Vocal Coach Reacts to LEA SALONGA - On My Own from Les Misérables (10th Anniversary Concert) 

Her performance in this song is considered one of the best performances in musical theater history.

75 year old guy wiping tears every time I listen to this

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.

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.

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.

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.

When she sings "silver" ("the pavement shines like silver") I think her voice is itself like silver.

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 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!!!

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.

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!

This brings me to tears every single time. And I am a 51-year-old man. ❤

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

This gets me every time. She is Eponine, and that vulnerability just adds to the beauty. Thanks for this, so much.

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.

She is the gold standard for Eponine!

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!

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. 😭

I have never heard something so beautiful in all my life. I wept like child...

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.

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.

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.

Yt's closed caption are usually rendered useless during a Lea performance. She's notorious for the clearest diction in all of theater.

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.

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..

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’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.

Your passion for Lea’s voice, and for, “Les Miserable” is equally stunning.

This performance always makes me tear up. Her voice is just perfection.

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).

Someday I will watch this performance without crying. Today is not that day.

Je suis Fan de LEA SALONGA, une immense artiste, Une grande interprète,❤

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 💜✨

I can write down the lyrics here because Ms Leah clearly enunciates every word... so so clear Im having eargasm ❤

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….

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!

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.

I saw Lea Salonga perform this on Broadway back in (I think) 1991. We were about 10th row center if I remember correctly. Amazing play. Amazing performance. My best friend has her signature on his Playbill from the performance. Also saw Phantom on that same choir trip. The good ol' days!!!

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

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’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 😂

This is one of the reasons why she has won some of the most coveted International Awards.

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.

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.

I would love to hear morisette sing this. Lea is so iconic. She has perfect technique and her range is big.

Seeing your emotions rising up and overwhelming you, gets me every time, so pure and from the heart.

She is such an effortless vocalist. Perfection simply flows out.

No one can match her clear dictions in world of music.

Reminds me of how deeply we can be moved by music. Excellent reaction. 😊

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.

I love how you.feel the song..and when look like cryimg your so cute...hahaha

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).

I've heard this song many time but this is the first time I listened to it. So powerful. Here I am, 75 year old, sitting here with tears running down my face. Stephanie's strong reaction helped me to react even more. Good job Steph almost holding it together. Enunciation and clarity in her voice, outstanding.

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.

All those vocals' technicalities while perfectly portraying her character. Ms. Lea is truly a legend!

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.

Léa Salonga graduated a Valedictorian and dreamed of becoming an MD. Then she tried for the Miss Saigon and the rest was truly history. Fate has a different plan for her because she turned out to be the best Êponine (in my own opinion). Her journey as an artist was not without some trials and heartbreak. As an Asian, she has suffered from racial discrimination and unfair treatment despite of her enormous talent. Thank you for this episode. G-d bless.

Have you heard her A Little Fall of Rain with Michael Ball in this same performance? Perfect.

Her voice gives the emotions and physical pictures/interpretations of the song let alone the perfect quality of her voice. Excellent performance, my opinion!

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.

Try Lea and Michael Ball's scene with A little fall of Rain.. truly heart-wrenching.

11:57. Totally agree. I’ve seen others sing this, its good but not as perfect as Leah’s. I think its that vocal mix that makes you feel for the character more. Not just the singing but feeling the same pain of the character. Love your reaction.

She is phenomenal and I love your reaction.❤️

The greatest of all time singer that came out of the Philippines..

Hey coach better try this, both Filipino incredible singer rachelle ann go and lea salonga - the movie in my mind

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 legitimately talented & Beautiful...and the way to narrow down your critiques is so holistic...

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.

Make sure you catch the end credits, when Valjeans from productions all over the world march onto the stage singing verses in their native language. Magical stuff!

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!

OMG, I wasn't expecting to get so emotional during this video. What a wonderful voice, perfect for the Broadway stage. Bethany when you started to come apart I started breaking down myself. I wanted to get in my plane and fly to wherever you are to give you a hug. But, I don't have a plane 😐There's always a Greyhound Bus😏 I'll drive! 95N from NJ, no problem, 4 hours 🤔 Just trying to make you smile 😇! Have fun, Bethany, with your friends. Jump in the air and click your heels! You love what you're doing and I'm so happy for you.

OMGGGGGGGGGG.FINALLY!!!

Proud 🇵🇭 Miss Lea Salonga.

I’ve heard a lot of Eponine performances and they gave me the impression of strong-willed women who decided to know their place in Marius’ life. Lea’s rendition however is a whole new world (pun intended.) She gave me a picture of a frail girl willing to eat the scraps thrown by Marius & Cosette just for the chance to forget that her heart is broken into a million pieces and she doesn’t know how to start picking them up.

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.

Your reaction and tears are extremely beautiful.

I love this, i don't know how many times i watch her "On my own" and i always cry everytime.

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 ❤❤❤

Her excellent pronounciation is fit to a broadway presentation

I too watched this in highschool in preparation for seeing the musical! Small world :) We were marching in the Macy's parade, so we got the opportunity to see it on broadway which was pretty fantastic.

I wish I was 40 years younger and a better man because I would try to find a way to know you. Your passion, your love of music, and your openness are so refreshing in this world. I think you would be a magnificent friend to have, and to be a friend to.

Lea has never done much of a belting voice, and that is why she has not damaged her voice as others have done, so her voice will remain consistently good for a lot longer

I first saw Lea live at the London production of Miss Saigon. She sings like an angel.

I absolutely love Lea Salonga. It's nice to know that someone else tears up at the same points I do.

i cried with you Coach while listening to this obra maestra of Lea as Eponine 😢😢😢

What amaze me is... you're turning red when you cry... Love the reaction... Keep it up..

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

without me, his world will keep on turning, a world that,s full of happiness that i have never known...

I love the fact that you bawled over this gorgeous performance😍 I love our very own Lea Salonga🇵🇭

i love your feedback comments!!!!! so respectful lady xxx

Thanks a lot. Now, I'm tearing up watching you get emotional over this powerful Broadway star. 😁I saw her in the original Ms. Saigon and Les Miz on Bdwy. You did a nice vocal evaluation of her performance. Thanks.

Lea Salonga singing could make angles weep. 😊 I’ve seen at least two voice coaches in YT teary eyes.

I tear up with her performance too. #LeaSalonga

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.

I commented this same thing on another channel but I feel like that last word was her pushing so much emotional weight on a single syllable and then just makes it float all the way to last seat in theater.

Its absolutely perfection! ❤ Lea. You should check out her performance in that same anniversary concert of "A little fall of Rain" with Michael Ball. Im sure you gonna cry a river. Lol.

I can't believe that the first time I saw the TAC it was only a couple of years old, and now it's going on 30.

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.