Just heard her sing for the first time on the TERRELL UA-cam channel and she rendered this song sitting right next to him. I'm sitting here bawling my eyes out and haven't seen the play but I've seen the movie countless times. I cannot imagine sitting that close to her while she's singing that song. I'd probably blubber and bawl my way right to the floor and faint. She is phenomenal!!!
Zanetta Tribble same here. I am in awe, speechless! I can‘t believe i am blessed enough to witness her gift. Amazing person and incredible voice/all around talent. Love love love... wow
Michael Laughlin OMG I was on the first row I had chills on my entire body and even my baby girl was in tears crying mommy at least she knows she’s beautiful and she love herself
Let's keep in mind that this song is at the very end of Act II. This performance comes after singing a whole show, essentially. Pure class and grace. Bravo!
For every plain dark skinned black girl with short, nappy, super thick, coarse hair with full black African features who has been told, " you are not beautiful". I am one. Thank you
Tania Odesho You are beautiful. I cried too but all I know is, we must love ourselves the way we are. We have value. This song just reminded me. Have a beautiful life, beautiful lady
Any Cynthia Erivo performance frustrates me because her tone is so consistent and she looks so relaxed. While singing with every ounce of emotion. Every performance is so natural. Teach me your ways.
@@dimitries No Boo! Fantasia didn't teach Cynthia JACK SQUAT!!! I like Fantasia, but let's be clear... Cynthia Erivo is a force unto herself!!!! ALL BY HERSELF!
I think it helps that her head voice is so strong, in that middle range where chest turns to head voice. You have to keep that area strong so that it blends seamlessly and you can higher and louder without hurting yourself.
If someone complains about Cynthia being Elphaba in the movie Im gonna send this to them. This performance proves how great of an actress and singer Cynthia really is, just look at the emotions she puts in her performance❤️❤️❤️
@@SoulKnightKing I don't see anything wrong with Elphaba having a pretty voice, and I also believe Cynthia being ever so versatile will be able to add the right color to her voice when the time comes for her to finally sing.
@@SoulKnightKing First of all she didn't audition for glinda , the fact she got the role of elphaba shows how good and versitile a singer she is , why would they randomly give the role of elphaba to Cynthia if she wasn't great and callin her a passable glinda is just disgusting , stop trying to descredit Cynthia , i can odviously tell you're a hater
I was here for this performance, and when I tell you the audience was shook I mean SHOOK. I grabbed the hand of the girl next to me and squeezed it - didn't even know her name. We were all there with Celie, and that walk at the end - get it mami!!!
That might have been ME! hahaha! It happened @ our show and by the end of the play, we were all in tears and hugged each other - total strangers!!! That is the POWER of this play!!
I was one of the merchandise managers for this show and every time I worked the merch sellers, some of the ushers, and bartenders would all come upstairs and stand in the back of the house and watch her do that number. EVERY.SINGLE.TIME!!!
her technical training is so beautiful, especially when she goes from singing in a high faint octave to changing her volume and tone in a matter of seconds with no crack in her voice or pitch problems.
@IChangedMyMind Agreed, but lets be honest: the book (and the story itself) is a celebration of the underdogs and a poor, black woman in the late 19th century is the portrait of how the world can be cruel to some people, not all people. Alice Walker has made a stateman on how women of color are wiped out of their self love from the very start. So, the song was made for the power of black women and there's nothing wrong with that, as there's nothing wrong for everyone feel and see themselves in this song, as you said, once its speaking of how is possible overcame the hardness of life. Black women can be a model to everyone
Precisely! You see how much of an influence Shug has on Celie in terms of building up her confidence and her persona from the time they met that it's quite fitting for Celie to display traits of Shug- the confident, know-it-all one.
It's that quiet, powerful, honest, "I'm beautiful" that really makes this song, really just carries so much emotion, so much of the tone and spirit of this song and this performance.
If you weren't appreciating her acting, you sure did when she delivered that beautifully pregnant pause before saying "I'm beautiful". Like, that's the character - years and years of depreciation and devaluing of self brought to an end.
@@leahmayes2417 yep she did that for years, continuously. But now, she stopped performing totally. It's been years actually, she said that the reason is that the character she's playing is penetrating under her skin and the feelings of the character became real to her. She felt really insecure, ugly, and every single emotion that the character is playing become her real life. Its not good for her, I'm glad that she stopped.
"But most of all, I'm thankful for loving who I really am..." Those words always hit me. I am thankful for being the gay black man that I am.... Love this...
There is only a sprinkle of head voice in that high G, sir. This is a full-out, Mariah Carrey-style, high belt. She mixes the Ds on the staff to prep for that high G, but it is indeed belted. Give the Queen her due praise.
I’ve watched literally millions of performance videos, and seen hundreds of live shows, and this performance cuts through the screen and slaps you right in the face, shoots into your heart like an arrow, it’s like her eyes are looking directly at you. I cannot imagine how earthshaking this was to see live. How could you even breathe during this performance?! She is something truly not of this earth. Gobsmacked.
WHEN SHE GOES "SINNNGGGGGG OUT" AT THAT TOP NOTE YOU CAN TELL IT'S NOT FULL ON HEAD VOICE BELT AND IT JUST PROVES HOW AMAZING HER VOCAL RANGE IS. LIKE THE PARTS WHEN SHE ISN'T SINGING YOU CAN HEAR A PEN DROP AND HER VOICE ABSOLUTELY FILLS THE ENTIRE ROOM.
