and Ruthie Henshall have completely different voice ranges. You can't compare them. They're both spectacular.
They're all talented in different ways. Lea Salonga and Ruthie Henshall have completely different voice ranges. You can't compare them. They're both spectacular.
I wish people would just cut it with all the comparing. Makes it really hard to enjoy the song. Lea Salonga and Ruthie Henshall are amazing in their own way. I love how they both sang the song and the fact that they sang it in their own way made it all the more amazing.
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its the subtle things that count. And she rocked this. The way she bites her lip or looks away from the audience is real acting. Lea overdid it and I was genuinely unimpressed. She's perfect. But boring. Nothing for me there. Ruthie, forever and always. XOXO
Susan Boyle is enoyed by so many people because her voice does not match her figure and appearance. That being said, Ruthie Henshall is classicaly trained and has the chops to sing this song. While she did an admiral job on BRT, SB doesnt have the training to sing this song well. Listen to her vibrato, intonation and breathing.
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Emotional is an understatement....she plays both vulnerability and strength at the same time. This is the benchmark. Has never and probably never will be beaten. PERFECT!!
An absolutely superb rendition. Well chosen for the 10th anniversary concert.
Ruthie is giving a "Broadway" interpretation, with certain inflection and features that are very appealing in such venues. Her phrasing for "soft as thunder" is a prime example. Its a very powerful style, and used effectively is chilling to witness.
Susan Boyle's interpretation (first audition) was used as a vehicle to showcase her vocal talent. Completely different treatments. Henshall has showcase videos, too.
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@anafor2un@Faenya and everyone else who trumpets their opinion as fact. Come on, show some respect. YOU THINK Ruthie's "remains rough and ugly", YOU THINK that anyone who likes Susan Boyle is "a laughing stock" . These are YOUR OPINIONS, every time I watch this sort of video there are always people who, sometimes unintentionally but often not, insult others and at the same time disrespect these amazingly talented performers. Please for their sake make sure you label your opinion as opinion.
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@Eoin15Connolly also sorry to @anafor2un@Faenya your comments were the first that really caught my eye. I singled you out for no other reason than that
There really is no competition. Salonga hands-down. Then Patti LuPone. For the song alone, Salonga and LuPone are followed by Judy Kuhn and Susan Boyle. No one else is worth mentioning.
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She is the best. No competition. Lea Salonga is fantastic, and my second favourite, and is one of my favourite musical singers, but still doesn't come close to this perfection. I just love every single thing about it. I can't stand Susan Boyle's version. There is no emotion in her voice at all, and she isn't as good a singer as these greats.
Anyone who would dare say that susan boyle has a better natural singing voice than ruthie henshall should stop themselves from ever making critical comments about music in the future. To any trained musician, you are a laughing stock at such a comment.
@Faenya Susan Boyle HAS a better natural singing voice than Ruthie Henshall. Ruthie had training and has been given more opportunities and therefore has more experience, but her voice remains rough and ugly.
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@luciloooo Ummm... She doesn't really smile. It's just kind not really smiling, not really frowning. She's not like "SMILING :))))))" though. Little bit of a stretch.
@luciloooo If you want that kind of accuracy, you might as well expect a robot to start singing in concerts. Plus I saw it as a bitter smile. She was very emotional through out the song. I really cannot agree to what you wrote here. Are you a "professional"? lol. She sure as fuck can sing better than 99% of the new hipster singers coming out these days.
This performer, with the rough, ugly voice, did her wooden interpretation of Fantine. Salonga read the book, studied the character, and BECAME Fantine.
@thebigthree34520 "ZOMG my favourite singer is like sooo much better than your favourite one and despite the fact that it's a completely arbitrary personal preference I'm gonna go on other peoples' videos and prove it with inane comments!"
There is something in Ruthie's voice that makes this my favorite version. Lea Salonga's more recent rendition was good, but I feel like even though Lea's voice is more powerful, Ruthie has more feel. I mean, you can really see in Ruthie's eyes, and in her changes in dynamic level, that she really knows what she's doing. She gets it... she understands the song, and she captures it beautifully. Love Susan Boyle's too, but Ruthie's is more beautiful. Oh, and I love the way she says the word "love".
I like this version more than Boyle's but they are different takes on the same song. Ruthie is singing with the emotion and pain in her voice that the song demands in a theatre performance. Susan sang it at a talent competition in a very technically correct way. Both versions are beautiful and deserve to be heard though.
