Part 3

An Awakening

to Gift a World

It Captivated Millions

Songwriters Benj Pasek and Justin Paul were hired for the film The Greatest Showman in 2013. The first song they submitted was "A Million Dreams." The final song submission was the most difficult, and it was the last of five or six songs written for the Jenny Lind debut scene. Loren had been the reference track singer, performing the demo recordings for all the female roles. When asked if she could manage the demo for this last difficult piece, she affirmed that she could, and their final song was approved for the scene below. The result was a viewing and listening experience to rival any in musical film history, one such rival actually being another song within the same film. It's only fitting that we revisit this contemporary film version of Jenny Lind's actual New York debut in 1850, with Rebecca Ferguson in the role of Lind. I remember the chills and surge of emotion I felt as I watched it. I later shared it with a theatrical client/friend, and I saw the same reaction in him.

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The Invisible Reveal

In a musical world, the whole story would've been known and talked about by all. But that's not the world most of us live in. When I watched this scene, seeing the film for the first time, my swell of emotion left me thinking... "who would've imagined"? What I mean is...having seen Rebecca Ferguson in numerous films, I knew a bit of her history, and assumed she could sing. But this was on another level! I saw the movie several months after its box office debut, around the time of the soundtrack release. What I witnessed left me in awe, joining most other viewers in marveling at how Rebecca had performed that vocal, albeit with several takes, a bit of auto-tuning, and the usual soundboard adjustments.

There are reasons why I pay little attention to the annual awards shows, and 2018 was no exception. The Greatest Showman was shunned by several shows for reasons unrelated to production quality or box office success. In the two award shows that acknowledged it, only "This is Me" received song recognition. Now, I live in the islands, so I'm a big supporter of local girl, Keala Settle, and I loved the song, especially when it builds to include the entire supporting cast. But I was still stunned to find no recognition given to "Never Enough", made all the more puzzling by the soundtrack album's early success. When I finally read the soundtrack credits, I instantly understood, and my jaw dropped! Loren was not just the reference track singer for "Never Enough"....it was her voice that we had heard in the movie. It suddenly all made sense! I replayed the DVR and, with that knowledge, was awed even more. The reactions of the producers and songwriters who attended her demo recording will attest that there was no need for auto-turning or vocal enhancement that day.

When Pasek and Paul handed that final music sheet to Loren and asked if she felt she could sing it, several thoughts must've entered her mind. Despite the massive range and the continuing ramp-up of belting, she answered that she could and was probably excited about how she might sing it. But she has admitted wondering 'which actress would be able to sing this.' During her demo session for the song, Pasek and Paul said that it 'raised the hair on everyone's arms'! I would so loved to have witnessed that...to hear it sung for the first time, expecting it to be just another demo session! Total respect should go to Rebecca for having the humility and wisdom to say that Loren's performance was a level beyond her own. She suggested that they keep Loren's voice and allow her to lip sync to it. Thank heaven the producers chose to do exactly that. Loren had found her niche...or rather, it had found her ... " it" being a starring role that was off the stage and out of the spotlight!

The year-long delay in releasing the film may have felt like deja vu to Loren, reminiscent of the disappointments and broken promises during her recording industry days. But surely there were reassurances that a project of this magnitude would not be altered last minute, or shelved for any reason! Looking back at those final two clips in Part 2, I can almost sense, in her, the deep state of satisfaction that comes from having done something well and achieved more than one had envisioned. The clips I refer to are the duet with Natalie Weiss and the session with Michael Mott that followed the completed filming of "The Greatest Showman". It's just one of those *shared moments, or feelings, that I spoke of in the site introduction. I'm sure many of you have experienced the same.

*Two years after my father's death, I returned to the U.S. Outdoor Nationals, seeking to validate my work & study. I had hoped to win two national titles, and perhaps medal in a third. Having won the first two events and getting a bronze medal in the third, I rushed straight from the stadium to the airport, barely making the last boarding call for my flight. Gazing out the window as the plane lifted off the runway, I sighed with relief, amazed that there were no major glitches along the way. Arriving at my next destination, I rented a car to drive the hundred miles to visit my sister before flying back home to the islands. That's when it actually hit me...I can still sense that peaceful feeling as I exited the maze of airport exits and entered the highway with the sun setting. It was more than a state of mind; it was the deepest feeling of satisfaction and joy, having achieved what had seemed so improbable the month before. It wasn't just about titles or medals; it was about having managed all the logistics of getting there and the myriad of other things to navigate. That twilight journey along the interstate was a time of utter contentment...even the ordinary meal I stopped for, along the way, was far tastier than it should've been. It's that all-pervasive state of well-being that I sense in Loren when looking back at her performances during those interim months. The difference, of course, is that the final realization of her achievement is still two months away, with the debut of The Greatest Showman.