[Celie] I don't need you to love me I don't need you to love I've got- I've got- I've got my sister, I can feel her now She may not be here, but she's still mine I know- I know she still love me Got my children, I can't hold them now They may not be here, but they still mine I hope They know I still love them Got my house, it still keep the cold out Got my chair when my body can't hold out Got my hands doing good like they s'posed to Showing my heart to the folks that I'm close to Got my eyes though they don't see as far now They see more 'bout how things really are now I'm gonna take a breath Gonna hold my head up Gonna put my shoulders back And look you straight in the eye I'm gonna flirt with somebody When they walk by I'm gonna sing out Sing out I believe I have inside of me Everything that I need to live a bountiful life And all the love alive in me I'll stand as tall as the tallest tree And I'm thankful for every day that I'm given Both the easy and hard ones I'm livin' But most of all, I'm thankful for Lovin' who I really am I'm beautiful Yes, I'm beautiful And I'm here
In the middle of this coronavirus pandemic, I find deep solace in this song and in this performance. THANK YOU. This, folks, is just one of the many reasons WHY WE ABSOLUTELY NEED THE ARTS.
@@lydiascott5808 It technically is, but not really. It should be referred to as musical, because at the Tony Awards, for instance, they give out separate awards for Plays and Musicals. Cynthia Erivo got a Tony for best actress in a Musical, not best actress In a play.
when i first saw this performance on Broadway i wasn’t sure who Cynthia Erivo was.i was so blown away i saw it 4 times.I knew she would become a superstar . Her talent is boundless. now shes 1 step from becoming an EGOT. it will be soon . An amazing multi talent.
I think she's one of the most magnificent singers ever. She has so much emotion and soul into this performance. She certainly has a great spirit, a goddess.
"I'm Here......and I'm Beautiful" !! This is a declaration of one's self esteem. You cannot announce this to the world and walk away with your head down. You must "strut" like you meant what you said !!Fabulously delivered Cynthia !!
Walking into that theatre just to see a “cheap seat” show and I walked out finding the album on iTunes because I NEEDED TO LISTEN AGAIN AND AGAIN. Cynthia BLEW US ALL AWAY. Everyone near me cried at least once and then everyone gave her a standing ovation after this performance (among others). I felt ashamed to have never heard of “The Color Purple” before then because it became in instant favorite upon first viewing. An absolutely incredible cast and an even more incredible story that everyone should hear once. I. Adore. Her. I can’t wait to see Harriet for Cynthia alone!
TheRedcat14 watch the film as well if you haven’t seen it, directed by Steven Spielberg, stars Danny Glover, Whoopi Goldberg & Oprah Winfrey. Definitely a classic film
That’s one of my fave movies!! I asked my Hispanic friend if she ever saw it and she said no!! So we are gonna watch it together. Honestly, that movie makes me cry every..single..time
And now she’ll be Defying Gravity as Elphaba this year (2024) next to an artist I’ve also been obsessed with most of my life. The Wicked casting is a dream come true for me, and I think Cynthia will be my favorite Elphie once all is said and done! I CANNOT wait to hear her and Ariana’s vocals for this project. BLESSED. Keep rocking Cynthia, you’re the fkn best!
I remember seeing Cynthia in The Color Purple back in 2016, balling my damn eyes out. I still cry watching this video. Everything down to the tiniest detail is pure genius. Plus, she's the Vice President of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art...I bet her students feel infinitely lucky ❤❤❤
I absolutely love how she transitions throughout this performance; from scared insecure to a fearless woman. oh!!! and that sing out part - knocks me out
Im 21 and only recently started loving my brown skin. I didn’t grow up around my coloured family, just the white side so no one taught me that it’s beautiful. I’ve only ever heard that I was too dark to fit with the white people in and not dark enough to be with the coloured people. I’m not there yet but songs like these are so important for people who feel or have felt like that.
That hit me in the gut like nobody's business. I'm a middle eastern/white mix. I'm too ethnic for the white people. I'm too white for the middle eastern group. This is why inclusion and representation matters!
I saw her perform this at the Menier Chocolte Factory in London. A small theatre seating around 200. The whole of The Color Purple was fabulous and her performance was the best I've ever witnessed in musical theatre. Almost the whole of the audience had tears streaming down their faces by the end of this song.
She's just a REVELATION. Oh, I am so proud of myself for investing in a ticket to experience this production before it closed! No words for my transformation.
I can’t believe people say Fantasia’s version is better. Cynthia had the best version emotion wise, technique wise and just plain the way it sounds. I felt and actually UNDERSTOOD every word because she enunciated every letter. Her voice is crystal clear and beautiful in the way she executes this.
