The most amazing thing about this performance is that they didn't change the key. She was singing in Pavarotti's key. I consider Aretha Franklin and Linda Ronstadt to be the two greatest female singers in my lifetime.
Yes. Sting explained to both the live and TV audiences that Aretha had performed Nessun Dorma two nights earlier for (MusicCares) a charity event. She agreed to step in for her friend, Luciano, and perform the song. Aretha later explained in an interview that it was one of the very few times she was truly nervous before a live performance. I remember seeing this Grammy performance live on TV. Between the beauty of that song, the anticipation of how Aretha would do, and Aretha's transcendent powerhouse voice, I distinctly remember almost being moved to tears. To think, a woman who grew up singing gospel in the black churches of Detroit, stepped in for the greatest male opera singer ever, Lucianno Pavarotti - and "kilt" that sh--
The story came out afterwards that Pavarotti was so impressed with Aretha’s performance that he offered to her to accompany him on his next tour. She declined only because it was well known that she had a mortal fear of flying and could not accompany him due to this. Before she appeared, Sting gave the explanation to the audience that Pavarotti was unable to appear and Aretha Franklin would fill in for him. She had previously performed Nessum Dorma at an event prior to this, so she agreed to fill in. It was amazing. Thanks for the great reaction. R.I.P. Aretha Franklin and Luciano Pavarotti. 🙏💔
Aretha had performed the song just a few days earlier for another show. So she was familiar with it. But the orchestra and choir at the Grammys had practiced it in Pavarotti‘s key, which was not Aretha‘s key. Aretha‘s handlers advised her not to do this.But she agreed at the last minute and, well, the rest is solid gold history. No one will ever forget the night Aretha saved the Grammys.
I know you didn't think that the Queen of Soul was gonna muck that up did you? She had less than 24 hours to prep for this. 😂😅😄 May both she and Pavarotti Rest in Peace.
I can’t remember if I’ve ever heard a female vocalist do Nessan Dorma before. Aretha did that more than justice, it’s almost another genre! Thank you for sharing, this was a real treat!!!
Sting gave a short explanation in his introduction that Pavarotti, who the audience was expecting, was ill and that Frankin was stepping in. I can't remember if he mentioned this, but Aretha went in with no rehearsal - the show was already in progress when Pavarotti dropped out. She was there as a presenter. But, she had performed the number before several times with regional symphony orchestras, so she knew the piece. However, there was no time to put it into her key - a couple of steps higher than Luciano's. She had to do the already rehearsed arrangement. It was one of the most thrilling Grammy moments.
That is exactly how I felt. I got goosebumps all over my body! This was Miraculous!!! One of THE greatest performances of my lifetime!😮😊 Rest in Power, Queen! 🙏🏾❤️🫶🏾
Watched it live and had tremendous goose bumps and tears running down my face! She left us a treasure. Her skill and talent were epic. May the Queen of Soul Aretha rest in peace.
Carole King was awarded the Kennedy Center honors Aretha sang one of her songs back in the day and she sang it live on the night of the awards. Go check that out if you’re Aretha Franklin lover.
I saw this in real.time and was so nervous and could not even sit down through the performance! I bawled the whole experience! I have tomsay that every.few years I look this up becuase it was so monumental ! Loved experiencing you have the same experience.😅
Hi. I just looked up this occasion. She took the stage to sing 22 minutes after she learned he was ill. It is said that he cried when he heard her and offered her to accompany him on his tour. She was deathly afraid of flying, so that didn't happen.
I love your channel! Your responses are so pure. I saw this on tv as it was happening. Me and a bunch of friends had a Grammy watching party. Sting informed the audience that Pavarotti was sick and Aretha would fill in. We all laughed because it seemed ridiculous. After that rich alto in the beginning we were quiet. Then we had goosebumps. By the end we were in tears. It was stunning. 25 years later its still powerful. She truly was a Queen. I'm so glad you got to experience it too.
