About the song
On December 15, 2004, at the Royal Variety Performance in London, two of the most beloved voices in popular music shared the stage for a duet that remains etched in memory: Olivia Newton-John and Sir Cliff Richard performing The Twelfth of Never. It was more than a performance; it was a meeting of legends, a moment where timeless voices blended to remind audiences why music transcends generations.
For Cliff Richard, the “Peter Pan of Pop” who had already entertained fans for five decades, and Olivia Newton-John, the golden-voiced star of Grease and a powerhouse in both pop and country, the song was a perfect choice. Originally popularized by Johnny Mathis in 1957, The Twelfth of Never is a romantic ballad that speaks of eternal love—an evergreen theme that resonated deeply with both artists’ repertoires.
The Royal Variety Performance, attended by members of the British royal family, has always been a showcase of the finest talent. But on that winter evening in 2004, the audience witnessed something rare: two artists with international acclaim and lifelong careers standing side by side, delivering a performance filled with warmth and grace. Dressed elegantly, Olivia exuded her signature gentleness, while Cliff carried his dignified presence with ease. Their chemistry on stage was palpable—not romantic, but soulful, born of mutual respect and decades of shared history in the entertainment industry.
As they began to sing, the hall was enveloped in the tenderness of their voices. Olivia’s soft, angelic tones floated effortlessly, while Cliff’s smooth and steady delivery gave the song weight and grounding. Together, they wove a tapestry of harmony, their voices intertwining in a way that made the lyrics—“I’ll love you till the twelfth of never, and that’s a long, long time”—feel achingly real. For the audience, it was not just a performance, but a promise: that the music of these two icons would endure long beyond the night itself.
For Olivia Newton-John, who would later face her public battle with cancer, the performance stands as a poignant reminder of her resilience and artistry. She carried herself with a quiet strength that inspired countless fans, her voice unchanged by time, her smile still radiant. For Cliff Richard, it was another jewel in a crown already filled with career milestones, proving that even after decades in show business, he remained a master of delivering emotion through song.
The duet became more meaningful as time passed. With Olivia’s passing in 2022, fans now look back on the 2004 performance with bittersweet reverence. It captures not just her voice at its luminous best, but also the joy of two friends sharing a stage and honoring the enduring power of song.
In the end, their rendition of The Twelfth of Never was more than entertainment—it was a gift. It reminded us that true artistry is not about fleeting trends but about moments that touch the soul. That December evening in London, Olivia Newton-John and Cliff Richard proved once more that legends don’t just sing songs—they leave behind memories that last “a long, long time.”
