He puts his entire body, soul, emotion, and voice into this song. Michael will always be the best Phantom, bar none.

Musical Theatre is not just about vocal talent. People like Michael Crawford and Elaine Paige got to the very top because of the emotion, sensitivity, fragility, and energy they capture. Being a flawless singer isn't always suitable for the genre. Showing fragility and flaws helps an actor connect with the audience. When you watch Crawford you know he's living the moment. But he probably isn't in truth. Its probably the 1000th time he's sung it and hes probably sick of it! But you'd never guess that. Why? Because he's got the perfect Musical Theatre vocals. There's a fragility and an innocence that makes every performance different

Absolutely mesmerizing. It always gets me, too, how a man who seems so gentle and soft-spoken in real life can seem so chilling and dangerous when singing the Phantom.

Watching during the Covid-19 pandemic of 2020...

He was born for this role, no one compares.

The way he sings 'turn your face away from the garish light of day' is so moving I don't know why. So different from the movie version but I think the quieter way he sings it here makes it stronger.

Who else came from the free live streaming of the Phantom of the Opera, and wanted to hear this guy sing?🙋🏻‍♂️ PS: I was not disappointed. No mask, but Michael Crawford IS the Phantom.

After all these years, Michael Crawford is still the reigning King of Phantoms. His voice is eternal.

I don't know whether he was the best phantom or not, because they all are quite amazing in their own way, but in my opinion he is by far the best phantom when it comes to this song. He really does enchant you with his voice and take you somewhere with the music and it's beautiful. This is the best song.

When he sings, "Where you long to be, " I get chills every single time. WOW

His hands...his eyes.....the way he contorts his mouth....no other phantom/singer can come close to the passion Michael exudes. Breath-taking to witness.

Michael Crawford is the Phantom.

Michael Crawford has a voice that you can totally lose yourself in, and I do. A lot!

Michael Crawford is a legend.

Whenever I hear Michael Crawford sing as the Phantom, I forget to breathe. None can compare to him magnificent and majestic Phantom of the Opera.

Nobody can sing Phantom like you Michael. You are a very special man. :)

He may not be the most typical or technically correct Phantom but there is a tenderness to his voice. Where classically trained singers might add strength he is simply human and that is mesmerising. When I hear Michael Crawford sing in Phantom I believe him, every note so sweet and less manufactured than so may singers who have succeeded him. I love this, timelessly charming :-)

Michael IS THE PHANTOM - even Sarah Brightman and Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber says so, so to hear naysayers and criticism to compare him to anyone is laughable..... please see him in Barnum - singing colours of my life when his wife dies and he cries... tell me he can’t sing or act. That so and so is better.... Sorry he is sacrosanct. He deserves it for all he has given to the role. Maybe I’m a purist fan-girl.

No English tenor sings better than Michael Crawford on this song, simply fabulous. Thank you Michael.

The key point about the Phantom of the Opera is that his voice is supposed to be ethereal - angelic, inhumanely beautiful. That is the precise voice that Michael Crawford brought, the precise Phantom that he played. I like a couple of other actors who played the Phantom as well, but the truth is that no one will ever be able to top Michael Crawford. He's a human who brought that inhumanely beautiful quality to life.

"Touch me....trust me." The lilt on his voice, dear god.

THE ONE AND ONLY PHANTOM! THE BEST AND THE GREATEST PHANTOM!!!

God, his voice live sounds just like on the original cast recording. Amazing.

I love this so much - the emotion in his voice is so beautiful.

The passage from 1:23 to 2:05 I have never heard anyone perform more skillfully, emotionally, or fitting with the character. Those 42 seconds prove he's the best in my mind. Plenty of brilliant musicians whom I love and respect greatly, but each missing either skill, emotion, or character nuance in this piece.

I have seen many performances of this and he is THE BEST. No one holds that last note with excellent pitch, control, or as long. So lucky he was the original Phantom.

1:30 the way he hits “thoughts” has stuck with me since the first time hearing it as a kid. It’s so strange/haunting in the coolest way.

He's not a traditionally good singer but there's a strange, etherial, otherworldly quality which contrasts to the huge orchestration that is magnetic. Something that's very much lost from productions worldwide now.

The real phantom forever....

I agree with all of you that say he sings this the best! Just is no one or has there been to sing like him.

YES - Listen to the words ! YES - hear the beautiful “musical score” YES - feel thrilled to be able to hear Michael’s FABULOUS voice AND While you enjoy his AWESOME musical ability, PLEASE watch - CAREFULLY & CLOSELY - his body movements, his facial expressions, BUT ESPECIALLY the “sensually expressive” use of his hands ! As a matter of fact, Michael helped design his sleeves, especially the “shorter than usual” length ! His reasoning was that - designing SUCH abnormally “shorter than normal” sleeves - would exposed his hands more FULLY - thus drawing the attention of the viewing audience to the expressive & exaggerated movement of his hands ! Who knew, right ????

