David Phelps sings O HOLY NIGHT! | Professional Singer REACTS 

To give some context to the crowd on stage… the guy directly behind David wrote Mary did you know. The other older guy sitting in the chair and having the bad toupee, his group was hand picked as backup for Elvis. They toured with him for 10+ years and were in several of his movies. The Gaithers wrote several albums worth of gospel #1 hits all throughout the 70’s-90’s. Other groups represented in the crowd are Russ Taft and the imperials.. The Happy Goodmans… Jessy Dixon… and to top it all off, the pianist (Anthony Burger) won gospel musician of the year award so many years in a row (9 I believe) that they named the award after him.

I saw David live this past Friday and I have never heard such perfection! Undoubtedly the best voice on the planet! He is now 54 years old and his voice has never wavered! ❤

David Phelps is hands down my favorite voice on the planet. I have been listening for years!!!

Not even breathing hard at the end. Can you imagine being there live? You would never forget it. Someone that was there, said the standing ovation was 10 minutes long. After that performance, my reaction to anyone saying, "I'm going to sing O Holy Night " is Bless your heart.

The voice is world class, but what makes this version memorable is the pure emotion. Incredible.

The lady with the Nintendo controllers on her sweater is the great Sue Dodge.

If you want to see his tour de force performance in his role as tenor in the Gaither Vocal Band, check out their performance of "Let Freedom Ring" in the Homecoming performance at Carnegie Hall, honoring the heroes of 9/11. Bill and Gloria wrote the song around David's voice, and the other iterations of the Vocal Band never sing it if David isn't there for that big tenor finish..

I really liked how you explained what was going on! I love the passion he puts into singing. He paints pictures with his voice.

Thank you Nick for your excellent and such thoughtful comments on David's presentation. I too consider David to be, over many years now, the best tenor over such a range of genres. He lives through every song he sings. He was so good in the Gaither Vocal Band for many years. He's able to maintain, through the years, such magnificent quality across genres. Thanks so much for you great comments. Lyn Lockrey, Australia.

You are an amazing reactor, Nick. I would agree that this is probably one of the best vocal performances ever. I remember when he joined the Gaither Vocal Band; what a voice! I listen to this song (and dozens of reactions to it) every year. The idea of Bill Gaither behind the concerts was to bring together the huge names of country gospel music and do a kind of sing around the piano session. It turned into what you see, venues with the talent on the stage in front of an audience. Passion is present in every song they sing, but there is also a great deal of talent. This song showcases all of that. There are a lot of people on the stage no longer with us (including Anthony Burger, the pianist.) But we do see Mark Lowry just behind David; the writer of Mary Did You Know. I've loved these Gaither Homecoming videos since they started in the early 90's.

To me he has this gift from the Holy Spirit. David is a praiser, in the service of God.

Thank you for the educated reaction to David Phelps. Please do more! His Nessun Dorma, and We shall behold him and Song for Sinners!

I’m not sure if you are aware of this but David did graduate from Balor with a degree in vocal performance. He knows how to deliver! This is my favorite performance of David and this song. I have had the pleasure of seeing him live and also hear him sing this live as well! ☺️

Thank you brother from the greatest male voice on planet Earth. More David please. The only person who sings better than David, is David. More please

I've seen a few recordings of David singing this and, of course, they are all awesome. But there's just something about this particular performance. It's like he's telling the story for the very first time of something he just eyewitnessed to a room full of people who have never heard the story before. Couple that inspiration with insane ability and training and I guess this is what you get. A total masterpiece.

Great reaction. It's totally okay to fan girl over David... I do it all the time. My wife just rolls her eyes at me. LOL

Please, please check out ‘ No more Night, No more Tears by David Phelps…..please, please!!! It’s my favorite!!!! David is in @ class by himself!❤️❤️

You may want to react to David singing, "No More Night", "The End of the Beginning", "He's Alive".

What.....A.....VOICE! Breathtaking. Thank you. Merry Christmas.

When Dave sang, "...night divine, when Christ was born..." Oh the emotions that came through - just so unreal! I got goose bumps on my goose bumps, and then some. Then one the final "Oh night Divine..." watching your face in the way you reacted is just a treasure. God love you heaps for doing this reaction, and sharing your thoughts. Blessings, and a wonderful joyous Christmas to you and your kin.

One of the best tenors in music. David Phelps always is on point. ❤

David is the GOAT!