To me, Ruthie is the best Fantine that there will ever be. She just has such a sweet and natural voice and she's one of the only ones that doesn't sound like they are ready to die when they hit the high notes at the end. And i don't see how people say she can't act...apparently they don't have a good ear because you can really hear Fanitne's struggle and decision in her version. I wish Ruthie would have been on the Symphonic cast instead of that horrible choice for Fantine! Like I said..the best
So many dislikes...
victory2blvd 4 days ago
Her performance is just excellent. Lea Salonga's voice is wonderfully clear and flawless but Ruthie's acting and the throaty ends of some words and simply the tone of her voice gives the feeling so perfectly.She takes her time with the song and I really felt her pain just through her voice, not even seeing her gestures. With her acting and her voice, she'll be my favorite Fantine for a very very long time, I guess.
Soielily 1 week ago
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I'm a Lea Salonga fan, don't get me wrong, Lea's voice is outstanding but... Ruthie Henshall (in my opinion) is by far the best Fantine I've ever seen, her acting is effortless. Ruthie feels the role.
ariana12nicole 1 week ago 3
Cute voice.
redbloodworth 1 week ago
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Ruthie will always be my perfect fantine
BigFatPandas 2 weeks ago
After watching Lea Salonga sing the same song, this version seems a little bit slow paced to me. Ruthie is very good, but Lea is still the best Fantine ever!
mmariami888 2 weeks ago
Lea and Ruthie have their own unique style. Both performed magnificently. Comparing the two great singers is not right. Both deserve respect and admiration.....and both have given their best for the success of Les Miz.
MrStevedore1 2 weeks ago 3
y so many dislikes?
Chowmeingeejah 2 weeks ago
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@Chowmeingeejah filipino spammers/haters!
NotIamNot 2 weeks ago
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@Chowmeingeejah filipino spammers/haters!
NotIamNot 2 weeks ago
This song is extremely emotional to me. I can't really explain why, just a feeling of connection with all other humans and their struggle for happiness I suppose. I almost always cry when I hear it.
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If I could change one thing about it I would have changed the last word "dreamed" to "dream". I think it would have added more to the song. no matter how desolate things get and how badly our dreams are trampled upon, we still dream.
YukonCornelius1776 3 weeks ago
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I love both Ruthie and Lea. No point in chosing the better one for me, they both sing it wonderfully in their own way.
But in a way, Ruthie will always be Fantine, and Lea Eponine.
HedvigRok 3 weeks ago
much better to sing Ave Maria rather to sing the dreamed a dream ruthie henshall is song is like grave yard in the wilderness
daud195 1 month ago
@daud195 singing ave maria makes you feel you are in heaven :)
ca296malta 3 weeks ago
the old lady sing i think diana ross much better to sing i dreamed a dream gosh if i new york and i see that performance i talk the director
daud195 1 month ago
i prefer lea's soft voice. :)
saphiecor 1 month ago 2
There's a very throaty, nasal sound to her voice, which I don't like at all. She struggles with the notes and she barely acts. This is such a disappointing performance.
mermanluponegoodreno 1 month ago
P.S. If you've seen the full video, you will see that when Ruthie completes the song, Lea Salonga, who is sitting behind her [she's in the role of Eponine], goes crazy with applause at Ruthie's performance. That's class.
bil94134 1 month ago
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Having seen the production several times (including with Lea Salonga who is an incredible artist), and knowing this song forwards and backwards, IMHO Ruthie Henshall's interpretation of 'I Dreamed a Dream' [this one] is the best that's ever been performed or recorded. Brava!
bil94134 1 month ago
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I love Lea Salonga and Ruthie Henshall. In my own opinion I prefer Ruthie as Fantine, But I greatly respect Lea. Let peoples opinions be
Epuffs100 1 month ago
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I love Lea Salonga and Ruthie Henshall. In my own opinion I prefer Ruthie as Fantine, But I greatly respect Lea. Let peoples opinions be
Epuffs100 1 month ago
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I love Lea Salonga and Ruthie Henshall. In my own opinion I prefer Ruthie as Fantine, But I greatly respect Lea. Let peoples opinions be
Epuffs100 1 month ago
This performance is entirely expressive, but it's all minute. Anything more would be overacting in the concert format. Some people need to get a clue.
androg3n 1 month ago
alright...obviously ruthie is wonderful, she got the part. personal preferences are just that, personal. dont bash someones interpretation of a song so rudely, all fantines have to have been talented to have been cast. songs change over time, interpretations are different, singers are original. so just enjoy the beautiful music rather than posting hate comments on videos:)
kellykaaysee 1 month ago
The emotion in her voice is amazing, but she has not emotion, in her expressions.
