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The fact that "Celine got back in line" after the "moment" shows a lot on how much she understood the assignment ✨

I agree 100% Aretha and Celine did great together. They both are very versatile singers. It was a match !!

Celine even LOWERED herself and KNEELED to give deference to Miss Aretha. Celine understood the assignment and Mariah did not😂

Celine would never ever EVER disrespect her predecessors. She's always had respect for her elders

Celine did her thing. And she was studying what was going on and quickly understood the assignment.

Perfect analysis!! Straight facts!! I’ve always said that Aretha’s initial reaction said everything. And thank god this happened otherwise it would’ve been boring and anticlimactic especially for gospel. Like you mentioned Whitney and other r&b soul gospel would always pop off together, just look at Whitney and cece winans for example. They would’ve done the same. Céline is confident. It’s what we all wanted and needed haha

lesson of this story: just because you couldn't, doesn't mean others shouldn't..

And then who was invited to sing at Aretha’s tribute? It was Céline, yes. ✨

Celine hasn’t replied Mariah till this day - PURE CLASS✨

Thanks for this video! Celine Dion’s been a vocal titan since the early 1980s. It makes perfect sense - and was no surprise at all - that she accepted Aretha’s invitation and created such an iconic moment. ❤️ Mariah’s comments over the years stem from her insecurity about this night. Celine is so kind and never shades anybody.

I've always felt that this was a perfect showcase of the way Aretha, Celine and Mariah operate as live performers and how that represents their brands and legacy as well. Aretha was always a virtuoso, making the live performances an opportunity for reinterpretations and developments on the template of the record. But she also always had a tendency to try and outdo people which stems from a place of knowing how good you are but also a little insecurity. Her relationship with artists like Patti Labelle and Dione Warwick reflect that. But she never shies away from dynamic live performances. Mariah performs best by herself in a live setting, unless she's performing with her own backing singers. Of all the duets she has sung, every performance shows how Mariah typically takes a submissive style of performance where she usually sticks to tried and tested vocal stylings. And if she had to perform with someone of equal stature or talent she invariably takes a more reserved approach, and often does not rise to the level of the other performer as evidenced by her live performances with Patti Labelle, Whitney Houston and Boys To Men. She's best by herself. Celine has made a career out of live duets. She's supremely confident in her talents and technique as a singer and has duetted most prolifically throughout the career, and the number of ensemble performances are also astounding especially when you notice that almost every single time her voice stands out by the sheer quality of it, be it in the Divas concert version of You've Gotta Friend, her performance at the Michael Jackson family thingy, Aren't They All Our Children After All etc or her many many duets. She's extremely comfortable sharing the stage with others. On this night this was on full display. Aretha was holding court, Celine was having the time of her life sharing the stage with TWO of her idols, while Mariah was playing it extremely safe and not understanding Aretha's expectations. Aretha probably went into the night thinking she and Mariah would demonstrate the gospel vocal fireworks, but Mariah constantly underperformed. Her voice was starting its steady decline at this point, and she already had trouble keeping pace with other exceptional singers. There were insecurities that stemmed from it which is why SHE is the one who never got over it. Aretha recognised that Céline was the only one who could probably understand the assignment as Celine has always been a huge Aretha fan but also not shy about showing off that gorgeous instrument. While she may not have grown up in the gospel style of singing, she did study great singers and has always been most comfortable performing live on stage and trying crazy things with her voice, and on top of that this was her peak in a way. So that's how Aretha ended up in a gospel sing-off with the whitest person in pop music and yet ended up creating magic. We can also add another layer here. That night, Carole King was Céline's personal guest. During Natural Woman, she was supposed to open the song but Aretha sang over her and took the part, and kept on singing over the others. It wouldn't surprise me if Céline was a wee bit irritated by that because she spent the rest of the night going toe-to-toe with Aretha, lick to lick. Céline is spicy like that.

Huge lamb here and I can definitely say Mariahs insecurities were peaking! Everyone expected her to be the "dueling diva" that night, even Aretha. Which Im sure is why Aretha only wanted a duet with her. But Mariah's voice was not in good shape. Instead of admitting that, she plays it off as she was showing respect. Aretha was the Queen, so regardless of who stepped up, no one will be able to over shadow the Queen. Celine and Aretha did exactly what you would see in a black church

All I'm gonna say is this. Aretha enjoyed singing with Celine that night so much that she personally requested Celine to sing at any tribute made to her. Which was confirmed by her estate that Aretha picked her before her death. Mariah was no where to be named. Just saying.

