@@johnsonpaul1914 Have you seen the full video of this live 10th anniversary concert? It’s terrific, but I would specifically look for Lea’s other performances on it: “A Heart Full of Love” and “A Little Fall of Rain.”
You are correct! Absolute perfection. She’s not just singing. She transforms into Eponine. Her facial expression and raw emotion. I cry every time too.
Yes! She fully immerses herself in the character she is portraying and never breaks character throughout her performance. Regardless of the setting. In this performance, she is Eponine from start to finish and doesn't stop until she leaves the stage.
She was the first Eponine I ever heard, thank goodness. Except that she spoiled me for everyone one else. Lea Salonga gave a performance for the ages in this role. Her acting was good, her singing was absolutely phenomenal. It doesn't matter how many times I have heard it, I still get teary-eyed every time. Every. Time. I've never heard a performer with such absolutely impeccable diction. Thank you for breaking this down so well.
Same. By no means the others aren't good, it's just Lea Salonga became a benchmark for this song. Her singing has so much power, emotion, angst, and heartache. You can feel it too when even when you close your eyes. Perfection.
I was fortunate enough to see her on Broadway in Miss Saigon. Her voice was magnificent then and it’s magnificent to tho day. Lea is one of those performers, like Dimash, who not only has the ability to touch your heart, they also can touch your soul!!!
You have no idea how I envy you having seen her live on stage... I could have seen the original performance of Les Mis with the original cast and die a happy man...
It's truly a privilege to see Lea on stage. I saw her twice, in Miss Saigon, and then years later in Allegiance. I first saw Miss Saigon with a different cast my first time, and enjoyed it. When I found out that Lea was resuming the role, I immediately got tickets. The second time around, the show went from good to great, Lea elevated it to an epic, emotionally overwhelming experience. I loved her duet in 'Still, I believe'. After intermission, it got sadder and sadder, I was sobbing toward the end, and lost it altogether when she died. My cup runneth over. Lea is a true gift!
I get it. Seen this performance many times, and it still turns on the waterworks every time. The music, the timing, the choice of delivery only Lea can deliver. It's perfect.
The 10 year cast that night with a full orchestra and massive chorus is the best show of all time. The talent on stage was off the scale. Lea had to nail it just to keep up. Gut wrenching song delivered with absolute perfection.
You could really tell the difference between the orchestra in this ensemble and the one in the 25th Anniversary show. Though the orchestra in the 25th Anniversary was very good, the 10th Anniversary one was pure perfection.
Lea Salonga's rendition is the BEST Eponine. You can close your eyes and just listen to her crystal clear pitch and diction. I can listen to Lea sing this song over and over again.
Another thing I find really good with Lea is that you don't hear her breathing in between lines. A lot of good singers breathe so hard and loud, it becomes part of the song.
I had the privilege of getting my first couple singing lessons from a good friend who studied Opera for 8 years. One of the videos she would show me after we practiced was this one. At the time, she would comment on Lea's technique and it all went over my head. Now, almost 10 years later and having practiced on my own, I can finally see it. Lea's performance of this song encompasses all three vocal qualities: Head register, Chest Register, Mix range. Close your eyes and TRY to find a moment where you think she is going into one or the other. It's almost impossible to know where she's mixing, where she's using full chest, where she's going into heady mix or falsetto. This was what my friend was trying to point out: someone with extraordinary vocal technique will fool your ears. They can ascend their range with very little resistance or breaks. For Lea, there are no breaks and she never sounds like she's reaching too hard for a note. She also performs "I Dream a Dream" much later on in her career!
Lea sells this scene so perfectly. The musical choices, the acting choices, the eye movements, head movements, the facial expressions, the diction. She could have just got up there and sang the song perfectly as a pop/contemporary singer. But that's the difference. She's an actor in musical theater. The degree of difficulty in making those choices is the artist's challenge. Yes, her choices bring us to tears because they are so perfect.
My god, I've never heard her sing before. I can't believe I didn't know about this, she's absolutely incredible. What a voice, it's beauty can't be described
I can't blame you for it. Most lost interest when hearing Saigon and Asian as starring singer. The combination is lethal for others to take. 💕 God bless...
I was blessed to have watched her in 2007 in Les Mis in Broadway. And i was crying the whole time inside the theater. I shouted Bravo at the end and went outside at artists exit to get an autograph and photo.
This performance was my introduction to her and I've never stopped listening to her since. Whenever I needed to cleanse my ears I turn to her. Whenever I needed to feel a song, i turn to her. I'm so grateful to have found her! She added value to my everyday. 😭
What i love about her performance is her storytelling, the picture she paints with her voice and interpretation truly makes this a personal favorite. She makes you feel Eponine's pain and relate to it and of course it can move you to tears, she's brilliant.
