Move over, Pavarotti. Make way, Bocelli. The 25 year old English tenor is coming to town. His name is Jonathan Antoine and has just added his name to those Christmas playlists. Long, curly hair and all.
It was back in 2012 when he sang in a duo called Charlotte and Jonathan. Britain’s Got Talent put his name in the bright lights and from there, went on to embark on a solo career in February 2014.
Jonathan has achieved so much at 25.
Here is the man himself with an amazing rendition of “O Holy Night” which is for the Guide Dog’s Christmas Wishes Virtual Event. The studio version can be found in his new album, ChristmasLand.
There’s no ultimate version of a Christmas hymn.
With so many cover versions out there, it’s impossible to say who did it best and which version should be played at home. But some are so close.
Songs that speak of the Christmas story are even more tedious to remake. Blame it on its religious background or divine inspiration, but whatever the case, the singer has to please both church goers and non believers.
Adolphe Adam composed “O Holy Night” in 1847. The music was set on a French poem called, ‘Minuit, chrétiens’ (Midnight, Christians) which was then released under the name, “Cantique de Noël“.
Jonathan says in is biography,
“There’s only one way to express what music gives me. It gives me purpose, it gives me point. When I sing, I can just be me.”
Listen to the young tenor!
Antoine sings the first parts gently, like a calm breeze covering the fields of Bethlehem that faithful evening.
“Oh holy night
The stars are brightly shining
It is the night of our dear savior’s birth
Long lay the world in sin and error, pining
‘Til He appeared and the soul felt it’s worth”
It’s as if he’s there, serenading Mary and Joseph as the Savior came into the world.
When the angel of the Lord appeared to the shepherds tending their flock, Jonathan’s singing would have worked playing in the background. When the shepherds made their way to the nativity scene, Antoine’s voice could have carried the moment.
“Not remotely religious, but this is so good. You’ve been a joy to watch every single time. What a great time!”
Says a viewer.
That’s how good it is.
Then a fan named Nancy commented,
“So beautifully performed , so much emotion and for a great charity . You are a treasure as a person and a phenomana in the crossover tenors world . An unforgettable VOICE that will be listened to by generations to come ❤️”
And as Jonathan builds through the song, it becomes apparent that this man really is on his way to become the next great tenor. Watch out, Andrea Bocelli. Someone’s coming for your crown!
When Jonathan unleashes that incredible voice, the world stops and even the newborn Christ would look up and smile at Antoine. That voice of his is a gift from his Creator and he gives it back to the baby Messiah.
Listen to Jonathan’s stunning rendition below!
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