One of the most exhilarating vocal exchanges in live music history!

I'm an obsessed Mariah fan and I will be biased for her forever except for this one... I can't defend her justification about this sing off. I could understand if she just admitted her voice that night was not at its best condition. However, she shaded Celine who was simply answering Aretha's request. She really doesn't have to say negative about her. She was showing insecurity. 🤦😪 It was very off... I was like "My Queen, Mariah, Noooo!!! Shut your mouth". 🙁😩

Mariah keeps bringing this up, I'm not sure why. My only suspicion is, Mariah wasn't in a comfortable vocal place to risk it that night and is still disappointed

Great video! There is also the longer unedited TV broadcast where Aretha actually says to Celine (whose microphone is set down)...."if you'd be so bold, to come on out here" while staring at Celine. Celine had to pick her mic back up and answer Aretha's call. And as you pointed out, Aretha pulled Mariah up on to the front of the stage first. People seem to forget that part of the story. I really don't believe Celine brought her ego into this moment at all.

This confirms what I've been saying, Mariah's ego was hurt that night cause she didn't step up to the plate and she never got over it. BUT Celine understood the assignment and that's why I love Celine for it. She wasn't scared to go toe to toe with Aretha she proved that during the Natural Woman performance which is why I believe Aretha also gravitated toward her once she seen Mariah was holding up the wall lol

Aretha also shouted “good child of mine” & “I’m loving this” to Celine after she answered her call. Also Aretha personally invited Celine to sing at her memorial concert in 2019, not Mariah! It says EVERYTHING. The fact that she brought this up over and over again shading and dragging Celine out of her insecurities in the 20 plus years since it happened also says EVERYTHING.

Celine didn't do anything wrong. She basically did what Mariah was supposed to do, but didn't when the chance came. Celine looked over at the two and took notice. Mariah had two opportunities and missed one, then barely did it the second try. Then she looked to Celine to come and sing together and of course Celine came and made the duet iconic. Celine pretty much understood the assignment. 🤷‍♂💖

Even if it was during 1993-1996 which was Mariah’s best vocal period she would not step forward with Aretha because she always had this childish thing of fangirling Aretha too much to the point of threating her like an immaculate goddess. I think she felt “offended” as a fan by someone trying to challenge Aretha and to divide the main role with her on her own tribute. I understand Aretha was her idol, but she never needed to outshine her, just to enter into the flow. Mariah could talk with based arguments about SEVERAL moments of Celine being extra and exaggerating a lot, that one was not one of them since Celine was called for that and the moment required it.

Celine paid attention 👏🏽

I just loved Celine for this. Who knew that this French-speaking Canadian girl had it in her. She did help Aretha lift Him.

This matter is long overdue, if someone should've been angry about that moment is Aretha, and she wasn't. Celine herself was asked to sing at Aretha's tribute in 2019.

"When it's my line, when it's my turn, I'm stepping forward and I'm gonna be one on one with her." Celine Dion, 2019.

I’m really glad that Aretha and Celine gave us this moment. I watch this scene like once a week! I love it!

Celina had so much fun. What an iconic moment. Love them all. All these extremely talented people on one stage. Wow✨

That being said, Celine has sang numerous R&B songs throughout her English albums. She basically was a Canadian version of Whitney. If you dig into her catalog it doesn't take long to see Dion's influences: Whitney Houston, Barbra Streisand, & Aretha Franklin.

The problem with Mariah here was that she had so much reverence for Aretha Franklin (who she has consistently throughout her career said were among her biggest inspirations along with Whitney Houston and Sarah Vaughan) that she wouldn't dare think of upstaging her. Aretha was her mentor! So her interpretation of what Celine did was disrespectful because in Mariah's mind, Celine is not Aretha's peer. However, as the video correctly points out, Celine was not trying to upstage Aretha, but to join her as asked. It wasn't that Celine misunderstood the assignment, it's that Mariah did.

Can we also talk about the elephant in the room, Aretha totally singing over Carol Kings section. Surely that was the problematic piece, not Celine

this goes to show that no matter how accomplished you are in life, you would still have insecurities. but making another person look bad because of those insecurities? VERY WRONG.

