Rob had classical opera training in college but had not sung it 15 years and Austin was trained in musical theatre in college. I think he was exposed a little to opera because his teachers push him to go opera instead of musical theatre. They did a great job on this. Thank for your reaction and have a blessed day.

This is insane. It is so extremely good. Fantastic. Both are doing great. But Rob, I'm perplexed!!! His voice is just magical, so rich, so warm and powerful. Chills just ran through my body. It flows into my heart. For me he will be able to stand with the greatest of opera singers. It's not often that I listen to songs by opera singers 5 times and more in a row. But here it is. Of course I hope that both will always continue to do Home Free, but I wouldn't think it wrong that such "trips" are made more often. Opera, country, ballads, soul etc. I think anything is possible. Even if you don't like opera, you have to like it. Maybe because it's so amazingly good, but not 100% perfect.

My jaw hit the floor when Rob opened his mouth...I had no idea he could sing like that! Bravo Rob! Bravo Austin! 👏👏

Rob, studied opera in college, but as he said it had been 15 years since he'd really sung it when Austin approached him about this project. We all know Austin has had musical theatre & classical musical theatre training

Maggie Renee (who is a professional Opera singer at Juilliard) did a breakdown during her reaction. She was extremely impressed with Rob and his classical Opera training and made a good point that even though Austin is not classically trained in opera, he did a great job and the fact they are bringing Opera to a new audience is amazing.

During the premiere release of this video, both Rob and Austin were in the chat (it's worth reading), and both were extremely nervous about releasing this. Thus the "try" in the title. But there's no "try" here - they nailed it (imo). Turns out Rob studied/sang opera for 4 years in college (15 years ago), and Austin has musical theatre training (which isn't exactly the same, but allows him to produce a "crossover" sound that is beautiful). I love that they did this - "Nessun Dorma" is a classic aria, and it brings a whole new genre of music to all Home Fries! What can't these guys do??? Bravo!

There's it is the face of enjoyment, amazement and surprise. Rob who study opera in college, but hasn't sung it in 15 and Austin as you know has a musical theater background. Both were nervous about how well this would go over with their fans......Homerun!! Checking out other reactors and the face is always the same.

Rob was actually trained in Opera. Austin's musical theater background helped. In the premier they were both really nervous about it. Truly enjoyed watching your reaction to this song.

This is not a duet, it is sung as a solo, so that is also something amazing that Rob & Austin accomplished, besides singing just singing beautifully. 🥰

I loved this! So it turns out that Rob studied opera in college and Austin is classically trained so I expected their performance to as good as any Home Free song always is - but not this good! I thought it was beautiful, wonderful, and incredible!

Our men can sing ANYTHING!! BRAVISSIMI!!

Way back when they did the Sea Shanty Medley and Rob was singing lead on the Cape Cod portion, we heard a hint of this "other voice" coming through, so I kinda thought there was an operatic voice hiding somewhere! So glad he finally let us hear it!

If Austin had stayed in training after college, he was being pushed towards opera. Some years ago he started to work with a high level vocal coach (as all serious singers do), which has made a real difference in his tone and vibrato, as well as improving. his lower register. He expressed interest in this aria over a year ago, but clearly didn't feel quite up to it alone. Rob was very doubtful too and in the end I think it was "I'll do it if you do it". In the live chat for the premiere they were both horribly apprehensive about how it would be received. As explained below this (solo) aria is from Puccini's Turandot, his last opera. Prince Calaf is awaiting the dawn when the Princess must either guess his name, and he will be killed, or he will gain her hand in marriage. Quite why he wants to marry her is a mystery, when she is sadistic to the point of psychopathy, but i guess that's love for you. The aria expresses his thoughts, impatient for dawn and finally confident of winning. It was written as a blockbuster aria to get the blood flowing after two acts of complex plot, and is always an emotional ride when performed well. And Rob and Austin did just that. American opera training and performance is rather hidebound compared to a comparatively lively scene in Europe, so a lot of "experts" who have reacted and commented have been very snooty and dismissive of Austin, who they insist is not quite whatever they mean by operatic. On concert stages in Europe, we love us a lyric tenor, particularly if he's good-looking, and the bright expressive tone of Austin's voice, with such sweet effortless upper notes, is a perfect foil to Rob's richer, deeper sound. And he would do a wonderful job of one of Puccini's romantic heroes (except for his unfortunate habit of forgetting the words).