Lea has the amazing ability to almost literally bring the listener on a journey with her and her voice. You have no choice but to become emotionally invested in her and her journey..it truly is a rare gift.
As a Filipino kid growing up in the 90s who loves to sing I wish I would have known she was Filipino. She sung some of my favorite songs and I never remember even seeing a picture of her let alone knowing she was Filipino. It would have been such an inspiration... but that's Hollywood I guess, not white enough to show on camera..
Lea Salonga’s diction and the power of her voice are perfection❤️ she pronounces everything clearly that even on the highest note you can still understand the words.
Being Filipino myself, I can say that English is not really a second language to Leah, considering her social status & the region she grew in. We learn Tagalog & English almost at the same time. Most text books are in English.
Another reason for that is because she is the first non Caucasian woman to be cast as Eponine in a Broadway musical. She had to be absolutely perfect all the time, every time. If she ever made a mistake, that would've been the end for her because of the extreme prejudices within the industry. She had to constantly prove herself to the critics that she deserved the role.
I love this rendition and have watched it many times. But for me, watching your reaction, especially from 07:26 when you seemingly pause, smile slightly and then feel the emotion behind the lyric to the point where tears flow down your face... I can't help but return to that section and watch you as I listen to Lea. I find it really moving. Well done on such a heartfelt reaction video. You certainly come across as a beautiful soul. This world needs more of that.
I saw Le Miz on Broadway and I can't hear her without getting tears in my eyes. MY wife, daughter and I had the experience of a lifetime. What a voice! Cheers, Frederick "rik" Spector
Omg. We cried at the same time 🥺 I’ve watched this video a thousand times already but still gets me everytime. Ms. Lea Salonga is a gem, she makes me proud to be a filipino everytime she performs 💜✨
Lea Salonga is perfection! I've probably watched the video of that performance 100 times, not kidding. As a vocalist, I want to sing with that precision. I study her technique, she is flawless!
I was fortunate to see Lea Salonga in a performance of Le Mis in London on a trip to Europe in 1996. This song has been one of my favourites ever since. I have also been fortunate to walk the streets of Paris on a night such as that described in the song (That was much later in 2012).
I also saw Lea perform Le Mis in London. The entire cast was fantastic. In fact, isn’t the London cast of Le Mis the performers used in the 10th anniversary show?
@@Jeff-re9exMost of the main roles in the 10th anniversary concert are people who originated the roles in different countries: Colm Wilkinson was Valjean in London and Broadway, Philip Quast was Javert in Australia, Judy Kuhn was Cossette on Broadway, Michael Ball was Marius in London. But some people were actors that replaced in certain productions: Ruthie Henshall was a replacement Fantine in London. Lea was a replacement Eponine on Broadway. (She went into the London LES MIZ briefly after this 10th anniversary concert).
Absolutely perfect performance and thanks for this truly genuine and insightful video too. Helped me rediscover Lea’s talent again after nearly 2 decades.
Another great reaction Bethany. You break down all the technical details of Lea's amazing performance but you also show an authentic emotional response to the music. That's why you are my favorite reactor. You give us both in abundance. Thanks.
Lea the greatest export the Philippines every had! I call her The Pizza Hut of singers; she just delivers and delivers! Magical voice; I remember watching Les Mis and had the chance to hear her live and I was like... WTheck am I listening to?? Unmatched voice.
At 5:49… I enjoy following the Vocalyst’s facial expressions as much as I enjoy the singer…and per the singer’s lower register….. Her pitch is SO …SO….. good… so well framed…. Even when the actual note is below her range, WE STILL HEAR IT….
Her voice gives the emotions and physical pictures/interpretations of the song let alone the perfect quality of her voice. Excellent performance, my opinion!
My mother asked me to find a recording of this 10th Anniversary performance so many years ago. "Yeah yeah Ma. I'll see what I can do." I was completely unfamiliar with the play, the story, the songs, and the entire thing so I took the time to see what she and Pops were going on about. It ended up being a permanent fixture in my own collection that I revisit often. Lea Salonga's performance is breathtaking. Philip Quast's performance as Javert is equally as astounding. The whole cast and crew were at the top of their games and I am a better person for it. Kudos to them all.
There's something in this song that every time I hear or listen to it I get emotional. It's like every word/lyric and note of this song pierces my heart.
She is the best Eponine ever, but she also played Fantine in Broadway's revival of Leś Mis in 2006. It was as Kim in Ms. Saigon, though, that she won both the Tony (Broadway) and Laurence Olivièr (West End) awards. A true legend.