Thank you and Don both. I love the song as heard before, tis beautiful and uplifting. This . . . this is so much more. Goosebumps on my goosebumps, tears in my eyes and my heart lifted out of my chest to heaven. Bliss
Your reaction was just like mine when I first saw this live on TV and every time I've seen it since. It is overwhelming, it gives me goosebumps, and it brings me to tears. She was not just the queen of soul but the goddess of song.
I watched it live and was SO happy I was actually recording the Grammy Awards that night because I couldn't have imagined that UA-cam would ever be a way to re-experience that performance all these many years later. I'm SO happy that younger generations get to see some stuff today when many earlier performances have been lost to history and just word of mouth. Word of mouth couldn't have done this one justice.
Yes. UA-cam has totally transformed the way we can interact retty much with any type of music, any era, any recorded event. It's truly astonishing and despite what many people claim, probably the best time in history for music appreciation.
I was a junior in high school when this performance first came out in 1998. I remember sitting at home watching the Grammys and got to see it live for the first time back then. It's one of those stories and performances that will stand the test of time no matter.
I remember watching on TV. Thank you for the beautiful memory of that night. I was moved to tears then and moved to tears now. I miss my Pavarotti and Ms Aretha❤ Now only enjoyed by recorded past. ❤❤
This was not the first time I watched this performance, but I wanted to see/feel your reaction and it was everything I hoped! Pavarotti and Aretha...you don't get any better!
One of the greatest moments in Grammy history for a reason!! A reminder that music is universal and there was a reason she known as THE QUEEN!! I remember she was many talk shows for several days after this moment because EVERYONE wanted to talk to her about it!
I watched this live with my bestie and we were in tears by the end! We were even bowing in our chairs after she sang. And this had been my favorite opera song. She took Queen to a whole different elevation that night!
I never heard of this occurrence, and I have goosebumps right along with you, Sebs! It's been so fun to read the other comments, learning that she and Pavarotti were friends, and that she had performed this at another event, and that he wanted her to tour with him. Rock on, Aretha and Luciano, in heaven or the universe, wherever you are!
Miss Franklin has always been number one one my list of extraordinary singers. What a gift she had and what a gift she was to us. My favorite song of hers -Chain of Fools. But this is exceptional.
Given she was the queen of soul the fact that she done this so confidently is inspiring. Yes, had she spent her whole life doing just this she’d probs have hit things differently etc but I adore listening to artists outside of their norm and smashing it🙌🏼🙌🏼❤️
New follower from BARBADOS.🇧🇧😃I never get tired of Queen Ree Ree.😊 One of my fav duets ever is with her and George Michael "Knew You Were Waiting". Want more vocal thrills? Try some soul/ R&B. You'll be impressed by 2 of my favs - Deborah Cox "How Did You Get Here" and Lisa Fischer's "How Can I Ease The Pain" (ezp her live in Japan). And then Rick James & Teena Marie "Fire & Desire".
I didn't appreciate her as I should have while she walked this earth. She pleads and entices in this rendition. I heard what happened but wasn't watching that night. Definitely going on my Playlist. Goosebumps and tears.
Yes I watched this performance on TV in real time and was floored despite already being an Aretha fan! She is a consummate professional. Unforgettable TV moment.
I am so impressed by you!! Thanks so very much for exploring all types of music and finding so much talent in all genres of music and and the talented artists through the years. And ARETHA...we all knew she was a most talented woman with a phenominal voice but after this performance.....WOW!!!
I saw it. I thought she was going to make it more R&B. I was completely shocked! I had no idea that Ms Queen of Soul and R&B could sing opera! I get chills ever time I watch it again. But of course why wouldn't she be able too? My small mind go bigger that night!
