About the song
“Tell Him,” a powerful duet by two of the most iconic voices in music, Barbra Streisand and Céline Dion, was released in 1997. This heartfelt ballad brings together the timeless, rich vocals of Streisand and the soaring, emotional power of Dion, making it a standout collaboration in pop music history. Written by David Foster, Linda Thompson, and Walter Afanasieff, “Tell Him” became a signature song for both artists, blending their distinctive styles into a harmonious expression of love and vulnerability.
The song revolves around the advice one woman gives to another about expressing her love to someone she cares deeply about. The lyrics encourage boldness and sincerity in matters of the heart, with a recurring message of not letting fear prevent love from blossoming. The emotional depth of the song is elevated by the way Streisand and Dion’s voices intertwine, complementing each other beautifully. Streisand’s smooth, controlled delivery contrasts yet balances with Dion’s more dramatic, powerful style, creating a memorable listening experience.
“Tell Him” was released as a single from Streisand’s album Higher Ground (1997) and later appeared on Dion’s compilation Let’s Talk About Love. Despite its massive star power and emotional resonance, the song did not perform as strongly in the U.S., where it peaked at No. 58 on the Billboard Hot 100. However, it was much more successful internationally, reaching the top 10 in several countries, including the UK, where it peaked at No. 3, and the top 5 in Ireland and Switzerland.
The song earned critical acclaim for its heartfelt lyrics and the impressive vocal performances by both Streisand and Dion. For fans of either artist, “Tell Him” remains a beloved track that showcases their vocal prowess and emotional range, making it a timeless duet that continues to resonate with audiences. It’s a beautiful reminder of the power of love and the importance of expressing one’s feelings without hesitation.