If you grew up with a mother like mine, a woman who is a self-proclaimed “Grobanite”, you will be aware of any song Josh Groban has ever sung.
So when I heard this viral video of a daddy/daughter duet singing the song “The Prayer”, I recognized it immediately yet, I couldn’t believe my eyes. That’s because while the operatic style of the song is familiar to me, I did not expect to hear it sung so angelically by a teenaged girl and her dad in their home.
Along with a message of hope, they have been bringing smiles to faces during this tough time.
The song itself didn’t in fact start with Josh Groban either.
The Prayer was written by a team of talented songwriters, and originally created for the film “Quest for Camelot”, to be sung by Canadian singer Celine Dion, and Andrea Bocelli in Italian.
It went on to win the 1999 Golden Globe for Best Original Song before Josh Groban eventually recorded his version which would end up in my living room. Again. And Again. And again.
So when Mat and and his oldest daughter Savanna took to their home microphone to record their own version, they had a few big pairs of shoes to fill.
The Utah duo began singing in the wake of increasing isolation due to the spread of Covid-19, and have been releasing their recordings since the 6th of March.
In the wake of a recent earthquake in Utah, they have a lot of hope to spread, and many people who need to hear it.
When Savanna begins to sing, you won’t believe your ears.
She has an incredible voice, and vocal control beyond her years. Move over Celine, this girl’s talent is so raw and mature at this age, that in due time she will be a tall poppy indeed.
Then Daddy begins to sing…and the apple does NOT fall far from the tree.
When Mat sparks up his heavenly voice, you’d best grab onto something because there ain’t enough gravity for this man’s gravitas. His voice is silky smooth, and as powerful as Bocelli or Groban. I’m sure that if he had followed their same path he could be their contemporary by now.
I guess thanks to the power of the internet and the success of their videos, he pretty much is!
When the two of them hit the big finish get ready for goosebumps!
Their voices come together at the end to bring the song to a powerful, moving crescendo, before slowly releasing.
Their relationship as well as their beautiful voices are truly inspirational, and their mission of providing hope in these tough times, with many viewers commenting that listening to them sing and seeing that time in isolation with family can mean an opportunity to grow closer.
One commenter sums it up wonderfully:
“I’ve listened to this simply beautiful performance about 10 times and each time I find myself crying. It moves me so much. I think it’s because, not only are the father and daughter extremely talented, but you can feel the loving connection between the two. There’s no pretension…no manufactured setting.. just a father and daughter in their living room effortlessly and beautifully sharing their gift of music. Hands down, for me, the best rendition of “The Prayer” including Josh Groban, Celine Dion, and Andrea Bocelli’s versions. Thank you for sharing your gifts with us.”
Watch the full video below to enjoy this jaw-dropping Daddy Daughter duet!
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