I remember seeing this the night it was televised and being completely blown away. When UA-cam came around, it was one of the first videos I searched for. AMAZING, MEMORABLE & TIMELESS
Love your reactions Sebs, especially to the Allman Brothers. I'm jealous that you get to hear so much of their music for the first time. Seen the Brothers at least 20 times live, so I got that going for me. You've dipped your little toe into the ABB pool....keep listening, they'll be in your top 3 real soon. Jelly Jelly Statesboro Blues Jessica Ain't Wastin Time No More These are just a few to get you started. There are hundreds more....Enjoy!
I've been a singer most of my life, trained in classical voice, singing in choirs, but my heart has always been in singing the blues. She has a foot in each world, and is the best of both.
Oh please. You doubt the Queen of Soul could ace this? Opera is overflowing with soul. You should check out Rob Lundquist and Austin Brown of Home Free sing this in Two Country Singers Try Singing Opera.
R&B royalty meets Operatic Classical - a new art was born. With the Three tenors and artists like Cecilia Bartoli in the 80 s there was a wave of opera popularity. Freddie Mercury sang with opera singers . It was a lovely era
I didn't know this existed! I LOVED THAT! Thanks so much for sharing this. I'm learning some new things from you. I really appreciate your channel and these videos you make. You're a breath of fresh air and seem very humble and genuine. It can be hard to find wholesome content sometimes, so thanks for your efforts. You're very entertaining.
Yes, the goosebumps were definitely on the march. And I LOVE how she was able to put full soul into the performance. She didn't try to be operatic. She was just being Aretha. And just Aretha is more than enough. Stunning performance and she nailed the landing like a gold medal gymnast.
She wasn’t called The Queen of Soul for nothing! She was an amazing singer.
And still #1 on my list of singers.
The most amazing thing about this performance is that they didn't change the key. She was singing in Pavarotti's key. I consider Aretha Franklin and Linda Ronstadt to be the two greatest female singers in my lifetime.
Whitney
Selena! ❤
The most amazing thing about this performance is that my ears aren't bleeding. Opera requires a technique Miss Franklin never had.
Amen
Yes. Sting explained to both the live and TV audiences that Aretha had performed Nessun Dorma two nights earlier for (MusicCares) a charity event. She agreed to step in for her friend, Luciano, and perform the song. Aretha later explained in an interview that it was one of the very few times she was truly nervous before a live performance. I remember seeing this Grammy performance live on TV. Between the beauty of that song, the anticipation of how Aretha would do, and Aretha's transcendent powerhouse voice, I distinctly remember almost being moved to tears. To think, a woman who grew up singing gospel in the black churches of Detroit, stepped in for the greatest male opera singer ever, Lucianno Pavarotti - and "kilt" that sh--
The story came out afterwards that Pavarotti was so impressed with Aretha’s performance that he offered to her to accompany him on his next tour. She declined only because it was well known that she had a mortal fear of flying and could not accompany him due to this. Before she appeared, Sting gave the explanation to the audience that Pavarotti was unable to appear and Aretha Franklin would fill in for him. She had previously performed Nessum Dorma at an event prior to this, so she agreed to fill in. It was amazing. Thanks for the great reaction. R.I.P. Aretha Franklin and Luciano Pavarotti. 🙏💔
Aretha had performed the song just a few days earlier for another show. So she was familiar with it. But the orchestra and choir at the Grammys had practiced it in Pavarotti‘s key, which was not Aretha‘s key. Aretha‘s handlers advised her not to do this.But she agreed at the last minute and, well, the rest is solid gold history. No one will ever forget the night Aretha saved the Grammys.
I have watched this a dozen times and every time brought tears to my eyes
I know you didn't think that the Queen of Soul was gonna muck that up did you? She had less than 24 hours to prep for this. 😂😅😄 May both she and Pavarotti Rest in Peace.
Less that 24 hrs? Try 22 minutes.
I watched it live and I remember thinking I had witnessed one of the greatest moments in musical history.
Same. Gave me chills
She wowed all of us! She was incredible! The stars were all in alignment for us that evening. A triumph!