Char M. Well to be very honest.... everyone has their opinion and I see why people say Fantasia's is better because she connects with Celie the most throughout all the women who have played the part. She's lived Celie's life if you really think about it but I think BOTH WOMEN ARE AMAZING ! I just think comparing them... just doesn't make any sense and besides they were in different versions and if you listen closely...you can tell I'm Here was rewritten a bit.
different interpretations. from a technical standpoint, yes cynthia was better, but fantasia purposefully squalled and cried and yelled and slurred her words to portray the emotion celie was feeling. the character isn't the most educated person, so the bad diction was more of a stylistic choice based off of celie rather than fantasia just having bad enunciation. fantasia also isn't a broadway vocalist, so she doesn't exactly sing like one. both were excellent
Jae your comment is ignorantly stupid. Just because critics say this and that doesn’t mean anything. Just because critics say something... doesn’t make it true ( talking in general ) everyone HAS THEIR OWN OPINION WHEN THEU SEE ANYTHING. You bringing critics into this is stupid. Clearly you know nothing.
I sat in the audience, tears streaming down my this song has elements that can resonate with almost every human being on the planet. Especially those of a certain age who have experienced the ups and downs of life, and survived. And that survival can shine as a testimony to the power of endurance and finding your worth and value.
Racial harmony is a fantasy. We will never be appreciated. Tonight Georgia's govenor signed voter suppression legislation into law, which of course disproportionately affects black people. Jim Crow 2.0.
I saw this show 7 times. EVERY performance this was one of the major Times Cynthia has each heart in the audience in the palm of her hand. At every performance she stopped the show with everyone of her songs. Three standing ovations. God, I miss this show. Her and Heather was magical.
This will go down in history as one of the greatest musical theatre performances of all time. Not this evening specifically, but Cynthia Erivo telling Celie's story, night after night.
Who's on here listening to every version of this song available on repeat after watching the new movie. Fantasia is on another level. Can't wait for Wicked.
@@IronheartvsMilesjust watched the movie, Fantasia was amazing but she has a more mainstream sound but Cynthia’s got that strong broadway vibrato that’s what really makes it for me
I come back atleast once a year to watch this video, and everytime it has the same impact. I sit here crying. She is truly something special. Cannot wait to see her shine as our Elphie :)!
I watched this show on the 2nd night of previews on Broadway. I walked in because I was and still am a big fan of Jennifer Hudson, but during the show.... Cynthia Erivo earned my respect. What a gift. What an artist. I'm so grateful to have watched this LIVE.
I was super lucky to see this live. Her performance was so powerful you could have heard a pin drop. Even up in the balcony it was like you were next to her and she was talking to you. I was sobbing, totally unforgettable. Amazing performance and amazing story
What a powerhouse. The way that she demands that she be heard, while still showing so much emotion and control within the song, is absolutely incredible.
I saw this back in 2016. I’ve had very few experiences coming out of a theatre and saying “Was that even real?” This was one of those moments. I was on the 4th row and this performance was like a spiritual awakening for me. This song boosts my confidence like no other!!!
Everytime I hear Cynthia sing this song it feels as if the words are coursing through my soul. It just really hits home and is a reminder to hold your head up high at every turn.
I was fortunate to get amazing tickets to this show two weeks before closing and was blown away. At the end, I could swear Cynthia looked right into my eyes. Phenomenal woman doing incredible work.
The are more popular performances of her singing this, but to me, THIS is the best version of it. It has my favorite runs, and the entire vibe is perfect.
If you don’t feel this song on a gut level with head to toe chills, or don’t shed a tear...you must lack a soul or there is a glacier where your heart should reside. Ms. Cynthia Erivo...Brava. To bring the emotional, not to mention vocal DEPTH that is worthy of the powerful lyrics that you performed as Celie. To watch this is like an emotional cleansing of the harmful names and cruel boxes the world puts us in. Once the soul is cleansed, we are left with the understanding...WE ARE BEAUTIFUL...AND WE ARE HERE. BRAVA
Saw this twice... the second time the audience rose with her in the end.. this will always be in my heart because all of us have needed that moment, "I AM HERE"... Thank you so much Cynthia!! Magical, powerful, beautiful.....
When she sings I'm gonna sing out... Her expression it is so ....i feel a tide rise in my chest everytime. I just want to capture her at that moment. Someday I'm going to draw her. I had to read colour purple for exams this time and by mistake i came across this. And then when i reached the point in the novel when she says I'm here. God that tide again rose in my chest all the way till my throat.
Anyone else here after Cynthia admitted this was the hardest song she ever had to sing
Me
Me! 🙆🏽♀️
Me!!
Yes
I sure am!
We sat in the 3rd row center and she hurled that at us. I couldn't move. It was breathtaking.
Michael Laughlin lol!
Just heard her sing for the first time on the TERRELL UA-cam channel and she rendered this song sitting right next to him. I'm sitting here bawling my eyes out and haven't seen the play but I've seen the movie countless times. I cannot imagine sitting that close to her while she's singing that song. I'd probably blubber and bawl my way right to the floor and faint. She is phenomenal!!!
Zanetta Tribble same here. I am in awe, speechless! I can‘t believe i am blessed enough to witness her gift. Amazing person and incredible voice/all around talent. Love love love... wow
Michael Laughlin OMG I was on the first row I had chills on my entire body and even my baby girl was in tears crying mommy at least she knows she’s beautiful and she love herself
You've been blessed with the holy water of Cynthia's saliva. Wish you bottled some to go around.
this could (easily) be one of the best vocal performances of all time
oh no questions asked she is the greatest singer who has ever lived
EASILY!!!!!!!!!
