Jussi Björling of course. There’s a reason he is still the most famous opera tenor in history even tough he died 61 years ago. Pavarotti said in an interview; “when I have to rehearse a new opera, I first listen to how Jussi Björling did it. His voice was unique, and I want to follow his path. More than anything else, I would like people to compare me to Jussi Björling. That's how I strive to sing”.
David Phelps is not only pitch perfect, but has beautiful voice control, can hold his notes forever and sings with emotion! I absolutely love listening to him!
Björling - he is a legendary superstar and rightly so. Caruso sings it noble and beautiful. These 2 are way ahead of everyone else. Unfortunately Pavarotti is too old and tiredsounding here but of course he was otherwise a real singer. The rest are not in the competition but Antoine is better than Bocelle (and Phelps isnt that bad in the pop department).
Pop department? You do know Phelps is a classically trained tenor? Not bad? He hits the notes none of the others do. With Phelps, he sings it from the heart, not an opera performance.
Why do you comment when you obviously don't know music. People who know music claim he is the best in the world on this song. It is obvious you have never heard him sing it in person.@@edwardkerrigan5356
He was trained in Opera at Baylor University. He sings a variety of styles in music. He is known for it. He has a incredible range to his voice and sings higher than most.
@@sylvialabadia4171 He's not even the loudest, not by a distance, he needs a mike practically in his mouth. There's no tremor or 'shimmer' to his high notes, no resonance or underflow to the low notes (ANYONE can sing high notes with practice). I'm afraid any comparison to Jussi Björling quickly falls away. Have a listen to the FULL song recorded live with NO amplification.
@@cubablue602 Jussi is amazing but that is comparing apples and oranges. The measure of a voice is not "tremor or shimmer" (which is called vibrato) because you can also purposefully sing it straight-tone for effect (think more modern, Whitney or Maria). Phelps sings with vibrato on almost all the high notes but especially the C# which he covers (classical sound). He is classically trained, just isn't an opera singer. Lack of amplication is also not a requisite. It is just a fact of modern music. Modern concert halls are designed with sound systems, opera halls are designed with acoustics in mind. Besides that, Phelps is university trained and could easily fill a theater without a mic.
@@isaiahjohnston823 I agree with a but-Caruso was close and one has to take into account the scratchy nature of the record it was produced on. I mean we ought to leave him out because it is not fair to him or others to judge a voice on a bad medium. Jussi? Wow yeah!
David Phelps amazing, powerful rendition wins this one with greatest clarity at the highest notes and his ability to convey the ethereal emotion of the lyrics is unparalleled
Jussi Björling gets my vote of course since he is the greatest tenor of all times... But I also love David Phelps because the Holy Spirit ministers through him when he sings.
Bjorling. I heard him for the first time on the Light Programme. My sister wrote to the BBC and asked who had sung Nesum Dorma. It was Bjorling. Subsequently when Pavarotti was asked how he approached a song, his reply was to say he would listen to how Bjorling had done it. A true great.
Oh my! Any comparison outside of Pavarotti to Jussi Björling makes me smile. Especially for this song. He didn't need a microphone in his face, the recording was WAY off and the whole auditorium shook. Difficult to appreciate the POWER that his voice had, certainly for those not familiar with operatic tenor. He's not widely regarded as the greatest tenor ever for nothing.
J. Antoine has the crucial clarity of notation required to make this a perfect rendition. If you go back and listen again, his vocal timpani is quite solid.
Everyone was on b4 note, but David was C5. Very challenging for a Male voice but the fact he sustain it with such clearity is something out of this world.
I heard David Phelps this afternoon on the television singing this song.......tears were flowing down my face, not just for the music in his voice. The music in his HEART matched the song. Heavenly.
David Phelps every time!!! The most stunning version of this song I have heard! I've listened to his version countless times and it always touches my soul..!🙏🥰🙏
I was super impressed with Jonathan Antoine's quality and control and high notes. He is young and a winner/runner up of America's got Talent I think... Correct me if I'm wrong...I think his career has just begun, and he will go far!! How can you not love Pavarotti??? But my fave hands down and the one who brings the most emotion and talent to the stage and heart is David Phelps!!
Every time I hear David Phelps’ voice, I imagine an Angel on earth singing, and that it may be how we all sound in heaven. Can you imagine millions of people with a voice like that! The reason why his version is the best is because he sings with such conviction. He BELIEVES what he sings, and it’s his assignment to bring Jesus to the world. None of the others sang with meaning. They were simply notes. David Phelps sings and feels every word and makes you believe him.
Yes you hit the nail on the head. Add his technical ability to his conviction and passion and you have a one of a kind performance that is unequalled in all of history singing this song.
Amen! Thank you very much for that comment. I cannot begin to imagine! Just imagine what God sounds like when He sings! Zephaniah 3:17 Yahweh your God is in your midst, A mighty one who will save. He will be joyful over you with gladness; He will be quiet in His love; He will rejoice over you with joyful singing.
Bjorlings voice is phenomenal, he owns this Christmas song hands down. Phelps has up to date acoustics amplifications microphones and he almost has the Mike down his throat, jussi bjorling beats them all....
Jussi Bjoerling, one of the most beautiful voices ever. But also: where are the real powerhouses? Franco Corelli and Mario del Monaco? Or even Lanza, for sentimentality.
The present audience includes youngsters who lack knowledge or ignore to learn anything what happened before their birth. So, no wonder that names of del Monaco, Corelli, Bergonzi or di Stefano are unknown to them. They probably cannot distinguish achievements of Christopher Columbus and Captain Cook. This is how schools are teaching our next generations who one day will take over...
@@johnfalstaff2270 You're right John. One way or another the young are getting the idea that nothing ever existed before they were born. And this might not bode well for the future.
I never tire of hearing that beautiful song and love hearing tenors hit those high notes, but there is no question that David Phelps sings it better than anyone else. He sings it from his heart. What a gift the Lord has given him and what a blessing to hear him sing.
Jussi` s timber and power are still to date the best singing i ve heard in my life. Some people maybe have more power and/or have a higher note but the two combined, Jussi´s voice makes my ear want more........
They were all wonderful but Jonathan, David and Jussi were my favorites. David has the highest voice and sings with such passion. The other two are magnificent also. Hard to exclude anyone.
