Joe Walsh and Celine Dion collaborate for an epic Beatles cover

Joe Walsh and Celine Dion made an unlikely duo when they shared the stage in 2008 during Dion’s live television special, “Celine Dion: That’s Just The Woman In Me.” Celine Dion, known as a Canadian singer-songwriter, has built her career on deeply emotional and beautifully sung ballads such as “My Heart Will Go On” and “Think Twice.” In contrast, Joe Walsh, a multi-instrumentalist, is famed for his powerful guitar work with the rock band The Eagles. The contrast between their musical styles was striking.

Despite the differences in their backgrounds, Celine and Joe turned out to be a surprisingly harmonious pair on stage. They delivered a delicate and captivating rendition of George Harrison’s song “Something,” which had originally been released as a double A-side by The Beatles in 1969. Celine’s performance was inspired by Shirley Bassey’s earlier rendition, as she added a soft, feminine touch to the song. She sang with an effortless elegance, which made her appear almost angelic, dressed in a fluffy white dress and striking thigh-high black boots.

Joe Walsh’s guitar work added richness and melody to the performance, perfectly complementing Celine’s vocals. His playing was subtle and never overpowered the softness of the song. When he reached the song’s iconic solo, he introduced a hint of country rock, paying homage to the original album while also showcasing his unique style.

The combination of these two very different artists resulted in a performance that surpassed the expectations of many who watched. The blend of Celine’s graceful voice and Joe’s expert guitar playing created a cover that was both powerful and unexpectedly moving. One fan described it as “a masterclass by two legends in respect of a third,” highlighting the skill and respect they brought to the song.

The original version of “Something” by The Beatles is a timeless classic that remains beloved by fans around the world. Written by George Harrison, the band’s guitarist, the song quickly became a number one hit in multiple countries. 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 beautiful melody, intricate guitar arrangements, and touching lyrics, it is one of the many enduring tracks in The Beatles’ catalog.

Given the iconic status of “Something,” Celine and Joe’s 2008 performance could easily have failed or been met with criticism from the live audience. The pressure to do justice to such a well-loved song was immense, but both artists rose to the challenge with skill and grace.

Olivia Harrison, George Harrison’s widow, was in the audience that night and watched the performance with pride and appreciation. She later expressed her gratitude for how the duet was performed, noting that it was not only beautifully sung but also honored the original thanks to the immense talent of both Celine and Joe.

In the end, the collaboration between Celine Dion and Joe Walsh in 2008 was more than just an unexpected pairing. It was a celebration of music’s ability to bridge genres and bring together artists from different backgrounds to create something truly special. Their rendition of “Something” is a testament to the enduring legacy of George Harrison’s songwriting and the universal appeal of The Beatles’ music.