You won’t believe this Beatles cover by Celine Dion and Joe Walsh
Joe Walsh and Celine Dion formed a surprising duo when they performed together in 2008 during Dion’s live television special, “Celine Dion: That’s Just The Woman In Me.” Celine Dion, a Canadian singer-songwriter, is most famous for her emotional and beautifully crafted ballads such as “My Heart Will Go On” and “Think Twice.” In contrast, Joe Walsh, a multi-instrumentalist, is celebrated for his powerful guitar work with the legendary rock band The Eagles. The contrast between their musical styles was striking.
Despite the differences in their musical backgrounds, the two artists created a surprisingly harmonious partnership, delivering a tender rendition of George Harrison’s song “Something.” This song, originally released as a double A-side by The Beatles in 1969, holds a special place in music history. Celine drew inspiration from Shirley Bassey’s earlier interpretation, infusing her performance with a feminine grace while singing with an effortless elegance that made her appear almost angelic. Her stage presence was enhanced by a fluffy white dress and striking thigh-high black boots.
On the other hand, Joe Walsh’s melodic and rich guitar lines perfectly complemented Celine’s vocals, never overshadowing them. When the time came for the song’s iconic solo, Walsh introduced a subtle country rock influence, staying true to the original while adding his unique touch. The combination of these two artists, each with their distinct approach, resulted in a cover that exceeded the expectations of many viewers.
This performance left a lasting impression, with one fan even describing it as “a masterclass by two legends in respect of a third.” The fusion of Celine’s vocal purity and Joe’s guitar expertise created a powerful and memorable rendition that resonated deeply with the audience.
The original version of “Something” by The Beatles is a timeless classic, penned by the band’s guitarist George Harrison. The song, inspired by Harrison’s then-wife, Patti Boyd, became a number one hit in numerous countries. It was lauded as “the greatest love song of the past 50 years” upon its release. Its enchanting melody, intricate guitar arrangements, and heartfelt lyrics make it one of the many enduring tracks in The Beatles’ discography.
Given the legendary status of “Something,” there was a real possibility that Celine and Joe’s 2008 rendition could have faced criticism or fallen short of expectations during the live show. The pressure to live up to such an iconic song was immense, but both artists delivered with grace and skill.
In attendance that night was Olivia Harrison, George Harrison’s widow, who watched the performance with a mix of pride and gratitude. She later expressed her appreciation for how the duet was performed, noting that it not only sounded beautiful but also honored the original due to the undeniable talent of Celine and Joe.
Ultimately, Celine Dion and Joe Walsh’s collaboration on that night in 2008 was more than just an unexpected pairing—it was a celebration of the power of music to unite artists from different genres and backgrounds to create something truly special. Their rendition of “Something” remains a testament to the lasting legacy of George Harrison’s songwriting and the universal appeal of The Beatles’ music.