They all did beautifully! David Phelps takes the prize for the highest note! To hit that C# and drop to a B to come back to the chorus and hit that C# again and so clearly Wow! Fantastic job!!!
In hs I used to go see operas put on in my town. I always loved them but outside of being there, I never went out of my way to really listen to any operatic music. And god, have I really been doing myself a disservice. Jussi Bjorling’s voice is insane. I see a lot of people saying he’s one of the best voices in the history of opera. I don’t know many singers but jeez, that guy 😅😅😅 absolutely beautiful
Björling by a good margin. Phelps' notes were the most challenging from a technical perspective, but they took away from the beauty of the song in that moment, IMO. Björling's approach was clean, precise, he didn't hold the note forever in an attempt to show off beyond what the song already called for, it was just about perfect. Antoine would be a distant second, of the people who sang the song as written. The groups shouldn't be considered along with the solo performances, but as a separate category; in that category, presuming we ignore any mixing/sweetening effects, Homefree's was the most impressive.
I think that Home Free's version is impressive and unique is because they're an a Capella group. The church they recorded their version in had great acoustical aspects which displayed Austin Brown's beautiful high tenor voice.😊
Jussi Björling is the one and only! ❤️ Think about of he could have been recorded with the technology of today!!! Do listen to to all of his version, in Swedish, called "oh hegla natt" or "Adams julsång" It is AMAZING! ❤️❤️❤️
bjorling, Caruso ,Antione and Bocelli. Never heard the great Caruso sing before, but boy, he was great. Nor Bjorling, just beautiful and of course Antoine and Bocelli. But they were all great and I would hate to put one above the other. Thank you to all of them for a few moments joy and pleasure. Thank you.🇬🇧
I sang in a backup choir for Gaither Christmas concert once with my wife. We sang backup for David Phelps on this song (not this video, but on tour). It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for us. He's an incredible vocalist. Each of these guys is fabulous, but Phelps defines tenor vocalists for this generation. :)
I think you're absolutely right. Another wonderful rendition of this song is performed by Larry Ford. David Phelps and Larry Ford ( not mentioned here ) are two of my favorite tenors. Both are amazing and I always feel spirit filled when I hear either of these men. Merry Christmas!!
No contest and I can tell you without any doubt ( David Phelps ) This is not only the best : O' holy night version but may be the best song anyone has ever sang!!! There are very few, but I have seen some performances that are life changing, once in a lifetime performances and this is one that is such!! I have listened to this song and version for year's and I have come to the conclusion that although David Phelps is a Great singer and has one of the most beautiful voices I've ever heard but on this night and in this place I feel like the very presence of God came down and visited him, us, the audience, the world!!! You can hear it if you listen!!!! Thanks for sharing and God bless.
Jason, you are spot on. This performance of this song brings me to tears every time I hear it. No other version I have heard moves me this way. To those watching this clip and seeing David for the first time, please watch the full version of this performance. It is amazing. And not just in the high notes.
I think your observation is inspired, I’ve been listening to this performance for about an hour, crying like a fool trying to understand what it is about this performance that is brining me undone… your comment has answered that question for me…thank you for your insights. God bless you sir!
And I totally agree with you without a doubt God's presence when there it filled the room it filled the heart of every single person that listens to him I mean the power of God is still in the recording not just that live performance and I told someone else all these gentlemen have been given a god-given talent it's just that David Phelps uses his to glorify God and that's why he has won this contest hands down every single person but one that I've read so far has voted for David Phelps and that's this song is one of those songs you'll performances that will never be forgotten it it changes your life I get so choked up I can't even I can't even hardly watch my eyes just flow with tears anyway God bless you sir this is such a blessing to be able to listen David Phelps and I know that you agree ✝️😇♥️
I'm no fan of opera but I really love Pavarottis voice. But in this case there I have to go with Jussi Björling. His voice is absolutely unmatched when it comes to the finer details. His singing is crystal clear and you can hear each and every word articulated to perfection. He has such power without ever feeling forced and at times he manages to sound so soft and warm. I believe that no one will ever be able to match his performance on this song.
There are many, many versions of this song on record. Many opera singers beside Bjorling have recorded it, and many could be considered the equal of Bjorling, depending on personal preference for a voice, which is what it comes down to anyway, in the end. If someone likes a particular voice, that's the one they will go to. My personal favourite is by the American tenor, Jan Peerce, but I don't say it is better than Bjorling's version, just my preference. There have been some appalling 'pop singer' versions, which mangle both the melody and the lyrics, but no doubt they are liked by many. Each to his own.
Jussi Björling every day of the week! He is considered to be one of, if not the best, tenors ever recorded. Even Luciano Pavarotti said he couldn´t compare himself to Jussi Björling.
It's mine too Steve I could just listen to that high note you know like all day long I think it's just absolutely so Heavenly it's hard to put it into words this version and God bless you sir and thank God we have David Phelps using his voice to glorify to God and we get to enjoy it ♥️✝️😇
The reason David Phelps wins this is the emotion he puts into it. The others are superb versions, beautiful, highly skilled voices. But I don't FEEL IT. Many of them aren't even live performances so those music videos while well done don't compare either. With David, I feel it right to my heart. Right to my soul. He's singing from his own passion and beliefs. So excellent. Such a blessing to hear him sing to praise the Lord.
@@lucyjune Bocelli's voice was flawless as ever. His body stillness is his style. You cannot expect a blind man to be moving his body and flailing his arms during a performance.
they are all fantastic, but Jonathan Antoine is my winner...not only does he sing with such purity, he also sings with great emotion and passion. Its not just about hitting the notes, its about doing it with feeling
As someone who has followed many of the great tenors, while I stand in awe of all of them, I do believe that David Phelps's voice is a particular gift from God to the church and the world and truly brings glory and praise to the Lord. Truly Amazing.
I loved Jonathan Antoine and Andrea Bocelli (I guess I’m partial to the more operatic versions). But David Phelps takes it to another level - I’m not sure how he jumps an octave plus another whole step and a half up to C#5 then back down to Bb4 so seamlessly. It’s like the other tenors are all great singing Bb4 and David was like “hold my eggnog …”
“Partial to the more operative versions.” Like Antoine/Bocelli but ignores Pavarrati/Bjorling. You don’t like operative versions. You like pop singers with pronounced vibrato.
David Phelps HANDS DOWN. It's not that it was a higher note. It's about tone, pitch, and mostly feeling. I can't not cry when I listen to him sing this. A voice that is truly a gift from God.
