When Nightwish’s powerhouse vocalist Floor Jansen locks eyes with Dutch musical theatre legend Henk Poort, something magical happens. As the haunting organ intro of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Phantom of the Opera” begins, Jansen launches into the iconic soprano melody with breathtaking precision. Her voice, clear and commanding, slices through the darkness with a grace that immediately sets the tone for what’s to come.
But this is no ordinary rendition. Backed by a band that infuses the classic with a driving hard rock edge, this version takes on a bold, cinematic intensity. Floor’s operatic voice soars effortlessly above the thunderous guitars, giving the song an epic, almost mythical atmosphere.
Then enters Henk Poort, delivering the Phantom’s lines with a rich, resonant baritone that sends chills down the spine. His theatrical presence and vocal control are perfectly matched to Jansen’s soaring highs. The contrast between their voices—one dark and brooding, the other luminous and powerful—creates a magnetic tension that holds the audience spellbound.
Their chemistry is electric. As they trade lines and harmonize, it feels more like a dramatic confrontation than a duet—an emotional tug-of-war between two commanding voices. Each note builds on the last, reaching a jaw-dropping crescendo that leaves viewers stunned.
This performance, part of the Dutch TV show Beste Zangers, quickly became a viral sensation, amassing over 24 million views on YouTube. Fans around the world have praised it as the definitive rock-opera version of the classic, many calling it the best duet of “Phantom of the Opera” ever performed.
With its mix of theatrical flair, vocal mastery, and powerful rock instrumentation, Jansen and Poort’s rendition doesn’t just honor the original—it reimagines it completely, leaving a lasting impression that few performances ever achieve.