@@calleigh5887 she isn’t but she’s great
@@TerrellAmari who’s the greatest
@@yq4353Whitney Houston
Can you believe this woman is Playing Elphaba for the Wicked film adaptation? She's gonna SLAY it.
We're getting a non-screechy Elphaba?!? HOORAY!!!
After filming wicked she could play her on the west end
@@e2theeyepie lmao 😂 besides Willemijn Verkaik? Yasss
@@e2theeyepie who knows! That would be a revival of the broadway!!
@@transportandtheatrekid2298 revival of the broadway!
This is single handedly my favorite solo performance of anything/anyone ever. Her voice is pure magic.
Agreed!!!!
I've seen over 200 musicals and play and I have NEVER seen a greater performance in my life.
I was totally captivated and crying like a baby
same
Let's keep in mind that this song is at the very end of Act II. This performance comes after singing a whole show, essentially. Pure class and grace. Bravo!
Sam Johnson Ooooh just like Words Fail in Dear Evan Hansen 😢 These songs can really be damaging 😵
@@ryanfaure3120 In a good way of course
@@paolav2887 I meant damaging vocally for the performer
@@ryanfaure3120 Ah
@@ryanfaure3120 I thought you meant emotionally
For every plain dark skinned black girl with short, nappy, super thick, coarse hair with full black African features who has been told, " you are not beautiful". I am one. Thank you
You are more than beautiful❤️
This is really powerful and made me cry
Tania Odesho You are beautiful. I cried too but all I know is, we must love ourselves the way we are. We have value. This song just reminded me. Have a beautiful life, beautiful lady
and we're here! we're here.
Ru By I wholeheartedly agree. Thank you
Any Cynthia Erivo performance frustrates me because her tone is so consistent and she looks so relaxed. While singing with every ounce of emotion. Every performance is so natural. Teach me your ways.
Magnificent
agreed
She learned from the best. Fantasia taught her well. But we need Fantasia back
@@dimitries No Boo! Fantasia didn't teach Cynthia JACK SQUAT!!! I like Fantasia, but let's be clear... Cynthia Erivo is a force unto herself!!!! ALL BY HERSELF!
That’s the power of training at RADA
And that’s on healthy belting. Period.
😍 ua-cam.com/video/SJUUDx95RWE/v-deo.html
PERIODDD!
I think it helps that her head voice is so strong, in that middle range where chest turns to head voice. You have to keep that area strong so that it blends seamlessly and you can higher and louder without hurting yourself.
@@Goldenretriever-k8mok cuz the mix is CRAZY
She mixes and belts here
If someone complains about Cynthia being Elphaba in the movie Im gonna send this to them. This performance proves how great of an actress and singer Cynthia really is, just look at the emotions she puts in her performance❤️❤️❤️
She's a Glinda at best. Not an Elphaba. Her voice is way too pretty
@@SoulKnightKing I don't see anything wrong with Elphaba having a pretty voice, and I also believe Cynthia being ever so versatile will be able to add the right color to her voice when the time comes for her to finally sing.
@@SoulKnightKing She'd be an amazing alphaba
@@bbnffgvbnn8860 she woukda been a passable Glinda
@@SoulKnightKing First of all she didn't audition for glinda , the fact she got the role of elphaba shows how good and versitile a singer she is , why would they randomly give the role of elphaba to Cynthia if she wasn't great and callin her a passable glinda is just disgusting , stop trying to descredit Cynthia , i can odviously tell you're a hater
The cheer from the audience when she says “I’m beautiful” absolutely melts my heart
literally sobbing
The way she sang that part literally gave me goosebumps, the way she said it was so powerful
If you never sawonce in saw this show (omg see it!) you know what her story is. Cynthia is not human.
I saw her in this on Broadway..
I was blessed and she got a standing ovation that I thought would never stop. It is an incredible memory for me.
Why did you do this to me Cynthia? 😢😢 😂
She’s a treasure.
I was here for this performance, and when I tell you the audience was shook I mean SHOOK. I grabbed the hand of the girl next to me and squeezed it - didn't even know her name. We were all there with Celie, and that walk at the end - get it mami!!!
That might have been ME! hahaha! It happened @ our show and by the end of the play, we were all in tears and hugged each other - total strangers!!! That is the POWER of this play!!
That’s what’s amazing a live theatre ! And what I love most about it
THE WALK yes!!!!
This is the kind of stuff I miss in quarantine
👏👏👏👏💯🕊💕🎯😂 WOW!!!. FOR #MISSCELIE !!.💯✊
She is one of the best vocalists I've ever heard
😍 ua-cam.com/video/SJUUDx95RWE/v-deo.html
literally
Agreed.
Almost as good as Fantasia
@@dimitries 😂😂😂😂😂😂
I was one of the merchandise managers for this show and every time I worked the merch sellers, some of the ushers, and bartenders would all come upstairs and stand in the back of the house and watch her do that number. EVERY.SINGLE.TIME!!!
this makes me so happy!!!
I saw her do this live and I would have been there with you if I could have seen her more than once. That's amazing.
her technical training is so beautiful, especially when she goes from singing in a high faint octave to changing her volume and tone in a matter of seconds with no crack in her voice or pitch problems.
even though I'm not black nor a woman, this song has helped me in my darkest times and her performances inspire me every time I see her
I always say the same thing!