You said you can't not cry when you listen let me tell you Carl I can't even speak I get so choked up during the song I mean try to tell somebody about David Phelps with this particular song and it just I'm just a puddle of tears and they are tears of joy and Thanksgiving and also pride as a Christian that the world has all these beautiful singers of course but are David Phelps is winning this contest here hands down only one other person has mentioned a different tinner besides David!!✝️😇✝️😇✝️😇😇✝️
I was wondering who to choose because they were all so good untill i heard DAVID PHELPS . He was the only one that gave me chills , goose bumps from head to toe !! After that , no contest, DAVID one hands down !!
David Phelps. I literally listen to him sing Oh Holy Night all year long, in addition to so many of his other songs. I saw him live 5 or 6 years ago in Macon GA with GVB. I think he will be leading heavens’ choir in eternity. Wish he knew how much his music blesses me. It just makes me happy!
Eric it blesses you and it blesses me and it blesses millions multi-millions of people around the entire world can you imagine God has blessed him because he has used his voice to praise God✝️😇 kind of gets to me; just to say that makes me cry😢 TEARS OF JOY AND THANKSGIVING... God has given to us MANY GIFTS and David Phelps is one of THE BEST ONES EVER!!! I love listening to this song over and over and over again and I don't need Christmas, either, to listen to it...God bless you Sir.., don't we have a magnificent voice to listen to in David Phelps⁉️⁉️⁉️⁉️ and many other of the Gaither people throughout the years I'm a huge fan of both David and Gaither vocal band and really all of his concerts are just really incredible
I've met him a few times now and have said those very words to him! He loves to hear how his talent HUGELY blesses us all. I get to see him perform this very month at his Barn Bash Christmas concert. Can't wait!! He is so amazing live and sooo connects with the audience.
The only one that gave me goose bumps was David Phelps. No matter how many times i hear it, I always get them when he sings this song. So he wins by 5 bumps!!!
I would like to add that Jussi is without doubt one of best voices of a generation, but the notes on this carol were delivered with such force and velocity as if it was a battle victory from a opera. I'll go to David for Oh Holy Night and Jussi for opera aria's.
2:24 one can only ever imagine how blindingly magnificent that Bb4 would have been to hear live by Caruso. Even through the old wax records, the strength of the upper harmonic register and balanced relaxedness to produce such an iconic sound, comes through clear as day. This way of singing, and its knowledge is lost to history.
As much admiration as I have for every amazing artist in this video, there is no doubt Phelps has the most amazing male voice I've ever heard. I can't imagine many have ever been better, and it's not just high notes. This dude can sing. Incredible control, perfect phrasing and intonation. I wish I could sing like that just once in my life.
Phelps...not even close. Best version of this song made to date. With the choir and his amazing control and flawless delivery he hits a C#5 like its nothing. Effortless...nice work David.
Not only is David Phelps ALWAYS pitch-perfect, but sang a higher note, held longer than anyone else! However, they were ALL outstanding and I watched/listened more than once to decide. Home Free really impressed me, as did Hometown, Il Divo and ALL of the others! Andrea Bocelli can do no wrong! I loved the harmony of the Canadian Tenors! I LOVE Jonathon Antoine's voice. OK, David Phelps it is, for sure, but everyone else gets Honorable Mention!
It's hard to tell with the older recordings because the sound quality is so bad compared to what we have now. Would love to be able to hear the older recordings at an improved quality.
I hear the words in french and swedish pronounced clearly. Especially Jussi Björling enunciates the words clear as day. Even rolls the R more than you normally would when speaking swedish.
With due respect to all, it's Bjorling. Purest voice and superb breath support. Listen to his high notes. Wide open without stress. Most professional singers do not have proper breath support.
Jussi B, has such strength in his voice. Antoine was very good as was David Phelps. I've always been an Il Devo fan they have great voices. I think Jussi won it for me, amazing.
I'm super jealous of anyone who's gotten to hear him live. I know that there is something about hearing a person sing, IN PERSON. Something about physically having their voice singing live in your ears that's different than listening to on a CD or video. I just bought 4 David Phelps Live DVD's and can't wait until they come in the mail. I live in Maine so it's kinda hard to see him perform. Would love to be at the Barn Bash one year.
@@Derek-Barbosa I saw David in Alton Bay New Hampshire about four years ago. Fantastic....been to the Barn Bash twice. Go if you can....worth every penny. I am also from new England...lived in NH for 20+ years....my son lives in York Maine...small world!
I have seen him twice now and will go any time he is within 4 hours traveling time. Got to sit on the second row both times. Awesome is the only way to describe it.
David Phelps without a doubt. Such control and clarity in his voice. He sings with conviction because he believes in what he is singing! It makes such a difference.
1Jonathan Antoine (his strength, clarity, tone and power beats all), 2 Jussi Bjorling and Andrea Bocelli tie, 3 Enrico Caruso. and I LOVE Homefee period! Thanks for doing this!!!! I had never heard of Jussi Bjorling and Enrico Caruso.....can't wait to look them up for more songs. and I will listen to Andrea Bocelli, as his voice is beautiful.
I love this song since the time I sang it in Jr High Choir and over the years have enjoyed the many versions. But David Phelps not only sings with such depth and range, he sings it with such conviction and passion and that shows. I see other great singers singing it but that is just what they are doing, singing a song.
Absolutely David Phelps!!! Been hearing his voice since my early childhood! Only he can sing "O Holy Night" like that - such passion, it overwhelms me. I've had the blessed opportunity to have gone to one of his Christmas concerts a few years back and I was able to hear him sing this masterpiece, which is one of my favorite Christmas songs ever! I've also had the privilege to hear him sing with the Gaither Vocal Band - they are absolutely amazing!!!
Jonathan Antoine should get an honorable mention. He hasn’t sung as long as others, but he has a power and potential to kick everyone else out of the competition.
Actually he was the best by far. Clear as a bell. That’s the point of that song, not who can scream a note for several minutes at the end. The Phelps fellow was horrifying.
His recording was by far the most "overproduced" with pitch corrector and more compression than should be necessary. Talent is there but not the polish.
