Billy Porter vs. Céline Dion | Head 2 Head 🗣️

On the 38^th edition of Head 2 Head (2021), Billy Porter and Céline Dion contend for the best rendition of “Love is On the Way.” 

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elcome to Head 2 Head 🗣️! On Head 2 Head, we pit at least two musicians singing the same song together, comparing their performances.  Then, after much deliberation, we deliver a verdict of which performance was the best, or at least, subjectively, which performance moved us more.  On the 38^th edition of head-to-head (2021), 🎙 Billy Porter and 🎙 Céline Dion contend for the best rendition of 🎵 “Love is On the Way”. So, without further ado, let the Head 2 Head commence!

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1. Billy Porter, “Love is On the Way”

💿 Untitled • 🏷 A&M • 📅 1997

Broadway actors have some of the best voices in the game – FACTS!  That said, it is often difficult for Broadway stars to translate into the mainstream.  🎙 Billy Porter discussed his unexceptional music career in depth in his superb memoir, 📚 Unprotected.  At the time, Porter had been in several Broadway productions, was considered incredibly flamboyant (remember it was the 90s, so, perceptions were different), and making him the ‘male Whitney Houston’ as he describes in his book was always going to be tough sale.  Regardless, Porter did release an album via A&M Records, 💿 Untitled in 1997, and it features a soaring ballad tailor made for him, 🎵 “Love is On the Way.”

“Love is On the Way” was written by 🎼✍ Denise Rich, 🎼✍ Peter Zizzo, and 🎼✍ Tina Shafer, with Zizzo producing.  The sound is adult contemporary R&B – that signature 90s sounding love-oriented ballad.  The difference is, Porter has one of the biggest voices you’ll ever hear – or have NEVER heard, unfortunately.  He exhibits control and poise on the verses, showcasing the sheer beauty of his instrument.  By the chorus, he soars, showing the sheer power of his instrument – power that gives chills.  Backed by choir, Porter hearkens back to his Pentecostal church roots, giving ample soul.  Add to the magnificence a range few males have the gift (he’s a tenorino). “Love is On the Way” was originally his song, BUT, a bigger name – 🎙 Céline Dion – ended up recording it for her album 1997 album, 💿 Let’s Talk About Love.  In essence, the version many have heard is by the Canadian pop icon as opposed to Porter which is unfortunate.

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2. Celine Dion, “Love is On the Way”

💿 Let’s Talk About Love • 🏷 Sony • 📅 1997 

When certain singers acquire a song by somebody else, well, they often end up claiming the definitive version.  For 🎙 Céline Dion, like many of the big-voiced divas, she’s been known to ‘cop’ a song and transform it as her own throughout her career.  That’s what happened on her 💿 Let’s Talk About Love standout, 🎵 “Love is On the Way.” An unknown Broadway actor, trying to hide his theatrical career (🎙 Billy Porter) records the song first for his under-promoted debut album, 💿 Untitled.  The song, which is utterly fantastic, ends up going to the highly recognized musician for her blockbuster album – yes, the one that also features 🎵 “My Heart Will Go On – Love Theme from ‘Titanic’”.

I hate the fact that the song that could’ve propelled Porter to superstardom was given to a well-established superstar – one of the greatest vocalists of all time.  At the same time, Céline Dion does just what you expect her to do on a big ballad – nail it.  From start to finish, “Love is On the Way” sounds like signature Céline.  Like Billy Porter, she delivers more poised, cooler vocals on the chorus, rising to the occasion on the gargantuan, spirited chorus.  Even on the chorus, Dion never loses control, still sounding as if it’s incredibly easy to bring such power.  By the end, Dion ‘lets loose’ more, doing more vocal acrobatics and showing why she’s an elite talent.

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The Verdict 👨🏿‍⚖️ 

Billy Porter or Céline Dion? Honestly, I’m going to call it a draw.  I love the adult contemporary R&B original by Porter, who gives his all. Honestly, had the label promoted the single more focusing on Porter, I would like to think it could’ve soared.  The reality is, the fact that Dion recorded her version made sure we knew how great this record is.  Porter was an unknown in the music biz despite his own prodigious talents while Céline was the Sugar.Honey.Iced.Tea.  I’m just blabbering at this point but, both versions are stellar in my opinion.

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Billy Porter vs. Céline Dion: Head 2 Head 🗣️ No. 38 [📷: A&M, Brent Faulkner, GenderArts from Pixabay, The Musical Hype, Sony, Valentin Tikhonov from Pixabay]

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