The reason why this is one of the best performances on stage isn’t because of how well she sang (which she did), but how she FELT this song. She didn’t care to sound “pretty” or perfect while singing. She put her emotion of what the character was feeling in this moment and made it be felt by the audience even more. She’s a beautiful singer, but she’s also a beautiful actress and this performance proves it. 👏🏻🙌🏻
Julia C. I agree wholeheartedly!!! Because of the artistry she delivered is why Jennifer Hudson’s performance will never come close to this! Hudson did well, but Holliday truly put her heart into this every night for, like, two years! The way she delivered the pain in the song will always move me and I believe that’s why she still has a following today! She knows how to express with freedom and vulnerability!!! But, she can also SAAANNNGGG!
well i mean though you also have to take in account this is a musical and you kinda have to sing good and with the balance of acting and dancing. there is ways to sing this sound without bad technique and overacting that causes strain.
My dad was lucky enough to see her in this when he was 23. He said that even the rich elderly white patrons took leave of their normal etiquette and were standing up and cheering in the middle of the song.
I saw Jennifer Holiday perform this role THREE times on Broadway, then went back three times to see three different singers perform "Effie" after she'd left the Broadway run, and NOBODY could sing this song like this woman. Vocal Technique--BEYOND. Passion--UNMATCHED. She OWNS this song and still does.
it was meant for Jennifer Hudson to play effie in dreamgirls. Jennifer holiday......Jennifer hudson.....same initials......had to take 30 years for another powerhouse voice to be born.
You can't beat a live performance! I was 7 year old, and I remember watching this with my mom. I fell out on the floor crying because I empathize for Effie. Nothing has changed since then, every time I watch this original, I get emotional. JHUD did a fabulous job recreating Effie, but for me, Live Theater will always outweigh the special affects of film. Film only makes it available for All to experience. Ms. Holliday, you are outstanding!
My sister took me to see the original cast on Broadway, because her camp group had an extra ticket. I was so lucky! I was a kid and didn't even really understand love yet. When Jennifer sang this song there was not a dry eye in the place. It's like the audience felt what she felt. Jennifer Hudson has a great voice, but the emotion Jennifer Holliday conveyed was priceless.
the same experience for me to, I was young when I saw it, and when she sang that song, I was moved to tears, and to this day I never forgot and I still feel it now. now one will top her with that performance.
RaphaelLouis Jones I saw Dreamgirls on Broadway when i was about 10.. I recently meet Sheryl Lee. Ralph at DragCon and I told her how much seeing Dreamgirls as a young girl touched me heart. I see I am not the only one!! We were some lucky kids!!
She sung with her SOUL. Her emotion and pain in her voice is what makes the performance. PERIODT. 🤷🏼♀️ She has the best version in my opinion. I love how her facial features speak louder than the words she’s singing. You can tell that she’s heartbroken. 😩❤️
Watching Jennifer Holliday perform this number is like being in a musical theatre 'Master Class'. Absolutely Incredible performance! NO ONE compares to this. NO ONE.
Great Sound. I was actually THERE in the theater during this taping. VERY close to what it really sounded like; except it was 10x louder. But the Stereo really gives it life.
Good God Almighty. Words can't describe this performance. Theater is a medium that is unparalleled. I can only imagine the emotions if you able to see this during the original Broadway run. I watched this clip live on the Tonys as a 15 year old. I cried then I cry every time I see this. Jennifer Holiday. BOW DOWN.
*MANY* renditions have been performed and plenty were fantastic in their own right BUT nobody, I say nobody can bring it like Ms. Jennifer Holliday - *PERIODT!*
Just like Whitney Houston singing the national anthem...BOTH of these performances should be left alone 'cause NO ONE will EVER, EVER, EVER TOP THEM. Folk should just STOP tryin'!!😅
She was amazing. How she never became a household name is beyond me. Never have I seen anything as incredible as this. I am in disbelief that she doesn't get the respect she deserves.