Jonathan Antoine actually refuses to allow pitch correction anywhere near him, ever! Having said that, the example used here was recorded for a television/streamed concert by a charity, so who knows what they did to it in post production. I, however, love it, and think his performance is the best here. Jonathan's own recording of "O Holy Night" on his "ChristmasLand Platinum Edition" album is indicative of his talent, and if you hear him sing this live, you will hear perfection, guaranteed. (He sang it in December 2022 with the Los Angeles Master Chorale, at their Festival of Carols at the Walt Disney Concert Hall and it was superb!)
Jussi Björling of course. There’s a reason he is still the most famous opera tenor in history even tough he died 61 years ago. Pavarotti said in an interview; “when I have to rehearse a new opera, I first listen to how Jussi Björling did it. His voice was unique, and I want to follow his path. More than anything else, I would like people to compare me to Jussi Björling. That's how I strive to sing”.
His dead. David Phelps are the greatest 👌👏👏👏
DAVID PHELPS. when he sings ''fall to your knees, oh hear the angel's voices'' it's devastating.
Love him 💕💕
Agree
Jussi Bjorling every time
Jussi Björling - A once in a lifetime performance of unparalleled perfection and spine chilling beauty.
David Phelps is not only pitch perfect, but has beautiful voice control, can hold his notes forever and sings with emotion! I absolutely love listening to him!
Exactly... he's the best...and holds his high notes forever like you said 🤣
He does have perfect pitch! I really think he is the best vocalist in the world!
@@yelyharmony2047 pitch perfect?
I loved him and his musical ability since the first time I heard him. He communicates the love of god, so we’ll
go all who
*"Oh holy night" by ANDY WILLIAMS. No one can sing this like ANDY WILLIAMS*
Björling - he is a legendary superstar and rightly so. Caruso sings it noble and beautiful. These 2 are way ahead of everyone else. Unfortunately Pavarotti is too old and tiredsounding here but of course he was otherwise a real singer. The rest are not in the competition but Antoine is better than Bocelle (and Phelps isnt that bad in the pop department).
Pop department? You do know Phelps is a classically trained tenor? Not bad? He hits the notes none of the others do. With Phelps, he sings it from the heart, not an opera performance.
@@peggylouise3848 Then why does he sing it like a pop singer. Obviously not that well trained.
Why do you comment when you obviously don't know music. People who know music claim he is the best in the world on this song. It is obvious you have never heard him sing it in person.@@edwardkerrigan5356
He was trained in Opera at Baylor University. He sings a variety of styles in music. He is known for it. He has a incredible range to his voice and sings higher than most.
@@millie1280 He doesn't sing bad but of course his voice is no match for Björling.
Jussi Björling - who I hadn't even heard of until yesterday. Listen to him sing the WHOLE song though. Unmatched to this day.
David Phelpd is the best of all
@@sylvialabadia4171 He's not even the loudest, not by a distance, he needs a mike practically in his mouth. There's no tremor or 'shimmer' to his high notes, no resonance or underflow to the low notes (ANYONE can sing high notes with practice). I'm afraid any comparison to Jussi Björling quickly falls away. Have a listen to the FULL song recorded live with NO amplification.
@@cubablue602 are you joking?
@@cubablue602 Jussi is amazing but that is comparing apples and oranges. The measure of a voice is not "tremor or shimmer" (which is called vibrato) because you can also purposefully sing it straight-tone for effect (think more modern, Whitney or Maria). Phelps sings with vibrato on almost all the high notes but especially the C# which he covers (classical sound). He is classically trained, just isn't an opera singer. Lack of amplication is also not a requisite. It is just a fact of modern music. Modern concert halls are designed with sound systems, opera halls are designed with acoustics in mind. Besides that, Phelps is university trained and could easily fill a theater without a mic.
Not the best jussi need to listen to another version he really is brilliant
Without a doubt, Jussi Bjorling is fantastic, what a voice.
I agree! Bjorlings version is way better than the rest. His voice is liquid Gold.🇸🇪👍🐐..
@@isaiahjohnston823 I agree with a but-Caruso was close and one has to take into account the scratchy nature of the record it was produced on. I mean we ought to leave him out because it is not fair to him or others to judge a voice on a bad medium. Jussi? Wow yeah!
Just imagine what his voice would sound like with modern recording technology!
I'm partial to Jussi Bjorling. Strong, sharp, precise and powerful without yelling.
Yep I agree, jussi bjorling blows the rest out of the water with this Christmas carol/Hymn...
My vote goes to Jussi Bjørling, not just because I happen to be Scandinavian, but he is simply the best. 👍
There are many good versions of this song. Check out also the version by Jan Peerce - a contemporary of Bjorling's at the Met.
How is overtone singing sharp and precise?
David Freakin Phelps holy smokes!!!!!! I thought the heavens literally opened in half 💓
The anointing that David sings with hits you in your spirit
Bjorling for me. Ringing sound, well-placed in the mask, no strain or undue tightness, controlled, full, and resonant. Bravo!
The way he just gently slides into that first "o helga" in the first chorus is sublime. Effortless.
Same for me, jussi bjorling was the best to sing this Christmas song hands down.
David Phelps amazing, powerful rendition wins this one with greatest clarity at the highest notes and his ability to convey the ethereal emotion of the lyrics is unparalleled
Wow David Phelps wow. I dont have words to discribe his voice. WOW
Jussi Björling gets my vote of course since he is the greatest tenor of all times... But I also love David Phelps because the Holy Spirit ministers through him when he sings.
Yes Goky Spirit!
@@teresawhetstone1832- Hope you realize all sins can be forgiven except blaspheme against the Holy Spirit.
I'm pretty sure that David Phelps is the soundtrack in Heaven.
Amen!!
Best comment! 😂
LOL...good one! True, but funny. haha
Love it! So true! David is what angels probably sound like when they're praising God 🙏♥️
I can’t wait for that choir and to be a part of it! Can you imagine singing with David and Anthem Burger playing the piano!! I cannot even!
Bjorling. I heard him for the first time on the Light Programme. My sister wrote to the BBC and asked who had sung Nesum Dorma. It was Bjorling. Subsequently when Pavarotti was asked how he approached a song, his reply was to say he would listen to how Bjorling had done it. A true great.
The greatest tenor ever to set foot on a stage. Hands down!
Bjorling my #1 too. His voice makes me melt and those turns/trills/what have you after coming off the Bflat were perfection.
I agree
It was Bjorling for me too
Bjorling pleased my ears best.
I would like to hear Phelps do it on the same recording device as Björling did and vice versa...
