“Over the Rainbow,” a song filled with magic and dreams, has touched hearts since it first graced the movie “The Wizard of Oz” in 1939. Composed by Harold Arlen with lyrics by Yip Harburg, it’s more than just a melody—it’s a piece of history that continues to inspire.
One of the most heartfelt versions of this song was sung by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole, a Hawaiian singer known affectionately as Iz. Late one night in 1988, he walked into a recording studio with his ukulele.
The recording engineer, Milan Bertosa, recalled being called at 3 a.m. to record a song. Iz entered the studio, and with just his ukulele and his voice, he performed “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” in a single, perfect take. This simple yet powerful rendition became a sensation, showing how a classic can be beautifully reimagined.
Despite its popularity, “Over the Rainbow” is known for being a challenging song to perform live. It demands exceptional vocal skills and emotional depth to capture its essence. Many artists hesitate to tackle it because of its complexity.
However, a young girl named Anna, only 11 years old, dared to sing it on the stage of “The Voice Kids.” With her angelic voice and striking confidence, Anna not only impressed the judges, who quickly showed their approval, but also won the hearts of everyone who heard her. Her performance was a reminder of the song’s timeless appeal and its ability to bring out the star quality in those who sing it.
“Over the Rainbow” continues to be a beloved classic, not just in films and recordings but in the live performances of brave and talented singers like Anna. It’s a song that encourages everyone to dream a little bigger and shine a little brighter.