I can’t remember if I’ve ever heard a female vocalist do Nessan Dorma before. Aretha did that more than justice, it’s almost another genre! Thank you for sharing, this was a real treat!!!
Sting gave a short explanation in his introduction that Pavarotti, who the audience was expecting, was ill and that Frankin was stepping in. I can't remember if he mentioned this, but Aretha went in with no rehearsal - the show was already in progress when Pavarotti dropped out. She was there as a presenter. But, she had performed the number before several times with regional symphony orchestras, so she knew the piece. However, there was no time to put it into her key - a couple of steps higher than Luciano's. She had to do the already rehearsed arrangement. It was one of the most thrilling Grammy moments.
Just got goosebumps listening to this
That is exactly how I felt. I got goosebumps all over my body! This was Miraculous!!! One of THE greatest performances of my lifetime!😮😊 Rest in Power, Queen! 🙏🏾❤️🫶🏾
OMG OMG OMG! Tears to my eyes, thank you so much for sharing this, blessings from Belfast Northern Ireland.
BRAVO! This performance is absolutely stunning! Thank you for sharing this with us. Thank you.
When Celine Dion is impressed, so am I. I didn’t know about this either!
Watched it live and had tremendous goose bumps and tears running down my face! She left us a treasure. Her skill and talent were epic. May the Queen of Soul Aretha rest in peace.
Carole King was awarded the Kennedy Center honors Aretha sang one of her songs back in the day and she sang it live on the night of the awards. Go check that out if you’re Aretha Franklin lover.
That was Natural Woman!!!
Yes - she had sung Natural woman many times before, but that night she blew the roof off the Kennedy Center.
@@davidtooke5964Many times? That was one of Aretha’s greatest hits!!!
I saw this in real.time and was so nervous and could not even sit down through the performance! I bawled the whole experience! I have tomsay that every.few years I look this up becuase it was so monumental ! Loved experiencing you have the same experience.😅
Hi. I just looked up this occasion. She took the stage to sing 22 minutes after she learned he was ill. It is said that he cried when he heard her and offered her to accompany him on his tour. She was deathly afraid of flying, so that didn't happen.
Rocked ALL of us when we watched it. Phones were ringing off the HOOK!
I’ve seen this performance 100 times. It reminds me of my grandmother who sang opera as a young Black woman. 🥹
We can only dream that any of us would ever rise to meet such a moment. Amazing!
I tuned in for Pavarotti's performance that night, and remember feeling I was hearing history being sung by Aretha! Unforgettable!
I played this at my mother's funeral, she loved this version.
Not just goosebumps here dude …I had tears …dang that really moved me …Bless Aretha Franklin
I watched it live and it was shockingly stunning. She just stepped in and sang it so beautifully. It was a top news story for weeks.
Wow. I've never seen this! Made me cry. She got this talent straight from God. So beautiful!
I love her so much! Omg. My heart was not ready for this backstory. She is truly GOAT.
I love your channel! Your responses are so pure. I saw this on tv as it was happening. Me and a bunch of friends had a Grammy watching party. Sting informed the audience that Pavarotti was sick and Aretha would fill in. We all laughed because it seemed ridiculous. After that rich alto in the beginning we were quiet. Then we had goosebumps. By the end we were in tears. It was stunning. 25 years later its still powerful. She truly was a Queen. I'm so glad you got to experience it too.
Thank you and Don both. I love the song as heard before, tis beautiful and uplifting. This . . . this is so much more. Goosebumps on my goosebumps, tears in my eyes and my heart lifted out of my chest to heaven. Bliss
Have never heard Aretha Franklin singing this before, it's wonderful!
I've watched this performance dozens of times, and the power and beauty of her voice brings me to tears every time.
Your reaction was just like mine when I first saw this live on TV and every time I've seen it since. It is overwhelming, it gives me goosebumps, and it brings me to tears. She was not just the queen of soul but the goddess of song.
I remember watching this live on tv and it was amazing!! We were were speechless! Still get goosebumps! She rocked it!!
