The many versions of “Over The Rainbow”

Posted on April 13, 2008
Filed Under video | 3 Comments

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To be honest, I listened to IZ’s version of Somewhere Over the Rainbow for the first time after I heard Jason Castro’s version of the same song on American Idol. Do you know how many people have actually sang the song in singing competitions in recent years?

Jason Castro in American Idol
Katherine McPhee in American Idol
Leona Lewis in X Factor
Connie Talbot in Britain’s Got Talent

The actual title of the song is Over The Rainbow but it is also popularly known as SomeWhere Over the Rainbow. It was written for the movie Wizard of Oz and it became Judy Garland’s signature song.

As usual I did my research online and I found 7 versions of the song on YouTube. For the moment I think I like IZ’s version the best because I’ve just listened to it and like his voice and arrangement but I cannot deny that Eva Cassidy’s version is still at the top my favourite list after IZ.

Have a listen and let me know which you like best.

Israel Kamakawiwo Ole’s (IZ) version

Jason Castro’s version on American Idol

Katherine McPhee’s version on American Idol

Leona Lewis’ version on X Factor

Connie Talbot’s version on Britain’s Got Talent

Judy Garlands version in The Wizard of Oz

Eva Cassidy’s version

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3 Responses to “The many versions of “Over The Rainbow””

siewcheng on April 15th, 2008 6:30 pm

I like both IZ and Eva Cassidy versions, I have heard other version from Jane Monheit which I like as well. Eventually I think it all depends on the mood!!!
elohan on April 16th, 2008 2:13 pm

I think there is a somewhat obvious reason for this song’s popularity in singing competitions – it’s familiar to most, for those singers with a descent singing voice, it’s got a few nice high chords to hit, finally, it tugs at every kid at heart’s strings.. what do you think?
ash on April 16th, 2008 4:14 pm

elohan and siewcheng,

i totally agree with both. Over the rainbow was voted 20th century’s best song, it is a classic, the lyrics are meaningful and everyone knows the song. i remember i learnt the song in school