Thenachoscheese 1 month ago
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This is perfection of the role of Fantine! This cast is so much more immersed in what they're saying than in the 25th anniversary. In the 25th anniversary you see actors playing characters, in this you experience the characters!
GenLK91 2 months ago
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@GenLK91 Completely agree! I think Fantine is the ULTIMATE Fantine! Unbeatable.
lukebayer2 2 months ago
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Even though Lea is amazing, I really love Ruthie on this role.
In my dream cast, Ruthie would be Fantine and Lea would be Eponine
brittmstar 2 months ago
Nessun dorma
mykmike84 2 months ago
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If a performance makes you still think of who the singer is, then it's not perfectly convincing.
The above performance makes me believe it is Fantine singing, Ruthie Henshall is so totally into her role.
obiwan88 2 months ago
Is is just me? It seems like she's struggling with the high notes. Or is it part of the performance? If Lea over enunciates words (which is really required in stage plays), Ruthie, I dont know. I don't understand some of the words she's singing... Lea rocked this one for me...
cruelbandit 2 months ago
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@cruelbandit I think it's part of the performance because she is quite renowned for her high notes. I just think Lea can be too mechanical, this is 'perfectly rough' if that makes any sense?
TheMangaManic 2 months ago
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TO EVERYONE WHOSE COMMENT HAS "BEEN FLAGGED" OR SIMPLY IS HIDDEN, I have no idea who did that or how anyone could have access to my channel. None of that was done by me, and what's more I can't even undo those actions. It will let me show or choose "NOT SPAM," but when the page is refreshed, they revert back to the way you see now. Anyone know how to permanently undo all of these? —VeryCoolSound
verycoolsound 2 months ago
@verycoolsound Don't bother. Walt1896, a fierce fan of Sutton Foster's, has been flagging comments on Ruthie's videos for ages, so that Ruthie fans would think it's Lea Salonga's fans doing it and attack Lea's videos. If you undo the flagging, Walt1896 and his 200+ clone accounts will just flag them again.
bestactress2002nopel 2 months ago 15
She has a very good, powerful voice. However I did notice that she has a tendency not to opened her mouth wide enough which did make her voice sound a little strained.
Snowfuie 2 months ago
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This is the best performance in the world.
BarbraKing 2 months ago
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I LOVE Lea Salonga as Eponine... and I loved her as Fantine- vocally she's better than Ruthie. But Ruthie as Fantine is just AMAZING. I still prefer her version. There's just something about the 10th Anniversary Cast that puts them on top of any other cast.
KOSryvrdrgn 2 months ago
I don't know about music, but i love the inflections of her voice...it sounded like full of passion and pain...kind of wasted, tired ..but the way she sings it, the acting i mean, it's heartless...she looks like a doll...i think Lea is much much ... yes much better!!!
puccapinguina 2 months ago 3
ruthie henshall is amazing!!!!!!!! but i personly perfer lea salonga.
TheBroadway1000 2 months ago 4
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I'm sorry, but the precision of notes, vibrato and sheer power of Ruthie's make hers better. On the ' Autumn' line, she is incredible.
TheMangaManic 2 months ago
@TheMangaManic Precision? Vibrato? Power? Ruthie struggles with the notes, one can barely hear her vibrato, and her singing is very WEAK! What hallucinogenics are you on?
suttonfosteristhebes 2 months ago 3
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@suttonfosteristhebes Really don't like doing this but I know what constitutes as a good performance and what doesn't. I don't think she's struggling at all, she's playing on the torment of Fantine. If you compare it to Salonga's you see how robotic the latter is; Salonga's vibrato is too enforced and come across too mechanical. Ruthie has a perfect nasal backing behind her voice and I'm pretty sure that I can hear her vibrato loud and clear. Weak eh? Whatever, fool.