A performance that should be played as a teaching tool on every musical theater school around the world. Respect for the music, the notes, the character, the audience. Bravo!
I saw Les Miserables on Broadway in the 90's. I bawled at this song. I saw it again about 5 years later, but didn't end up in a puddle. I think the first time I saw it, it might have been Lea. One of my first Broadway shows. How lucky. It was incredible. I understand your tears.
I think you could make another video on this performance talking about pace. The importance of when to sing ahead, on top of, and behind. Lea's performance here is a master's class on that subject.
I’ve seen (and listened to) the 10th Anniversary Concert countless times at this point and it still moves me to tears. This was absolutely the dream cast. I also love Philip Quast as Javert. Edit: as a violin player, it’s the crescendo that builds from the phrase where she sings “I love him, but everyday I’m learning…” UGH! Gets me every time. Thank you for playing that part so many times. Now I’m crying too 😂
I have seen this so many times, and it is as captivating every time. Naturally, I've seen Les Mes several times, and I know all the lyrics, and have seen different people play the roles, and still, she is remarkable in this. Absolutely flawless. Thank you for this reaction, Bethany!
This musical meant so much to me in my teens and it means even more now that I’m in my fifties. This performance always brings on the emotions. I’m sure you’re never crying alone on this one. Thank you.
she has good control of breath and has very clear diction, indeed she was my idol since she was a kid. Just simply flawless in singing. She sings each note clearly
Yes - Perfection. Lea delivers an absolute Master Class here. Just look at how much effort, how many years of training and dedicated rehearsal, has gone into delivering such an 'effortless' performance! 'Discovered' her recently and blown away. The thing that made me emotional - VERY - was her much later interview where she describes the extent to which racism dogged her throughout, and limited quite a number of her career options.
I love this reaction and analysis. As someone who loves Lea Salonga's performances, this was such a treat! Thank you! Please, react more to her. I love her voice and techniques so much! 😭
Since crying is both of our default modes when listening to both Lea and Morissette, I must recommend a performance of which I have recently become aware. That is Regine Velasquez's version of "What Kind of Fool Am I". I didn't think it was possible to rival Lea, but this maybe it. She is another legendary Filipina giving a legendary performance.
Oh my God I absolutely love Lea Salonga. I think a lot of what goes unnoticed is when she sings things like “pavement shines like silver.” Her A vowel and E vowel, you see she’s almost smiling, even if it’s sad, but we see her upper teeth and lower teeth and it’s perfect whether it’s chest throat or head voice she’s the queen.
OMG! What a performance was it. As a person who have watched many versions of Les Misérables I just feel mesmerized. And Coach, thanks a lot for your profound info about the singer and her performance.
Dear Vocalyst…. I appreciate your heart that shows every commentary I have watched no matter the singer. Your love for the craft of singing, for singers themselves, your appreciation for their ability and skill they execute in the songs , and your love for this overflows every time for them- example after example. This particular video shows that in you. Thanks for all you do in your field and your love for art and craft of singing by sewing into others.
You just feel every emotion in each word/lyric. The clarity of enunciation and emotion per word... delicious. You feel what the character feels. The pain and the beauty of unrequited love. Bravo, Lea!
I love that I'm not the only person who is sometimes moved to tears because the performance is so beautiful. That's exactly how music should move a person!
After seeing Lea in this performance way back when it first aired, I was in love. I had to get the DVD (and then the Blu ray) so I could watch it over and over. As an aside, at the end of this concert when they bring out the "17 Valjeans" from around the world, keep an eye out for a young Henk Poort from the Netherlands. Decades before gaining internet attention for singing "Phantom of the Opera" with Floor Jansen on Beste Zangers, world audiences could glimpse him here.
Thank you so much for picking this masterpiece and sharing your knowledge. But what I like even more is that you do not clinically look only at Leas perfect technique in singing and articulating, but to let her impress and move you by her enormous potential as a story-teller and her ability to incorporate Eponine. She definately is THE Eponine! As often as I watch or even listen to this performance she grabs me right by the heart, and I cannot help myself. The tears just rise into my eyes.
I wholeheartedly agree with you. Lea always pronounces every word clearly even while singing. She has always been that way. It is one of the reasons why I love listening to her sing. The words are crystal clear. She never fails.