I heard an interview David gave many years ago. When asked where he got that incredible support David replied, "I sing from my knees." If you watch, when he really begins to do runs or hit high, sustained notes, he often bends his knees throughout the more challenging passages. He credits his operatic training at Baylor for much of his technique. ❤❤

I'm like you, no matter how many times you hear it, it's still amazing and emotional 🎉🎉🎉🎉

That’s the most beautiful song these ears have ever heard

He is amazing and my favorite of all times!

David is a Phenomenal singer

Love this and all of David's music. Thank you for your reaction. ❤

I've watched this performance 100+ times. I have watched him sing this in several other venues over the years.. He gained expertise. His techniques improved and he added to his toolbox. He became a "better" singer. He has never made me feel the way this performance makes me feel. Professionals who react to this point out what he is doing. I've also watched reactors analyze his later performances of this song and they address his technical abilities and range. Nobody has ever addressed what is in this performance that is missing from all the others. The others have many things that are missing in this one. But, this is my favorite of all other performances (by anyone) of this song.

Nick Higgs what you are experiencing is called the anointing. The Lord Jesus Christ has blessed David Phelps with his ability to touch peoples souls, and given him the ability to blow professionals understanding of how David Phelps is able to do what he does as human beings we cannot understand everything of God, but if we ask him, he will help us to understand, it is the Lords intention that we enjoy the blessings that he alone gives to mankind I am myself I am a born again Christian and this is why I can explain to the best of my ability. What as just taken place Ann Marie, united kingdom. I will keep on praying that people will surrender their lives to the Lord Jesus, Christ, and as they grow with him, they will understand better bye-bye 😃😃😊

His breath control is off the charts!! And range is AMAZING!! Love your reactions and analysis. I’ve watched this performed more times than I can count over the years and it still amazes and gives full body chills! 🙌🏻♥️ Also wanted to add… he is singing with a mic, but I have no doubt that he could have soared over that full choir even without the amplification! 🙏🏻

I just found your channel and suggested this very video. Looks like you beat me to it. I saw David live last year at 53 and hasnt lost a beat. Truly one of the finest singers of all times-----bar none!!

Excellent commentary! I learned a lot about voice control. I love the way you explain everything.

Thank you for analysis of this wonderful vocal display. Phelps is top level. This song I play every Christmas and I hope people appreciate his vocal ability as much as I do. I am a non-musician. Just a big fan.

As soon as you spoke I knew that I must listen. I too have heard this recording at least a hundred times. I love to see reactions, but you do a great job in centering onto your subject. I thought I had heard it all. Usually, it is the passion that draws folks in, but you had more technical points. I too believe that I have yet to hear anyone better, and I have done a lot of listening. I do have to wonder why anyone has to say something uncomplimentary about this version to say they like something else better. David is a devoted man and not seeking praise, that I can tell. He is a carpenter and from Tom Ball Texas. He studied voice at Bailer. (I have about a hundred Gather and Gather-people DVDs. The first time I ever saw David Phelps he was wearing the same sweater, but sang no solos. I was at a friend's and kept wondering who he was. There was just something about him. I thought that perhaps he was not getting to sing enough or was otherwise not fullfilled somehow, (like who is, huh?) So, every now and then I wanted them to tell who he was. Timed marched on as they say, then one evening I just had to "come over and her her new DVD of the Gaithers." So, I did. It was titled 'Heaven," and I was not really into it all that much. Who really knows what heaven will be like, --and then my friend says "There's your guy?" I said something like "I am no one's fan, so who are you calling my guy?" (At that time I knew next to nothing about Gaither.) So now he has longer curlier hair and he is singing "No More Night." By the time he was really into it I was sitting on the edge of my seat. By then I could see that it was the guy in the rather simple sweater that I had seen earlier. After this, I actually emailed with his wife to find more recordings that included his singing. I had not realized that I seemed to be one of a few who did not know him; but there are still those who do not know him. I was so impressed by this particualar recording of "O Holy Night" that I compared it with too many top singers to mention, and declared that his was the best, and he had not done another that surpasses it. There was something you did not mention: David loves the Lord. I think it shows in his life and his songs. I like certain recordings he does, and some are no longer available. I have never spoken to him. He is so sweet with his family, and has such a nice family. My DVDs have extra stuff on some of them, and he does not seem very comfortable with small talk unless he is well acquainted. He does a song, I believe written by Gloria, titled "More than Ever." It isn't in the same category with this one, but it is a very unusual performance,I think, on "I DO BELIEVE" dvd. Give a listen. And, Hi. I will be listening to you again, and sharing.