That's the beauty of art man. This song helped me a lot as well
@IChangedMyMind Agreed, but lets be honest: the book (and the story itself) is a celebration of the underdogs and a poor, black woman in the late 19th century is the portrait of how the world can be cruel to some people, not all people. Alice Walker has made a stateman on how women of color are wiped out of their self love from the very start. So, the song was made for the power of black women and there's nothing wrong with that, as there's nothing wrong for everyone feel and see themselves in this song, as you said, once its speaking of how is possible overcame the hardness of life. Black women can be a model to everyone
Music doesn't know race, it knows souls
Mr. President no, it is! The book was written for the empowerment of black women. But go ahead and gentrify!
I love the "I just did that" walk at the end
Matteo Lambert SAME !!!!! It had style
That "Celie Found Her Full Groove Without Any Of You" Strut!!!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE!
Precisely! You see how much of an influence Shug has on Celie in terms of building up her confidence and her persona from the time they met that it's quite fitting for Celie to display traits of Shug- the confident, know-it-all one.
Adam Efimoff is Vanderbilt Trujillo tgv
IKR 😂 I love it so freaking much
the power and control her voice has is all I want in life
If you like her, you'd LOVE Celine Dion.
When I saw her sing this live it changed my life forever. I was in complete shock... tears, chills, all of it. I will never forget that feeling!
#SAME and it still brings me to tears each time I see this.
It's that quiet, powerful, honest, "I'm beautiful" that really makes this song, really just carries so much emotion, so much of the tone and spirit of this song and this performance.
That's the moment my tears fall
Absolutely!
She squated for that note! Squat sis!
PURRR
If you weren't appreciating her acting, you sure did when she delivered that beautifully pregnant pause before saying "I'm beautiful". Like, that's the character - years and years of depreciation and devaluing of self brought to an end.
How did she do this every night my god
and twice on Wednesdays, and Saturday.
She stopped singing it, just performing it rarely.
Jill Salkin it’s part of the show lmao
She can’t stop
@@leahmayes2417 yep she did that for years, continuously. But now, she stopped performing totally. It's been years actually, she said that the reason is that the character she's playing is penetrating under her skin and the feelings of the character became real to her. She felt really insecure, ugly, and every single emotion that the character is playing become her real life. Its not good for her, I'm glad that she stopped.
its called a mix of talent and throat coat tea:)
One of the greatest performances I’ve ever seen on Broadway. 8 years later it still gives me chills!
Here after she said in an interview this is the hardest song she's sung. Wow, She makes it look easy!
Yes
"But most of all, I'm thankful for loving who I really am..." Those words always hit me. I am thankful for being the gay black man that I am.... Love this...
i dont even know you but i love you and you are beautiful
I love you
Hello, I love you.
Being a black gay man is a tough fuckin life.
@@jamesc2201 Yeah. :/ Still havin problems with accepting myself, but I know I’ll love myself fully one day.
Her voice was in really good shape here. Not that it ever isn't, but she sounds really clean and kills this one. The sing out is beautifully mixed.
There is only a sprinkle of head voice in that high G, sir. This is a full-out, Mariah Carrey-style, high belt. She mixes the Ds on the staff to prep for that high G, but it is indeed belted. Give the Queen her due praise.
@@smbboyer ok for musical theory 101...
@@smbboyer I dont have perfect pitch which notes (words) are we talking about here because I really need to understand mix and belt and I DONT!!
Stephen Boyer i think shes still mixing though... Her voice sounds to clear and bright for her to not be mixing in a pinch of head lmao...
Definitely a STRONG mix that matches her belt on “sing out” gosh I love Cynthia. Her acting, her technique and her God Given voice! WHEW 🙌🏾
im ugly crying so hard right now
Same! Still!
Still!!!
Every time
Count me in this group of "ugly cryin folks" when we hear her sing this song! LOL! And yes, I'm still sniffing with tears running down my face.
oooh girl me too
I’ve watched literally millions of performance videos, and seen hundreds of live shows, and this performance cuts through the screen and slaps you right in the face, shoots into your heart like an arrow, it’s like her eyes are looking directly at you. I cannot imagine how earthshaking this was to see live. How could you even breathe during this performance?! She is something truly not of this earth. Gobsmacked.
I don’t need a studio version, I’m here everyday
I know nothing about this musical or what's going on why am I crying this is a first
You really should go see it! If you think you are crying NOW....JUST YOU WAIT!
It’s one of the most powerful songs in the history of musical theatre, imo.
It was turned into a movie before it was turned into a musical. You've never seen the movie with Whoopi Goldberg?
I know this is late but you should do read the book before watching anything- it makes this performance SO much more amazing
READ THE BOOK
WHEN SHE GOES "SINNNGGGGGG OUT" AT THAT TOP NOTE YOU CAN TELL IT'S NOT FULL ON HEAD VOICE BELT AND IT JUST PROVES HOW AMAZING HER VOCAL RANGE IS. LIKE THE PARTS WHEN SHE ISN'T SINGING YOU CAN HEAR A PEN DROP AND HER VOICE ABSOLUTELY FILLS THE ENTIRE ROOM.