Yaay ! Coach!....Thank you for doing this. If there's a perfomance that sometimes we should just allow ourselves to get lost in the moment and be transported within the song, this would be it. Wouldn't you say? 😊 Please dont miss out her Zoom duet with Regine Velasquez doing Musical medley.
im crying too... like i dont understand... i can't explain why bec. i'm not a voice coach..... i just feel her natural and simple voice capturing my heart ❤❤❤
I began to appreciate her voice when in early 1990s I heard her sing from an old album of hers (1980s). We cheered when she landed the lead jn Miss Saigon. Her voice is very very beautiful. I wonder why she wasn’t given the same chance as other singers in the USA.
Lea Salonga Is my Top 1 IDOL as A performer as an Artist.Talented but still Humble and Beautiful inside and Out❤Proud Tobe Filipino 🇵🇭🙏🏻😇😍💐💐.tnx for Featuring LEA Salonga .
Another great Filipino singer. Excellent diction considering English is her second language. She's had a long singing career since she was a teenager in the Philippines.
Her diction is excellent period. I don't believe that English really is a second language for her anyway. I think she's spoken more than one language since she was very young. I know that she was performing in English when she was seven, but many Filipino families speak English at home as well as Filipino at any rate.
Thanks so much for reacting once again to the legend Ms Lea Salonga. She never miss to amaze me every time I hear her sing and perform. Love watching her performances again and again..best storyteller actress...speaks in the right pitch and the clarity is superb!! I love your reactions to her. Thanks and God bless 🙏❤️🇵🇭
I love your analyses and presentation. This singer....I have my Bose high end headphones on and found myself just stunned at how beautiful her voice is. Thank you!
Incredible performance by Lea. 3 weeks ago I saw Les Mis for the 5th time at the Sondheim Theatre in London with a relatively new cast and a brilliant, updated stage arrangement. The song catalogue in his masterpeice of a show are in my opinion the best of any Musical. I would like to mention Nathania Ong who played Eponine....... I was in the middle of row 2 around 10 feet from the stage. Nathania was right in front of me as she sang On My Own and and it was beautiful. As she sang the last few words I was so close that I saw a tear roll from her eye. I was sniffling anyway and that had me grabbing for a tissue..... not for the first, or last time I hasten to add!
Her performance in this song is considered one of the best performances in musical theater history.
nailed it.
Props to the Orchestra as well. Been a Salonga fan since the early 90's
@@TomokoMurakami by the viewers? Did you find a better performance by someone else share the link.
YES
@@Yoriichi_Sengoku singing is subjective. Link?
75 year old guy wiping tears every time I listen to this
H2
I'm curious, have you seen the live performance back then?
Me too every time
@@badassgenevideos this is really late, I have never been to a live performance of anybody.
@@johnsonpaul1914 Have you seen the full video of this live 10th anniversary concert? It’s terrific, but I would specifically look for Lea’s other performances on it: “A Heart Full of Love” and “A Little Fall of Rain.”
You are correct! Absolute perfection. She’s not just singing. She transforms into Eponine. Her facial expression and raw emotion. I cry every time too.
Yes! She fully immerses herself in the character she is portraying and never breaks character throughout her performance. Regardless of the setting. In this performance, she is Eponine from start to finish and doesn't stop until she leaves the stage.
When she sings "silver" ("the pavement shines like silver") I think her voice is itself like silver.
Agreed, you know you heard silver but you felt its silver.
This brings me to tears every single time. And I am a 51-year-old man. ❤
No worries 47 yr old man here and same emotions.. good tears
She was the first Eponine I ever heard, thank goodness. Except that she spoiled me for everyone one else. Lea Salonga gave a performance for the ages in this role. Her acting was good, her singing was absolutely phenomenal. It doesn't matter how many times I have heard it, I still get teary-eyed every time. Every. Time. I've never heard a performer with such absolutely impeccable diction. Thank you for breaking this down so well.
Same. By no means the others aren't good, it's just Lea Salonga became a benchmark for this song. Her singing has so much power, emotion, angst, and heartache. You can feel it too when even when you close your eyes. Perfection.
I was fortunate enough to see her on Broadway in Miss Saigon. Her voice was magnificent then and it’s magnificent to tho day. Lea is one of those performers, like Dimash, who not only has the ability to touch your heart, they also can touch your soul!!!
Dimash?..wow never new he is famousin tge states
You have no idea how I envy you having seen her live on stage...
I could have seen the original performance of Les Mis with the original cast and die a happy man...
oh im so jealous, i was born too late! 😭
It's truly a privilege to see Lea on stage. I saw her twice, in Miss Saigon, and then years later in Allegiance. I first saw Miss Saigon with a different cast my first time, and enjoyed it. When I found out that Lea was resuming the role, I immediately got tickets. The second time around, the show went from good to great, Lea elevated it to an epic, emotionally overwhelming experience. I loved her duet in 'Still, I believe'. After intermission, it got sadder and sadder, I was sobbing toward the end, and lost it altogether when she died. My cup runneth over. Lea is a true gift!