I watched it live and was SO happy I was actually recording the Grammy Awards that night because I couldn't have imagined that UA-cam would ever be a way to re-experience that performance all these many years later. I'm SO happy that younger generations get to see some stuff today when many earlier performances have been lost to history and just word of mouth. Word of mouth couldn't have done this one justice.
Yes. UA-cam has totally transformed the way we can interact retty much with any type of music, any era, any recorded event. It's truly astonishing and despite what many people claim, probably the best time in history for music appreciation.
I forgot to breathe and tears rolled down my cheeks. She is a queen!
I was a junior in high school when this performance first came out in 1998. I remember sitting at home watching the Grammys and got to see it live for the first time back then. It's one of those stories and performances that will stand the test of time no matter.
i love love this performance...she made the song her own...great job, Queen...
I am 74 and I watched this live when they announced this. I felt dread for Aretha. She amazed everyone!!!
I remember watching on TV. Thank you for the beautiful memory of that night. I was moved to tears then and moved to tears now. I miss my Pavarotti and Ms Aretha❤ Now only enjoyed by recorded past. ❤❤
This was not the first time I watched this performance, but I wanted to see/feel your reaction and it was everything I hoped! Pavarotti and Aretha...you don't get any better!
One of the greatest moments in Grammy history for a reason!! A reminder that music is universal and there was a reason she known as THE QUEEN!! I remember she was many talk shows for several days after this moment because EVERYONE wanted to talk to her about it!
NEVER heard that before ! Many Thanks !! Nessun Dorma ?????
I can't believe I never saw this! How magnificent! ❤
I remember that performance. Grammy’s highest point. How I wish we could see quality at the Grammys again.
That was a revelation! I’m not crying, you’re crying.
Way to go, Aretha!!!!!!!!!!
Truly amazing moment. What a PRO she's is. Do you realize how many singers would have passed on that out of fear? She Will live on forever!
Very cool ! Her italian accent is very good. She adjusted the english version correctly. She's great. I love her ! She made me believe she will win !
Chills. An utterly different voice. Same effect.
I watched this live with my bestie and we were in tears by the end! We were even bowing in our chairs after she sang. And this had been my favorite opera song. She took Queen to a whole different elevation that night!
OMG I am blown away. I had no idea. 😮😊❤
Brother, thank you. The world needs to know genius. Blessings to you and your family
Don Shelby
My favorite version of this song. She brings more feeling than any opera singer has to this piece.
I never heard of this occurrence, and I have goosebumps right along with you, Sebs! It's been so fun to read the other comments, learning that she and Pavarotti were friends, and that she had performed this at another event, and that he wanted her to tour with him. Rock on, Aretha and Luciano, in heaven or the universe, wherever you are!
Miss Franklin has always been number one one my list of extraordinary singers. What a gift she had and what a gift she was to us. My favorite song of hers -Chain of Fools. But this is exceptional.
I watched it on the Grammy, and was in tears with goosebumps! I was so awestruck with how beautifully she did justice to it.
I saw it live on TV. I think they told the backstory. Aretha bowled me over!✌🏼❤️🎶
I remember watching this live. She killed it and yes we were told the circumstances.
Given she was the queen of soul the fact that she done this so confidently is inspiring.
Yes, had she spent her whole life doing just this she’d probs have hit things differently etc but I adore listening to artists outside of their norm and smashing it🙌🏼🙌🏼❤️
I knew she had the pipes, but who knew she could sing in Italian?
OMG ! That was AWESOME ! Bravo ! 👏
One of my favourite Aretha performances!!
We did watch that performance live that night - we were both in tears!! She was amazing - I think I forgot to breathe a couple of times. 💖🥹👑
Opera is my thing, but damn. That brought tears to my eyes big time. Wonderful!!!
New follower from BARBADOS.🇧🇧😃I never get tired of Queen Ree Ree.😊 One of my fav duets ever is with her and George Michael "Knew You Were Waiting".