The transition in the end was great. Showed how the Dreamgirls without Effie is about to get successful while Effie was still left in pain behind them until the curtains are down.
I happened to be watching the award show when this came on. I was totally transfixed and blown away by the song and Jennifer's performance. I have since seen Dreamgirls in London and NO-ONE does it like this talented performer!! She is quite simply THE BEST!!!
Saw her performance of this live when I was a child. Every time I've heard this song sung by others, it's always an attempt to capture a spark of Jennifer Holiday, but no one ever will! LOVE LOVE LOVE you, legendary Miss Jennifer.
This was one of the most amazing theatrical events of my life. I saw this the Thursday after the Tony awards. This song is part of the show it has to be seen what leads up to it for the full impact of it and Jennifer Holliday was a phenomena. 4 standing ovation’s before the number was even over!
I listen every day and every morning soon as I wake up... Mrs Holiday I love you so much for this performance... Mrs Hudson did great but can't compare to originality... Great great great... that voice is the voice of today ...fuc sound equipment u didn't need that back then like some need today....
This Jennifer Holliday - just so amazing! Has anyone ever experienced such a wonderful, dynamic, heart-wrenching performance? Oh, to have been in that live audience! Truly, one of the greatest live performances ever....
I am sooo regret not seeing this live on Broadway. I just watched this segment and it gave me chills watching Jennifer Holiday's performance. She is pure, raw talent. Not only did she own the stage and song but she captivated the entire audience. She should really return to the stage. Someone should write a play just for her...amazing talent from God.
There isn't a single Effie in Dreamgirls' history that didn't use Jennifer Holliday's recipe. Jennifer Holliday gave a gift to Broadway and the world that resulted in a once in a lifetime character. Never replicated, only some close in performing an impersonation.
I'm 31 years old, and very much a Jennifer Hudson fan in general. But BABY, Ms. Hudson can't shake a stick at Ms Jennifer Holliday! There would be no iconic Effie White without her. Without Holliday's voice and conviction, those are just notes and rhythms on a paper.
where do I begin, I'll start with WOW there is no one like her and her delivery of a song again WOW listening to her then and now she's still phenomenal. Outstanding range, outstanding voice and outstanding performer.
Holy Crap! She sang ALL of that song and then some! Whew! Love JHud's version, but this woman...Amazing. I remember seeing that performance on the Tony's back in the day. It still moves me.
Omg live performance..and then back then they didn't have all the equipment to make her sound good like today.. so for her to sound that good that's great talent
Omg QUEEN, why is she such a QUEEEEEEEN !!!!!! Unbelievably genius! I’m crying and shaking and smiling and feeling a lot of different emotions at the same time!!! She sang impeccably also felt it and played it! Amazing !!! Thank you God for Jen Holliday! Her talent is a rare holiday among mediocre “workday” singers lol
My mother saw this when it first came out on broadway. She said that as good as this is, you had to be there live. She said her voice seared your soul and literally shook and vibrated the whole theater! She talked about how people were screaming, cheering, fainting, crying and shouting in the aisles! She said she has never seen anything like it then and still to this day.
Thank you so much for posting this. For years, the only copy of this performance was a grainy , recorded-off TV version. This one is of much better quality. Why do I care? Because to me, this is the single greatest performance I've ever witnessed: stage, screen, or any other.
2019 - just watched this again,. Jennifer Holiday was/ is AMAZING!!!! That is an unbelievable level of performance. how anyone can put the thumbs down on this video is beyond me!
1981? Dam I was 22 back then! I saw this Tony Award Show and I was like dam! She looks crazy but heck? I'm 66 years old now and after all the craziness I've been through shit! I feel like in can well me a few bars myself! I get her now!
Please...will somebody make available a viewing of the original stage play on video? I saw the musical in New York and it was incredible. Of course the music was great, but the staging was superstar! If I could see a view from an orchestra seat like I did before would be the best ever! I loved everything about this show and it was incredible.