They did a great job! Like you, I would have recognized Austin’s voice without the visual.

These two are wonderful here, Austin said after hearing Robs audio performance he went back to re-record his own part lol

This is incredible!! Watched this a million times!! I am so proud of Rob and Austin!!! Stunning!!!❤

Austin has such an unique sound, that I don't think there is any style he'll be able to do, without being recognizable. His highs just cut like a blade. I have waited a very long time for Rob to do opera. He did a liitle tease in one of their 'from the vault' videos. This was just beautiful.

I've been waiting forever (it seems like) for you to react to this!😴 This made me cry the first 15 times I watched it because it was so powerful. Yes, Rob's normally silky smooth voice has that rich, powerful opera tenor sound here! I think Pavarotti would be a bit jealous that he studied & sang opera his entire life but Rob walks off the Home Free street & sings like a pro when he hasn't sung opera in 15 years! Austin's voice is always beautiful & sounded more like Bocelli so we're all used to him singing like this but I think the difference in Rob's normal voice & this gigantic voice was surprising!😲 I love everything about this video!😊💖

Loved the reaction! I was so taken back when this came out because like you I just didn't believe that was Rob. However, he had classical training but hasn't sung it for about 15 years.

The Three Tenors sang it as a trio, as did IL Volo, actually someone merged those two groups of men and had them singing together, Placido Domingo sang with the Three Tenors and conducted for IL Volo, it was very cleverly done.

Enjoyed your reaction! A number of reactors anticipated some typical Home Free comedic shenanigans or felt it was being lipsync'd. (I wouldn't have been opposed to them performing while still in tees and hats just keep the HF 'country' touch.) Not even a fan of opera, although have heard this performed many times on TV so have a certain appreciation for it. Knew Rob had previously sung opera many years ago, so while not completely surprised, was impressed by how comfortably he stepped back into this role after so long showing us just how much more he's capable of. With Rob being the more proficient, was still pleasantly surprised by Austin, as well. Others have commented that Austin was the one to encourage Rob to give this a try. Both were really nervous going in. Applaud them both for doing something different and hopefully taking the overwhelmingly positive response to perhaps tackle even more. (Enlist the other HF guys? Can Adam do violin?)

*This is why music is such an amazing language, all in itself.......* I do not understand one word they sang, but I felt every lyric, every note, and every emotion, which says a lot about their amazing artistry, talent & delivery❣❣❣

For some context: "Nessun dorma" is an aria from the final act of Giacomo Puccini's opera Turandot and one of the best-known tenor arias in all opera. It is sung by Calaf, il principe ignoto, who falls in love at first sight with the beautiful but cold Princess Turandot. Any man who wishes to wed Turandot must first answer her three riddles; if he fails, he will be beheaded. In the aria, Calaf expresses his triumphant assurance that he will win the princess.. "Rob doesn't sound like Rob" because he's using the real opera technique, with chiaroscuro (loosely translated as light dark), and far more rounded vowels. Austin still uses the more "pop"technique, with vowels being more wide that vertical and more forward placed voice. Rob has said he did study opera in college, but hasn't sung it in about 15 years. Austin of course, trained in musical theater. They did a great job. One of the thins I really like about this is that it may introduce the genre to a lot of people who wouldn't otherwise be interested simply because it IS Rob and Austin.

I told you this would happen some day. Didn't quite think it would happen this soon. They surprised a lot of people. Including you, obviously. Clearly they can sing everything. So talented.

I'm so glad you did this one I was wanting to know your thoughts about it. I've probably watched it 100 times now and proud of it. I just can't het enough of it. I was in tears and didn't breath during the premier. Even tho I don't know Italian this is a powerful song. They performed it beautifully and brought so much emotion to the song which is what an artist should do.

You had exactly the same reaction I did: Austin sounds like Austin, but ROB!! OMG!!

I read awhile back that Rob's vocal coach from yrs ago talked about his amazing abilities to sing any style of song including opera and he could have probably made a career out of singing opera.