[Celie]
I don't need you to love me
I don't need you to love
I've got-
I've got-
I've got my sister, I can feel her now
She may not be here, but she's still mine
I know-
I know she still love me
Got my children, I can't hold them now
They may not be here, but they still mine
I hope
They know I still love them
Got my house, it still keep the cold out
Got my chair when my body can't hold out
Got my hands doing good like they s'posed to
Showing my heart to the folks that I'm close to
Got my eyes though they don't see as far now
They see more 'bout how things really are now
I'm gonna take a breath
Gonna hold my head up
Gonna put my shoulders back
And look you straight in the eye
I'm gonna flirt with somebody
When they walk by
I'm gonna sing out
Sing out
I believe I have inside of me
Everything that I need to live a bountiful life
And all the love alive in me
I'll stand as tall as the tallest tree
And I'm thankful for every day that I'm given
Both the easy and hard ones I'm livin'
But most of all, I'm thankful for
Lovin' who I really am
I'm beautiful
Yes, I'm beautiful
And I'm here
Thank you so much!!
I was looking for this!
❤
In the middle of this coronavirus pandemic, I find deep solace in this song and in this performance. THANK YOU. This, folks, is just one of the many reasons WHY WE ABSOLUTELY NEED THE ARTS.
♡♡♡♡♡
I couldn't agree more.
No matter how matter times I watch this, I will sob like a baby every time. Every. Time.
Every. Friggin. Time. 😢
Still gives me goosebumps every time I see this performance.
The Vegetarian Baker same here, I love her and the song! And I'm vegan too. Lol!
I agree! I love the power and the clarity and sweetness of her tone which makes her voice truly unique. Its beautiful!
The Vegetarian Baker Me too!!! She’s magical.
Vegetarian Baker, I'm so glad u commented and I was able to discover you. I just subscribed to your channel.
I've literally lost count of how many times I've watched this
Sameeeee
Same! And cried every single time...
Such a clear voice and I can understand every word. Exceptional vocalist. I saw the play when Fantasia DID this song.
Tracy Williams why the emphasis on DID ? Just curious
raven567890 meaning she slayed or sang the song so well
It's not a play, it's a musical
@@willwalker24601 musical is a subcategory of play...
@@lydiascott5808 It technically is, but not really. It should be referred to as musical, because at the Tony Awards, for instance, they give out separate awards for Plays and Musicals. Cynthia Erivo got a Tony for best actress in a Musical, not best actress In a play.
when i first saw this performance on Broadway i wasn’t sure who Cynthia Erivo was.i was so blown away i saw it 4 times.I knew she would become a superstar . Her talent is boundless. now shes 1 step from becoming an EGOT. it will be soon . An amazing multi talent.
I think she's one of the most magnificent singers ever. She has so much emotion and soul into this performance. She certainly has a great spirit, a goddess.
Yikes almost forgot to watch this today.
Sis get a life
@@cameronwilson3577 PLS
@@wehttamaloveschicken7916 lmfaooooo
@@cameronwilson3577 BYEEEE-
i’m 😭😭😭💀
"I'm Here......and I'm Beautiful" !! This is a declaration of one's self esteem. You cannot announce this to the world and walk away with your head down. You must "strut" like you meant what you said !!Fabulously delivered Cynthia !!
Walking into that theatre just to see a “cheap seat” show and I walked out finding the album on iTunes because I NEEDED TO LISTEN AGAIN AND AGAIN.
Cynthia BLEW US ALL AWAY. Everyone near me cried at least once and then everyone gave her a standing ovation after this performance (among others). I felt ashamed to have never heard of “The Color Purple” before then because it became in instant favorite upon first viewing. An absolutely incredible cast and an even more incredible story that everyone should hear once.
I. Adore. Her. I can’t wait to see Harriet for Cynthia alone!
TheRedcat14 watch the film as well if you haven’t seen it, directed by Steven Spielberg, stars Danny Glover, Whoopi Goldberg & Oprah Winfrey. Definitely a classic film
That’s one of my fave movies!! I asked my Hispanic friend if she ever saw it and she said no!! So we are gonna watch it together. Honestly, that movie makes me cry every..single..time
And now she’ll be Defying Gravity as Elphaba this year (2024) next to an artist I’ve also been obsessed with most of my life. The Wicked casting is a dream come true for me, and I think Cynthia will be my favorite Elphie once all is said and done! I CANNOT wait to hear her and Ariana’s vocals for this project.
BLESSED. Keep rocking Cynthia, you’re the fkn best!
After almost 4 years of discovering this performance, I am still left in awe. My heart always feels it ALL.
I remember seeing Cynthia in The Color Purple back in 2016, balling my damn eyes out. I still cry watching this video. Everything down to the tiniest detail is pure genius. Plus, she's the Vice President of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art...I bet her students feel infinitely lucky ❤❤❤
cynthia erivo, amber riley, and jessie j are the most underrated singers of our time and that’s a fact. THE EMOTION AND EFFORTLESSNESS IS INSANE.
Agreed period
Well now Cynthia gets to play Elphaba, the recognition she deserves 😁
💯 I'll never understand why Jessie J doesn't have Whitney Houston level fame and recognition.
@@ViolinfanaticOriginallet’s relax a bit lol.
