105 replies to this topic

[smw]

As time keeps passing by, I sometimes forget about some of Celine's fantastic live performances. It's just to get wrapped up in the here and now and lose sight of her fantastic accomplishments. She never fails to surprise me from time to time with both her continued vocal strength and ability -- as well as selection of material.

So, now that we're on the other side of two more fantastic new albums (and a new live album!), I thought it might be interesting for us to dig through the live performances from her career and choose the ones that stand out to you personally. I know I'd be interested in what other people choose.

So--

What are 5(ish) of your favorite LIVE Celine performances? They don't necessarily have to be the "big" ones that we always reference (I CAN'T HELP FALLING IN LOVE WITH YOU from TCOML tour, for instance). Just performances that resonate in your mind for some reason.

My "list" always changes -- and most of these aren't my favorite Celine songs, necessarily -- but here's my current list:

In Some Small Way on Leno



For me, the best part about the MIRACLE project was that she was able to get out of Vegas for a while. A New Day... had been established as successful by this point. And while we all would've loved a pop album over a lullaby album, we still got some magnificent performances during the promotion. I remember Celine herself said it felt great to perform outside of Vegas at this point! This appearance really resonates with me. She's just so calm and confident. The band, the backup singers -- it's just such a memorable performance. Even though this was not her vocally strongest era, she still sounded fantastic! When Barnev backs away and she hits those notes towards the climax....   She reminds everyone why she's a Legend.


Bozo



This performance always reminds me that Celine would have been a huge singing star regardless of the era she was born into. I love when she sings songs that are different from her usual pop albums. MR. PAGANINI, SUMMERTIME, etc. They all fall under this umbrella for me.


God Bless America



Celine came out of temporary retirement to stand up for a country that means so much to her and she delivers one of the most heartfelt performances of her career. This appearance ranks up there with L'AMOUR EXISTE ENCORE performed around the same time. She brought so much comfort to millions by showing up and offering the stability we needed at the time. I believe even ROLLING STONE magazine spoke well of her for this performance of GOD BLESS AMERICA. It's meaningful, too, because she worked so hard to learn English and have an international career - and then she was asked to sing THE American song.  


Love Can Move Mountains

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtBSNe_JCbI

This was the smartest move her team made for the LMBTL promotion. Granted, it didn't have much impact on the album sales. But do you all remember how much we wanted her to perform on THE VOICE? Not only did she perform -- but she performed on the finale with a contestant who adored her (and won that same night!)! Not to mention, she performed AGAIN with NeYo! Considering all that Celine was going through personally with Rene during this time, this really is a special gift for us fans. It was great that it was the finale and that Lady Gaga was on this same show because Celine was certainly introduced to a new generation on this night. And so, while it didn't make a huge impact for LMBTL, it made a huge impact on Celine's legacy. Seeing Celine open the show with LCMM just shows how effortlessly she can dominate a stage. Also, singing the song with Tessanne made her sing some parts of the song the way she did back in the 90s.


Parler A Mon Pere

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8yazE-37uo


There is something special about this performance. For one, I love this album. And Celine seemed refreshed and ready for the promotion. The promotional tour for SA was the best promo tour she had in long time. And the album's success reflected it. I love the dress she's wearing and the way she moves in it with the beat of the song. This television special supporting the album is fantastic. I loved the SA had a specific theme and memorable graphics to coincide with the album.


Bonus (because I'm addicted and can't help myself):

All by Myself on Leno



This performance is from the Falling Into You era and is the shows Celine during the time she was in it to win it. Her performance is spot-on and she was proving to the world that she is one of the greats. I love that she's got her band with her and it's all about the music.

Le Blues du Businessman



Need I say anything about this performance? She was close to going on a 2 year break -- and she just gave it her all. I love the part where her voice slightly cracks at 1:49 because after that, she OWNS IT. This is the performance I always show my friends who don't get why I'm obsessed with Celine Dion. And then they get it.


What are yours??

[smw]

^Sorry for any typos. I usually read over my words a bit more carefully before posting. That second line should read, "It's just easy to get wrapped up in the here and now and lose sight of her fantastic accomplishments."

I'll try not to let my grammar OCD take over and just let it go!

Can't wait to see what other people choose as their favorite Celine performances...

Edited by smw, 24 June 2014 - 07:44 PM.

[incognito]

GBA on Tribute to Heroes.  Best performance from anyone.  Anywhere. Ever.

[québecflower]

my very first Celine Frisson when i knew she was having IT to go far...




i have watched it entirely at the time, but there is no full video , i think it was on Station soleil with Jean-Pierre ferlnd as a host.

Edited by québecflower, 24 June 2014 - 08:29 PM.

[chocolatechip15]

québecflower, on 24 June 2014 - 08:26 PM, said:

my very first Celine Frisson when i knew she was having IT to go far...




i have watched it entirely at the time, but there is no full video , i think it was on Station soleil with Jean-Pierre ferlnd as a host.

It's so amazing that you've followed her for all these years! I wonder how many fans on here knew of her in the 80s . . .

