saw this show when I was 12 in around 1991/2. This song&the memory has stuck with me4some 20 years& was because watching that show listening to that song I was overwhelmed. I was choked with emotion which brought a lump to my throat and tears to my eyes the same as when I heard it again listening to Betty Buckley. Ms Paige is good but if I was 2 say which artist was on stage when I was 12 I would say Betty Buckley the passion & strength in her vocals got me then as they did today......
It was interesting to hear the differences in each lady's interpretation. I've always been partial to Ms. Buckley's version but I can still appreciate Ms. Paige's vocal performance. She really deserves more credit in the US for the variety of roles she's created and I think she a knockout in the current version of Follies in NYC. But this song belongs to Betty Buckley...now and forever!
THANX FOR COMMENTING EVERYBODY! I've read all the comments, and al tough I didn't count the votes, it's obvious that Betty Buckley is the winner! Next battle will be between Ken Page and Brian Blessed, who both played Old Deuteronomy. It will soon be online at this channel!
Betty Buckley without Question!!! Grizabella sings with pain and lonelyness and hope for the end... She gives me the chills when she sings the last Part! Aye, Id reach through the screen to take her hand as she fades away!! Betty sings that pain in her voice, Ellen Paige sounds too pretty and cheesey.
Without a doubt Betty Buckley is the definitive Grizabella, her voice is so beautiful. Elaine Page has a lovely voice as well, but Betty wins hands down.
they are both amazing singers with amazing voices. I would say we were voting on interpretations of how the song is given out. One is the bedraggle fading mother cat saying "Im still here", the other is the fading but proud huntress saying "you wont forget me".
i think both women are fantastic vocalists, although I have to agree Betty Buckleys voice has a fuzzy unique quality. But also give it to Elaine, she gives a wonderful visual performance. My choice is Betty Buckley but you know someone had to carry on the role. Id rather someone take it on :)
Betty wins, not because she originated the role, or the fact that her voice is more powerful, she wins because her character fits the role. If you listen, you can hear an old, once powerful cat lamenting her days in the sun. Not to mention, Elaine is just to sad, knowing cats, they are never purely sad, always proud.
Betty wins, not because she originated the role, or the fact that her voice is more powerful, she wins because her character fits the role. If you listen, you can hear an old, once powerful cat lamenting her days in the sun.
I saw Betty as Grizabella on Broadway at the Winter Garden Theater on October 7th 1982... I was 8 yrs old and my grandmother was a long time theater hairdresser and make up artist. She of course got tixs for the opening night of her new show called "Cats". She told me that it was about a gang of feline Cats that are all auditioning to get into heaven. I though wow this has to be interesting. Well it changed my life for ever!!! I fell in love not only with the theater but with Betty and her powe
1. Elaine originated the role of Grizabella in May 1981. Betty was the original Grizabella on Broadway, but that was in October 1982!
3. How can you say that Elaine was too old, when she's younger than Betty (Elaine was born in March 1948 and Betty in July 1947) and played the role before her?!
She had more of a presence to her. The timber in her voice, her cat-like movements, her subtlety ......flawless. Elaine's performance was heart breaking indeed, but I did not see a cat in her. I saw a sad beggar woman.
My vote is Betty Buckley - more power, better tone - and I agree with karrezza - Betty makes the character dignified and elegant - more depth.
But - who in the hell is that Grizabella in the picture? I know it's not Betty and it sure doesn't look like Elaine, either! Why not put pictures of both on them in the part? Scads of pictures of both as Griz available on the web...
@Wenubischannel No offense, but using it because you used it in some other videos is kind of ridiculous - if you're going to post a "contest" between Elaine and Betty, use pictures of them!
Buckley is 1000% times better a singer. As for performance, its preference of the viewer, if you prefer a worn out old sad cat as Paige does, or an elegant but understanding of her lost youth performance Buckley does.. I prefer Buckley because owning older cats they never forget they are elegant and in control!
saw this show when I was 12 in around 1991/2. This song&the memory has stuck with me4some 20 years& was because watching that show listening to that song I was overwhelmed. I was choked with emotion which brought a lump to my throat and tears to my eyes the same as when I heard it again listening to Betty Buckley. Ms Paige is good but if I was 2 say which artist was on stage when I was 12 I would say Betty Buckley the passion & strength in her vocals got me then as they did today......
TheUK1978 1 month ago
It was interesting to hear the differences in each lady's interpretation. I've always been partial to Ms. Buckley's version but I can still appreciate Ms. Paige's vocal performance. She really deserves more credit in the US for the variety of roles she's created and I think she a knockout in the current version of Follies in NYC. But this song belongs to Betty Buckley...now and forever!
Garmct 1 month ago
Betty Buckley hands-down!! !
Timberextra 2 months ago
Betty Buckley is by far the best Grizabella. I love her voice and I loved her on Eight is Enough. I wish I could see her live
14Mickey02 2 months ago
@14Mickey02 I loved Betty in Eight is Enough as well.
Myste3 2 months ago
THANX FOR COMMENTING EVERYBODY! I've read all the comments, and al tough I didn't count the votes, it's obvious that Betty Buckley is the winner! Next battle will be between Ken Page and Brian Blessed, who both played Old Deuteronomy. It will soon be online at this channel!
Wenubischannel 2 months ago
Betty Buckley without Question!!! Grizabella sings with pain and lonelyness and hope for the end... She gives me the chills when she sings the last Part! Aye, Id reach through the screen to take her hand as she fades away!! Betty sings that pain in her voice, Ellen Paige sounds too pretty and cheesey.
lorifoxbane 2 months ago
Without a doubt Betty Buckley is the definitive Grizabella, her voice is so beautiful. Elaine Page has a lovely voice as well, but Betty wins hands down.
