This is not only the best performance of “Memory,” it’s one of the best performances at the Tony Awards ever.
Another fun fact, Susan Boyle said Paige was her musical inspiration. Paige delivers a riveting performance, filled with emotion and vulnerability. He introduced a more vulnerable side vocally, but yet he put it with the ballad side of Jennifer. I love how Thicke allowed me to be me but introduced another side. She explained: 'Its unexpected from me, but it still is me. Many “Cats” purists debate who is the best among the Top 2. Hudson told MTV News that this is her favorite track on the album. Headley, who won the Best Actress Tony in 2000 for her performance in “Aida,” shows incredible range, from the smokey low notes to the control in the climax. She plays with the phrasing to draw out the emotion in each note. The “American Idol”-alum turned Oscar-winner has unquestionable power and richness. What’s most impressive about this performance - aside from the great vocal and acting - is that Parris performed this during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade outside in cold temperatures. But she’s a vocal powerhouse and technically nearly pitch-perfect. Salonga, who is best known for her roles in “Miss Saigon,” “Les Miserables,” and the singing voice of Mulan in the Disney animated film, may seem too sweet for this song.
It’s a little heavy on the hysterics and full of riffs, but that’s signature Celine. Celine reportedly didn’t even know English at the time, which makes this performance even more remarkable. The pop superstar recorded this version in 1987 when she was still a teenager.
It’s by no means flawless, but her commitment is admirable.
The third reality TV show contestant on our list (she appeared on the WB series “Popstars” before becoming prancing around as a Pussycat Doll), Nicole Scherzinger may surprise you with her sensitive rendition. She definitely lives up to Grizabella’s “Glamour Cat” moniker. She’s a bit shaky at the start and her vocal power is noticeably a notch below those ahead of her on this list, but this is still a beautiful performance. Like Boyle, Leona Lewis rose to fame on a British reality TV competition - winning “The X-Factor” in 2006. She rushes through the phrasing of the climax and drops a few notes, but this isn’t bad for a reality TV contestant. Viral sensation Susan Boyle returned to the show that made her famous - “Britain’s Got Talent” - to perform once again. Here are the Top 10 performances of “Memory” from “Cats”: 20 to compare it to the big-screen version. The version she performed on Tuesday is abridged, so we’ll have to wait until Dec. No one can question Hudson’s power - she won an Oscar in part to her rousing rendition of “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” from 2006’s “Dreamgirls.” Jennifer Hudson performed “Memory” from the upcoming “Cats” film on the finale of “The Voice” Tuesday night, but how does her version compare to Broadway’s best?