I think that performance was the same day as the Greatest Love of All performance from 1987 that they showed on the Whitney Houston tribute.  At least, she's wearing the same dress in both performances:

[CelineDionForeverNY]

My Heart Will Go On (2002 World Children's Day)



The best live performance of the song that launched her to superstar status. Her voice was just amazing even though she had just taken a two-year hiatus. The full orchestra was just breath-taking and she looked and sounded great that night.

Quand on n'a que l'amour (1995 Live à Paris)



This amazing cover showcases the amazing power that her voice had in the 90's. I adore the Live à Paris concert and her voice was just top-notch that night. While there aren't as many high notes as All by Myself or The Power of Love, she showcases all her emotion and control, growing from the quiet beginning to the huge note at the end. Every time I watch this performance, I always get chills.

S'il suffisait d'aimer (2008 Montreal TCWT)



My favorite French song. As time goes on, she continues to sing it even more beautifully and emotionally than the last time. While her voice was not in perfect condition during the Taking Chances World Tour, she just puts herself in this song and you feel the sheer emotion that she conveys. She and the audience are completely into the song and in my opinion, it is one of the most beautiful renditions of the song.

River Deep Mountain High (2007 A New Day...)



This performance defines her status as the Queen of the Strip. She looks stunning, she's dancing, and she's singing with so much energy. Seeing all the dancers on stage and Celine's beautiful self always draws me every time I watch it.

To Love You More (1998 Rosie O'Donnell Show)



My favorite English song. And one of the two times that she performed it live. I prefer this version over the Juno Awards version because I felt she was stronger in this one and the ending was executed much better here.

[québecflower]

chocolatechip15, on 24 June 2014 - 09:05 PM, said:

It's so amazing that you've followed her for all these years! I wonder how many fans on here knew of her in the 80s . . .

I think that performance was the same day as the Greatest Love of All performance from 1987 that they showed on the Whitney Houston tribute.  At least, she's wearing the same dress in both performances:

i think this the same, but i was not a big fan of her at the time..but i remember this as this was yesterday, there was so much rythm, and she is  able to do great duets. Francis Cabrel was really impressed. She took this song to another level that night. So much life  in Celine.

[boyblackuk]

I have loads but my top 3 is

All by Myself Billboard Music Awards



I drove all Night - Live at the today show



I Surrender - Live in Vegas



and a special mention for Loved Me Back To Life - Live in Quebec

[GameC]

If we seek for her "best of the best" live performances, this must be in the first instance something in her native language, for example:



What must be the power of such performance, when basicly I do understand what does she sing about, and I do not know French at all?

[DionFanAlways]

#1
Still the best for me!

#2
Love it! I remember a lot of us on the forum watching a live stream of Une Seule and it was getting near the end and the guys battery went dead!! We were all like, NOOOOOOO! Memories

Edited by DionFanAlways, 25 June 2014 - 06:48 AM.

[enno2007]

smw, on 24 June 2014 - 07:44 PM, said:

Can't wait to see what other people choose as their favorite Celine performances...

That's a great idea - I know we ought to share our own favourites, but I need to say how much our taste seems to be aligned on that. I absolutely adore the joyfulness and energy of this "In some small way" performance; the raw passion and guts of this LBDBM version (my preferred one); the perfectly mastered and restrained interpretation of "God Bless America", and the timeless classiness of "Bozo".

A really wonderful selection - and you're right, this woman is incredible. I know we know all this, but it's good to underline it from time to time

Edited by enno2007, 25 June 2014 - 07:44 AM.

[enno2007]

To add another performance, here is "Water from the Moon". Love especially the end...

[enno2007]

Strangely, I also like very much this one - I am not a big fan of the song, don't care particularly for Dan Bigras, but I sense a very unique passion in her singing and a proper connection between the two. A connection that wasn't in my impression equally strong in other duets on this evening.

[Jessyka]

smw, on 24 June 2014 - 10:18 AM, said:

Le Blues du Businessman



Need I say anything about this performance? She was close to going on a 2 year break -- and she just gave it her all. I love the part where her voice slightly cracks at 1:49 because after that, she OWNS IT. This is the performance I always show my friends who don't get why I'm obsessed with Celine Dion. And then they get it.

This is my favorite performance from Celine ever for that reason I highlighted in your post.

[DionFanAlways]

As long as we're on Le Blues, this one does it for me always:

[CELINE MARIE]

When she was younger she was the best for me .She wanted to sing live,she did it because she  loved it-great times and amazing voice.








[media]http://youtu.be/pC1zy3Y1WaI[/meda] [media]http://youtu.be/jnXNt4fJqj4[/media]




and  more, I love them so much

[québecflower]

CELINE MARIE, on 25 June 2014 - 08:49 AM, said:

When she was younger she was the best for me .She wanted to sing live,she did it because she  loved it-great times and amazing voice.








[media]http://youtu.be/pC1zy3Y1WaI[/meda] [media]http://youtu.be/jnXNt4fJqj4[/media]




and  more, I love them so much

immortality and Call the man but this one is more to my taste

[SantiagoColorado]

Oh I loved her performance of Love Can Move Mountains in The Voice last year, she was like SO ALIVE!