I love dimash !!!
I get it. Seen this performance many times, and it still turns on the waterworks every time. The music, the timing, the choice of delivery only Lea can deliver. It's perfect.
The 10 year cast that night with a full orchestra and massive chorus is the best show of all time. The talent on stage was off the scale. Lea had to nail it just to keep up. Gut wrenching song delivered with absolute perfection.
You could really tell the difference between the orchestra in this ensemble and the one in the 25th Anniversary show.
Though the orchestra in the 25th Anniversary was very good, the 10th Anniversary one was pure perfection.
Lea Salonga's rendition is the BEST Eponine. You can close your eyes and just listen to her crystal clear pitch and diction. I can listen to Lea sing this song over and over again.
I have to pace myself listening to Lea. I ran out of tears of joy.
Another thing I find really good with Lea is that you don't hear her breathing in between lines. A lot of good singers breathe so hard and loud, it becomes part of the song.
I had the privilege of getting my first couple singing lessons from a good friend who studied Opera for 8 years. One of the videos she would show me after we practiced was this one. At the time, she would comment on Lea's technique and it all went over my head. Now, almost 10 years later and having practiced on my own, I can finally see it.
Lea's performance of this song encompasses all three vocal qualities: Head register, Chest Register, Mix range.
Close your eyes and TRY to find a moment where you think she is going into one or the other. It's almost impossible to know where she's mixing, where she's using full chest, where she's going into heady mix or falsetto.
This was what my friend was trying to point out: someone with extraordinary vocal technique will fool your ears. They can ascend their range with very little resistance or breaks. For Lea, there are no breaks and she never sounds like she's reaching too hard for a note.
She also performs "I Dream a Dream" much later on in her career!
I got my first singing lessons from a friend who sang opera for 10 years,2 more than your friend. Keep trying
@@randyswanson3369 Lol what? Why are you trying to compete with a random stranger on the comments section no less.
Someday I will watch this performance without crying. Today is not that day.
The difference with Lea compared to other Broadway singers is that Lea sings from the heart 101% which magnifies her amazing singing talent even more.
Lea sells this scene so perfectly. The musical choices, the acting choices, the eye movements, head movements, the facial expressions, the diction. She could have just got up there and sang the song perfectly as a pop/contemporary singer. But that's the difference. She's an actor in musical theater. The degree of difficulty in making those choices is the artist's challenge. Yes, her choices bring us to tears because they are so perfect.
I have never heard something so beautiful in all my life. I wept like child...
My god, I've never heard her sing before. I can't believe I didn't know about this, she's absolutely incredible. What a voice, it's beauty can't be described
?
Suuurreeee. The whole world had been singing Reflections from Mulan and A Whole New World from Aladdin for years and you havent heard her sing eh....
I can't blame you for it. Most lost interest when hearing Saigon and Asian as starring singer. The combination is lethal for others to take. 💕 God bless...
She's the singing voice of Mulan and Jasmine from Aladdin. You've heard her before.
guys chill he probably didnt know it was her
This gets me every time. She is Eponine, and that vulnerability just adds to the beauty. Thanks for this, so much.
I was blessed to have watched her in 2007 in Les Mis in Broadway. And i was crying the whole time inside the theater. I shouted Bravo at the end and went outside at artists exit to get an autograph and photo.
Oh, you have to watch Lea Salonga and Michael Ball's A Little Fall of Rain from the same annivesary event. Now that's a tear jerker performance!
I loooove this performance. I’ve also watched it countless times 🤩
The ending gets me every time
YEESSSS!!!
This performance was my introduction to her and I've never stopped listening to her since. Whenever I needed to cleanse my ears I turn to her. Whenever I needed to feel a song, i turn to her. I'm so grateful to have found her! She added value to my everyday. 😭
5:09 every vocal coach who reacts to this song can't help but smile at the way she sings "found me" and that's pretty amazing.
This performance always makes me tear up. Her voice is just perfection.
I’ve seen Lea Salonga in concert probably 10 times. This is Lea Salonga in her prime. She is still amazing now, but this is when she was at her best.
She is the gold standard for Eponine!
The jewel and pride of the Philippines
Your passion for Lea’s voice, and for, “Les Miserable” is equally stunning.
What i love about her performance is her storytelling, the picture she paints with her voice and interpretation truly makes this a personal favorite. She makes you feel Eponine's pain and relate to it and of course it can move you to tears, she's brilliant.
Lea has the amazing ability to almost literally bring the listener on a journey with her and her voice. You have no choice but to become emotionally invested in her and her journey..it truly is a rare gift.