Myste3 3 months ago
i would give the nod to Betty.. masterful control over the full length of the song, Impeccable pitch and phrasing, Buckley owns this piece...
greeneyedstone42 3 months ago
they are both amazing singers with amazing voices. I would say we were voting on interpretations of how the song is given out. One is the bedraggle fading mother cat saying "Im still here", the other is the fading but proud huntress saying "you wont forget me".
tonyincltn 5 months ago
i think both women are fantastic vocalists, although I have to agree Betty Buckleys voice has a fuzzy unique quality. But also give it to Elaine, she gives a wonderful visual performance. My choice is Betty Buckley but you know someone had to carry on the role. Id rather someone take it on :)
twilightlebeau 5 months ago
My votes on Betty - I first saw her perform Memory on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carsonm and I was blown away by her. She is awesome!
getrealalready1 6 months ago
Betty wins, not because she originated the role, or the fact that her voice is more powerful, she wins because her character fits the role. If you listen, you can hear an old, once powerful cat lamenting her days in the sun. Not to mention, Elaine is just to sad, knowing cats, they are never purely sad, always proud.
jeweldoc 6 months ago
@jeweldoc
Elaine originated the role.
NHK1111111111 5 months ago
Betty wins, not because she originated the role, or the fact that her voice is more powerful, she wins because her character fits the role. If you listen, you can hear an old, once powerful cat lamenting her days in the sun.
jeweldoc 6 months ago
Betty Buckley is the best anyone has ever played that part. Laurie Beechman is also great. After that, Elaine.
sebastianpellegrene 6 months ago
I saw Betty as Grizabella on Broadway at the Winter Garden Theater on October 7th 1982... I was 8 yrs old and my grandmother was a long time theater hairdresser and make up artist. She of course got tixs for the opening night of her new show called "Cats". She told me that it was about a gang of feline Cats that are all auditioning to get into heaven. I though wow this has to be interesting. Well it changed my life for ever!!! I fell in love not only with the theater but with Betty and her powe
caap23 6 months ago
Betty is better. For several reasons.
1. She originated the role.
2. She has a gritty but powerful element to her voice, as oppsed to the smoothness of Elaine Page's, which is what Grizzabella needs.
3. She reaches the power-notes without strain, Elaine was too old to play the role when she did, and the strain was apparent.
Both are good, but Betty "gets" the character of Grizzabella so much more- Grizabella wasnt totally wretched- she was still glamorous.
Treemeadow 6 months ago
@Treemeadow
1. Elaine originated the role of Grizabella in May 1981. Betty was the original Grizabella on Broadway, but that was in October 1982!
3. How can you say that Elaine was too old, when she's younger than Betty (Elaine was born in March 1948 and Betty in July 1947) and played the role before her?!
AndKa73 5 months ago
@AndKa73
People age at different rates. I was speaking more about her vocal age.
I admit that I didn't realise that she hadn't originated the role, but everything else still stands.
Treemeadow 5 months ago
Elaine Paige has a richer, less harsh voice which I believe carries the emotions of the songs better! Although, both are great in this role!!!!
SirBillyBuddha 7 months ago
Betty Buckley made this role for me.
She had more of a presence to her. The timber in her voice, her cat-like movements, her subtlety ......flawless. Elaine's performance was heart breaking indeed, but I did not see a cat in her. I saw a sad beggar woman.
ValtronW 8 months ago
Comment removed
ValtronW 8 months ago
Betty Buckley is better
raphaeldaar 9 months ago
i think elaine paige is the better, after just watching the cats movie from about 1997. she seems to have grown into the role as too has her voice.
czahnie 11 months ago
The name is spelt "ELAINE PAIGE"
correiawyatt 1 year ago
@correiawyatt Changed now. Who do you think wich is the best?
Wenubischannel 1 year ago
@correiawyatt - "spelled", even...LOL!!!
paocho3 9 months ago
My vote is Betty Buckley - more power, better tone - and I agree with karrezza - Betty makes the character dignified and elegant - more depth.
But - who in the hell is that Grizabella in the picture? I know it's not Betty and it sure doesn't look like Elaine, either! Why not put pictures of both on them in the part? Scads of pictures of both as Griz available on the web...
bevsoprano 1 year ago
@bevsoprano This is Debby Bryne from the Australian cast. I've used this picture because i used it in some of my other vids.
Wenubischannel 1 year ago
@Wenubischannel No offense, but using it because you used it in some other videos is kind of ridiculous - if you're going to post a "contest" between Elaine and Betty, use pictures of them!
bevsoprano 1 year ago
@bevsoprano You're right, i should think about it the next time i upload a video :)
Wenubischannel 1 year ago
Buckley is 1000% times better a singer. As for performance, its preference of the viewer, if you prefer a worn out old sad cat as Paige does, or an elegant but understanding of her lost youth performance Buckley does.. I prefer Buckley because owning older cats they never forget they are elegant and in control!
karrezza 1 year ago 2
It's actually spelled ELAINE PAIGE. But, aside from the misspelling, Betty Buckley still is a million times better!
hillevifan 1 year ago
@hillevifan Thank you for the comment, i've already changed it.
Wenubischannel 1 year ago
I'm for Elain Page, not saying Betty Buckley is bad though.
DWfannie 1 year ago