About the song

Cliff Richard & Olivia Newton-John’s Magical Duet: “Had To Be” at The Royal Variety Performance, 1995

LONDON, UK – November 25, 1995. The stage at the Royal Variety Performance has hosted countless unforgettable acts over the decades, but on this night in 1995, history was made when two of music’s most beloved voices came together. Sir Cliff Richard and Olivia Newton-John shared the spotlight to perform “Had To Be,” a duet that fans still recall as one of the most elegant and emotionally stirring moments of the evening.

From the moment the lights dimmed and the orchestra struck its opening notes, the audience knew they were about to witness something special. Cliff, ever the gentleman of British pop, stood poised in his trademark suit, while Olivia radiated warmth and grace, her voice carrying the sweetness and strength that had made her an international superstar.

Their chemistry was undeniable. As the song unfolded, Cliff and Olivia’s voices blended effortlessly—his smooth, resonant tone intertwining with her clear, emotive delivery. “Had To Be” was more than a duet; it was a conversation in song, a story of love and destiny told with sincerity and charm. For the packed theatre, it felt less like a performance and more like a shared moment of intimacy.

The Royal Variety audience, which included members of the British royal family, responded with rapt attention. Many later described the duet as the highlight of the night. The elegance of the staging, the harmony of the voices, and the sheer charisma of the two icons left a lasting impression.

Cliff Richard and Olivia Newton-John had already built decades of individual success by the time they shared this stage. Cliff was celebrating more than 35 years in the music business, his reputation as Britain’s eternal pop star firmly secure. Olivia, meanwhile, was still basking in the glow of her global fame from Grease, her string of chart-topping hits, and her reinvention as a respected artist across pop and country. Together, they embodied two sides of pop royalty—Cliff with his enduring British charm, Olivia with her Australian-American star power.

But what made “Had To Be” so remarkable was not just their talent, but their friendship. Both artists shared a mutual respect that shone through every lyric. Neither tried to overshadow the other; instead, they lifted one another, creating a harmony that seemed to come as naturally as breathing.

In the years since, fans have revisited recordings of the duet, many commenting that it remains one of the most touching collaborations of the 1990s. For some, it was a reminder of music’s power to unite across generations and borders. For others, it was simply the joy of seeing two beloved performers share the stage, reminding the world why they had endured for so long.

Nearly three decades later, the memory of Cliff Richard and Olivia Newton-John performing “Had To Be” at the Royal Variety Performance still resonates. It wasn’t just a duet—it was a timeless declaration of artistry, friendship, and the kind of magic that can only happen when two legends come together.