A sincere nod to Rebecca Ferguson for skipping the non-disclosure agreement. But in reality, it was almost irrelevant, given the anonymity that followed. Many of the annual award shows had completely ignored the film, which meant the press did as well. Even the shows that awarded recognition did so very selectively. Without the attention that accompanies nominations, the details and credits aren't brought to light, even if the stand-in voice is credited. So in the real world, Loren was invisible beyond her fan base, something that would eventually begin to eat away at her inside. But it was the lack of awareness within the music industry itself that I found the hardest to understand. Jonathan Gealt, however, was definitely aware, having worked closely with Loren in the past. In the fall of 2018, less than a year after the movie's release, he had her sing his deeply moving original song, "Ordinary Day," conveying the story in an extraordinarily connected fashion. The combined effect of the lyrics, her emotions, and her vocals makes this song resonate powerfully with viewers ... so much so that I can't imagine its impact on someone actually mourning such a loss.

One notable figure within the industry, who suspected "Never Enough" had been lip-synced, was not content to let the matter rest. Michael Bublé, with David Foster, was producing an album that would include a duet he'd envisioned. The voice he wanted was the one he had heard in the Jenny Lind scene from "The Greatest Showman, and he set about to find the source. I could link the actual duet from the album, but I'll stray a bit here. Why? Well, since this story is about growth and transformation, we need to see as well as hear. Secondly, this behind-the-scenes look contains some interesting and revealing moments. Despite the success that Loren is currently enjoying, those achievements haven't necessarily erased all the feelings and emotions from past events, which can linger far longer than one realizes. She must have been a bit overwhelmed when she answered the phone and heard Michael Bublé ask if she could be on a plane the next day. In the studio's control room, Michael addresses Loren, who's in the sound booth. Notice the way she's shifting her stance and grasping her thumb when she replies. When he says "I don't want to embarrass you", she shifts her stance again, squeezing her thumb, and replies "okay" in almost a whimper, as if she's expecting constructive advice of some kind; I would describe it as delightful vulnerability. Instead, however, he offers the sincerest of compliments, and you see the honesty and sincerity expressed in her reply. That humble trait, in my opinion, helps account for who she is today, and it's increasingly rare to see those qualities in high-profile public figures today. Lastly, the person to Michael's left, who tells him... "Well, you don't sing that well," is David Foster, an iconic figure in the music world, having produced shows and written songs for far too many legendary artists to name. Documented inference suggests this was the first meeting between Loren and David Foster, but it would certainly not be the last. Their ensuing collaboration would result in a special event that would prove especially meaningful to Loren and link the two on many occasions thereafter. Thanks to Michael Buble for this delightful upload. Thanks also for his genuine care and support for Loren, and for having taken the time to search for the voice behind "Never Enough."

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First "Live" Performance...but

Loren's first live performance of "Never Enough" took place several months after the movie's release, in a church venue arranged to simulate a drive-in theater, although a seated audience was viewable behind. There were some background lighting effects, but the stage looked as if a gymnastic act had preceded her and left chalk everywhere ...maybe that was intentional. I'm merely suggesting that a live debut of this artist singing this song begs for a setting more befitting than a circus ring or a drive-in. The debut scene in the film takes place in an opera house, with Barnum standing on a grand stage wearing a tuxedo. But in this live debut of the actual singer, we have a drive-in theater, an untidy stage floor, and a host dressed as a ringmaster, all contrasting with the beauty of the song, the dress, and the singer. In other words, it was the exact opposite of what Barnum sought to accomplish with Lind in the film scene. I mean no disrespect to the event itself or the attendees, as I'm sure it was a memorable occasion for all. Perhaps her appearance was just one of several circus-themed acts, and thus served more as a first-time experience for Loren. I admit smiling when I saw her lift her foot off the floor a few times, in gospel-like fashion...maybe the church venue inspired memories (only joking). This may also have been the event that Michael Bublé found when searching online for Loren's performances, in the hope of securing her for a duet to include on his upcoming album.

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A Second Live Debut

In late fall of 2019, I returned to the islands and the comfort of my home for a few months. I was not completely aware of what I was about to see during this final weekend in November, but I had seen the promo ads for the PBS special with David Foster and guests and made sure to remember the date. I think it's safe to say that this performance was where many people first discovered Loren Allred. I'm also very comfortable saying that for me, it was her first legitimate live performance, on a proper stage with great accompaniment, a live theater audience, and a live TV audience. Granted, PBS has nowhere near the viewership of the mainstream networks and premium channels, but with the event appearing on YouTube soon after, she was seen and heard by many viewers beyond PBS's viewing audience. A large backdrop image of the movie scene added to the moment. David Foster is a great showman in his own right. For many fans and viewers, this remains a favorite performance of "Never Enough", and in terms of delivering a live version of what people saw and heard in the movie, I can't disagree. It retained the classical splendor and atmosphere of that performance, but managed to add something more. Five years had passed, and Loren was now free to add nuances and melismas (runs and riffs), which only made the song more impressive. David and Loren had obviously rehearsed the song several times, but I think his reaction afterward clearly shows how an actual performance can far surpass anything produced during rehearsals. Loren had finally introduced herself to a world that had only heard her voice, and her reaction to the appreciative audience is easy to interpret. It had to be a very special moment for her, as well as for many who had anxiously waited to see and hear the actual artist behind the song in the movie.