Want more vocal thrills? Try some soul/ R&B. You'll be impressed by 2 of my favs - Deborah Cox "How Did You Get Here" and Lisa Fischer's "How Can I Ease The Pain" (ezp her live in Japan). And then Rick James & Teena Marie "Fire & Desire".
Please, more of Aretha! ❤
I was lucky enough to see it when she performed, and I was left, weeping into my hands.
I have full-body chills! Thank you so much for sharing this!
I didn't appreciate her as I should have while she walked this earth. She pleads and entices in this rendition. I heard what happened but wasn't watching that night. Definitely going on my Playlist. Goosebumps and tears.
BRAVA! Amazing. Have tears....
Both were generational artists
Yes I watched this performance on TV in real time and was floored despite already being an Aretha fan! She is a consummate professional. Unforgettable TV moment.
I am so impressed by you!! Thanks so very much for exploring all types of music and finding so much talent in all genres of music and and the talented artists through the years. And ARETHA...we all knew she was a most talented woman with a phenominal voice but after this performance.....WOW!!!
I saw it. I thought she was going to make it more R&B. I was completely shocked! I had no idea that Ms Queen of Soul and R&B could sing opera! I get chills ever time I watch it again. But of course why wouldn't she be able too? My small mind go bigger that night!
I was watching this when it happened and it was magnificent.
I remember seeing this the night it was televised and being completely blown away. When UA-cam came around, it was one of the first videos I searched for. AMAZING, MEMORABLE & TIMELESS
An incredible performance. Respect 🌟
Love your reactions Sebs, especially to the Allman Brothers. I'm jealous that you get to hear so much of their music for the first time. Seen the Brothers at least 20 times live, so I got that going for me. You've dipped your little toe into the ABB pool....keep listening, they'll be in your top 3 real soon.
Jelly Jelly
Statesboro Blues
Jessica
Ain't Wastin Time No More
These are just a few to get you started. There are hundreds more....Enjoy!
I've been a singer most of my life, trained in classical voice, singing in choirs, but my heart has always been in singing the blues. She has a foot in each world, and is the best of both.
I get goosebumps every time. shes was so awesome.
One of the most amazing voices EVER!!!!
I didnt see this liv and I did get to see Aretha live , twice it my life. Voice of our generation
I remember watching this live. Aretha was awesome!
I cried when it initially aired. Still do every time I see it!
Oh please. You doubt the Queen of Soul could ace this? Opera is overflowing with soul.
You should check out Rob Lundquist and Austin Brown of Home Free sing this in Two Country Singers Try Singing Opera.
R&B royalty meets Operatic Classical - a new art was born. With the Three tenors and artists like Cecilia Bartoli in the 80 s there was a wave of opera popularity. Freddie Mercury sang with opera singers . It was a lovely era
I didn't know this existed! I LOVED THAT! Thanks so much for sharing this. I'm learning some new things from you. I really appreciate your channel and these videos you make. You're a breath of fresh air and seem very humble and genuine. It can be hard to find wholesome content sometimes, so thanks for your efforts. You're very entertaining.
That was marvelous!!
Omg. I was not expecting this. Just amazing ❤
I did not expect to get choked up! I mean I knew she could do it, but wow
That was freakin' cool!
Don't know how I missed that back in the day
Yes, the goosebumps were definitely on the march. And I LOVE how she was able to put full soul into the performance. She didn't try to be operatic. She was just being Aretha. And just Aretha is more than enough. Stunning performance and she nailed the landing like a gold medal gymnast.
The Queen. ❤❤
I just loves Aretha ❤
I'd heard this happened but I hadn't seen it. Incredible!
A friend of mine was in a crowd dance in one of her videos.a voice.
I remember watching this on TV the night it happened. Sooooo, unexpected!
OMG! Goosebumps and tears. Thank you.
I remember this the night she sang that. We sat rapt, in silence, nobody moved and Aretha blew us away.
We were as excited as she was.