Oh my! Any comparison outside of Pavarotti to Jussi Björling makes me smile. Especially for this song. He didn't need a microphone in his face, the recording was WAY off and the whole auditorium shook. Difficult to appreciate the POWER that his voice had, certainly for those not familiar with operatic tenor. He's not widely regarded as the greatest tenor ever for nothing.
What are you talking about you think they not used microphones when Pavo sang this you must be stupid
IMO Caruso is also in that discussion. His recordings are hampered by the poor recording technology of his time.
Jonathan...Andrea...Enrico...The Canadian tenors ...Hometown...David Phelps....so great. I have to say Jonathan. All so great
My favorite Christmas song ever! No one has even come close to David Phelps. He hits you in the feels.
Jussi Bijörling is much superior in terms of techinique proficiency, control and power than David, no had like compare.
@@luamoliveira3467Davis Phelps is not a opera singer you’re right cannot be compared
J. Antoine has the crucial clarity of notation required to make this a perfect rendition. If you go back and listen again, his vocal timpani is quite solid.
He is nasal. Kermit the frog sound.
Johnathan A. my favourite ....
Everyone was on b4 note, but David was C5. Very challenging for a Male voice but the fact he sustain it with such clearity is something out of this world.
A c5 is hard when you are doing it in an opera hall, it’s not hard with a microphone
@@charliegold3227 He doesn't need a microphone.
I heard David Phelps this afternoon on the television singing this song.......tears were flowing down my face, not just for the music in his voice. The music in his HEART matched the song. Heavenly.
So true!
He sings with such passion! I've been a fan for years!
He is an anointed singer.
David Phelps every time!!! The most stunning version of this song I have heard! I've listened to his version countless times and it always touches my soul..!🙏🥰🙏
There is no one like Jussi Björling clear ringing voice that stands out of it´s own right..! ;)
Bjorlings version of this Christmas carol/Hymn, is the finest . His voice is liquid Gold 🇸🇪👍..
I was super impressed with Jonathan Antoine's quality and control and high notes. He is young and a winner/runner up of America's got Talent I think... Correct me if I'm wrong...I think his career has just begun, and he will go far!! How can you not love Pavarotti??? But my fave hands down and the one who brings the most emotion and talent to the stage and heart is David Phelps!!
It was bgt when he was 17, check him out singing unchained melody and also singing Parla piu piano in italian.
Agreed.
David Phelps has the All time best version even now over 50 yrs old still doing a c5 and recently a D5
David Phelps. AMEN
David Phelps! The best.
You can feel what he's singing. People don't always sing with passion.
Totally agree.
C#5
I honestly don’t think David Phelps has an end to his range. Wow!
This is one of my favorite songs. I have to go with Jonathan on this one.
Every time I hear David Phelps’ voice, I imagine an Angel on earth singing, and that it may be how we all sound in heaven. Can you imagine millions of people with a voice like that! The reason why his version is the best is because he sings with such conviction. He BELIEVES what he sings, and it’s his assignment to bring Jesus to the world. None of the others sang with meaning. They were simply notes. David Phelps sings and feels every word and makes you believe him.
💞 wow , hab Gänsehaut
I AGREE, DAVID PHELPS DOES IT BEST, MY FAVORITE CHRISTMAS SONG OF ALL TIMES!!!
Yes you hit the nail on the head. Add his technical ability to his conviction and passion and you have a one of a kind performance that is unequalled in all of history singing this song.
Amen! Thank you very much for that comment. I cannot begin to imagine! Just imagine what God sounds like when He sings!
Zephaniah 3:17
Yahweh your God is in your midst,
A mighty one who will save.
He will be joyful over you with gladness;
He will be quiet in His love;
He will rejoice over you with joyful singing.
Jussi Björling by far the most best singer of them all. You have to understand the power of his voice when he sings. Wow!
Bjorlings voice is phenomenal, he owns this Christmas song hands down. Phelps has up to date acoustics amplifications microphones and he almost has the Mike down his throat, jussi bjorling beats them all....
Jussi Bjoerling, one of the most beautiful voices ever. But also: where are the real powerhouses? Franco Corelli and Mario del Monaco? Or even Lanza, for sentimentality.
Jussi. The greatest tenor ever to set foot on a stage. Hands down!
The present audience includes youngsters who lack knowledge or ignore to learn anything what happened before their birth. So, no wonder that names of del Monaco, Corelli, Bergonzi or di Stefano are unknown to them. They probably cannot distinguish achievements of Christopher Columbus and Captain Cook. This is how schools are teaching our next generations who one day will take over...
@@johnfalstaff2270 You're right John. One way or another the young are getting the idea that nothing ever existed before they were born. And this might not bode well for the future.
I never tire of hearing that beautiful song and love hearing tenors hit those high notes, but there is no question that David Phelps sings it better than anyone else. He sings it from his heart. What a gift the Lord has given him and what a blessing to hear him sing.
Jussi` s timber and power are still to date the best singing i ve heard in my life. Some people maybe have more power and/or have a higher note but the two combined, Jussi´s voice makes my ear want more........
Loved Jonathan Antoine & David Phelps!!!! Just fabulous! Merry Christmas!!!
They were all wonderful but Jonathan, David and Jussi were my favorites. David has the highest voice and sings with such passion. The other two are magnificent also. Hard to exclude anyone.
❤
For me, nobody sings it more superbly than Jussi Bjorling
They all did beautifully! David Phelps takes the prize for the highest note! To hit that C# and drop to a B to come back to the chorus and hit that C# again and so clearly Wow! Fantastic job!!!
It is all about legato and beauty of voice in the performance of this song. Only one man can make it - the God-sent Jussi Bjoerling
In hs I used to go see operas put on in my town. I always loved them but outside of being there, I never went out of my way to really listen to any operatic music. And god, have I really been doing myself a disservice. Jussi Bjorling’s voice is insane. I see a lot of people saying he’s one of the best voices in the history of opera. I don’t know many singers but jeez, that guy 😅😅😅 absolutely beautiful
Björling by a good margin. Phelps' notes were the most challenging from a technical perspective, but they took away from the beauty of the song in that moment, IMO. Björling's approach was clean, precise, he didn't hold the note forever in an attempt to show off beyond what the song already called for, it was just about perfect. Antoine would be a distant second, of the people who sang the song as written. The groups shouldn't be considered along with the solo performances, but as a separate category; in that category, presuming we ignore any mixing/sweetening effects, Homefree's was the most impressive.
