With much of the country celebrating New Year’s Eve from the comfort of their own homes this year, all eyes were on the RTÉ festive special last night.
Irish singer Tolu Makay teamed up with the RTÉ concert orchestra for a beautiful cover of the hugely popular Saw Doctors hit N17. Airing on RTÉ last night as part of their annual New Year’s special, the song went down a hit with viewers – many of whom have taken to Twitter to commend the “hugely poignant” rendition.
A celebration of local homegrown talent, several Irish artists performed throughout the night however it was singer Tolu Makay who really stole the show with her rendition of the popular Saw Doctors song N17.
Moving many viewers to tears, Twitter has been singing her praises – excuse the pun – ever since with even the likes of Irish presenter Graham Norton showering her with compliments.
“Maybe feeling fragile on New Year’s Day but this has reduced me to a sobbing mess. Huge congratulations to everyone involved in putting it together!!”
This is very different from the original but no less brilliant. It adds a poignancy I would never have expected. Beautiful. @ToluMakay @sawdoctors https://t.co/kFKKH8X9aG
— Phil (@lipmarty75) January 1, 2021
This was the most beautiful thing to watch and listen to on television last night. Some inspired thinking from producers and @rte_co @ToluMakay – we are so lucky to have such talent in this country in an industry that has been so badly hit by #COVID19 https://t.co/5UbHYqLSDR
— anthony murnane (@anthonymurnane) January 1, 2021
This is incredible. So moving. Thank you @RTEOne and @ToluMakay 👇 https://t.co/MWAoUg5t8N
— Mark Russell 🇺🇦 (he/him) (@markrusselluk) January 1, 2021
Sometimes with cover versions that have a different style you notice lyrics that actually carried more power than you thought. Don't know why I didn't properly see the bookloads of meaning in:
"And I know that things would be different
If I ever decide to go back"#N17 https://t.co/R05F7ICqNi— Colm O'Regan (@colmoregan) January 1, 2021
Well done all. Loved that. Haven’t been home for 13 months to see friends and family but hopefully soon will be able to get back to my beloved @SandymountD4 https://t.co/FkWtc18EAG
— Niall John O Brien (@niallnobiobrien) January 1, 2021
Epic version of a bogger classic https://t.co/CvAseEIw5M
— Conor Lally (@conormlally) January 1, 2021
Well this is just very beautiful. Well done to all involved. Very much one for the Irish and Irish abroad, this. https://t.co/bTA5Sb64SX
— Dara Ó Briain (@daraobriain) January 1, 2021
One of the country’s most up and coming stars, Tolu is set to take to the stage at Dublin’s Grand Social this May. More info and ticket details here.