Canadian musician Marc Martel, whose uncanny vocal resemblance to legendary Queen frontman Freddie Mercury has earned him global acclaim, delivered a truly unforgettable performance that brought superstar Céline Dion to tears right on live television. The moment, which centered on Queen’s powerful anthem “Somebody to Love,” solidified Martel’s reputation as arguably the closest vocal match to Mercury in the world. The guy with the “reborn” voice of Freddie Mercury made the legendary Celine Dion unable to hold back tears right on TV, turning his cover of “Somebody to Love” into a goosebump-inducing moment that left the whole world speechless.
A Tearful Tribute on Canadian TV
The emotional event took place in September 2016 on the Radio-Canada TV show En direct de l’Univers. Céline Dion, a known admirer of Martel’s talent—and of Queen’s music—had personally requested his appearance. Martel’s cover of the gospel-rock infused classic, “Somebody to Love,” was so profoundly moving that Dion, visibly overwhelmed, was unable to hold back her tears. The raw emotion displayed by the diva of ballads spoke volumes about the power and precision of Martel’s delivery, which captures the spirit and vocal texture of Mercury with striking accuracy.
The Voice Behind the Blockbuster
Martel’s remarkable vocal gift extends far beyond the stage and into cinematic history. He is a key contributor to the singing voice of Freddie Mercury in the 2018 biographical film, Bohemian Rhapsody. The film’s producer, Graham King, confirmed that the vocals for the performance sequences were a sophisticated blend of original Queen master tapes, the voice of lead actor Rami Malek, and new recordings by Martel. King famously stated that with Martel’s voice, “Literally, you could close your eyes and it’s Freddie,” underscoring the vital role Martel played in bringing the iconic sound to the silver screen.
Martel’s journey to international recognition began in 2011 when he submitted a casual video covering “Somebody to Love” for a contest launched by Queen’s original members, Brian May and Roger Taylor, to find a vocalist for their official tribute band, The Queen Extravaganza. The video quickly went viral, racking up tens of millions of views. He was hand-picked as a winner by the Queen members themselves, who were stunned by the similarity of his voice. Since then, Martel has toured extensively, performing Queen’s greatest hits, from the grandiose “Bohemian Rhapsody” to the stadium anthems. The tearful reaction of a world-class vocalist like Céline Dion—herself a vocal powerhouse—serves as definitive proof of Marc Martel’s unique artistry. His ability to channel the voice of Freddie Mercury not only preserves the sound of a rock legend but continues to captivate and emotionally affect audiences worldwide.