Her performance in this song is considered one of the best performances in musical theater history.

75 year old guy wiping tears every time I listen to this

You are correct! Absolute perfection. She’s not just singing. She transforms into Eponine. Her facial expression and raw emotion. I cry every time too.

The difference with Lea compared to other Broadway singers is that Lea sings from the heart 101% which magnifies her amazing singing talent even more.

I get it. Seen this performance many times, and it still turns on the waterworks every time. The music, the timing, the choice of delivery only Lea can deliver. It's perfect.

The 10 year cast that night with a full orchestra and massive chorus is the best show of all time. The talent on stage was off the scale. Lea had to nail it just to keep up. Gut wrenching song delivered with absolute perfection.

Lea Salonga's rendition is the BEST Eponine. You can close your eyes and just listen to her crystal clear pitch and diction. I can listen to Lea sing this song over and over again.

I was fortunate enough to see her on Broadway in Miss Saigon. Her voice was magnificent then and it’s magnificent to tho day. Lea is one of those performers, like Dimash, who not only has the ability to touch your heart, they also can touch your soul!!!

When she sings "silver" ("the pavement shines like silver") I think her voice is itself like silver.

She was the first Eponine I ever heard, thank goodness. Except that she spoiled me for everyone one else. Lea Salonga gave a performance for the ages in this role. Her acting was good, her singing was absolutely phenomenal. It doesn't matter how many times I have heard it, I still get teary-eyed every time. Every. Time. I've never heard a performer with such absolutely impeccable diction. Thank you for breaking this down so well.

Lea sells this scene so perfectly. The musical choices, the acting choices, the eye movements, head movements, the facial expressions, the diction. She could have just got up there and sang the song perfectly as a pop/contemporary singer. But that's the difference. She's an actor in musical theater. The degree of difficulty in making those choices is the artist's challenge. Yes, her choices bring us to tears because they are so perfect.

I had the privilege of getting my first couple singing lessons from a good friend who studied Opera for 8 years. One of the videos she would show me after we practiced was this one. At the time, she would comment on Lea's technique and it all went over my head. Now, almost 10 years later and having practiced on my own, I can finally see it. Lea's performance of this song encompasses all three vocal qualities: Head register, Chest Register, Mix range. Close your eyes and TRY to find a moment where you think she is going into one or the other. It's almost impossible to know where she's mixing, where she's using full chest, where she's going into heady mix or falsetto. This was what my friend was trying to point out: someone with extraordinary vocal technique will fool your ears. They can ascend their range with very little resistance or breaks. For Lea, there are no breaks and she never sounds like she's reaching too hard for a note. She also performs "I Dream a Dream" much later on in her career!

This brings me to tears every single time. And I am a 51-year-old man. ❤

My god, I've never heard her sing before. I can't believe I didn't know about this, she's absolutely incredible. What a voice, it's beauty can't be described

This gets me every time. She is Eponine, and that vulnerability just adds to the beauty. Thanks for this, so much.

Another thing I find really good with Lea is that you don't hear her breathing in between lines. A lot of good singers breathe so hard and loud, it becomes part of the song.

What i love about her performance is her storytelling, the picture she paints with her voice and interpretation truly makes this a personal favorite. She makes you feel Eponine's pain and relate to it and of course it can move you to tears, she's brilliant.

This performance was my introduction to her and I've never stopped listening to her since. Whenever I needed to cleanse my ears I turn to her. Whenever I needed to feel a song, i turn to her. I'm so grateful to have found her! She added value to my everyday. 😭

As a Filipino kid growing up in the 90s who loves to sing I wish I would have known she was Filipino. She sung some of my favorite songs and I never remember even seeing a picture of her let alone knowing she was Filipino. It would have been such an inspiration... but that's Hollywood I guess, not white enough to show on camera..

Oh, you have to watch Lea Salonga and Michael Ball's A Little Fall of Rain from the same annivesary event. Now that's a tear jerker performance!

This performance always makes me tear up. Her voice is just perfection.