Wow! Home Free on a Wednesday! So glad you reacted to this one! Knowing how nervous the guys were prior to the premier, and then them seeing so many positive comments eased their worries. Rob even posted a “thank you” message on FB & IG. I think they did a phenomenal performance considering Rob hasn’t sung opera in 15 years and Austin had very little opera training. Most everyone I seen that has reacted to this has been more shocked and surprised at Rob than Austin. We all know Austin has musical theatre training and schooling. What I didn’t know until I saw the Behind the scenes for this that Rob had studied and performed opera during his 4 years of college.

2 Opera singers both stated Rob would probly need 2 - 3 years to sing Pro Opera since he mainly needs to just lern Italian. Austin would need 3 - 5 years since he is trained as a Theater Singer and would need to Retrain his voice for Opera and also to learn Italian. BUT for WHAT they are and their attempt is just INSANE ! considering that they are mainly Country Singers. Both stated they WANT to get their Opera Conductors/Coaches to get with both Rob and Austin even if it is just to maybe so they can bring more people to Opera through them.

I know they both have great, perfect voices, but this blows me away. It's phenomenal. Rob could have a career in opera, though I hope he didn't. 😅

Nessun dorma by Giacomo Puccini is from the opera 'Turandot'.

I knew right away it was actually Rob because of the way he sings with his tongue position that gives his voice something very recognizable. This was a real treat.

Thanks! Couldn't wait for your reaction. 😊🍟

Great reaction! I have never been a fan of opera except maybe some Andrea Bocelli & a few others. But I have always appreciated the talent it takes to sing opera. I was pretty impressed with Rob & Austin's version of Nessun Dorma. I have heard this famous song done by Pavarotti. I think I was more surprised by Rob's range & powerful delivery than even Austin's. Pretty good for a couple of country boys! Nice to see them dressed up in suits & looking classy. I think the look on their faces at the end was relief that they actually pulled it off. I think they both were very nervous doing opera & how it would be received. Rob has had some opera training about 15 years ago & Austin is trained in musical theatre.

Austin does have a degree in musical theater. One of his video outside of Home Free under his own name is Bring Him Home from Les Miz. His musical theater train shines through beautifully in this song.

Our boys did an amazing job. Awesome.

Rob did have training for operatic singing back in college but chose not to pursue it. He hadn't sung it in 15 years. Austin had a bit while going to school for musical theater. If you want to delve into a breakdown of techniques that a lay person can understand, Peter Barber, an opera singer, does what I think is an interesting critique of them. It's around 45 minutes long. Overall he was very impressed with them both, but definitely Rob. He said if Rob had stayed with operatic training or took it back up seriously and trained professionally, that he could see Rob being successful at it. Some people didn't like Peter's review, but as I listened to his breakdown I found that I understood it and he was very fair. And as I said, very complimentary as a whole. I was glad to see your reaction, full shock at the start! You were definitely not alone! So many times Home Free pulls something unexpected, that none of us knew what to expect. Something comedic was definitely on my mind as an option. But, having heard Austin's Bring Him Home, and catching a few times where Rob has employed a bit of that richer tone, I felt it could be the real thing. I was ready for either one! Loved your reaction! ❤

ROB ROB outof no where!...gospel rob to opera rob....home free any genre! very soul awakening! tissue worthy..loved it!

What I am getting amazed about with watching reactors responding to this is that so many reactors seem to have failed to actually listen to how much Rob holds back while singing in a group. His tonality and projection are amazing. Not just here but with everything they sing.. I'm glad he chose to do acapella instead of opera even though he would have made a very good career if he had chosen that path. Austin's musical theater training is very clear and lovely he's doing more of a crossover classical while Rob is doing opera. Nicely done.

Rob Rob Rob.... OMG.

Be still my heart. They did an awesome job with this! Love your reaction!

We now love opera! Austin's timbre is pure Austin. Rob... well, he's not just gospel Rob anymore! 😳❤️

I have no clue what all you reactors are talking about with Rob not sounding like Rob ??? I hear Rob's voice well yeah even this he has dropped into it off an on over the years. It is STUNNING and BEAUTIFUL but it's still Rob.

Just WOW 🤩

Talent just oozes out of them!

I don't usually see Rob's mouth open that wide when he is singing, the vocals that came out sounded like an opera singer to me.

To me this is Austin's way of showing Rob's talent.