As a Filipino kid growing up in the 90s who loves to sing I wish I would have known she was Filipino. She sung some of my favorite songs and I never remember even seeing a picture of her let alone knowing she was Filipino. It would have been such an inspiration... but that's Hollywood I guess, not white enough to show on camera..
Lea Salonga’s diction and the power of her voice are perfection❤️ she pronounces everything clearly that even on the highest note you can still understand the words.
Whats really amazing is that English is her second language and yet she makes most Americans sound like they are illiterate.
Being Filipino myself, I can say that English is not really a second language to Leah, considering her social status & the region she grew in. We learn Tagalog & English almost at the same time. Most text books are in English.
Another reason for that is because she is the first non Caucasian woman to be cast as Eponine in a Broadway musical. She had to be absolutely perfect all the time, every time. If she ever made a mistake, that would've been the end for her because of the extreme prejudices within the industry. She had to constantly prove herself to the critics that she deserved the role.
And that she did and more!@@elgenetiamzon1062
I love this rendition and have watched it many times. But for me, watching your reaction, especially from 07:26 when you seemingly pause, smile slightly and then feel the emotion behind the lyric to the point where tears flow down your face... I can't help but return to that section and watch you as I listen to Lea. I find it really moving. Well done on such a heartfelt reaction video. You certainly come across as a beautiful soul. This world needs more of that.
I saw Le Miz on Broadway and I can't hear her without
getting tears in my eyes.
MY wife, daughter and I had the experience of a lifetime.
What a voice!
Cheers,
Frederick "rik" Spector
She is such an effortless vocalist. Perfection simply flows out.
Omg. We cried at the same time 🥺 I’ve watched this video a thousand times already but still gets me everytime. Ms. Lea Salonga is a gem, she makes me proud to be a filipino everytime she performs 💜✨
Lea Salonga is perfection! I've probably watched the video of that performance 100 times, not kidding. As a vocalist, I want to sing with that precision. I study her technique, she is flawless!
I was fortunate to see Lea Salonga in a performance of Le Mis in London on a trip to Europe in 1996. This song has been one of my favourites ever since. I have also been fortunate to walk the streets of Paris on a night such as that described in the song (That was much later in 2012).
I also saw Lea perform Le Mis in London. The entire cast was fantastic. In fact, isn’t the London cast of Le Mis the performers used in the 10th anniversary show?
@@Jeff-re9exMost of the main roles in the 10th anniversary concert are people who originated the roles in different countries: Colm Wilkinson was Valjean in London and Broadway, Philip Quast was Javert in Australia, Judy Kuhn was Cossette on Broadway, Michael Ball was Marius in London. But some people were actors that replaced in certain productions: Ruthie Henshall was a replacement Fantine in London. Lea was a replacement Eponine on Broadway. (She went into the London LES MIZ briefly after this 10th anniversary concert).
This is one of the reasons why she has won some of the most coveted International Awards.
I absolutely love Lea Salonga. It's nice to know that someone else tears up at the same points I do.
Believe me, you’re not the only one to wipe a tear away listening to Lea in this Les Mis production. Amazing!
(Love your analysis too).
Seeing your emotions rising up and overwhelming you, gets me every time, so pure and from the heart.
Absolutely perfect performance and thanks for this truly genuine and insightful video too. Helped me rediscover Lea’s talent again after nearly 2 decades.
The combination of soulfully and authentically written music paired with powerful and genuine performance cannot be beat
Another great reaction Bethany. You break down all the technical details of Lea's amazing performance but you also show an authentic emotional response to the music. That's why you are my favorite reactor. You give us both in abundance. Thanks.
Reminds me of how deeply we can be moved by music. Excellent reaction. 😊
She is phenomenal and I love your reaction.❤️
Hey coach better try this, both Filipino incredible singer rachelle ann go and lea salonga - the movie in my mind
Lea the greatest export the Philippines every had! I call her The Pizza Hut of singers; she just delivers and delivers! Magical voice; I remember watching Les Mis and had the chance to hear her live and I was like... WTheck am I listening to?? Unmatched voice.
All those vocals' technicalities while perfectly portraying her character. Ms. Lea is truly a legend!
At 5:49… I enjoy following the Vocalyst’s facial expressions as much as I enjoy the singer…and per the singer’s lower register….. Her pitch is SO …SO….. good… so well framed…. Even when the actual note is below her range, WE STILL HEAR IT….
I love this, i don't know how many times i watch her "On my own" and i always cry everytime.
Her voice gives the emotions and physical pictures/interpretations of the song let alone the perfect quality of her voice. Excellent performance, my opinion!