I think that Home Free's version is impressive and unique is because they're an a Capella group. The church they recorded their version in had great acoustical aspects which displayed Austin Brown's beautiful high tenor voice.😊
Jussi Björling is the one and only! ❤️ Think about of he could have been recorded with the technology of today!!!
Do listen to to all of his version, in Swedish, called "oh hegla natt" or "Adams julsång"
It is AMAZING!
❤️❤️❤️
I agree with you, bjorling made this song sound better than anyone else!!
bjorling, Caruso ,Antione and Bocelli. Never heard the great Caruso sing before, but boy, he was great. Nor Bjorling, just beautiful and of course Antoine and Bocelli. But they were all great and I would hate to put one above the other. Thank you to all of them for a few moments joy and pleasure. Thank you.🇬🇧
I sang in a backup choir for Gaither Christmas concert once with my wife. We sang backup for David Phelps on this song (not this video, but on tour). It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for us. He's an incredible vocalist. Each of these guys is fabulous, but Phelps defines tenor vocalists for this generation. :)
I think you're absolutely right. Another wonderful rendition of this song is performed by Larry Ford. David Phelps and Larry Ford ( not mentioned here ) are two of my favorite tenors. Both are amazing and I always feel spirit filled when I hear either of these men. Merry Christmas!!
No contest and I can tell you without any doubt ( David Phelps ) This is not only the best : O' holy night version but may be the best song anyone has ever sang!!! There are very few, but I have seen some performances that are life changing, once in a lifetime performances and this is one that is such!! I have listened to this song and version for year's and I have come to the conclusion that although David Phelps is a Great singer and has one of the most beautiful voices I've ever heard but on this night and in this place I feel like the very presence of God came down and visited him, us, the audience, the world!!! You can hear it if you listen!!!! Thanks for sharing and God bless.
Jason, you are spot on. This performance of this song brings me to tears every time I hear it. No other version I have heard moves me this way. To those watching this clip and seeing David for the first time, please watch the full version of this performance. It is amazing. And not just in the high notes.
I think your observation is inspired, I’ve been listening to this performance for about an hour, crying like a fool trying to understand what it is about this performance that is brining me undone… your comment has answered that question for me…thank you for your insights. God bless you sir!
And I totally agree with you without a doubt God's presence when there it filled the room it filled the heart of every single person that listens to him I mean the power of God is still in the recording not just that live performance and I told someone else all these gentlemen have been given a god-given talent it's just that David Phelps uses his to glorify God and that's why he has won this contest hands down every single person but one that I've read so far has voted for David Phelps and that's this song is one of those songs you'll performances that will never be forgotten it it changes your life I get so choked up I can't even I can't even hardly watch my eyes just flow with tears anyway God bless you sir this is such a blessing to be able to listen David Phelps and I know that you agree ✝️😇♥️
I'm no fan of opera but I really love Pavarottis voice. But in this case there I have to go with Jussi Björling. His voice is absolutely unmatched when it comes to the finer details. His singing is crystal clear and you can hear each and every word articulated to perfection. He has such power without ever feeling forced and at times he manages to sound so soft and warm. I believe that no one will ever be able to match his performance on this song.
There are many, many versions of this song on record. Many opera singers beside Bjorling have recorded it, and many could be considered the equal of Bjorling, depending on personal preference for a voice, which is what it comes down to anyway, in the end. If someone likes a particular voice, that's the one they will go to. My personal favourite is by the American tenor, Jan Peerce, but I don't say it is better than Bjorling's version, just my preference. There have been some appalling 'pop singer' versions, which mangle both the melody and the lyrics, but no doubt they are liked by many. Each to his own.
You are so right, his performance is mesmerising. I admit I was disappointed by Pavarotti's rendition. It sounded 'thin'.
1st. Jussi Björling
2nd Luciano Pavarotti
3rd Andrea Bocelli
Pavarotti has always been my favourite. But David Phelps ... just wow. Never heard a voice like that before! Sent shivers down my spine.
David Phelps by a mile! God has blessed him with that amazing voice, and he uses it to serve God. We are all blessed to hear him sing.
Jussi Björling every day of the week! He is considered to be one of, if not the best, tenors ever recorded.
Even Luciano Pavarotti said he couldn´t compare himself to Jussi Björling.
David Phelp
Hear hear
Jussi Björling -- possibly best tenor ever
I totally agree, I am very proud to be from Sweden.
Absolutely. His voice is in a category by itself ~ he’s the greatest tenor who ever lived.
Jussi is like a force booming still after all these years! You can really feel the energy!
Bjorlings version is way better than Phelps! Who shouts with the Mike in his mouth! He's not even an opera singer! Bjorling is the 🐐🇸🇪👍.
I've heard David Phelps' version about a million times and it still give me goosebumps now. Incredibly epic.
ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS!!!!
David Phelps. Great voice, great vibrato, great diction. Amazing! That is my favorite recording of him singing that song.
It's mine too Steve I could just listen to that high note you know like all day long I think it's just absolutely so Heavenly it's hard to put it into words this version and God bless you sir and thank God we have David Phelps using his voice to glorify to God and we get to enjoy it ♥️✝️😇
Phelps hands down: clarity, effortless and he hit the highest note better the opéra singers.
Bravo Phelps!!
Jussi Bjorling. Please look him up and listen to more of his wonderful tenor voice.
I liked Jussi Bjorling because of the bright tome in his voice and David Phelphs because he is super-human C# and holds it forever!
David Phelps 100%. He is on a whole new level, and you can truly tell he is using his voice to praise the Lord with!
The reason David Phelps wins this is the emotion he puts into it. The others are superb versions, beautiful, highly skilled voices. But I don't FEEL IT. Many of them aren't even live performances so those music videos while well done don't compare either. With David, I feel it right to my heart. Right to my soul. He's singing from his own passion and beliefs. So excellent. Such a blessing to hear him sing to praise the Lord.
Amen! So true!
Andrea Bocelli sang it with the most deadpan expression and not a bit of body movement. It's like he almost fell asleep!
@@lucyjune Bocelli's voice was flawless as ever. His body stillness is his style. You cannot expect a blind man to be moving his body and flailing his arms during a performance.
@@bobalky3638 You are right, I apologize. I did not know he was blind.