TheMangaManic 2 months ago
@suttonfosteristhebes You have no idea what you're talking about. Her vibrato is very clear and precise. Intonation, power and diction are all present. You clearly are untrained and don't know what you're talking about. Why disparage a performance, simply because you admire someone else. Please grow up. If you're going to be critical, please at least inform yourself with the subject about what you are speaking.
greenbunny13 1 month ago 7
The EMOTION from Ruthie rips out my heart. That's what matters, in my opinion.
AccioHHr 2 months ago
This was a beautiful bitter rendition of "I Dreamed A Dream". Her subtle facial gestures were wonderful and towards the end where she starts to grip her hands together... it was beautiful. For a concert performance Ruth was fantastic and did well. I'm looking through the comments I can only say that I'm disappointed with all this comparing. It's pathetic and very disrespectful. If she weren't any good she wouldn't be up there at all. So stop acting like you know what you're talking about.
angelicsaturn 2 months ago 4
I wish people wouldn't compare who sang what better. It's all different! Just enjoy the music
flicfan416 2 months ago 4
@flicfan416 I agree completely. Theatre geeks, I've found, are really, really hard to please.
Rosebunse 2 months ago
@Rosebunse Try opera freaks. It just gets worse and worse
flicfan416 2 months ago
@flicfan416 Music geeks in general. It's good to appreciate music, but it becomes obnoxious when people become so stuck up and pretentious about it. I'm at IU right now and I can tell you, there's nothing worse than having to listen to some sophomore who thinks that because he got into Jacobs, he's some expert and all of the "little people" are uneducated low-lifes who aren't fulfilling their full potential by having unartistic majors.
Rosebunse 2 months ago
@Rosebunse Of course we are! That's what makes it fun!
RoseAragortha 1 month ago
@RoseAragortha There's a limit, though, there's a limit.
Rosebunse 1 month ago
I heard this was originally written for a musical about Eleanor Roosevelt and that she was supposed to sing this after her husband's death, but the musical never materialized... can anyone confirm this?
102936 3 months ago
If you don't have anything nice to say then don't say anything. In short, quit spreading your ugliness and keep it to yourself. This world has enough as it is. Thank you.
rkettell 3 months ago 2
She sang like a ngo ngo. hihihi
bandilang 3 months ago 4
Lea put more emotion, while Ruthie has a warmer voice. They are both amazing :)
bananabop21 3 months ago 4
Maybe it's not the best technically, but for me, this is my favorite.
Rosebunse 3 months ago 3
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This is what depth and life experience sounds like! Most others are just nice voices.
bgnotes 3 months ago
this amazing
she is amazing
bluewhale18 3 months ago
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I don't know how anyone can call this horrible.... I love both Lea's AND Ruthie's version... I may actually like Ruthie's a bit more.
pineapplekeyblade 3 months ago
she is amazing. the song is amazing. the wig is just too weird on her. @_@
nancysme12345 3 months ago 2
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My opinion:
Henshall's voice suits this song more as she is able to portray suffering through her voice more accurately. A great example is when she sings "so different from this hell I'm living" at 3:38. The raspiness in her voice then reflects the hardships the character has gone through.
Lea's singing is great, but her voice is too vibrant: it sounds more like anger than someone who is despairing and weak. With that kind of energy, she should stick to playing Eponine. It suits her more.
ILoveSkarmbliss 3 months ago 7
@ILoveSkarmbliss & @nimechan i agree with both of you.. i prefer Ruthie's performance as Lea comes across being a very strong person (it seems to emanate from her). but with Ruthie, the "he took my childhood in his stride" line is completely believable. and that raspiness just tears at you.. heartbreaking at "but he was gone when autumn came". she really did do an amazing job! (btw, why are so many genuine comments / feedback - incl both of yours - marked as spam??)
steelplumeria 2 months ago
I think Henshall was able to convey her emotions better through her voice, and Salonga did better letting the emotions play on her face. I also like Lea better as Eponine. She has that spark and fire that fits the character.
nimechan 3 months ago
not bad, but Lea's was better than all the rest.
beberoo 3 months ago 4
I think Ruthie Henshall is amazing as Fantine. I think Lea Salonga makes a better Eponine :) They're both incredible. I just think Ruthie is better as this part.