The reason why this is one of the best performances on stage isn’t because of how well she sang (which she did), but how she FELT this song. She didn’t care to sound “pretty” or perfect while singing. She put her emotion of what the character was feeling in this moment and made it be felt by the audience even more. She’s a beautiful singer, but she’s also a beautiful actress and this performance proves it. 👏🏻🙌🏻
Julia C.
I agree wholeheartedly!!! Because of the artistry she delivered is why Jennifer Hudson’s performance will never come close to this! Hudson did well, but Holliday truly put her heart into this every night for, like, two years! The way she delivered the pain in the song will always move me and I believe that’s why she still has a following today! She knows how to express with freedom and vulnerability!!! But, she can also SAAANNNGGG!
Exactly
Her acting while singing was very precise on how the song must sang. She showed a precise hurt on every line of the song. I felt Effie's pain I cried.
well i mean though you also have to take in account this is a musical and you kinda have to sing good and with the balance of acting and dancing. there is ways to sing this sound without bad technique and overacting that causes strain.
Yes good lord. Everytime I cry because I can't feel her pain even through a screen. Imagine it live. I would've had a heart attack and wept.
She won the Tony Award for this performance, and deserved every bit of it!
And a Grammy for her recorded version and I agree, she has to hold the record for the most stunning and amazing live and recorded version of a song.
Yeah that may be true but she can't sing her own song better than Jennifer Hudson but she is good ❤❤!!!
My dad was lucky enough to see her in this when he was 23. He said that even the rich elderly white patrons took leave of their normal etiquette and were standing up and cheering in the middle of the song.
Wow
@Diamond Tribe this the one 😩😩
I never believed in aliens...but Jennifer is not human in this video. That kind of talent is other worldly.
TWeathers73. Yes it is right!!!!
she is better
TWeathers78
Truth!
She is extremely amazing
I saw Jennifer Holiday perform this role THREE times on Broadway, then went back three times to see three different singers perform "Effie" after she'd left the Broadway run, and NOBODY could sing this song like this woman. Vocal Technique--BEYOND. Passion--UNMATCHED. She OWNS this song and still does.
Who were the other singers?
it was meant for Jennifer Hudson to play effie in dreamgirls. Jennifer holiday......Jennifer hudson.....same initials......had to take 30 years for another powerhouse voice to be born.
Ordained indeed...not only because of their initials but their journies as well...both having the same experiences.
Imma name my child Jennifer! HAHAH
Hudson did’t come anywhere close to Jennifer Hollidays legendary performance…NO WHERE CLOSE.
@@johnlyndsay cap what girl first acting job and killed it with so much emotion
@@makaylahswain8517indeed. However the original always beats other versions
40 years later, and this performance STILL gives me chills! Just the most powerful performance I have ever seen onstage!
She sang this song as if she was about to die. It was her last stand and repentance. Oh wow! Amazing
I dunno how she did this several times per week on Broadway. After watching this I wanna pass out.
Good vocal training
Literally had "the STANK face" the entire she was singing 😩😩🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾 my gawddddddd
LaKeya Morrris and real music lovers know exactly what you mean by the STANKKKK
Face 😭😭
I'm not lying, I had tears in my eyes. This woman's voice is touched by God. No singer's voice has ever brought me to tears.
same
What about Whitney Houston Aretha Franklin Tina Turner
loretta devine lookin good af
Jennifer Holliday
@@tempodopop5571 Loretta Devine is featured at 1:31. She plays Lorrell.
I almost didn’t recognize her
@@alextirrellRI I didn't notice it.
Leretta devine lord yess
You can't beat a live performance! I was 7 year old, and I remember watching this with my mom. I fell out on the floor crying because I empathize for Effie. Nothing has changed since then, every time I watch this original, I get emotional. JHUD did a fabulous job recreating Effie, but for me, Live Theater will always outweigh the special affects of film. Film only makes it available for All to experience. Ms. Holliday, you are outstanding!