I was blessed to have watched her in 2007 in Les Mis in Broadway. And i was crying the whole time inside the theater. I shouted Bravo at the end and went outside at artists exit to get an autograph and photo.

Lea Salonga’s diction and the power of her voice are perfection❤️ she pronounces everything clearly that even on the highest note you can still understand the words.

Your passion for Lea’s voice, and for, “Les Miserable” is equally stunning.

5:09 every vocal coach who reacts to this song can't help but smile at the way she sings "found me" and that's pretty amazing.

I was fortunate to see Lea Salonga in a performance of Le Mis in London on a trip to Europe in 1996. This song has been one of my favourites ever since. I have also been fortunate to walk the streets of Paris on a night such as that described in the song (That was much later in 2012).

I have never heard something so beautiful in all my life. I wept like child...

Omg. We cried at the same time 🥺 I’ve watched this video a thousand times already but still gets me everytime. Ms. Lea Salonga is a gem, she makes me proud to be a filipino everytime she performs 💜✨

I love this rendition and have watched it many times. But for me, watching your reaction, especially from 07:26 when you seemingly pause, smile slightly and then feel the emotion behind the lyric to the point where tears flow down your face... I can't help but return to that section and watch you as I listen to Lea. I find it really moving. Well done on such a heartfelt reaction video. You certainly come across as a beautiful soul. This world needs more of that.

Lea Salonga is perfection! I've probably watched the video of that performance 100 times, not kidding. As a vocalist, I want to sing with that precision. I study her technique, she is flawless!

I’ve seen (and listened to) the 10th Anniversary Concert countless times at this point and it still moves me to tears. This was absolutely the dream cast. I also love Philip Quast as Javert. Edit: as a violin player, it’s the crescendo that builds from the phrase where she sings “I love him, but everyday I’m learning…” UGH! Gets me every time. Thank you for playing that part so many times. Now I’m crying too 😂

I’ve seen Lea Salonga in concert probably 10 times. This is Lea Salonga in her prime. She is still amazing now, but this is when she was at her best.

I saw Lea Salonga perform this on Broadway back in (I think) 1991. We were about 10th row center if I remember correctly. Amazing play. Amazing performance. My best friend has her signature on his Playbill from the performance. Also saw Phantom on that same choir trip. The good ol' days!!!

Seeing your emotions rising up and overwhelming you, gets me every time, so pure and from the heart.

I saw Le Miz on Broadway and I can't hear her without getting tears in my eyes. MY wife, daughter and I had the experience of a lifetime. What a voice! Cheers, Frederick "rik" Spector

Another great reaction Bethany. You break down all the technical details of Lea's amazing performance but you also show an authentic emotional response to the music. That's why you are my favorite reactor. You give us both in abundance. Thanks.

Her voice gives the emotions and physical pictures/interpretations of the song let alone the perfect quality of her voice. Excellent performance, my opinion!

Reminds me of how deeply we can be moved by music. Excellent reaction. 😊

Lea the greatest export the Philippines every had! I call her The Pizza Hut of singers; she just delivers and delivers! Magical voice; I remember watching Les Mis and had the chance to hear her live and I was like... WTheck am I listening to?? Unmatched voice.

Believe me, you’re not the only one to wipe a tear away listening to Lea in this Les Mis production. Amazing! (Love your analysis too).

She is such an effortless vocalist. Perfection simply flows out.

I saw Les Miserables on Broadway in the 90's. I bawled at this song. I saw it again about 5 years later, but didn't end up in a puddle. I think the first time I saw it, it might have been Lea. One of my first Broadway shows. How lucky. It was incredible. I understand your tears.

Someday I will watch this performance without crying. Today is not that day.

I can write down the lyrics here because Ms Leah clearly enunciates every word... so so clear Im having eargasm ❤

She is phenomenal and I love your reaction.❤️

This is one of the reasons why she has won some of the most coveted International Awards.

I have seen this so many times, and it is as captivating every time. Naturally, I've seen Les Mes several times, and I know all the lyrics, and have seen different people play the roles, and still, she is remarkable in this. Absolutely flawless. Thank you for this reaction, Bethany!

