Salute to Female artists

Since it's international women's month, I want to pay tribute to great women. Last year, I've been busy being a tough woman. Hence, I'd like my post after a few months of somber to be about women - great women that is. Since I love music, I'd like to list down my favorite live performances of great female singers. Some singers sound great in record but a few sound great or even better live, which to me is the mark of a true, great singer.

1. Whitney Houston - i will always love you

Yeah, I'm not a big fan of divas but you can't ignore Whitney Houston when she sang her own rendition of an original cowboy song "I will always love you." The song became an internationally loved song. It's a favorite contest piece for aspiring singers. How many artists tried singing Whitney songs and this song specifically, but there's no better version than Whitney's. Among the live performances, this was the best. Her vocal prowess is very evident.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSSGC9frPR8




2. Sinead O' Connor - nothing compares 2 u

This is yet another cover. This is originally a Prince song. However, Sinead's version was more poignant and don't you just love her skinhead? How cool was that? Growing up, I always fantasized about having the same skinhead. Anyway, this particular performance from the MTV VMA's was the most special. It's as if Sinead let the audience saw her soul. It was so heartfelt and her trademark rich voice which fades (I don't know what's the technical word for that) fits this song perfectly.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wK4aiUvPGy4

3. Sarah Mclachlan - angel

 Sarah's voice is angelic to begin with and her signature song, Angel made Sarah unforgettable. This live performance specially is so poignant. Sarah's piano playing is like second nature to her. This is actually a music video which makes it even more interesting because she made a music video out of a real performance. These days, music videos are commercialized with all fanfare. This is simply great music.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1GmxMTwUgs

4. Annie Lennox - why



Oh Annie! Annie is one of my favorite artists. She's an amazing musician and I love when people keep it simple. The song is titled "Why." It is as extremely simple as it is meaningful. This was performed in open grounds but Annie's voice was solid. She made adlibs which somehow veered away from the original record but it was tastefully done. Annie is a true artist and this live performance is a testament. If you don't enjoy this performance, my question is why?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQQW__8sgNg





 5. Lea Salonga - I dreamed the dream from Les Miserables

Lea Salonga is one of the Philippines' greatest export. She was a coach/judge in the Voice of the Philippines but I dare say she is THE VOICE. Lea's voice is classic. Her notes are clean. She is the star of Broadway. She was casted in the 25th anniversary presentation of Les Miserables and you would know why when you watch this live performance. In the film version, Anne Hathaway played Fantine and when asked how she felt singing the immortal "I dreamed the dream," she replied that she wishes she could sing it like Lea did. This is not a good video clip but the performance is no way near good, it is great!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3oMHOJAS6c