RaphaelLouis Jones. Well said.
My sister took me to see the original cast on Broadway, because her camp group had an extra ticket. I was so lucky! I was a kid and didn't even really understand love yet. When Jennifer sang this song there was not a dry eye in the place. It's like the audience felt what she felt. Jennifer Hudson has a great voice, but the emotion Jennifer Holliday conveyed was priceless.
the same experience for me to, I was young when I saw it, and when she sang that song, I was moved to tears, and to this day I never forgot and I still feel it now. now one will top her with that performance.
Mayra Forrest me to I still have the program I met her. It was a great show
RaphaelLouis Jones I saw Dreamgirls on Broadway when i was about 10.. I recently meet Sheryl Lee. Ralph at DragCon and I told her how much seeing Dreamgirls as a young girl touched me heart. I see I am not the only one!! We were some lucky kids!!
Jennifer Holiday, no one will ever touch those notes. Truly a legend.
Jennifer Holiday's performance was UNBELIEVABLE!
Damn Loretta!!! I see you back then.
laffytaffyatl killa RIGHT!!!!!
i knew her from greys anatomy then i saw this n i was shook
l
laffytaffyatl killa Gorgeous!!! And her voice.. Booming!!
She was stunning! And has such a sweet voice.
Wow! Classic! And look at Loretta Devine! She was so young and slim back then!
Imagine, she did this basically every day for a few years!
SHE WENT AWF! THAT WAS FREAKING AMAZING. OH MY GOODNESS!!!!!
She sung with her SOUL. Her emotion and pain in her voice is what makes the performance. PERIODT. 🤷🏼♀️ She has the best version in my opinion. I love how her facial features speak louder than the words she’s singing. You can tell that she’s heartbroken. 😩❤️
Jennifer Holiday owned not only this song but the Dreamgirls play back in the day. A thunderous standing ovation every performance.
Sweet Jesus. I've never heard her sing. My insides were shaking.
Watching Jennifer Holliday perform this number is like being in a musical theatre 'Master Class'. Absolutely Incredible performance! NO ONE compares to this. NO ONE.
This is legendary.
ICONIC PERFORMANCE! Nothing on Broadway has come close to this performance since.
Loretta Devine’s voice has so much power in her notes!
I can't stop crying, there's just so much emotion in this performance. Jennifer Holliday is amazing 😭
OMG - is that one of my all-time favorite actresses, Loretta Devine?!?
demitris baker it’s Jennifer Holliday!!!
Marie Martin Loretta Devine plays Lorrell.
Great Sound. I was actually THERE in the theater during this taping. VERY close to what it really sounded like; except it was 10x louder. But the Stereo really gives it life.
John Roman jealous!!! ❤️❤️
This was actually the tony awards
They don’t make singers like that no more. So much passion and skill. She has an amazing gift.
Good God Almighty. Words can't describe this performance. Theater is a medium that is unparalleled. I can only imagine the emotions if you able to see this during the original Broadway run. I watched this clip live on the Tonys as a 15 year old. I cried then I cry every time I see this. Jennifer Holiday. BOW DOWN.
*MANY* renditions have been performed and plenty were fantastic in their own right BUT nobody, I say nobody can bring it like Ms. Jennifer Holliday - *PERIODT!*
That's an AMEN!!!!
Just like Whitney Houston singing the national anthem...BOTH of these performances should be left alone 'cause NO ONE will EVER, EVER, EVER TOP THEM. Folk should just STOP tryin'!!😅
She was amazing. How she never became a household name is beyond me. Never have I seen anything as incredible as this. I am in disbelief that she doesn't get the respect she deserves.
It's a darn SHAME!!!
The transition in the end was great. Showed how the Dreamgirls without Effie is about to get successful while Effie was still left in pain behind them until the curtains are down.