SquishyKneecaps 3 months ago
Sutton Foster rocks!
drake50311 3 months ago
Beautiful song. Ive never heard it sung badly - and I hope I never do.
rees276 3 months ago
Ruthie Henshall is an amazing singer, but overall I think Lea Salonga is perfect for the role. Lea exudes just the right emotion and interprets the song excellently.
mishmashpie 4 months ago 24
@mishmashpie Now yours is a comment I can respect, as opposed to suttonfosteristthebes' comment, which serves only to disparage. There is nothing the least bit redeeming in her comment. And it's completely, if not obviously, off the mark technically.
greenbunny13 1 month ago
@mishmashpie I think that Philippines should be BAN from internet, because you guys just spamming everywhere. I like your singers like Lea, Charice, Sarah or Regine, but this propaganda is just annoying
NotIamNot 1 month ago
@NotIamNot lol, jealous much? Why don't you try being proud of your own country's artists? That'll make you feel better.
mishmashpie 1 month ago 3
the best broadway show.
2631shark 4 months ago 2
Actually, Susan Boyle's version is much more interesting to watch! She's not a theater actress, but her rendition is not this dull at all!
samdgreat47 4 months ago
reading these comments make me want to piss in my pants bc i have to sing this song for an upcoming festival. I put every ounce of myself into it and been looking at every godforsaken version of this song and i have to say that im going to pray to god before i sing this song and that fateful night. Oh dear please wish me luck.
MsEtoile16 4 months ago 4
@MsEtoile16 You'll do well. If this mediocre performer got away without any acting at all, any other performer should be able to pull it off. Good luck!
samdgreat47 4 months ago
@samdgreat47 You obviously can't understand the subtle face acting she's doing. It's not great, but it is acting. And Ruthie is actually a fabulous actress.
Spazzospades 4 months ago
@Spazzospades It's not sublety. There's no acting at all, lol!
luponedlegend 4 months ago 3
@samdgreat47 thanks i hope so.
MsEtoile16 4 months ago 2
@samdgreat47 This is from a CONCERT... The dressed up for their part, but the didn't perform the play, just the songs.. So, not acting necessary.
darkiee69 3 months ago
@MsEtoile16 Good Luck! =)
wishingonthemoon1 4 months ago 3
I think her redition is the best. Lea should stick to On my Own, and the infamous Patti LuPone doesn't give the heartfelt emotion to this song that Ms Henshall does. As far as Susan Boyle goes, she is not a broadway superstar, although her life story brings a special meaning to the song.
cougardtn 4 months ago
I love both performances. Let's enjoy the beauty and not fight over it.
ericmanipon 4 months ago 4
I saw this show about a dozen times back in the early 2000's. Those performances, the "Original Broadway Cast" recording, and a few of Lea Salonga's performances were the only versions of this song I knew. I'd always felt that none of them showed just how incredible this song really is ...until Ruthie! Finally, I get to hear how this song should be performed. Goosebumps on every other word. It's both bone-chilling and beautiful at the same time!
MCecelski 4 months ago
I thought she was amazing in this... I also think she did a great job at expressing emotion. She's quite talented. Maybe I'm not a "professional" like you guys. you hipsters..
oreowizard1 4 months ago 3
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@oreowizard1 My thoughts exactly, very emotional. I can just feel the bitterness. Salonga does great aswell, but maybe she tries a bit too hard to express emotion, i'm just not buying it.
R20set 3 months ago
I love hearing her version, because to me, she powerhouses this song at then end more than the others...in my opinion. I don't know...to me I really feel it when she sings, " But there are dreams that cannot be and storms we cannot weather. I had a dream my life would be so different from this hell I'm living. So different now from what it seemed..." Just gets me.
Empathywriter 4 months ago
Susan was singing as herself, Ruthie was singing as Fantine. So don't you DARE say that Ruthie is less talented or captivating!
AdArmand 4 months ago
Sunburntcomposer I agree completely!
sandscheng 4 months ago
just unbelievable that Henshall got such a lot of dislikes........... to me, she is the best so far, even though i kinda think that she was too young to sing Fantine, too young to sing a "mother." But still, her interpretation of this song and situation is good. Fantine is definitely not a happy character. she is strong, but weak at same time. Henshall's acting shows both so well.
donaldDKS 4 months ago
@donaldDKS That's what I thought too! How someone call her voice ugly?
oreowizard1 4 months ago
I've never seen the show. Is Fantine the lead female role? Is this the "showstopper" song?
slimphotog 4 months ago
@slimphotog Technically, the Les Miz leads are the male characters Jean Valjean and Javert. Significant female roles are Fantine, Cosette, and Eponine. The song "I Dreamed a Dream" is perhaps most popular with the older crowd, "On My Own" with the younger crowd.
leymiz25 4 months ago
Listen To The VOICE! Operatic Or What.? If you cant hear...then I feel sorry for you all....