Edited by SantiagoColorado, 25 June 2014 - 09:13 AM.

[CelineDionFreak]

Well, I have to admit it was really hard to pick my favorite performances. I'm gonna say I like these a lot. I was able to narrow it down to 6-ish. I can't say these are my favorites because it's so hard to pick a favorite.

1. All by Myself (Live in Tokyo 2008)

This just shows she's still got it. This was one of the times in the TCWT where she did in live. There's nothing more to say, it's pretty obvious.

2. Je N'ai Besoin D'amour (Live at USF)

This is one of those songs that just shows Celine. She does so much with her voice that sounds so amazing. I just love this song with Celine's voice.

3. Simply the Best

This isn't Celine's song originally, but I just love it. It shows what she can do, and shows the sassy side you can say. She takes Tina's song to a whole new level that I really don't think Tina can.

4. I Surrender (Live in Las Vegas)

I love this song... It's just amazing. It says a lot. I love the LV performance. Her voice was in an amazing shape when this performance was. I love it.

5. Pour Que Tu M'aimes Encore

I LOVE this performance. This show was a high energy show, but I love that they just had her alone on the stage. (Except the really weird frame dancers) she just sang, and it's a beautiful song. It's true music. I love this song, it's probably my favorite French song of hers of all time.

6. Plamandon Medley (Live USF)

This was one of my favorite parts of the show, honestly. It was nice to see her show the old songs in a new light. In her current voice, they sounded amazing.

[sfbaysinger]

I love this topic. I don't know if I can participate quite as well as I'd like to, because I can't imbed links and all. But I have to say, in no particular order, 1, The Power Of The Dream at the 1996 Olympics. 2, the way she's doing "Incredible" now. 3, "My Love", especially in Montreal during the TC tour. 4 "De Mots Qui Somimnt" in Alolympia. That whole show was amazing though, just let me say that. 5 The way she did the slow version of A New Day Has come in "A New Day." I also loved the fact that she sang with Tessanne on The Voice. I was rooting for Tessanne the whole time, and she was/is a die-hard fan who deserved that opportunity. PS, Ben, I miss talking to you, been waiting for your reply!

[Leah-M_ILoveCeline5]

I CAN'T HELP FALLING IN LOVE WITH YOU
I LOVE THESE PERFORMANCES SOOOO MUCH!!!!!!!!!   

[Leah-M_ILoveCeline5]

I CAN'T HELP FALLING IN LOVE WITH YOU
I LOVE THESE PERFORMANCES SOOOO MUCH!!!!!   

[CelineDionForeverNY]

CelineDionFreak, on 25 June 2014 - 09:16 AM, said:

1. All by Myself (Live in Tokyo 2008)

This just shows she's still got it. This was one of the times in the TCWT where she did in live. There's nothing more to say, it's pretty obvious.

I didn't know that ABM was live in Tokyo as well, I thought it was just that first night of the tour where it was live.

[CelineDionForeverNY]

In my opinion, this is the best completely live performance of All by Myself. She nails the high note and the ending is just amazing in one run.

[Timster]

CelineDionForeverNY, on 25 June 2014 - 12:31 PM, said:

I didn't know that ABM was live in Tokyo as well, I thought it was just that first night of the tour where it was live.

You are correct, ABM was only live on the opening night in South Africa.  

However, the Tokyo performances were amazing, her voice was so powerful. I love the way she belts the "by" with just one note in the lead-up to the big note!

[CelineDionFreak]

Timster, on 25 June 2014 - 02:11 PM, said:

You are correct, ABM was only live on the opening night in South Africa.  

However, the Tokyo performances were amazing, her voice was so powerful. I love the way she belts the "by" with just one note in the lead-up to the big note!

Huh, I thought the Tokyo version was live... I know I saw somewhere that it was live.

Edited by CelineDionFreak, 25 June 2014 - 02:24 PM.

[mike_z]

That live version in Tokyo is great, I love the ending, but the "big note" is playback guys.

You can tell how much more powerful her voice was back then than today, but the tone is better now!



As for "IN SOME SMALL WAY" that live performance is EPIC. A lot better than the studio version, it would have made a great duet and Barnev was amazing!

[québecflower]

SantiagoColorado, on 25 June 2014 - 09:08 AM, said:

Oh I loved her performance of Love Can Move Mountains in The Voice last year, she was like SO ALIVE!

i have it on my recorder, watched it many times..like you say, very uplifting

[smash]

mike_z, on 26 June 2014 - 08:50 AM, said:

That live version in Tokyo is great, I love the ending, but the "big note" is playback guys.

You can tell how much more powerful her voice was back then than today, but the tone is better now!



As for "IN SOME SMALL WAY" that live performance is EPIC. A lot better than the studio version, it would have made a great duet and Barnev was amazing!

"In Some Small Way", I absolutely LOVE LOVE that song, especially this performance, for me she is, i mean, strikingly beautiful

Sharon

[sfbaysinger]

I love "In Some Small Way" recorded and live. Both are amazing but I do think it would have been a wonderful duet between her and Barnev. I can see that working fantastically well, LOL. I still think her voice is very powerful today!