A writer writes lyrics, a composer writes notes, but it's the singer who 'creates' the song.
sportynlife give life to the song* they all create it in their way
I happened to be watching the award show when this came on. I was totally transfixed and blown away by the song and Jennifer's performance. I have since seen Dreamgirls in London and NO-ONE does it like this talented performer!! She is quite simply THE BEST!!!
Man and Jennifer gave me chill bumps....she killed it!
With this solo Jennifer Holiday OWNS Broadway and the whole World of Musicals. Incredible !!!
Saw her performance of this live when I was a child. Every time I've heard this song sung by others, it's always an attempt to capture a spark of Jennifer Holiday, but no one ever will! LOVE LOVE LOVE you, legendary Miss Jennifer.
This was one of the most amazing theatrical events of my life. I saw this the Thursday after the Tony awards. This song is part of the show it has to be seen what leads up to it for the full impact of it and Jennifer Holliday was a phenomena. 4 standing ovation’s before the number was even over!
She torn that song up!!!!!!
the emotion in this song overpowers how well she actually sang. shes such a threat in singing an acting. a true artist
No one will ever top that performance, the best. Go, Jennifer...
We should all be thanking Jennifer for the opportunity to see that performance in our lives!
Jennifer is so amazing. 😀😀😀 The power and force in her voice was mesmerizing. Such a gifted and talented singer.
OH
MY
GOSH..
That was WAS A JAW DROPPING PERFOMANCE😩😩😩😩
Goosebumps all over after watching this!!!
I listen every day and every morning soon as I wake up... Mrs Holiday I love you so much for this performance... Mrs Hudson did great but can't compare to originality... Great great great... that voice is the voice of today ...fuc sound equipment u didn't need that back then like some need today....
👍👍👍👍
Me too! I listen to this every day. To m it's a spiritual experience
I love how Loretta is in the remake too 💓
Brings me to tears every time! 😭
This Jennifer Holliday - just so amazing! Has anyone ever experienced such a wonderful, dynamic, heart-wrenching performance? Oh, to have been in that live audience! Truly, one of the greatest live performances ever....
Ohhh! She can never be replaced!!
Outstanding..no one...and I mean no one...can touch this. Simply amazing. Ms. Holiday blew me away. Her talent is truly amazing.
One of the best live performances of any millennium hands down!
I am sooo regret not seeing this live on Broadway. I just watched this segment and it gave me chills watching Jennifer Holiday's performance. She is pure, raw talent. Not only did she own the stage and song but she captivated the entire audience. She should really return to the stage. Someone should write a play just for her...amazing talent from God.
james williams She did just recently get done playing the role of Shug Avery in the Revival of The Color Purple on Broadway.
When she's saying "stay and hold me" around 5:30, that must hurt his ears having such a powerful voice straight into his ear 😂😂
That’s my favorite part
😂😂😂😂
There isn't a single Effie in Dreamgirls' history that didn't use Jennifer Holliday's recipe. Jennifer Holliday gave a gift to Broadway and the world that resulted in a once in a lifetime character. Never replicated, only some close in performing an impersonation.
spectacular show,, hudson&holliday are profesional singer,,i like both &can't compare
I don't understand why not.
Miss Holiday 's version was live on stage and Miss Hudson's was made for the movie theater.
I'm 31 years old, and very much a Jennifer Hudson fan in general. But BABY, Ms. Hudson can't shake a stick at Ms Jennifer Holliday! There would be no iconic Effie White without her. Without Holliday's voice and conviction, those are just notes and rhythms on a paper.
I believe Jhud is aware of that too. No pretending
I wish I could of seen this on stage live!
Cheesey Chickens me too damn
where do I begin, I'll start with WOW there is no one like her and her delivery of a song again WOW listening to her then and now she's still phenomenal. Outstanding range, outstanding voice and outstanding performer.