Tremendous analysis. So well said, thank you.
they are all fantastic, but Jonathan Antoine is my winner...not only does he sing with such purity, he also sings with great emotion and passion. Its not just about hitting the notes, its about doing it with feeling
David Phelps is my all time favorite singer, ever! However, that was some awesome lineup of singing, fantastic video!
What a delight to hear them all, but David Phelps has been my favorite tenor for years.
Whether it’s Michael Phelps or David Phelps, they’re always knocking down the competition!
They were all wonderful but David Phelps brought tears to my eyes.
As someone who has followed many of the great tenors, while I stand in awe of all of them, I do believe that David Phelps's voice is a particular gift from God to the church and the world and truly brings glory and praise to the Lord. Truly Amazing.
I loved Jonathan Antoine and Andrea Bocelli (I guess I’m partial to the more operatic versions). But David Phelps takes it to another level - I’m not sure how he jumps an octave plus another whole step and a half up to C#5 then back down to Bb4 so seamlessly. It’s like the other tenors are all great singing Bb4 and David was like “hold my eggnog …”
Loved your comment, I agree……👍😊
For a more sedate version, I am a HomeFree fan, the boys do everything acapella
“Partial to the more operative versions.”
Like Antoine/Bocelli but ignores Pavarrati/Bjorling.
You don’t like operative versions. You like pop singers with pronounced vibrato.
Very well trained
I love opera versions beautiful, David is highlly trained in voice. Frankly I enjoyed all of them thanks for sharing
Phelps had classical training. League of his own!
David Phelps HANDS DOWN. It's not that it was a higher note. It's about tone, pitch, and mostly feeling. I can't not cry when I listen to him sing this. A voice that is truly a gift from God.
You said you can't not cry when you listen let me tell you Carl I can't even speak I get so choked up during the song I mean try to tell somebody about David Phelps with this particular song and it just I'm just a puddle of tears and they are tears of joy and Thanksgiving and also pride as a Christian that the world has all these beautiful singers of course but are David Phelps is winning this contest here hands down only one other person has mentioned a different tinner besides David!!✝️😇✝️😇✝️😇😇✝️
I cried when i heard D. Phelps singing Let Freedom Ring. His emotion and the song's lyrics are amazing!
And he KNOWS it's a gift from God. Makes a difference.
Amen, Carl!!!
Jussi Bjorling is my favourite singer of all.
I was wondering who to choose because they were all so good untill i heard DAVID PHELPS . He was the only one that gave me chills , goose bumps from head to toe !! After that , no contest, DAVID one hands down !!
David Phelps. I literally listen to him sing Oh Holy Night all year long, in addition to so many of his other songs. I saw him live 5 or 6 years ago in Macon GA with GVB. I think he will be leading heavens’ choir in eternity. Wish he knew how much his music blesses me. It just makes me happy!
Eric it blesses you and it blesses me and it blesses millions multi-millions of people around the entire world can you imagine God has blessed him because he has used his voice to praise God✝️😇 kind of gets to me; just to say that makes me cry😢 TEARS OF JOY AND THANKSGIVING... God has given to us MANY GIFTS and David Phelps is one of THE BEST ONES EVER!!! I love listening to this song over and over and over again and I don't need Christmas, either, to listen to it...God bless you Sir.., don't we have a magnificent voice to listen to in David Phelps⁉️⁉️⁉️⁉️ and many other of the Gaither people throughout the years I'm a huge fan of both David and Gaither vocal band and really all of his concerts are just really incredible
I've met him a few times now and have said those very words to him! He loves to hear how his talent HUGELY blesses us all. I get to see him perform this very month at his Barn Bash Christmas concert. Can't wait!! He is so amazing live and sooo connects with the audience.
The only one that gave me goose bumps was David Phelps. No matter how many times i hear it, I always get them when he sings this song. So he wins by 5 bumps!!!
Not only that, but he nailed it in a higher key than any of the others.
I have to agree, even though I had not heard of him before I watched this video.
I would like to add that Jussi is without doubt one of best voices of a generation, but the notes on this carol were delivered with such force and velocity as if it was a battle victory from a opera. I'll go to David for Oh Holy Night and Jussi for opera aria's.
#1 David Phelps - just love vocals and emotion in his voice the best. #2 tied between Andrea Bocelli and Jussi Bjorling - both have amazing voices.
How on earth can you mention Bocelli and Bjorling in the same breath? Bocelli can't hold a candle to him.
There is much to like about Bocelli, but compared with Jussi, and the other 'giants', he is just a nice singer.
2:24 one can only ever imagine how blindingly magnificent that Bb4 would have been to hear live by Caruso. Even through the old wax records, the strength of the upper harmonic register and balanced relaxedness to produce such an iconic sound, comes through clear as day.
This way of singing, and its knowledge is lost to history.
As much admiration as I have for every amazing artist in this video, there is no doubt Phelps has the most amazing male voice I've ever heard. I can't imagine many have ever been better, and it's not just high notes. This dude can sing. Incredible control, perfect phrasing and intonation. I wish I could sing like that just once in my life.
No question...David Phelps...his version is out of this world! Can't listen without tears...
yes me too , what a gift !!!!!!!!!
Surely, not without tears !!!
Yes, yes, yes!! 🙌🏽
Same here ditto
Bocolii is the best in my eyes
David Phelps, Wow, what an amazing voice!!
There is only one, Jussi Björling!
He outclasses them all.
The greatest tenor ever to set foot on a stage. Hands down!
Agree!
I agree - Jussi Björling, the one and only :)
Absolutely!
Yep jussi bjorling.
Phelps...not even close. Best version of this song made to date. With the choir and his amazing control and flawless delivery he hits a C#5 like its nothing. Effortless...nice work David.
Not only is David Phelps ALWAYS pitch-perfect, but sang a higher note, held longer than anyone else! However, they were ALL outstanding and I watched/listened more than once to decide. Home Free really impressed me, as did Hometown, Il Divo and ALL of the others! Andrea Bocelli can do no wrong! I loved the harmony of the Canadian Tenors! I LOVE Jonathon Antoine's voice. OK, David Phelps it is, for sure, but everyone else gets Honorable Mention!
So, he kinda even missed the target note completely by three half notes? 😉
It's hard to tell with the older recordings because the sound quality is so bad compared to what we have now. Would love to be able to hear the older recordings at an improved quality.