All those vocals' technicalities while perfectly portraying her character. Ms. Lea is truly a legend!

My mother asked me to find a recording of this 10th Anniversary performance so many years ago. "Yeah yeah Ma. I'll see what I can do." I was completely unfamiliar with the play, the story, the songs, and the entire thing so I took the time to see what she and Pops were going on about. It ended up being a permanent fixture in my own collection that I revisit often. Lea Salonga's performance is breathtaking. Philip Quast's performance as Javert is equally as astounding. The whole cast and crew were at the top of their games and I am a better person for it. Kudos to them all.

I love this reaction and analysis. As someone who loves Lea Salonga's performances, this was such a treat! Thank you! Please, react more to her. I love her voice and techniques so much! 😭

There's something in this song that every time I hear or listen to it I get emotional. It's like every word/lyric and note of this song pierces my heart.

Since crying is both of our default modes when listening to both Lea and Morissette, I must recommend a performance of which I have recently become aware. That is Regine Velasquez's version of "What Kind of Fool Am I". I didn't think it was possible to rival Lea, but this maybe it. She is another legendary Filipina giving a legendary performance.

I love this, i don't know how many times i watch her "On my own" and i always cry everytime.

Dear Vocalyst…. I appreciate your heart that shows every commentary I have watched no matter the singer. Your love for the craft of singing, for singers themselves, your appreciation for their ability and skill they execute in the songs , and your love for this overflows every time for them- example after example. This particular video shows that in you. Thanks for all you do in your field and your love for art and craft of singing by sewing into others.

No one can match her clear dictions in world of music.

I love the fact that you bawled over this gorgeous performance😍 I love our very own Lea Salonga🇵🇭

Yes - Perfection. Lea delivers an absolute Master Class here. Just look at how much effort, how many years of training and dedicated rehearsal, has gone into delivering such an 'effortless' performance! 'Discovered' her recently and blown away. The thing that made me emotional - VERY - was her much later interview where she describes the extent to which racism dogged her throughout, and limited quite a number of her career options.

She is such an incredible singer but like you said, it is so easy to hear every word she is singing. Not many can do that. She is so eloquent.

She is the best Eponine ever, but she also played Fantine in Broadway's revival of Leś Mis in 2006. It was as Kim in Ms. Saigon, though, that she won both the Tony (Broadway) and Laurence Olivièr (West End) awards. A true legend.

I love that I'm not the only person who is sometimes moved to tears because the performance is so beautiful. That's exactly how music should move a person!

i cried with you Coach while listening to this obra maestra of Lea as Eponine 😢😢😢

OMG! What a performance was it. As a person who have watched many versions of Les Misérables I just feel mesmerized. And Coach, thanks a lot for your profound info about the singer and her performance.

im crying too... like i dont understand... i can't explain why bec. i'm not a voice coach..... i just feel her natural and simple voice capturing my heart ❤❤❤

You just feel every emotion in each word/lyric. The clarity of enunciation and emotion per word... delicious. You feel what the character feels. The pain and the beauty of unrequited love. Bravo, Lea!

She is legitimately talented & Beautiful...and the way to narrow down your critiques is so holistic...

She is the gold standard for Eponine!

At 5:49… I enjoy following the Vocalyst’s facial expressions as much as I enjoy the singer…and per the singer’s lower register….. Her pitch is SO …SO….. good… so well framed…. Even when the actual note is below her range, WE STILL HEAR IT….

This musical meant so much to me in my teens and it means even more now that I’m in my fifties. This performance always brings on the emotions. I’m sure you’re never crying alone on this one. Thank you.

What a great performance by Lea. And a very beautiful vocal coach. Refreshing to see a vocal teacher being passionate! Subscribed

I just love the expression you share through words and the physical manifestation through your tears. Just a great reaction!

I've watched that concert so many times. Always s great listen. Bravo. Great reaction.