ScabbyVille
MrVljacks 4 months ago
I'm sorry but everyone who is comparing broadway singers obviously don't have a clue what they are talking about or otherwise have no appreciation as to what live performances are really about.
Your opinions about which version sucks or which are better aren't made of gold by the way - a lot of people (not saying everyone) write as if they dictate who should or should not be on broadway. These people are on stage because they are captivating in some way.
SunburntComposer 4 months ago 5
Astounding. Lea is irrelevant.
LaLaDangerField 4 months ago
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This is completely mesmerizing.
ayayay101 4 months ago
Ruthie Henshall is Fantine. I love Lea Salonga and I think Lea was the perfect Eponine. The 10th Anniversary of Les Mis will always be the best cast of singers and actors ever.
ravyn1113 4 months ago
I prefer Lea Salonga's version.....she puts so much more into the song.....that's just purely my taste,
dreamcatcher2242 5 months ago 18
@dreamcatcher2242 Thanks so much for saying that it's your taste. Personally, I greatly prefer this version; Lea's just seems far too aggressive for how I see Fantine. It's so nice to see people that can debate respectfully.
flutinkat 3 months ago
@dreamcatcher2242 I think Lea Salonga is more acting, NOT natural anymore...i don't feel Lea's version....Ruthie's version is more from the heart. I like Ruthie way, way better than Lea. sorry :-}
SioLeeify 2 months ago
it is so true that recordings do not always do the performers a justice, i have seen ruthie many times and she is simply capivating i was honoured 2 b in the audience. after being at the rivival of evita i bought the recording starring elena roger, only to b disapointed, i went back 2 see if i was wrong, but on stage she was simply amazing!! i have learned not to trust recordings or film versions any more, as sometimes the opposite occurs! sometimes they sound good but r really bad live
carwyncymru 5 months ago
I was sick to death of this song, and yet when I heard Ruthie Henshall's version for the first time I was reduced to tears. So much genuine emotion. The sound quality of this video does not do her voice justice.
TheMrsZell 5 months ago
They're all talented in different ways. Lea Salonga and Ruthie Henshall have completely different voice ranges. You can't compare them. They're both spectacular.
shamdog123 5 months ago
They're all talented in different ways. Lea Salonga and Ruthie Henshall have completely different voice ranges. You can't compare them. They're both spectacular.
shamdog123 5 months ago 9
Who is going through and marking all the comments that praise Ruthie as spam? Jesus christ people grow up.
LilyAsali 5 months ago
@LilyAsali Fixed the ones so far, but please write again if you find any more of these childish stunts. Thank you!
verycoolsound 5 months ago
I wish people would just cut it with all the comparing. Makes it really hard to enjoy the song. Lea Salonga and Ruthie Henshall are amazing in their own way. I love how they both sang the song and the fact that they sang it in their own way made it all the more amazing.
pohps2201 5 months ago 6
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its the subtle things that count. And she rocked this. The way she bites her lip or looks away from the audience is real acting. Lea overdid it and I was genuinely unimpressed. She's perfect. But boring. Nothing for me there. Ruthie, forever and always. XOXO
LaLaDangerField 5 months ago
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Holy shit!!!! Lea's got NOTHING on this chick. Best Fantine. Lea lovers....YOUR ARGUMENT IS INVALID!
LaLaDangerField 5 months ago
Lea Salonga is better than both Ruthie and Susan, but they all have talent.
Martychem15 5 months ago 18
@Martychem15
Not quite. Lea really can't match the power and emotion that Ruthie puts into this song.
It's not even close actually.
1KapG 2 months ago
@1KapG Emotion? This is the most WOODEN of any IDAD performance here on Youtube. Susan Boyle's has more impact!
suttonfosteristhebes 2 months ago 2
@suttonfosteristhebes When you say wooden, do you mean that it's giving you a boner?
kevisaurus 1 month ago
@Martychem15 Let me guess, Alfie Boe sang "Bring him home" better than Colm Wilkinson did too. Right?
Lol.
That isn't a shot at Alfie either, the guy is AMAZING, he just didn't hit it out of the park as far as Colm did ;).
