Performing live at the legendary Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, internet sensation Jacob Collier once again left the audience in awe with his incredible harmonies. Known all over the world for his jaw-dropping reinventions of popular songs, Jacob always brings something fresh and magical to the classics. Before that night, I believed Simon & Garfunkel’s ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’ was already perfect. But after hearing Jacob’s version, I’m not so sure anymore!
The show started with Jacob putting his own spin on the folk classic. He used synthesizers and vocal effects to create a dreamy, otherworldly sound that immediately pulled the crowd in. But then, something unbelievable happened—John Legend walked onto the stage!
The audience erupted in cheers. As if that wasn’t enough, moments later, Tori Kelly joined them, adding her powerful voice to the mix. What followed was a breathtaking 10-minute performance that had both the live audience and online fans completely mesmerized. One fan commented on the video, “This was a SPIRITUAL experience.” The video has now racked up over 1.6 million views!
Jacob didn’t just cover the song—he completely transformed it. Using electronic sounds and his deep knowledge of harmonies, he blended his style with John Legend’s soulful voice and Tori Kelly’s stunning vocal runs. The result? A version of the song unlike anything heard before. Fans were especially amazed by Tori’s incredible vocal skills. Her voice soared through the theatre, effortlessly hitting high notes and delivering smooth, intricate runs. It was pure magic.
But that wasn’t the end of the story! Over six months after their unforgettable performance, Jacob surprised fans by posting a behind-the-scenes video on his YouTube channel. The video showed him and Tori working together on the song’s arrangement. And then came an even bigger treat—a professionally recorded version of Tori’s verse was released! This time, her stunning vocals were backed by a choir made entirely of Jacob’s own harmonized voice. The combination of their creativity and raw musical talent proved they are truly a dream team.
Music lovers always have their favorite covers of classic songs, but what Jacob Collier, Tori Kelly, and John Legend did with ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’ was something entirely different. They honored the beauty of the original while making it their own in a way no one else could. Some may debate whether it’s better than the original, but one thing is for sure—this version is something incredibly special.