Oh my God I absolutely love Lea Salonga. I think a lot of what goes unnoticed is when she sings things like “pavement shines like silver.” Her A vowel and E vowel, you see she’s almost smiling, even if it’s sad, but we see her upper teeth and lower teeth and it’s perfect whether it’s chest throat or head voice she’s the queen.

Thanks so much for reacting once again to the legend Ms Lea Salonga. She never miss to amaze me every time I hear her sing and perform. Love watching her performances again and again..best storyteller actress...speaks in the right pitch and the clarity is superb!! I love your reactions to her. Thanks and God bless 🙏❤️🇵🇭

I cried with you as you react to her beautiful voice. Stunning 🤩 ❣️

you are so enjoyable to listen and learn from. What a fun site!

Watched this vid million times, chills all over every time and with your reaction makes me teary-eyed again! Saw Les Miz on Broadway, watched the movie, saw different other Eponine but nobody does it like Ms. Lea!

One of those performances and concerts that I'd give an arm and leg to have attended. PERFECTION!

Even after many times of hearing this, chills, tears, emotion. How amazing!

OMG, I wasn't expecting to get so emotional during this video. What a wonderful voice, perfect for the Broadway stage. Bethany when you started to come apart I started breaking down myself. I wanted to get in my plane and fly to wherever you are to give you a hug. But, I don't have a plane 😐There's always a Greyhound Bus😏 I'll drive! 95N from NJ, no problem, 4 hours 🤔 Just trying to make you smile 😇! Have fun, Bethany, with your friends. Jump in the air and click your heels! You love what you're doing and I'm so happy for you.

From the first time I've watched your reaction videos,I love how you react on singers,the best

Like everytime I hear this song sang by lea it always gives me goosebumps and lss🥺

Love this reaction - love also that you praised her as an actress as well❣️

Just adore her and her vocals. This song is emotional ❤

I'm gaining a new appreciation of singing and music in general watching these videos. Thank you for explaining and sharing!

This is the third video I’ve seen of your reaction videos and I’ve seen many others and as a fellow vocal obsessed person yours is my favorite because you notice the things I hear! Keep going with these!

What a wonderful reaction! This song is so moving! Lea Salonga is such an amazing singer!

Lea's voice has the innocence mixed with power and softness. amazing. luv this vid

Wow, her voice, the sheer beauty of the music... great video!

I am so frantic on your reactions about Lea’s singing especally when you have tears in your eyes❤

Huge LeMis fan and this one of my fav performances. Great reaction

So beautiful, a beautiful and touching analysis.

Your voice is very relaxing. So fluid and soft and smooth. I love listening to your explanations and comments. Every word is enunciated. :)

I love how you can be so technical and yet still feel the emotions from the song.

You are so right - her diction is just so wonderfully precise. What a joy to listen to everything she brought to this gorgeous song. Wow.

the music, the lyrics and delivery... ...it's a tear jerker performance...

Thank you for your reaction! I could feel you feeling her performance. Keep doing what you are doing - you're amazing!

Thank you so much for picking this masterpiece and sharing your knowledge. But what I like even more is that you do not clinically look only at Leas perfect technique in singing and articulating, but to let her impress and move you by her enormous potential as a story-teller and her ability to incorporate Eponine. She definately is THE Eponine! As often as I watch or even listen to this performance she grabs me right by the heart, and I cannot help myself. The tears just rise into my eyes.

Yaay ! Coach!....Thank you for doing this. If there's a perfomance that sometimes we should just allow ourselves to get lost in the moment and be transported within the song, this would be it. Wouldn't you say? 😊 Please dont miss out her Zoom duet with Regine Velasquez doing Musical medley.

It's so moving when you tear up genuinely and spontaneously as the song hits its most emotional part. I think everyone watching the video felt the same in that moment and deep down. It showcases not only the mastery of this singer that I admire from years ago, but also the very reason music exists. It's a soul-deep connection. Thank you for this video and this experience. My dream is to masterfully sing this song one day, and this video has been such an inspiration. A hug from Chile 🇨🇱 Rodrigo

ooofff I was misty-eyed, too, when I listened to this a couple of years back. Glad to have found this again in your channel. Thanks. 💕