Of course it's all just my opinion!!
1KapG 2 months ago
Susan Boyle is enoyed by so many people because her voice does not match her figure and appearance. That being said, Ruthie Henshall is classicaly trained and has the chops to sing this song. While she did an admiral job on BRT, SB doesnt have the training to sing this song well. Listen to her vibrato, intonation and breathing.
BLANKSTA100 5 months ago
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Emotional is an understatement....she plays both vulnerability and strength at the same time. This is the benchmark. Has never and probably never will be beaten. PERFECT!!
leemoldon 5 months ago
An absolutely superb rendition. Well chosen for the 10th anniversary concert.
Ruthie is giving a "Broadway" interpretation, with certain inflection and features that are very appealing in such venues. Her phrasing for "soft as thunder" is a prime example. Its a very powerful style, and used effectively is chilling to witness.
Susan Boyle's interpretation (first audition) was used as a vehicle to showcase her vocal talent. Completely different treatments. Henshall has showcase videos, too.
jrneumiller 5 months ago
Horrible. The most lifeless interpretation ever on video.
tybashdracistfaggot 5 months ago 11
@tybashdracistfaggot It's called subtlety. Pretty rare in the theatre....
widdlepuddyfat 4 months ago
@tybashdracistfaggot This is not lady gaga video. Her passion for the role is pretty obvious. Sometimes less is more.
m0d4rx 3 months ago
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@anafor2un @Faenya and everyone else who trumpets their opinion as fact. Come on, show some respect. YOU THINK Ruthie's "remains rough and ugly", YOU THINK that anyone who likes Susan Boyle is "a laughing stock" . These are YOUR OPINIONS, every time I watch this sort of video there are always people who, sometimes unintentionally but often not, insult others and at the same time disrespect these amazingly talented performers. Please for their sake make sure you label your opinion as opinion.
Eoin15Connolly 5 months ago
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@Eoin15Connolly also sorry to @anafor2un @Faenya your comments were the first that really caught my eye. I singled you out for no other reason than that
Eoin15Connolly 5 months ago
I love her
dustasdu 5 months ago
There really is no competition. Salonga hands-down. Then Patti LuPone. For the song alone, Salonga and LuPone are followed by Judy Kuhn and Susan Boyle. No one else is worth mentioning.
aldrinhu 5 months ago 11
@aldrinhu
Gosh, I think ruthie henshall is worlds better than Sonlanga... Her voice is so beautiful and her performance so honest
julesbanana1 5 months ago
just seen all three Fantines (LuPone,Solonga,Henshall) this is my fave..
obifongkenobi 5 months ago
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She is the best. No competition. Lea Salonga is fantastic, and my second favourite, and is one of my favourite musical singers, but still doesn't come close to this perfection. I just love every single thing about it. I can't stand Susan Boyle's version. There is no emotion in her voice at all, and she isn't as good a singer as these greats.
kenzieblue 5 months ago
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Salonga's interpretation is a very American one (physical, over acted). SB's is beautiful but this is perfection right here
ESCDownUnder 6 months ago
leah salonga enterpretation was better than any other
MrJoelllamera 6 months ago 24
@MrJoelllamera It's dumb and stupid, to compare talented artists,, and a lack of respect.
When i Hear Lea i just enjoyed her i'm so delighted that don't think in anybody else, the
same applies when i'm listening ruthie, and others. That's all.
javo7able 3 months ago 3
I love Lea Salonga and Patti Lapone, but Ruthie is and always will be my favourite Fantine!
HappyThoughtsToU 6 months ago
Anyone who would dare say that susan boyle has a better natural singing voice than ruthie henshall should stop themselves from ever making critical comments about music in the future. To any trained musician, you are a laughing stock at such a comment.