I first saw Michael Crawford in two American movie musicals, "Hello Dolly" and "A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum". Both were made about 20 years before "Phantom", and in each he played a silly, callow youth whom you would NEVER picture as a romantic lead in anything. His voice was nothing remarkable either. He could carry a tune, but there was nothing memorable about his singing. I heard nothing about him until I learned that he was starring in Phantom. (I understand that he had a highly successful career in England after the American movies, but he still mostly played the bumbling sort of klutz that no one would consider for a role like Phantom.) As a consequence, I was flabbergasted when I learned he was a sensation in the part, and, until I saw his Tony Awards performance on TV, I didn't really believe he could do it. Boy, was I wrong! I have since learned that he had taken voice lessons which greatly improved his power and range to the point that when ALW heard him singing, he wanted him for the part. Thank Heaven for the perspicacity and perspicuity of Sir Andrew!

His voice draws you in. Love it!

The singing combined with the acting is superb. That's why he won the Tony.

He is the best one! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

At age 69 I still swoon over this man's voice. It still has that eerie, ghostly quality it did have in the 80's. Other Phantom actors may be sexier or more powerful, but Michael has all those qualities that will make him #1.

One of his BEST recordings of the song!

Michael is the best! There will never be another.

What an amazing performance. Unbelievable. His control is unbelievable

That's how to bring the house down... Michael Crawford has set the bar so high that it's unreachable. He is the Phantom... full stop!

I had the privilege of seeing him perform this during the L.A. run of Phantom-as great as watching this is (it never fails to send a shiver down my spine) it’s a hundred times greater live...he had the ability to evoke fear, curiosity, shame, pity, love (and almost any other emotion you care to name) all while singing with a mask covering his face. There’s nothing really to compare it to...

This man sings this so well. Anyone else trying is almost like an insult to the song itself. AHEM...... Hugh Jackman

Bravo, his entire being ,he puts into that song. His heart,soul, body ,he puts into that song. The best Phantom ever..

The one and only Phantom. Absolutely wonderful.

He is correct; Michael does sound better now than in the cast album in 1986. He makes love to you with his voice. The very best Phantom ever.

His voice brings me chills.

Mr. Crawford was not singing a song at the Tony Awards, he was performing it. Such class. Swooning here lol

Wow, I hadn't considered the range required for this. Go Micheal

Michael Crawford's voice, which I never heard in full face before, is multi-layered. In the higher register, it's almost falsetto. In lower register, it is strong and masculine. This is the most sensuous of love songs.

love this version. so emotional and tender.listening to it, you can sense a lonely ,sad heart.

He IS the Phantom. Absolutely Sublime! No one compares. xxx

Amazing talent, beautiful voice, can't believe it's same man that played goofy Frank Spencer!!

Michael Crawford can sing the phone book to me and I'd love it. To me, he is the most memorable Phantom. Truly talented and no one will ever compare to him.

I still get goosebumps every time.. no one will ever Out Phantom Michael.

I remember seeing this on TV. It was a real treat. Back then we didn't really know what Michael Crawford looked like...just photos from magazines, newspapers, or if one happened to catch an interview on local tv...I don't think there were too many. I saw some footage of him walking around town, and no one recognized him. When he sang, it was always with the mask, during his run as phantom..so this was very special.

Nobody else can sing a song the way he does. Such emotion! Such range! Such sustained notes!

Well damn. I'm getting chills watching this. Its pretty amazing.

As a teenager, I watched this broadcast from a hospital bed. For those few minutes, at least, I was able to leave all thoughts of the life i knew before.

Michael Crawford was the inspiration behind my first visit to watch the show in the West End at the age of thirteen. Sadly, he'd just left for Broadway so I never got to see the great man himself although was still spellbound by the show. Having seen the show several times since, Ramin Karimloo and John Owen Jones rank among the finest performances I've witnessed in person. However, there's something about Crawford that separates him favourably from the rest and not just by virtue of the fact that he originated the role. His voice was certainly unique in comparison to most of those with more traditionally fitting voices who have subsequently taken on the role. But it worked, and it worked to his advantage. Combined with his considerable acting ability and stage presence, the cocktail was a potent mix of right time right place raw perfection, which has arguably never been matched. Michael, I salute you.

I fell in absolute love with this man, and (obviously) his voice, as a child. His role, as the Phantom, is what put me on the path to studying and pursuing theatre and/or voice work. I’m honestly a decent bit heartbroken that I never got to see him in live performance, but I will GLADLY take and cherish everything that’s been recorded of him. For life.

Oooh, Michael! So jealous of that voice. If I could, I'd go all Ursula (from little mermaid) and take his voice

I like to consider myself a conniseur, but I haven't heard this gentleman before. He absolutely kills it. Serious respect for a master of his craft.

Flawless Perfect Beautiful Wonderful Devine ,as the gorgeous Michael always is ,could listen to Michaels voice for ever ,he is everything you could want in a human being , he is perfect in every way ,my ideal man, would love to spend a day with him he would be such joy . l love you Michael in every thing you have done ,such a talented , kind gentle, man ,keep singing your beautiful voice must be heard . God Bless you darling Paula xxx .