@@brandonrice2833 I didn't even use all caps. I am relaxed. 🤣🤣🤣
"i'm beautiful" aaaaaannnnnnnndddd i'm sobbing
Sydney Lee that's my favorite
Sydney Lee That line always gets me :')
actual and factual T_T
I almost threw my phone. SO GOOD.
lol right!!!
I absolutely love how she transitions throughout this performance; from scared insecure to a fearless woman. oh!!! and that sing out part - knocks me out
Im 21 and only recently started loving my brown skin. I didn’t grow up around my coloured family, just the white side so no one taught me that it’s beautiful. I’ve only ever heard that I was too dark to fit with the white people in and not dark enough to be with the coloured people. I’m not there yet but songs like these are so important for people who feel or have felt like that.
You're beautiful. And i know exactly what you mean. I'm also one of the brown Asians.
@@littlepawML it’s truly f’d up that we were taught this way
That hit me in the gut like nobody's business. I'm a middle eastern/white mix. I'm too ethnic for the white people. I'm too white for the middle eastern group. This is why inclusion and representation matters!
I'm an elderly black woman who wears her hair naturally and walks into a room like the beautiful black queen I am.
absolutely beautiful.
Jordan Doww omg jordan
Understatement
This is seriously the BEST musical theatre performance I've ever seen, and that is definitely saying something.
I saw her perform this at the Menier Chocolte Factory in London.
A small theatre seating around 200.
The whole of The Color Purple was fabulous and her performance was the best I've ever witnessed in musical theatre. Almost the whole of the audience had tears streaming down their faces by the end of this song.
agreed Will it’s absolutely amazing
This one makes me sob every time.
www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/cynthia-erivos-final-the-color-purple-performance_us_5874fff0e4b043ad97e5c562
This will make you sob even more...
Me too!
partyinthetardis me too omg
partyinthetardis i can't even sing it to myself without crying tbh
yep.
Her incredible voice + defying gravity = out of this world !!
What a powerhouse! We are so lucky to live in this timeline with Ms Erivo. 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
She's just a REVELATION. Oh, I am so proud of myself for investing in a ticket to experience this production before it closed! No words for my transformation.
Agreed! I feel so fortunate to have been an audience member for her stunning work as Celie. Her voice is nothing short of a miracle.
I am proud of you too!
And this is when us poor European we cry all of our tears. We cannot witness that beauty every day live 😪
Caro she’s European :)
She has one of the most amazing voices that I have ever heard. I can just feel it!
😍 ua-cam.com/video/SJUUDx95RWE/v-deo.html
Not only is she an incredible actress! Shes also one of best singers ever! I would rank her amongst the great vocalist that came before her!
This song had the entire audience in tears. Standing ovation. Amazing! ♥️♥️♥️
This is my absolute favorite rendition of this song! Cynthia?!! WOW! I love her!!
I can’t believe people say Fantasia’s version is better. Cynthia had the best version emotion wise, technique wise and just plain the way it sounds. I felt and actually UNDERSTOOD every word because she enunciated every letter. Her voice is crystal clear and beautiful in the way she executes this.
Char M. Well to be very honest.... everyone has their opinion and I see why people say Fantasia's is better because she connects with Celie the most throughout all the women who have played the part. She's lived Celie's life if you really think about it but I think BOTH WOMEN ARE AMAZING ! I just think comparing them... just doesn't make any sense and besides they were in different versions and if you listen closely...you can tell I'm Here was rewritten a bit.
Color Purple Lover that is a stupid comment. She is nowhere near a comparison for Cynthia.. and both the Tonys and the critics agreed.
different interpretations. from a technical standpoint, yes cynthia was better, but fantasia purposefully squalled and cried and yelled and slurred her words to portray the emotion celie was feeling. the character isn't the most educated person, so the bad diction was more of a stylistic choice based off of celie rather than fantasia just having bad enunciation. fantasia also isn't a broadway vocalist, so she doesn't exactly sing like one. both were excellent
This comment is A1
Jae your comment is ignorantly stupid. Just because critics say this and that doesn’t mean anything. Just because critics say something... doesn’t make it true ( talking in general ) everyone HAS THEIR OWN OPINION WHEN THEU SEE ANYTHING. You bringing critics into this is stupid. Clearly you know nothing.
I had the honor of seeing Cynthia in The Color Purple on broadway last March. Right as the song began, everyone was in tears!!
everyday on repeat.....
literally
I sat in the audience, tears streaming down my this song has elements that can resonate with almost every human being on the planet. Especially those of a certain age who have experienced the ups and downs of life, and survived. And that survival can shine as a testimony to the power of endurance and finding your worth and value.
Went back to this after George Floyd issue came up. Let us appreciate black people folks! They are beautiful, so as the others. Be kind to everyone.
God bless you ❤️
!!!
@@susanq6030 just because he wasn’t a model citizen doesn’t mean he deserved to die. And that goes for anyone.
Racial harmony is a fantasy. We will never be appreciated. Tonight Georgia's govenor signed voter suppression legislation into law, which of course disproportionately affects black people. Jim Crow 2.0.
I saw this show 7 times. EVERY performance this was one of the major Times Cynthia has each heart in the audience in the palm of her hand. At every performance she stopped the show with everyone of her songs. Three standing ovations. God, I miss this show. Her and Heather was magical.
This will go down in history as one of the greatest musical theatre performances of all time. Not this evening specifically, but Cynthia Erivo telling Celie's story, night after night.