I'm so glad you did this!! I've been saying for years, if you watch closely and listen closely, Aretha basically made it clear Celine and Mariah had been tapped. You can see as SOON as Celine came in, Aretha literally turnt it up. Celine had such reverence for Aretha -shes always talked about her with such respect. I think Aretha gave it back to her this evening.

Celine wasn't coming for the Queen...she was doing exactly what Aretha was asking for... A gospel call and response.she literally kept ad-libbing "help me lift him" and Celine stepped to the call..the way Mariah addressed the whole thing in her book was so weird to mem.....it comes across insecure

This has got to be, to my eyes and ears, the most iconic singing or vocal exchange moment in music history. Besides, apart from having one of the most beautiful and recognizable voices ever, I believe most people admire Céline Dion worldwide for her wisdom, her respectful attitude towards her peers and her kind heart generally speaking. She always tries to find the good in people. She is my greatest inspiration for that. The world needs more people like Céline ❤. May God protect her🙏🙏.

Celine was just like, "Her Majesty has called me, I have to show up." And besides, knowing Celine's life story she knew she earned this moment.

Thank you for clearing this up!!! Mariah simply respected Aretha, plus her vocal state at the time. Aretha literally invited Celine! Sure Aretha wasn’t in 70’s vocal shape, and Celine got excited. Simple as that.

That why Celine Dion is our Jamaican queen

I remember seeing this on TV and I was floored by it....I had no idea there was a problem until years later. I thought they all sounded great

Yes!!! Perfect analysis! The real reason Mariah has been saying this mess for all these years - amongst many other messy things - is that she couldn’t actually hang vocally. That’s just the truth. She always sounds incredible when she’s on record, lip syncing or backed by forged-in-church background singers. Her chops are not comparable to Whitney or Celine. Aretha - arguably the woman who mainstreamed this style of vocals needed a partner out there. Celine was THE ONLY ONE capable.

I’m one of those real fans so as much as I love Mariah…this is the only time I won’t defend her. I get wanting to respect Aretha and that’s her “idol” but in a setting like “ VH1 DIVAS” you gotta RESPECT yet still show out!!!. I know Mariah appreciates Gospel and I know she incorporates that into her sound but she wasn’t raised in church like Aretha, Whitney,Patti, fantasia, so she doesn’t know the culture yet still being a listener of Gospel music you should be able to pick things up and incorporate it into your own. In this case Celine did what was NEEDED 🤷🏾‍♂️ and I think real fans who aren’t delusional would say the same thing.

Whew lord. This comment section is about to be on and poppin’, I know it! 😂 I pretty much agree with Milik’s take on this and I’m a fan of Mariah’s. Even if Mariah’s voice was in great shape that night she would’ve still stepped back and allow Aretha to do her thing. Mariah was fangirling Aretha all throughout Chain of Fools (“All hail the queen!”), and was in awe of her idol. I don’t get why 20-plus years later she continues to throw shade at Celine for doing exactly what Aretha wanted her to do: some flat-footed sangin’!

I loved Mariah's book, but I also really felt that this whole "dueling diva" bit was completely sad, bitter and unnecessary. I really hope Mariah reconsiders and it's removed from future re-editions of the book, even if it's too late for that now...

Queen Aretha called upon Celine and Celine didnt disappoint! Thus, history was made! Love these ladies! ❤❤❤

I remember watching this on TV and seeing Celine singing with Aretha and thinking, OMG, Celine has some skills!

Celine is a class act. Always has been.

Thank you! It is shameful that Mimi has -- for decades -- tried to obscure her shortcomings as a performer with this petty criticism of Celine. Celine understood the assignment.

This is a very interesting topic to me. People often say Mariah was/is salty because her voice wasn't in its best condition that night, so she stepped back. However, I think it's more about the respecting Aretha thing. Sure, she was hoarse, but still gave us My all, Make it happen, and Chain of fools, which, in the undubbed version, she sounded far louder (though she "cracked" during the "I might be weak" part, fixed in the dub). All that said, I still think it was uncalled for to throw shade at Céline, especially in her memoir. She was only doing what Aretha asked and that's it.

It's hilarious to me that Mariah is talking about Celine not knowing the culture, but clearly she doesn't... Nothing Celine did was wrong.

Hear how effortless, free and agile Celine does those riffs and runs at the end! Very impressive. Aretha was feeling it and they sounded really good and harmonious bouncing off each other. Mariah not so much, this woman is very calculated with everything that comes from her mouth. Lots of thought and preparations before execution. Not a 'free' singer.