As a Filipino she is our national trasure. I doubt we will have another one like her. You made me cry as well and i am a guy.
what does gender have to do with the probability of someone feeling emotions
My mother asked me to find a recording of this 10th Anniversary performance so many years ago. "Yeah yeah Ma. I'll see what I can do." I was completely unfamiliar with the play, the story, the songs, and the entire thing so I took the time to see what she and Pops were going on about. It ended up being a permanent fixture in my own collection that I revisit often. Lea Salonga's performance is breathtaking. Philip Quast's performance as Javert is equally as astounding. The whole cast and crew were at the top of their games and I am a better person for it. Kudos to them all.
I love the fact that you bawled over this gorgeous performance😍 I love our very own Lea Salonga🇵🇭
There's something in this song that every time I hear or listen to it I get emotional. It's like every word/lyric and note of this song pierces my heart.
She is the best Eponine ever, but she also played Fantine in Broadway's revival of Leś Mis in 2006. It was as Kim in Ms. Saigon, though, that she won both the Tony (Broadway) and Laurence Olivièr (West End) awards. A true legend.
A performance that should be played as a
teaching tool on every musical theater school
around the world. Respect for the music, the notes,
the character, the audience. Bravo!
I saw Les Miserables on Broadway in the 90's. I bawled at this song. I saw it again about 5 years later, but didn't end up in a puddle. I think the first time I saw it, it might have been Lea. One of my first Broadway shows. How lucky. It was incredible. I understand your tears.
I think you could make another video on this performance talking about pace. The importance of when to sing ahead, on top of, and behind. Lea's performance here is a master's class on that subject.
I’ve seen (and listened to) the 10th Anniversary Concert countless times at this point and it still moves me to tears. This was absolutely the dream cast. I also love Philip Quast as Javert. Edit: as a violin player, it’s the crescendo that builds from the phrase where she sings “I love him, but everyday I’m learning…” UGH! Gets me every time. Thank you for playing that part so many times. Now I’m crying too 😂
I have seen this so many times, and it is as captivating every time. Naturally, I've seen Les Mes several times, and I know all the lyrics, and have seen different people play the roles, and still, she is remarkable in this. Absolutely flawless. Thank you for this reaction, Bethany!
This musical meant so much to me in my teens and it means even more now that I’m in my fifties. This performance always brings on the emotions. I’m sure you’re never crying alone on this one. Thank you.
She is such an incredible singer but like you said, it is so easy to hear every word she is singing. Not many can do that. She is so eloquent.
She is legitimately talented & Beautiful...and the way to narrow down your critiques is so holistic...
the music, the lyrics and delivery... ...it's a tear jerker performance...
she has good control of breath and has very clear diction, indeed she was my idol since she was a kid. Just simply flawless in singing. She sings each note clearly
I tear up with her performance too. #LeaSalonga
I was lucky enough to see her on Broadway in Miss Saigon for a high school senior trip from California in 1992. She's one of my all time favorites!
Yes - Perfection. Lea delivers an absolute Master Class here. Just look at how much effort, how many years of training and dedicated rehearsal, has gone into delivering such an 'effortless' performance! 'Discovered' her recently and blown away. The thing that made me emotional - VERY - was her much later interview where she describes the extent to which racism dogged her throughout, and limited quite a number of her career options.
I love this reaction and analysis. As someone who loves Lea Salonga's performances, this was such a treat! Thank you! Please, react more to her. I love her voice and techniques so much! 😭
Since crying is both of our default modes when listening to both Lea and Morissette, I must recommend a performance of which I have recently become aware. That is Regine Velasquez's version of "What Kind of Fool Am I". I didn't think it was possible to rival Lea, but this maybe it. She is another legendary Filipina giving a legendary performance.
Oh my God I absolutely love Lea Salonga. I think a lot of what goes unnoticed is when she sings things like “pavement shines like silver.” Her A vowel and E vowel, you see she’s almost smiling, even if it’s sad, but we see her upper teeth and lower teeth and it’s perfect whether it’s chest throat or head voice she’s the queen.
OMG! What a performance was it. As a person who have watched many versions of Les Misérables I just feel mesmerized. And Coach, thanks a lot for your profound info about the singer and her performance.
Just adore her and her vocals. This song is emotional ❤
Dear Vocalyst…. I appreciate your heart that shows every commentary I have watched no matter the singer. Your love for the craft of singing, for singers themselves, your appreciation for their ability and skill they execute in the songs , and your love for this overflows every time for them- example after example. This particular video shows that in you. Thanks for all you do in your field and your love for art and craft of singing by sewing into others.
