To take a song, a classic, and perform it live as a duet with someone of equal star power usually equates to many levels of awesome.
It’s not always easy, even for mainstream artists. Being famous doesn’t guarantee positive feedback as some musicians will attest to begrudgingly.
But when an artist knows what they can bring to the table, the results are sensational, especially when it’s a song full of meaning that touches people in a heart stirring way.
The song “Angel” by Sarah McLachlan is a soul stirring, haunting piece of art born in 1997 from the singer’s album of the same year. The words are about Jonathan Melvoin (1961-1996), the touring keyboard player of the band Smashing Pumpkins who died from a heroin overdose.
It’s a powerful song when you realize its backstory.
So when Helene Fischer and Josh Groban took the stage to sing the song, people knew it was going to be pretty special. It’s not an easy song to sing.
Helene Fischer is a German celebrity. A singer, dancer, entertainer, television presenter, and actress all rolled in to one. Pretty serious company for Mr. Groban, who needs no introduction. But the man is amazing himself.
Both singers clad in black, Helene in an almost strapless, tube-like top while Josh in a more conservative look with his jacket and button down shirt, giving off an almost leathery look that matches each other’s style.
Helene sings the first verse along with the familiar melody from the piano,
“Spend all your time waiting
For that second chance
For a break that would make it okay”
There are even two dancers both clad in outfits meant to resemble or give the idea of an angel. It’s a sort of interpretative dance that blends well with the colors and set up of the stage. No easy feat to dance to a song like that.
Helene walks slowly towards the seated Josh Groban. She does have a lovely voice. Powerful but not overly so, with a sweet tone that blends well with Groban’s signature style. It’s a pleasure to listen to.
Groban joins Fischer for the first chorus, providing a chilling sound as they blend their voices together,
“In the arms of the angel
Fly away from here
From this dark, cold, hotel room
And the endlessness that you fear”
The emotional ballad found itself in the movie City of Angels too. Seth (Nicolas Cage) is an angel who watches and protects humans, and guides them to the next life when near death. Maggie Rice (Meg Ryan) is a doctor whose humanity intrigues Cage’s Seth as angels don’t understand human beings that much.
It’s a bittersweet plot with a tragic twist in the end. McLachlan’s song was a perfect addition to the film.
“You’re in the arms of the angel
May you find some comfort here”
The duet is stunning, as those faces in the audience will tell you. The background of violins seem to carry the voices of Groban and Fischer well beyond the human realm and coupled with the dancers, makes for a spectacular show. Truly mesmerizing to watch.
This is a jaw-dropping performance and will have you repeating it over and over again.
Grab your loved one and click on the video below because Helene and Josh are stunning to behold.
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Source: YouTube, Helene Fischer, Sarah McLachlan