Faenya 6 months ago 2
@Faenya Susan Boyle HAS a better natural singing voice than Ruthie Henshall. Ruthie had training and has been given more opportunities and therefore has more experience, but her voice remains rough and ugly.
anafor2un 6 months ago 10
Ruthie singing: "...Then it all went wroooonngggg....." SMILING :))))).... How can somebody call that emotion?
luciloooo 6 months ago 46
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@luciloooo Ummm... She doesn't really smile. It's just kind not really smiling, not really frowning. She's not like "SMILING :))))))" though. Little bit of a stretch.
broadwaybrent367 5 months ago
@broadwaybrent367 - Yeah right..... She was just smiling a little..... very poised like a beauty queen.... Not the Fantine you'd read in the book.
luciloooo 5 months ago 2
@luciloooo Good thing, I guess... since it's the musical.
broadwaybrent367 5 months ago
@broadwaybrent367 - Don't get me wrong.... I think her voice is topnotch but her performance is just bland and lifeless.
luciloooo 5 months ago
@luciloooo It's an agree to disagree kinda thing I guess. I think she's great. (: It's an odd interpretation, yes, but one, none-the-less
broadwaybrent367 5 months ago
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@luciloooo If you want that kind of accuracy, you might as well expect a robot to start singing in concerts. Plus I saw it as a bitter smile. She was very emotional through out the song. I really cannot agree to what you wrote here. Are you a "professional"? lol. She sure as fuck can sing better than 99% of the new hipster singers coming out these days.
oreowizard1 4 months ago 7
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@luciloooo It was clearly a painful, forced slight smile. Are you that unable to read facial expressions?
JoshuaMars99 4 months ago
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@luciloooo she's not smiling
julesbanana1 4 months ago
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@luciloooo the song is bitter-sweet but I suppose a simpleton like you would just see it as just sad.
flangered 3 months ago
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@luciloooo smilng???? ru nuts? she was not smiling
javo7able 3 months ago
I'd like to Ruthie Henshall, Lea Salonga, Patti LuPone, Elaine Paige, and Susan Boyle all on 1 stage singing I Dreamed a Dream, together.
warblerab 6 months ago
This performer, with the rough, ugly voice, did her wooden interpretation of Fantine. Salonga read the book, studied the character, and BECAME Fantine.
johnjg536 6 months ago 45
@johnjg536 You absolute morons! This is a musical theatre SINGING ACTRESS at her best.... I imagine you think Susan Boyle is better?!
billyflynn2 4 months ago
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Lea sings the song. Ruthie lives the song. Liking which has a lot to do with how much one has gone through in life.
quartetchiang 6 months ago
Lea can sing better...
thebigthree34520 6 months ago 49
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@thebigthree34520 "ZOMG my favourite singer is like sooo much better than your favourite one and despite the fact that it's a completely arbitrary personal preference I'm gonna go on other peoples' videos and prove it with inane comments!"
waori 3 months ago
@waori Good for you.
rees276 3 months ago
cmon. compared to Ruthie's version, all other version are amatuerish
bigbadjockt 7 months ago
There is something in Ruthie's voice that makes this my favorite version. Lea Salonga's more recent rendition was good, but I feel like even though Lea's voice is more powerful, Ruthie has more feel. I mean, you can really see in Ruthie's eyes, and in her changes in dynamic level, that she really knows what she's doing. She gets it... she understands the song, and she captures it beautifully. Love Susan Boyle's too, but Ruthie's is more beautiful. Oh, and I love the way she says the word "love".
browni3419 8 months ago
magnificent
africanTHEfire 8 months ago
I like this version more than Boyle's but they are different takes on the same song. Ruthie is singing with the emotion and pain in her voice that the song demands in a theatre performance. Susan sang it at a talent competition in a very technically correct way. Both versions are beautiful and deserve to be heard though.
nkennedy09 9 months ago
To me, Ruthie is the best Fantine that there will ever be. She just has such a sweet and natural voice and she's one of the only ones that doesn't sound like they are ready to die when they hit the high notes at the end. And i don't see how people say she can't act...apparently they don't have a good ear because you can really hear Fanitne's struggle and decision in her version. I wish Ruthie would have been on the Symphonic cast instead of that horrible choice for Fantine! Like I said..the best
mpianozak96 9 months ago
it's the best performance and version for me !!!!!!
Amarutito 9 months ago
3:25 i always get chills!
TannerAusbun 9 months ago
Susan Boyle's natural voice is so much better. And Henshall can't ever top Lupone's acting.
annief31 9 months ago 16
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@annief31 You need to take the earplugs out.
notsodelusional 9 months ago
@annief31 You need to get your hearing checked.
notsodelusional 9 months ago
@annief31
lupone should be embarrassed to have even taken something so far over her talents.
HugoBossUnzipped 8 months ago
She's WELL Proper Good .
isabella97g 10 months ago
She's WELL Proper Good .
isabella97g 10 months ago