MC is the ONE who made POTO soar! After listening to all the phantoms, I'm convinced with this performance that he is the BEST!

He is the best phantom

I grew up watching him play frank and was shocked to know he has such a beautiful voice by far

That voice, just magical

Seriously, no one can sing this song like he does. There is no comparison. I love, love, love Sarah Brightman, but even her singing this song is a far second. Michael Crawford is just too perfect in his vocal performance.

I remember watching this on TV in 1991 and I had never seen or heard anything like this. I fell in love with him there and then.

He was born for this roll. I’m very grateful I saw him play the part twice

I am a 67 year old Metal Head who loves Rammstein; but when I hear this song I get chills.

Everything about what that man does is art. Simply beautiful!

Incomparable and Amazing !!!!👏

He's the best phantom ever. I get so thrilled when he sings 'Let your mind start to journey through this strange new world. Leave all thoughts of the world you knew before.' I'm yearning for seeing his fabulous performance in 1980s, but the fact that I can't make me so sad...

Forever my favorite Phantom - Michael Crawford!!!

Michael Crawford is the One and Only Phantom. The King of Phantoms

He came so far from ,mmmmm Betty! truly discovered in his "true role"in life, god bless you Micheal, best phantom so far, always been a fan of your "past and future!"....

Chilling. I love how he can make his voice sound ghostly. He's haunting.

So finally Frank found a job ,to make Bety happy.

The best Phantom!..Bravo!!!

Wonderful just beautiful! He needs to get another tony!

I have ALWAYS had a deep & passionate love of music ! Being thankful to have been blessed by God with a great deal of musical ability as well as “perfect pitch,” - over the 70 years of my life, I have carefully & intently studied BOTH the music & the singer of many different songs. As you watch this video, as you listen to the ABSOLUTELY amazing music & as you thrill to the musical talent which Michael Crawford TRULY has been blessed with, I challenge you to also watch - VERY CAREFULLY - just EXACTLY how Michael Crawford consciously has chosen to move his body to convey his emotions, but especially watch just exactly how he uses his hands to express such obvious “sensuality” to his audience ! It is TRULY almost “palpable” ! I readily admit that, when I listen to him sing (MOST especially when he sing this particular song) I am “deeply moved” EACH & EVERY time I listen to it, mainly because of the UNIQUE way it is sung by this EXTREMELY talented singer ! I can honestly say that I have NEVER EVER observed ANY other singer (bar NONE) who has EVER exhibited a more expressive “display” of breathtaking “sensuality” - choosing to use BOTH his body movements & stances, but especially how he has chosen to use his hands ! Someone erroneously described Michael’s distinct & uncommon “expressiveness” on EACH & EVERY occasion when he sings this particular song - saying he is expressing “sexuality.” If you were listening carefully to the last song Erik (AKA : the Phantom) sings near the end of the show while he’s in his “lair” with Christine & Raol, you might remember that Erik explains to Christine that he’s been “denied the joys of the flesh” ! Therefore, we are EASILY able to see that Michael was EXTREMELY wise when he made the conscious decision in choosing to - HIGHLY ACCURATELY - display & also express such obvious “sensuality” - but NEVER “sexuality” - especially since Erik (AKA: the Phantom) is TOTALLY incapable of expressing an emotion which he has NEVER actually felt - EVER - throughout his VERY tragic life ! What he deeply feels for Christine can ONLY be sensual !

His voice is so beautiful

He "grows", his person, presence, soul energy enlarge so much he seems not to just fill the space, but be bigger than the auditorium itself. The essence of the Phantom.

Michael is the true phantom of the opera.

Never have I seen or heard a more expressive singer...and I have seen and heard the best of the best.

There will never be another Michael Crawford. Don't know how old he is now, but for me, he'll always be the Phantom of the Opera. His rendition of "Oh Holy Night" is far more superior than anyone else's wanna be. This man is even better than Josh Groban. Listen to it, feel it in your heart and soul and you can almost see Jesus smiling down on you.

Still come to tears from this music as I did when I first saw The Phantom in NYC in the 90's. How beautiful.

Complete legend

This was the first version I ever heard and fell in love

the best Phantom I love ! he's absolutely born for this role !

always the Phantom

MC, the best Phantom IMO. I also love Ramin, but MC is my first love.

Michael Crawford....Best phantom!!

A great performer, and amazing voice.

Still brings me to tears.

Stunning. I wish there were DVDs of all versions but his is the one I'd really love to watch. I'm old enough to remember Frank Spencer and the doubts raised about Mr Crawford's ability to play this role . . How wrong they were, truly beautiful.

His tone wow!! Always get chills cuz of his tone, super haunting yet beautiful!! Wow just wow...love michael crawford

Michael is the one .his voice is strong yet so soft .hope in future we can see him in something beautiful again .keep safe out there .🌼🌼🌼

Phantom was Crawford...Crawford was Phantom.....iconic and a beautiful moment in theatrical history.....we must always be grateful for Lloyd Webber for this incredulous music/moment. Love he wasn't in costume! Rare for him at that time.