I have no idea what could have kept people in their seats after this performance; hopefully, it was out of courtesy for the next performer. I've seen that question in a number of reviews, and I have to think there was some reason for it. It's important to remember that "This is Me" is still the song with all the awards, and ironically, Loren provided the reference track, or demo, for that song. However, "Never Enough has now gained traction and will soon become the iconic song that everyone knows. I was sure this performance would launch her to stardom. At the very least, performing live regularly as a tour member, alongside colleagues and friends, would have taken her far toward that end. But unfortunately, that wasn't what the world had in store for her.

Dreams were crushed, businesses and careers were dismantled, and lives were put on hold. Adding to the hardship and uncertainty for Loren was the sorrow of a breakup on the first day of quarantine. One minute, you're atop the world, traveling and performing; the next minute, you are alone in your apartment with only the gray of winter outside and the news that your city now accounts for 24% of the national death toll. I've known and worked with a number of celebrities over the years, some of whom were performing artists, and I'm always curious why so many in the general public view them as void of the same feelings and emotions the rest of us possess. I can assure you that's not the case. When the spotlights, cameras, and microphones are turned off, they go wherever, and they experience all the same feelings and emotions as the rest of us. Their public image impacts their career, so you can't blame them for wanting to keep that part of their life private.

COVID-19 first appeared in the United States on January 19, 2020. While the first confirmed case in NYC was on March 3, researchers later estimated that over 10,000 had been infected at that point. By the end of March, the city's COVID-19 infection rate was five times the national rate, and 672 people had died. The World Health Organization had declared it a pandemic, and cities across the U.S. went into lockdown, including Brooklyn, New York.

This may sound harsh, but sometimes periods of desolation and other such somber moments in one's life can provide fertile ground for creation and innovation. Those same somber moments can also spawn introspection and change within. There is everything to suggest that Loren was visited by all those moments and experienced all of those processes during this period, or at least a similar representation of each. There is also everything to suggest that it was all to her benefit in multiple ways and thus, to ours as well.

A Soul Set Free

If you have any doubt about what's taking place at this point, then listen to the lyrics in each original song. As much as I marvel at what comes later, these moments are among my favorites in this story of transformation and growth. Aside from the raw talent on display, there's so much to like in these outpourings of heart and soul. While the polished full studio productions are great, these informal, personalized uploads are so authentic and meaningful, and each song seems to highlight a moment of growth and awareness, not to mention health and well-being. Moreover, viewed as performance artistry, they reveal more than just songwriting and vocal skills. They show us what could be if the camera were secretly replaced by a live audience, allowing her to continue with the same confidence and uninhibited expression that was offered so freely to only the camera ... let's call it "candid stage presence". I'm loosely referencing what will soon be a decisive moment in her life, but it will not be candid or without her knowledge...quite the opposite, in fact. Here, however, she's still within her comfort zone, and it's as if we're seeing and hearing someone convey their realizations and honest desires in simple, unfettered lyrics, free of any pretense. The runs and riffs at the end left me wishing they had started soon and continued way longer. "Your Girl" was written by Loren and Michel Heyaca for her "Late Bloomer" EP

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* Our two stories are about to intertwine again, but it would take time for that to come to light, and several years for it to completely unfold. I've no doubt there are others with similar ties.

See Part 4 in Content

( For many )

As much as I'd like to showcase the covers of "Faithfully" and "Anyone", I'll stick to her original songs just to stay on point. "This Summer", written by Loren and Michel for her "Late Bloomer" EP, was a splendid example of overcoming the somber moments I spoke of earlier. The nostalgia of past moments and the optimistic hope to live them anew were beautifully displayed in this joyful and well-crafted production. I absolutely could listen to this song anytime and feel better immediately. I've often said that I felt this song marked a turning point in her life. There's a sense of freedom about it that almost seems to predict her future. The lyrical phrase, "pretend, for a while, the world's not on fire..." is referring to the pandemic. It's a wonderful display of personal conviction and positive outlook during a time of doubts and fears, and it remains one of my favorite compositions revealing her growth and development as both individual and artist.