Great explanation and context. Thanks for taking the time to do this and post it.

Céline understood her role. Mariah didn’t. And she still is pressed about it 20 years later to try to insinuate stuff around that performance. That’s it.

i rather agree with this - but it doesn’t just apply to gospel, in my opinion. i have done exactly the same thing in both musical theatre and in opera - while warming up and practising particular sequences. i encouraged another singer to ‘go with me’. You really /learn/ like this and you share how you interpret and embellish a musical score etc.

This is the one time I am not on Mariah's side in an argument. Celine was invited by Aretha to help her lift it. Mariah was out of line to diss her.

Thank you for this. I'm old enough to have seen this live and your analogy is spot on. 😊🎉

Yes ! I am so glad someone has summed this all up in a good detailed video 🙏🏼

I could not click on this video fast enough! So much respect for Celine and so much disappointment in Mariah bringing up this mess and being petty decades later.

Celine sang incredibly!! She has a voice!! Mariah has a fantastic voice also. When Aretha tell you to sing you sing. No competitions

Beautifully explained and supported with examples, thank you for this!

I love this breakdown! Thank you!

I’m a big Mariah fan, and I understand growing up very insecure in life due to circumstances we had no control over, plus at the time she was having vocal problems, so for her I think she was just overwhelmed by that particular moment emotionally and she never really let it go. Mariah is someone that has grown a lot over the years, but she’s just as susceptible to deep rooted trauma as anyone else that takes decades of constant self reflection and therapy to fully heal from, and even then complete healing for that level of trauma is not likely in one lifetime. You can see it in the way she performs actually. She never had the same confidence or stage presence as someone like Whitney or Celine, and that’s due to a lot of pain and insecurity from pain always weighing down on her. It’s very difficukt to deliver optimally and overall behave in life with that kind of baggage. It also shows in her songwriting and producing abilities. Mariah’s deep rooted pain inspired her to be more involved in her music. For someone like Celine, Celine didn’t have much holding her back emotionally or vocally live back then, so she understood Aretha’s cue and made it a diva moment as intended. Mariah back then, and possibly still now, just didn’t have that same security. Deep rooted trauma causes a lot of reactions that on the surface most people don’t understand, and it’s very easy to judge from the outside instead of wanting to understand why, so I just wish Mariah more healing and more happiness in her life.

This happened at the Grammys for the Waiting to Exhale Soundtrack performance where Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, Mary J Blige, Chaka Khan, CeCe Winas and Brandy all song together and went back and forth all having an extensive gospel moment and they all tore up that stage and left no crumbs that night 😂😂😂😂

Someone needs to explain to Mariah what Gospel is really all about ... Even though 1998 was a weird year for Mariah: a divorce, a record label focusing on Celine, etc , Jelousy was not only a bitch that night, but also totally uncalled for ... and Mariah shoukd know better ...

That's true, Aretha wanted to have A moment only with Mariah but She didn't give it to her, maybe cause her insegurities or so much respect she has to her Idol, but Celine stood foward and gave us the moment that Aretha was looking for. Sometimes opportunities appear once in life :(

Great and to the point analysis!

what a perfect explanation of this moment. i remember watching this and as a huge mariah fan it was kind of a letdown for her not to answer the call. celine really stepped up to the plate though. it was chilling, and you know aretha was getting her life.

Thank you for this break-down… I’ve thought about this supposed conflict between Aretha and Celine many times over the years. This changes the context completely… and I appreciate that you were so aware of how many people we’re tracking this conflict. Lol I felt silly for giving this so much thought… This video makes me feel vindicated. I look forward to exploring more of your content.

I'm glad you were able to break this down so easily. A lot of people don't understand performance dynamic between musicians, and the most important thing many people don't know is that the in the art of playing live, music is a CONVERSATION between the performers. Whether you are playing an instrument or using the physical instrument that is your voice, you are always watching the lead and paying attention for CUES, so that you know WHEN and HOW they want to change direction. It's a very difficult task to do so spontaneously if you either A) are not prepared aka too shy B) your voice isn't in condition to flex or C) you weren't paying attention to the cues. All the singers on that stage have their own strengths, but Celine, in particular, is very well versed in the art of live duet performance, and for years also had segments in her own shows where she riffs off of her musicians to show their virtuosity (and her vocal dexterity), so she definitely understood the assignment as soon as Queen threw out that cue. This was a Master Class where Celine was definitely paying attention to was was boing communicated- and when Professor Queen Aretha called, Celine raised her hand and said, " I'M PRESENT, M'am!" and proceeded to the front of the class.