You just feel every emotion in each word/lyric. The clarity of enunciation and emotion per word... delicious. You feel what the character feels. The pain and the beauty of unrequited love. Bravo, Lea!
I love that I'm not the only person who is sometimes moved to tears because the performance is so beautiful. That's exactly how music should move a person!
After seeing Lea in this performance way back when it first aired, I was in love. I had to get the DVD (and then the Blu ray) so I could watch it over and over. As an aside, at the end of this concert when they bring out the "17 Valjeans" from around the world, keep an eye out for a young Henk Poort from the Netherlands. Decades before gaining internet attention for singing "Phantom of the Opera" with Floor Jansen on Beste Zangers, world audiences could glimpse him here.
I had no idea!? *Immediately searches for a clip*
Thank you so much for picking this masterpiece and sharing your knowledge. But what I like even more is that you do not clinically look only at Leas perfect technique in singing and articulating, but to let her impress and move you by her enormous potential as a story-teller and her ability to incorporate Eponine. She definately is THE Eponine! As often as I watch or even listen to this performance she grabs me right by the heart, and I cannot help myself. The tears just rise into my eyes.
Thank you for my afternoon cry. How beautiful and moving.
i cried with you Coach while listening to this obra maestra of Lea as Eponine 😢😢😢
This is the first time I’ve ever heard this young lady sing. Absolutely beautiful!
I could think of only one word to describe what I just experienced...perfection... Pure perfection....
I wholeheartedly agree with you. Lea always pronounces every word clearly even while singing. She has always been that way. It is one of the reasons why I love listening to her sing. The words are crystal clear. She never fails.
Her voice is very powerful; gives me the chills.
Yaay ! Coach!....Thank you for doing this. If there's a perfomance that sometimes we should just allow ourselves to get lost in the moment and be transported within the song, this would be it. Wouldn't you say? 😊
Please dont miss out her Zoom duet with Regine Velasquez doing Musical medley.
im crying too... like i dont understand... i can't explain why bec. i'm not a voice coach..... i just feel her natural and simple voice capturing my heart ❤❤❤
I began to appreciate her voice when in early 1990s I heard her sing from an old album of hers (1980s). We cheered when she landed the lead jn Miss Saigon. Her voice is very very beautiful. I wonder why she wasn’t given the same chance as other singers in the USA.
Lea Salonga Is my Top 1 IDOL as A performer as an Artist.Talented but still Humble and Beautiful inside and Out❤Proud Tobe Filipino 🇵🇭🙏🏻😇😍💐💐.tnx for Featuring LEA Salonga .
I love how you can be so technical and yet still feel the emotions from the song.
I saw her perform in London what a magical voice
Another great Filipino singer. Excellent diction considering English is her second language. She's had a long singing career since she was a teenager in the Philippines.
What is in the water over there? They produce some of the most phenomenal singers!!
since she was a kid, she was already into theatre and played Annie in Repertory Philippines.
Her diction is excellent period. I don't believe that English really is a second language for her anyway. I think she's spoken more than one language since she was very young. I know that she was performing in English when she was seven, but many Filipino families speak English at home as well as Filipino at any rate.
I thought due to American existence in the country historically many speaks English.
Nah. Some of us here speak English since we were born.
Thanks so much for reacting once again to the legend Ms Lea Salonga. She never miss to amaze me every time I hear her sing and perform. Love watching her performances again and again..best storyteller actress...speaks in the right pitch and the clarity is superb!! I love your reactions to her. Thanks and God bless 🙏❤️🇵🇭
I love your analyses and presentation. This singer....I have my Bose high end headphones on and found myself just stunned at how beautiful her voice is. Thank you!
Incredible performance by Lea. 3 weeks ago I saw Les Mis for the 5th time at the Sondheim Theatre in London with a relatively new cast and a brilliant, updated stage arrangement. The song catalogue in his masterpeice of a show are in my opinion the best of any Musical. I would like to mention Nathania Ong who played Eponine....... I was in the middle of row 2 around 10 feet from the stage. Nathania was right in front of me as she sang On My Own and and it was beautiful. As she sang the last few words I was so close that I saw a tear roll from her eye. I was sniffling anyway and that had me grabbing for a tissue..... not for the first, or last time I hasten to add!
Your reaction of this performance is one of my all time favorites on YT.
She’s really amazing. In the same show she had a duet called “A Little Fall of Rain.” So heartbreaking . 😢❤
Such a beautiful lady with such a gorgeous voice and ability. To me, she is perfect! LOVE HER, LOVE HER, LOVE HER!!!
you are the most beautiful smile vocal coach on all of youtube. Congratulations on the reaction.