I have seen so many reviews of David and this song. I have to say thank you very much for your review, it is surely the most accurate and musically explained to me. Thank you! Excuse me now while I go back and listen again to your review!

Hands down the BEST!!!!!

The man behind david in the red shirt is mark lowry who wrote Mary Did You Know

He is my favorite Singer❤️❤️❤️❤️

Sue Dodge had the sweater on that you mentioned. She is a great singer.

LOVE your reaction and commentary on my all-time favorite singer! I always feel like in this performance he could just hang on and belt out that last high note for like an hour easily.

It's my first time here and I'm loving it♡

I studied voice and loved singing this song. It brought memories of my years of study and my voice teachers. I hear music analytically as you do. This is beautiful to most listeners but as I listen I am astounded. Such perfection. Mesmerizing.

Today I saw your reaction to The Four Evan Hansons and then I clicked on this one... You got yourself a new subscriber ;-) O man. Phelps! This video... Your face and frowns and mimicry. I feel like looking in the mirror lol. David's live duet (Water) with his daughter is amazing too!

This touched my soul! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays thank you for this reaction!!

If you have not already done so, watch the RU-vid New York Vocal Coaching 14 part David Phelps series where he is interviewed regarding all aspects of his vocal journey.. A must see for any David Phelps fan.

Beautiful analysis. I really like how you point out the different things that the artist is doing and this is an incredible song as well as artist. David's voice just seems to get better and better every year. It's probably because he is gaining more experience and able to use his talented instrument more efficiently. Keep up the Great reaction and analysis videos.

Wonderful analysis of an amazing performance, love the Gaither events.

He was ringing their beels in this performance. I have heard him singing about 4 yrs. now and still one is my favorite.

Wow! Great reaction! Really enjoy your analysis, I just know I really, really like it. Your analysis helps explain why.

David could sing the phone book and still make it sound professional.

I love your videos! Merry Christmas!

What an amazing, creative God we serve..... to make the human voice so meaningful and poignant🙏💗

All of the performers you choose to react to are fantastic. It's alaways great to hear them perfrom here but, watching your physical reactions to each performance is also priceless.

He is one of the best.

Loved your reaction and comments!

Love David! Merry Christmas❤😊

You're reading him better than most. His passion for Jesus Christ is his motivation. Music is his tool; his talent that he turns into a gift from God and to God!

David Phelps was a Vocal Major at Baylor University.

Hey Nick, So some fun facts about David on a technical side. Everyone knows of his talent and rightfully so. However, I’m trying to remember exactly what interview it was that he said it, but when he was at Baylor University. He said that his teacher said that David was a unique individual in that he has the vocal timbre and the physiology of a tenor. That somewhere within his physiology his vocal folds are more of that of a baritone, but his range is much more complex. So you’re not wrong when you said about him being in the “belt” range. He is a baritone who can sing stratospheric tenor without any difficulty. And yes I agree best “O Holy Night” of all time!

I saw a wonderful Gaither concert in the late 1990s when the Goodmans and a few of the older singers were still with us. Just wonderful.

Love it!

Love this performance

Thanks Nick. Appreciate it=)

First off - David Phelps is a dynamic, powerful & Very High Tenor talent ... he pushes virtually everything he does above a whisper .... he always wants to build tension, release & climb to big finale as often Christian Music folk do !!! I would put him in a tie with High Tenor = Austin Brown - of Home Free Vocal Group - simply great control, vibrato, pure appeal nearly as refined as the Veteran Phelps ! This song is done by Home Free = Oh Holy Night ... so comparison is possible. Try their version ! GBjj

I like too see you listen too David singing “He is alive “! Also No more Night!

Nick: what a wonderful analysis of my all time favorite singer. David is a classically trained music major from Baylor University. His major included a concentration in Voice. I have seen hime in concert three times. The only thing that exceeds his unparalleled voice, is his nature as a human being and a faithful servant to the Christian Community. GOD has richly blessed David Phelps and he works daily to earn those gifts. Thank you!

WOW..❤

Another thing you learn in the first or second singing lesson is to never ever (or very seldom) close your eyes while singing. The eyes are the most expressive feature of your face. When you close your eyes you sing for yourself and shut off the communication with the audience. You can communicate all emotional states (happy, sad etc) much better with your eyes open at all times. Mr Phelps does it all the time and even looks at the floor for a long while !!! What is the purpose of that? What did he see on the floor that is more important than the audience before him?