Absolutely perfectly said and analysed!!

"One of the divas didn't understand the culture of the court, and tried to come for the Queen." Uh, excuse me Mariah, but gospel singing is all about inviting someone forward and having a good time. It is about showing off your vocals to lift up God's name. It is a celebration, not a funeral. Celine did just that. If anything, you didn't understand the culture of the court.

I kinda think Celine was very polite and appropriate. I would risk to say she could outsang even Aretha that night - if she just wanted. She was respectfull because she is like 20-30 years younger.

I know people have pointed it out, but after watching Aretha interviews, I can finally hear it for myself and Mariah DID do Aretha talking impressions in the audiobook 😂

Thank you for doing this video. It is very loving . Celine is a humble human.She loves music and loves Aretha. What she did that night was beautiful and playful and for everyone that wishes to see through the eyes of love can see that it was all about fun and expression of their soul. Those runs Celine did with Aretha are so epic that we still watch that performance yeaaarss later….That’s how epic that night was. Bless your soul Celine. Thanks for stepping in that night when Aretha asked for it ❤

Celine is the kindest people in the industry.. She wouldn't hurt a fly.. Mariah, on the other hand.. Multiple reports of diva behavior and being difficult

This made my night thank y’all

EXCELLENT video!!!

I think Mariah has had a lot of respect for Aretha, I believe that. HOWEVER I'm shocked by her choice of words on this situation 20+ years after; it's unbelievably rude to say "maybe it was a cultural gap" or "one of the divas didn't understand the culture" as if Celine did something other than exactly what Aretha had wanted Mariah to do. And in my humble opinion, Mariah wouldn't hesitate if the show had been held 2-3 years before 1998. Aretha was bothered AT ALL, look at her reaction!

I've been saying this over and over. Aretha wanted a call and response gospel-esque moment, which unfortunately Mariah wasn't up for. So the Queen went to Celine instead. Aretha enjoyed every bit of it. I don't understand why Mariah is still upset about it. Worse, she calls it lunacy.

Thank you for clearing that up!!!

Ooo I never saw this clip in the way you explained it and it makes perfect sense. But of course you always come with receipts too.

I LOVED THIS.....AUNTIE REE AND CELINE WAS JUST WONDERFUL TOGETHER ❤

Yeah Mariah’s voice was tapped out by that time in the show. Shame because we all would’ve loved to see her and Aretha do all that carrying on.

💯, loveeeed that moment, appreciate all of the involved

An interesting perspective on an event I never understood, but enjoyed a lot. I completely understand your analysis, and can see how the performance transpired. The Queen of Soul was calling on Celine to "Help me lift them", and Celine stepped up. I had the DVD and CD of this VH1 performance! A Wonderful evening, and I enjoyed every Diva! xo

Mariah Was jealous of Celine

Thanx for the explanation Even the lambest Mariah fan knows that Mimi is wrong when she tries to diss or shade Celine for her feat. on Aretha's Testimony. Celine would never refuse that invitation!

Good analysis! Thank you

Perfect analysis!!!

Totally agree. Mariah could not step up vocally like Celine can. She's just bitter.

Who sang at Aretha's memorial? It's all said...

Love your vids brutha 😊

Muchas gracias por el esfuerzo y dedicación al realizar este análisis, ya que no sirve a las nuevas generaciones para darnos cuenta de los estilos que no permean en la actualidad. Aún así ha estado hermoso y me gustaría saber más. ❤

Celine killed it. So talented. And continued to jam after that because she loves music!! ❤

This is the reason why I love Celine Dion period

THANK YOU for explaining!!! This makes perfect sense!!!

Amen to everything you said in this video. Thank you for making my day!

it is so lame for Mariah stating that - she didn`t delivered, Celine did, Celine was a class higher than Mariah that night, and still is, Mariah comes out as insecure

Celine deu o nome ao Divas, por essa razão os anos passam e ainda continuam as lembranças do impossível que só Celine podia fazer.

Spetacular analisys, by the way. Thank's for sharing.

You are a master teacher and a rare human.