Celine Dion and Joe Walsh surprise with a phenomenal Beatles cover
Joe Walsh and Celine Dion made for an unlikely duo when they appeared together in 2008 on Dion’s live television special, “Celine Dion: That’s Just The Woman In Me.” Celine Dion, a Canadian singer-songwriter, is widely celebrated for her soulful and beautiful ballads such as “My Heart Will Go On” and “Think Twice.” In contrast, Joe Walsh, a multi-instrumentalist, is best known for his work with the rock band The Eagles, particularly his skillful guitar playing. The difference in their musical backgrounds was quite striking.
However, despite their contrasting styles, the collaboration between Celine and Joe proved to be a perfect match. Together, they delivered an incredibly delicate version of George Harrison’s “Something,” originally released by The Beatles in 1969 as a double A-side. Celine brought a feminine touch to the performance, reminiscent of Shirley Bassey’s interpretation, singing with a graceful elegance that made her seem almost ethereal. On stage, she wore a fluffy white dress paired with striking thigh-high black boots, adding to the visual appeal of the performance.
Joe Walsh’s rich and melodic guitar lines provided the perfect accompaniment to Celine’s vocals, complementing her without ever overshadowing the song’s delicate balance. When it came time for the iconic solo, Walsh added a subtle country rock vibe, staying true to the original while infusing it with his own style. The combination of these two distinct approaches resulted in a powerful cover that exceeded many viewers’ expectations.
The performance received significant admiration, with one fan even describing it as “a masterclass by two legends in respect of a third.” The seamless blend of Celine’s vocal elegance and Joe’s expert guitar work created a rendition that resonated deeply with the audience, highlighting the timeless quality of the song.
Meanwhile, if you haven’t listened to the original version of “Something” by The Beatles, it’s a must. The song, written by the band’s guitarist George Harrison, became a number one hit in several countries worldwide. It was inspired by Harrison’s then-wife, Patti Boyd, and upon its release, it was hailed as “the greatest love song of the past 50 years.” With its charming melody, exquisite guitar arrangements, and heartfelt lyrics, it stands as one of the many timeless tracks in The Beatles’ discography.
Given the legendary status of “Something,” there was a significant risk that Celine and Joe’s 2008 rendition could have fallen short or even been met with criticism from the live audience. The challenge of doing justice to such an iconic track was immense, but both artists handled it with grace and skill.
In the audience that night was Olivia Harrison, the widow of George Harrison. She watched the performance with pride and later expressed her appreciation for how beautifully the duet was executed. Olivia noted that the performance not only showcased the talents of Celine and Joe but also honored the original song’s legacy.
Celine and Joe’s collaboration was more than just a surprising pairing; it was a celebration of music’s power to unite artists from different genres and backgrounds, creating something truly special. Their rendition of “Something” stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of George Harrison’s songwriting and the universal appeal of The Beatles’ music.
The performance was a memorable moment in both artists’ careers and remains a powerful example of how two very different musicians can come together to create something extraordinary.