I believe it is Miss Sue Dodge with the unique sweater.

Yep, listening for the third time. Have you yet covered "Let Freedom Ring?"' Some others that are often done are 'No More Night, The End of the Beginning. More than Ever," and "It is finished. LFR is likely sumething that would stay with you. I recommend your comments as truly informative and interesting. Thank you.

To think his daughters have him for their voice teacher! I mean - Who else would he send them to in order to improve their technique? 😮❤

Have you heard David Phelps sing End of the Beginning? Do a reaction video to it. It's a great song.

Please do no more night

I suggest you check out UK teenage sisters Lucy and Martha Thomas version. It's probably the most angelic version I've ever heard, and is truly world class. 🎁🎄😀

He has a good voice, and good technique for the most part. He should abstain from trying runs however because it rarely works for him. But his range and breath control is incredible.

If you like Pentatonix have you heard Home Free with Brothers in Arms or Helplessly Hoping? They have wonderful harmonies and control.

The only other live performance that compares for me is Bobby Hatfield’s Unchained Melody (wearing a pink jacket) Also a 10

OMG. 2:12. i say this ALL. THE. TIME.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! seriously, every time i hear him, i say this..."i just can't!"

David has a Master's degree

Now let’s talk about the famous low note at 11:39. This is not a low note but a lower note. For a tenor, and yes Mr Phelps is a tenor, this F#3 is simply a middle note. A tenor must have at least a C3 below this F#3 that is strong and powerful in the chest voice. His F3# is very weak and has very little chest in it because the chest voice is not fully developed. The chest voice is what brings projection. Of course, when you sing with a microphone you don’t have to develop a strong chest voice. But it is not only a question of projection. A strong chest voice brings so much more. He probably has very little projection without a microphone.

How do you feel about singing with a lowered larynx, as it was done by Mario Del Monaco and Franco Corelli? They tend to sing just a little bit more brilliantly than most singers on the planet, with endless breath control (they do not need to take a breath after each word they sing), they sing with super legato, and Corelli could perform the messa di voce on every note of his range o

Nintendo controller lady is Sue Dodge.

All the props due to David; but can we please talk about that PIANIST?!

In high school he was a baritone.

How do you feel about singing with a lowered larynx, as it was done by Mario Del Monaco and Franco Corelli? They tend to sing just a little bit more brilliantly than most singers on the planet, with endless breath control (they do not need to take a breath after each word they sing), they sing with super legato, and Corelli could perform the messa di voce on every note of his range.

I thought of another song, .one that I have not heard reviewed for excellence by anyone... It is from LEGACY OF LOVE. and the title is "Bring Him Home."" Perhaps you would consider this. I really like your reviews, Of course there is none better than this song or this review. I totally agree, nothing like it. SEND hIM h

Boa noite ! NiCK Boas festas Feliz Natal! Próspero Ano Novo Desejo muitas, realizações,sucessos saúde. Felicidades com seus antes queridos! 🎅🌲🌟🤶⚘️🌲

check out "The Vocal Journey of a Legend" series here on RU-vid. His practicing and training and attention to his instrument are just amazing!

Merry Christmas Nick! Love this version, but the classic one to me and my favorite one is Josh Groban

infamous!?

Nintendo switch lady definitely was/is someone in the gospel community as ive seen her in several videos but i have no idea who she is

You should check out his song "Just As I Am" from his 2004 album, Revelation. This particular recording was from a few years ago. It spans one note shy of three octaves (Eb2-Db5)! ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-fCbRQWi-axE.html

you get cuter every video 😋

How would YOU like to be next to follow David, after this performance??

"infamous??"

Why do we always put a spoiler in the beginning?

I think there is a bit of faith in there as well…..I hope.

For “Oh holy night” there are only 2 version existed… Mariah and So Hyang from I am Singer 2 (2012)

This is my mostly loved Christmas Song! But I am not a "voice specialist", so I can not talk about "technic"! But, I very rarely heard this song and I did not like it! Remember, f.e., my passed mother, she liked mostly Dionne Warwick with this song, I had to repeat always at least 3 or 4 times, and she got every time tears in her eyes! It was a Christmas Concert from Vienna many years ago! And also one of my favorite "Rossini-Tenors", Mr. Bogdan Mihai, I do love much with "O Holy Night"! Wish all of you a very merry Christmas! Best Regards from Austria.