Rob trained in opera so is operatic in his delivery. Austin trained in musical theater so he is singing crossover from that into opera

I think Nessun Dorma is the name of the song and the opera is Turandot or something like that. Puccini wrote it. Pavarotti is most famous for singing it I believe. Rob studied opera in college but that was years ago. Austin studied musical theater. There is an opera singer who is a reactor who said with more study Rob could be a professional opera singer. I have no doubt about that. I knew they could sing but this was something else. Boy can they project their voices. I thought I was going to be rickrolled but not this! Great reaction BC!😍

Now you've heard it and it's mind-blowing!

To answer your question, this aria is always performed as a solo when it's part of the actual opera, but sometimes a duet in other circumstances.

Fantastic 🔥🔥👍🔥

No genre is off limits!

Nessum Dorms is such a classic tenor aria. I highly recommend checking out Diana Damrau performing DER Holler Roche. (The queen of the night's Aria from The Magic flute)

Rob - Is singing in true Classical style. Austin - Is singing in Crossover (Theatrical) style. That's why the totally different larynx placement gave you the different sound from Rob. Rob was Classically Trained in college and considered a career in Opera. Austin was Theatrically Trained in college.

Nessun Dorma is an aria from Puccini's opera Turandot (most notably performed by the late, incomparable Luciano Pavarotti). It's one of my favourites and I've heard lots of professional opera singers perform it - Austin and Rob are better than a good many of them! I love their version! You might want to watch Austin's video of "Ain't No Sunshine", especially the dialogue at the end of it.

Fantastical

The opera is Turandot.

Rob’s instrument has the space for the darker tenor 2 register. Austin’s instrument doesn’t have that. Hence he’s a lyric tenor. Austin was singing the chorus’s part of the aria

This song is just way too short 😪

Another one bites the dust! Of course they're lip-syncing in the video. But they recorded separately with Sebastian pulling up the orchestration. With this you could gain insight by watching Peter Barber and Maggie Renee's reactions and critiques.

Makes you smile. Doesn't it?

Nessun Dorma is a traditional Italian Opera Tenor Solo by Giacomo Puccini - - - You have to understand that when singing OPERA the singer opens their mouth, their upper palate, and using the power of their lungs is totally different than singing more lyrical music like country or rock so Rob sounds totally different as it should be. . . . . listen to Michael Bolton who is in no way an Opera singer. . . kzfaq.info/get/bejne/op6WY9eZuJO6cZs.html

You gotta check out Austin's cover of Bring him Home... you'll love it!!

🙏 check out AUSTIN solo “BRING HIM HOME “

Every reactor I’ve seen react to this says the same thing, that they can still tell it’s Austin but not Rob at all!

Interesting that you don't recognize Rob's voice in this. The man's vocal chords are made of pure silk.

Thank you ^_^

If I am right Austin sang opera in college also

Nice reaction. I like your shorter/neater hairstyle.

Both have been classically trained. Rob sang opera before Home Free.

Rob has a degree in Opera and Austin in musical theatre performance degree.

BOTH OF THESE MEN ARE CLASSICALY TRAINED IN OPERA THEY FOOLED YOU TOO IT IS THEIR OWN PRIVATE JOKE LOL

He did train in opera, 15 years ago. According to Austin he thought he faked it pretty good.

To get the “ standard” - react to Pavarotti singing this classic from Puccini’s Turandot.

YOU HAVE TO REACT TO DIMASH KUDAIBERGEN SINGING "OGNI PIETRA". THIS GUY HAS AN 6 OCTAVE RANGE AND HE IS TRAINED SINCE THE AGE OF 5 YEARS OLD. IT WILL BLOW YOUR MIND. ALL THE BEST FROM GERMANY AND STAY SAFE 🇩🇪PETRA

I don't find it weird that you say you love Broadway but never got into opera, I'm from the other perpective, I've always loved opera, I never got into musicals. They are vastly different genres.

Austin is a country boy trying to sing opera Rob is an opera singer singing opera

Did you get a hair cut? If you did it looks very nice. 😁 lol

The difference is because Austin hasn’t learned how to lower his larynx. That is the biggest key to operatic singing.

Paul Potts is jealous.

This would have been great with just Rob Lundquist. Austin Brown added nothing to the performance. He actually made it worse.