This is…perfect. Beyond all reasonable expectations for a human performer. Just all that and nothing less.
Who's on here listening to every version of this song available on repeat after watching the new movie. Fantasia is on another level. Can't wait for Wicked.
Fantasia good, this better.
@@IronheartvsMilesjust watched the movie, Fantasia was amazing but she has a more mainstream sound but Cynthia’s got that strong broadway vibrato that’s what really makes it for me
Fantasia has more heart and her live version of this is my favorite but Cynthia has the better voice. Can't wait to see her in wicked
I come back atleast once a year to watch this video, and everytime it has the same impact. I sit here crying. She is truly something special. Cannot wait to see her shine as our Elphie :)!
I watched this show on the 2nd night of previews on Broadway. I walked in because I was and still am a big fan of Jennifer Hudson, but during the show.... Cynthia Erivo earned my respect. What a gift. What an artist. I'm so grateful to have watched this LIVE.
This woman’s voice touches my soul
Cried like a baby when I saw this live. Unbelievable.
I was super lucky to see this live. Her performance was so powerful you could have heard a pin drop. Even up in the balcony it was like you were next to her and she was talking to you. I was sobbing, totally unforgettable. Amazing performance and amazing story
Everyday, I'm listening to this song and each day I'm ugly crying. Who is with me?
To be in that audience, would be remarkable. I hope they appreciated what they were witnessing live… Incredible
What a powerhouse. The way that she demands that she be heard, while still showing so much emotion and control within the song, is absolutely incredible.
One of the best Broadway performances of ALL TIME. She is EVERYTHING.
if this performance doesn't bring u to tears then ur not human
I saw this back in 2016. I’ve had very few experiences coming out of a theatre and saying “Was that even real?” This was one of those moments. I was on the 4th row and this performance was like a spiritual awakening for me. This song boosts my confidence like no other!!!
"I'm beautiful" = instant tears
i flew into the city on dec 28th just to experience her live. she made me bawl through the recordings so i expected to cry when i saw her live lol
Everytime I hear Cynthia sing this song it feels as if the words are coursing through my soul. It just really hits home and is a reminder to hold your head up high at every turn.
This is my first time watching this and i'm bawling my eyes out. This is one of the best performances I have ever watched omg
she was BORN for this!!!!!
That stomp she does gets me every time I watch this, and I have watched this sooo many times! I get goosebumps! She's a gift!
when they clap at I'm beautiful they really don't know what's coming
Becky Owen what happened...
I think they were clapping in agreement, not that they thought the song was over.
@@jskuddy I know
But when you clap is because you got what you needed and are blown away
And THEN she went out even further
I’ve got chills. Especially when the audience cheered after her first “I’m beautiful” such a powerful song
This woman is amazing, her voice just floats .
This really touched me, I have struggled with my self-esteem for so long and i'm starting to see how beautiful I really am. Thank you.
You are beautiful. Are light. Are wonderfully made! I hope you continue to focus on self-love.
I can't with her. I just can't. Everytime I hear this I either cry or get teary-eyed or chills. Never fails.
I was fortunate to get amazing tickets to this show two weeks before closing and was blown away. At the end, I could swear Cynthia looked right into my eyes. Phenomenal woman doing incredible work.
She will be an extremely tough act to follow but I'm looking forward to seeing who plays this role on tour.
kjmincey1 Samantha Marie Ware would be amazing for this role (currently playing Peggy in Hamilton Chicago) she has the right voice and sass
OH YEAH I LOVE HER! She can totally do this.
Salvador Diaz-Debose but!!! and peggy!
Jai’len josey!!!
I love going back to watch this video. Cynthia makes me cry each and every time. So much emotuon in every single word and movement. I love her! 💜
By far the best performance of all times. Broadway/anywhere on earth. I've watched it so many times. Thank you, Cynthia.
The are more popular performances of her singing this, but to me, THIS is the best version of it. It has my favorite runs, and the entire vibe is perfect.
If you don’t feel this song on a gut level with head to toe chills, or don’t shed a tear...you must lack a soul or there is a glacier where your heart should reside. Ms. Cynthia Erivo...Brava. To bring the emotional, not to mention vocal DEPTH that is worthy of the powerful lyrics that you performed as Celie. To watch this is like an emotional cleansing of the harmful names and cruel boxes the world puts us in. Once the soul is cleansed, we are left with the understanding...WE ARE BEAUTIFUL...AND WE ARE HERE. BRAVA
Here because Colleen recommended it and wow! Such a powerful beautiful song. Giving me strength in a time that I needed it.
I watch this at least 3 times a week and Everytime I just can't explain how it moves me. Just beautiful ❤️❤️❤️ she's one of the best 👌🏾💕
Saw this twice... the second time the audience rose with her in the end.. this will always be in my heart because all of us have needed that moment, "I AM HERE"... Thank you so much Cynthia!! Magical, powerful, beautiful.....
When she sings I'm gonna sing out... Her expression it is so ....i feel a tide rise in my chest everytime. I just want to capture her at that moment. Someday I'm going to draw her. I had to read colour purple for exams this time and by mistake i came across this. And then when i reached the point in the novel when she says I'm here. God that tide again rose in my chest all the way till my throat.