At the 2008 American Music Awards, Sarah McLachlan and Pink performed a spellbinding duet that’s still dazzling viewers to this day. This historic pop clip has racked up over 11 million YouTube views across its various uploads and, nearly fifteen years on (do you feel old yet?), fans are still getting wrapped up in the magic of this performance.
Sarah McLachlan introduces her career-defining ballad alone, singing her soulful 1998 single “Angel” at the grand piano, her dark stage dipped in blue light. With her warm folk tones and distinctive voice that rings out like one in a million, Sarah hardly needed Pink to waltz out on stage to cement this as an absolutely stunning performance. But when Pink’s chorus harmonies start resounding beneath Sarah’s top lines, the 1.2M views underlying this thirteen-year-old YouTube clip soon become no mystery to unravel.
Pink, performing in the midst of the sensational 2008 hype for her recently released UK #1 album “Funhouse” and its lead hits “So What,” “Sober,” and “Please Don’t Leave Me,” lends her gravelly rock-pop tones to majestically balance the angelic hints of Sarah’s own vocals. Their pro harmonies are enough to give any Music Man reader chills while, together, the pair sound absolutely timeless. This is one of those duets that could have taken place at any point in music history, yet never lose a glimmer of its power.
Once Pink takes rein of the second verse, a whole new side to this song is uncovered; her raspy voice adding a raw tinge of realism to Sarah’s heartfelt lyrics, transforming the ballad from its sickly-sweet origins to a creature of unstoppable power. Without attempting to outperform each other, Sarah takes moments to show off her own chart-topping vocals, soaring through irrepressible high notes with softness and featherlike clarity.
“Angel” spent an eye-watering 12 consecutive weeks atop the Billboard Adult Contemporary Charts after being released as the fourth and final single on Sarah’s 1997 album, “Surfacing.” But as sweet as her song may sound, it hides a tragedy within its lyrics, detailing heroin addiction, overdose, and the untimely death of Smashing Pumpkins’ keyboardist Jonathan Melvoin in 1996.
Written out of such extreme tragedy, Sarah’s song has been a comfort to fans from all walks of life. With the comments section flooded with praise for Pink and Sarah’s rendition, this viral clip has got Sarah’s fans looking back at what this song truly means to them. From folks remembering the heartbreaking suicides of family members to daughters sharing stories of their departed dads, “Angel” has become a song of strength for those who need it most, and this version only doubles down on its impact. As one fan wrote, “When I die, please lay the blanket of their voices over me.”
Sarah McLachlan and Pink’s unforgettable duet continues to captivate hearts, showcasing a timeless blend of folk and rock-pop brilliance. Their powerful performance remains a testament to their extraordinary musical talents. Whether you’re revisiting this iconic moment or discovering it for the first time, immerse yourself in its enduring magic. Dive deeper into this remarkable collaboration through the links below.