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A Moment of Reflection

*During that same time period in 2018, when Loren flew to meet and record with Michael Bublé and David Foster, I had flown from the islands to Santa Fe, NM, to begin a four-year work-study program. It's safe to say each was a pivotal point, respectively, and would set each on a course toward a personal paradigm shift. Although unknown to me at that point, she would be living out of a suitcase much of the time, and I would be in a strange place far from home for months at a time. I can't speak for anyone else, but for me it was a couple of years spent clearly outside of my comfort zone. I'm reasonably sure that most belonging to my generation would have found this frighteningly unsettling, and it was. Despite the differences in the two courses set upon, each would have us both moving in the same direction toward a similar outcome in terms of changes in perception, thought patterns, and such. Although I was not aware of Loren's course changes at that time, and would not presume to know her mindset, I would imagine that the shift she was experiencing was somewhat softened by having the logistics handled by others and by being among colleagues and friends. Regardless, many would soon see evidence of the shift taking place.

*The global shutdown during the pandemic had been rough on everyone. My program in New Mexico would now span 6 years instead of 4. Many of my colleagues grew discouraged and dropped out. I used the downtime to add breathing and respiration certification (not for singing) in 2021. By late summer that year, the world had begun to open up again, but I would not return to Santa Fe until spring of 2022. I had not seen Loren perform live since the PBS special in 2019, and did not know she was touring with Andrea Bocelli at that time. But I had become increasingly interested in the lyrics seen in her songwriting.

No Image needed

Here are two instances where words can say more than pictures can. "Miss Myself reveals aspects of life and career; the other is more personal, yet despite describing a relationship, it still touches upon her vocation. Let's first listen to the July 2021 upload of "Miss Myself."

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The verse leading to the first Chorus may strike a familiar chord for many, while others who move to a different beat discarded the idea of fitting in early on. The verse leading to the next chorus, however, aptly describes the pressures of pursuing her dream, trying to fit the image others had in mind. It was quite a contrast when you think of her choosing to leave school so she could pursue her own music ambitions. The industry chose the mold and provided the book of rules, and it's not too difficult to imagine what "smiling faces to hide the shame" likely refers to. It took a while to reach this point, having walked away from it all and taken back control of her life almost a decade ago. But once the thoughts, feelings, and emotions found lyrical form, they began to pour out, and they just kept coming.

"Perfect", uploaded a month after "Miss Myself, is a more personal reveal, while still alluding to being herself in a world where "No one's got the answers, I should know better than to keep on keep on listening." The lyrics in both songs caught my interest the moment I heard them, because they were creatively expressing a part of that "shift" I spoke of earlier...a change in perception followed by a shift in perspective. These topics were at the core of the program in New Mexico, which was half completed when the shutdown began. Filling that void with the neuro-respiratory work during the shutdown had only increased my curiosity about the songwriting. The lyrics in these two songs fascinated me because of the changes reflected.

*As a side note, I've always wished they would remaster this recording. Following the pause for percussion, there's a key change at the 2:11 mark that's a bit muted right at the moment you'd like it boosted. She belts some beautiful high notes on "....try to be perfect for you" and they would sound so great if the volume had been maintained...or even boosted slightly. I've always wondered what happened there.

A "Fit" Ending to Part 3

The wow factor was in full effect when the "Til I Found You" music video was shot, which likely corresponded with the period when she was working out five times per week. Clearly, she was comfortable with herself, and the flirtatious theme and spicy choreography offered a very different look and feel. With a dance choreography theme, she portrayed all of the emotions that the lyrics would have us feel about a new romance...the desire, and the early-stage coyness that is soon emboldened by the first sign of mutual feeling. During my childhood, my father had built a cabin at Lake Lure, NC, which was one of the filming sites for the movie "Dirty Dancing," and here, I can see Loren as "Baby," Jennifer Grey's character, with Julius Rubio in Patrick Swayze's role. It's a great display of versatility compared to the other videos. I'm not saying this was the future Loren that "This Summer" portended... I'm jokingly saying "This Summer" is at the innocent end of the spectrum...and "Til I Found You" is at the coming-of-age end! But seriously, relative to our story, it gave us another example of what she was capable of as a live performer, were it not for her nervousness and fear of a stand-alone live performance on stage. According to Loren, her shyness was there from childhood. When the stakes are high, that embedded shyness can literally paralyze some, regardless of innate ability. She will soon face that challenge during a decisive moment in her life as a performer. Those issues, however, were nowhere to be seen in this video of "Til I Found You."

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From The Greatest Showman

"Ordinary Day"

"Till I Found You"

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"Perfect"

"Miss Myself"

"Never Enough" 1st time live.

"Your Girl"

Michael Buble / Making the duet with Loren

"This Summer"

David Foster...PBS Special / "Never Enough"

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With the post-pandemic reopening, Loren performed with Andrea Bocelli's U.S. tour in late 2021 and would soon follow with one of the most important decisions in her career. Visit Part 4 in Content for the story.

*No AI-generated content