Celine Dion Duet with Charice Pempengco Garners Standing Ovation

Celine Dion introduces Charice

Celine Dion prepared the audience for Charice’s entrance by giving the background story as to how the young Filipina ended up being invited to her Taking Chances concert at the famous Madison Square Garden. “They actually told me about an incredible young singer that she [Oprah Winfrey] discovered a while back. You know, if you watch Oprah last week, you know all about her. This young lady’s name is Charice. I’m so excited. She’s 16 years old and she’s from the Philippines.

“Let me tell you, she has a voice that can literally blow the roof off Madison Square Garden and she just might. But the real story is how Charice and her mom escaped the terrifying experience and had to leave Charice’s violent father. You know, to start a life of their own.

“Charice vowed to save her mom from a life of desperation and despair. You know, through prayers and dreams and God-given talent, an incredible voice, Charice entered every singing contest in her native country and [was] eventually noticed by such influential people.

“You know, a show in Oprah and Oprah wanted to take her and took her under her wings. Then, the David Foster joined her. I had the chance to see Charice perform one of my songs on Oprah last week. I have a little bit of difficulty to talk right now because I met Charice, and I’m so emotional… So I’m searching and looking for my words…trying to control my emotion.

“I invited her to come here tonight to sing with me. Where are you sweetheart? There she is, come down, Sweetie.” At this point, Charice descended from the audience area and went onstage where Celine Dion kindly acknowledged her and her mother, and shared her own particular bit of advice about performing.

“Ladies and gentlemen, this is Charice. [To Charice] You look spectacular! Are you shaking? Are you okay? Don’t be nervous and, I think, a lot of people, they understand that you are nervous.

“I’m gonna tell you one thing, the talent we’re not gonna talk about, because you have. The strength, we’re not gonna talk about because you have, and so the love. And I have to tell you, the family, we’ll gonna talk because you have to.

“One time, my manager, my husband [Rene Angelil], told me, ‘Celine…’ Because when I started to sing, I was 12 years old, so 12 and 16, it’s the same, okay? He told me, ‘Celine, I know you’re nervous, don’t be scared. You love to sing. When you go up there, you’ll be nervous. Don’t be.’

“I will give you an image that you can think about. Think that all the people you see in front of you are your brothers and sisters. You’re singing in your living room and these are your family. They can’t can’t wait to hear you sing. I think I know you want to dedicate this song to your mother. So we’re gonna sing ‘Because You Loved Me’ for your mother.”

Because You Loved Me Charice Duet with Celine Dion (Part 1)

Because You Loved Me Charice Duet with Celine Dion (Part 2)

Celine Dion generously let Charice Pempengco shine, and only joined her voice to hers in some verses. The Madison Square Garden audience swept to its feet clapping while Charice was singing and gave an extended standing ovation at the end of her stint.

Celine Dion hugged Charice tightly and told her, “Your mother is extremely proud of you, and so we are as well. You did amazing and the roof of Madison went up tonight.

“But I’ll ask you Charice, when you do Madison Garden, are you gonna invite me? I love you and I cannot wait for you to perform here for a full concert.”

Celine Dion Quotations Courtesy of Philippine Entertainment Portal

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