America your music is out of this world respect from Poland ❤
I always come back to this video . Queen of good vibrations!!
Holy Crap! She sang ALL of that song and then some! Whew! Love JHud's version, but this woman...Amazing. I remember seeing that performance on the Tony's back in the day. It still moves me.
This video is actually from the tony awards.
EFFIE, WE ALL GOT PAIN!
Omg live performance..and then back then they didn't have all the equipment to make her sound good like today.. so for her to sound that good that's great talent
Ladies & Gentlemen That's how you BLOW THE ROOF OFF THE JOINT
j holliday's tone is scary.
Nobody will ever be able to match the vocal talent or the raw emotion J Holliday put into this song
OMG! I love it! I love them all.... especially Loretta Devine😘
omg i love miss jennifer holliday there is no one eles like her
shut up
+Terray Wynter you shut up
tiffanchamberlain me too
loretta devine has vocals? 💖
Dymin's World yes she can sang
She's had a number of singing roles over the years including a small cameo in the 2006 film
NOBODY can touch her version of this song!!! Goodness!!!
Omg QUEEN, why is she such a QUEEEEEEEN !!!!!! Unbelievably genius! I’m crying and shaking and smiling and feeling a lot of different emotions at the same time!!! She sang impeccably also felt it and played it! Amazing !!! Thank you God for Jen Holliday! Her talent is a rare holiday among mediocre “workday” singers lol
My mother saw this when it first came out on broadway. She said that as good as this is, you had to be there live. She said her voice seared your soul and literally shook and vibrated the whole theater! She talked about how people were screaming, cheering, fainting, crying and shouting in the aisles! She said she has never seen anything like it then and still to this day.
Oh my goodness gracious. Best performance I’ve ever seen and heard. I’m speechless.
Thank you so much for posting this. For years, the only copy of this performance was a grainy , recorded-off TV version. This one is of much better quality. Why do I care? Because to me, this is the single greatest performance I've ever witnessed: stage, screen, or any other.
ABSOLUTELY MIND BLOWING!!!!!
Goosebumps!!!
2019 - just watched this again,. Jennifer Holiday was/ is AMAZING!!!! That is an unbelievable level of performance. how anyone can put the thumbs down on this video is beyond me!
Seen video 50+X. This is powerful. Still can't imagine 2x daily, 6 days a week.? Incredible.
Jennifer Holiday rules !
This has been my favorite song since I was a little girl. I love her.
1981? Dam I was 22 back then! I saw this Tony Award Show and I was like dam! She looks crazy but heck? I'm 66 years old now and after all the craziness I've been through shit! I feel like in can well me a few bars myself! I get her now!
Grew up listening to her... my mom absolutely loves her. She was by far one of my favs 👍
she killed it like wowwwwwww
goddamn shes so good it hurts
We revisit this every holiday truly a HERCULEAN PERFORMANCE
BRAVO!!!!! Thank You Jennifer Holliday
I mean this in a compliment. This performance was so powerful. I felt sick. My Lord it can’t be touched.
Damn Loretta Divine's voice still hasn't changed
OH. MY. GOD. What a powerhouse! WOW
Please...will somebody make available a viewing of the original stage play on video? I saw the musical in New York and it was incredible. Of course the music was great, but the staging was superstar!
If I could see a view from an orchestra seat like I did before would be the best ever! I loved everything about this show and it was incredible.
this was gold just wow
I love how Loretta came in and served that heffa some fierce
jennifer holliday isnt no heffer ur mom is a heffer
my
lol I Love how she even owns the HA-HA/UH UH after IM NOT WAKIN UP TOMORROW MORNIN! lol
This was awesome talent! Very classic!
Breath taking!!!!!!!
Holy fucking shit what a performance!
Yes Loretta, Sheryl, and Jennifer!!!!!!!
i have watched this so many times and only now I've realized its Loretta Devine....
Beautiful