A gem of a video, all wonderful, but Jussi Björling is stratospheric.
Jussi Bjørling. Best tune, clear diction and fabulous voice control.
I agree 100%jussi bjorlings voice is priceless. Phelps just eats the Mike!!
I like Jonathan Antoine's version. When he is singing, you can hear the proper pronunciation of the words, and not just the notes.
I do, too.
I hear the words in french and swedish pronounced clearly. Especially Jussi Björling enunciates the words clear as day. Even rolls the R more than you normally would when speaking swedish.
Jonatan AntoinIs awesome and I love his tone!!
Jonathan Antoine is the best, bravo! So beautiful! ❤🎤🎼🎶
Please do not compare... Everyone is good in their own ways... I personally love them all❤❤
David Phelps, the others singers are all great but David’s Channeling something much more heavenly in his performance than just singing notes.
With due respect to all, it's Bjorling. Purest voice and superb breath support. Listen to his high notes. Wide open without stress. Most professional singers
do not have proper breath support.
David Phelps. No question. Went higher than all the others and nailed it!
Jussi B, has such strength in his voice. Antoine was very good as was David Phelps. I've always been an Il Devo fan they have great voices. I think Jussi won it for me, amazing.
The greatest tenor ever to set foot on a stage. Hands down!
@@1079walter David phelps sounds very small and like a silly child singing.. Jussi and Caruso are the best, that is operatic sound
David Phelps sounds more like shouting than singing, although he's singing. How come?
David Phelps....best male vocalist in the world. I've seen him live 11 times now. Unbelievable.
I would give anything to hear him sing live. I’m jealous!
David Phelps is best👏
I'm super jealous of anyone who's gotten to hear him live. I know that there is something about hearing a person sing, IN PERSON. Something about physically having their voice singing live in your ears that's different than listening to on a CD or video. I just bought 4 David Phelps Live DVD's and can't wait until they come in the mail. I live in Maine so it's kinda hard to see him perform. Would love to be at the Barn Bash one year.
@@Derek-Barbosa I saw David in Alton Bay New Hampshire about four years ago. Fantastic....been to the Barn Bash twice. Go if you can....worth every penny. I am also from new England...lived in NH for 20+ years....my son lives in York Maine...small world!
I have seen him twice now and will go any time he is within 4 hours traveling time. Got to sit on the second row both times. Awesome is the only way to describe it.
Jussi Björling did it for me, amazing voice, David Phelps was damn good to, and that coming from a Pavarotti and Bocelli fan
Björling was unbelievable, by far my favorite of all time!
I liked Johnathan Antoine. Not sure if you are looking for a note, or preference. Thanks for sharing. All beautiful.
He slid into the high note. Not a good sound. A couple more did it, but not as obviously as he did.
#1 David Phelps, and to hear him sing that live is an outer body experience, even at the age of 51, he's still the best!
@David Phelps There is no once else besides an Angel that can worship our Lord God than you!
That C#5 twice and to hold it...I mean.... God blessed all of them with beautiful voices. But he sure gave David Phelps a little extra 💚
David Phelps for certain
David Phelps, imagine that. A Gospel singer singing higher than the greatest operatic voices in history.
Thrice actually
@Ernie Sluder yup.
David Phelps without a doubt. Such control and clarity in his voice. He sings with conviction because he believes in what he is singing! It makes such a difference.
I agree, David Phelps is awesome, but I do like HOMEFREE too... Most those other guys in this video have a mechanical voice, like robots.
David Phelps👍
He lacks the polish and is a more rugged performer.
You are absolutely correct!! It gave me immediate goosebumps!!
Jussi Bjorling without a doubt. His rendition of O Helga Natt (O Holy Night) is the most beautiful version I have ever heard.
The best
@@erikhedqvist8221 yes. I'm inclined to agree.
Have just discovered Jussi Bjorling’s O Helga Natt, it is superb, beautiful.
This is the correct answer.
Jussi bjorling is not so good than David phelps, David phelps has a tono more hight
The version of David Phelps is the best of all Times, not only of the highest note but without dubt for interpretation too.
1Jonathan Antoine (his strength, clarity, tone and power beats all), 2 Jussi Bjorling and Andrea Bocelli tie, 3 Enrico Caruso. and I LOVE Homefee period! Thanks for doing this!!!! I had never heard of Jussi Bjorling and Enrico Caruso.....can't wait to look them up for more songs. and I will listen to Andrea Bocelli, as his voice is beautiful.
Asolutely Jonathan Antoine ❣️
I love this song since the time I sang it in Jr High Choir and over the years have enjoyed the many versions. But David Phelps not only sings with such depth and range, he sings it with such conviction and passion and that shows. I see other great singers singing it but that is just what they are doing, singing a song.
Absolutely David Phelps!!! Been hearing his voice since my early childhood! Only he can sing "O Holy Night" like that - such passion, it overwhelms me. I've had the blessed opportunity to have gone to one of his Christmas concerts a few years back and I was able to hear him sing this masterpiece, which is one of my favorite Christmas songs ever! I've also had the privilege to hear him sing with the Gaither Vocal Band - they are absolutely amazing!!!
Jonathan Antoine should get an honorable mention. He hasn’t sung as long as others, but he has a power and potential to kick everyone else out of the competition.
Actually he was the best by far. Clear as a bell. That’s the point of that song, not who can scream a note for several minutes at the end. The Phelps fellow was horrifying.
His recording was by far the most "overproduced" with pitch corrector and more compression than should be necessary. Talent is there but not the polish.
Jonathan Antoine actually refuses to allow pitch correction anywhere near him, ever! Having said that, the example used here was recorded for a television/streamed concert by a charity, so who knows what they did to it in post production. I, however, love it, and think his performance is the best here. Jonathan's own recording of "O Holy Night" on his "ChristmasLand Platinum Edition" album is indicative of his talent, and if you hear him sing this live, you will hear perfection, guaranteed. (He sang it in December 2022 with the Los Angeles Master Chorale, at their Festival of Carols at the Walt Disney Concert Hall and it was superb!)
@@scherryvalentine9673 I'd love to be as "horrifying" as David Phelps. His vocal stamina is incredible.
Horrifying? I think you may need to get your hearing checked!!
Omf. I cant pick. All so beautiful. My my what talent i have goosebumps!!!!!! Thank u for sharing these voices!! God bless them all!!!@