6 reasons why Ball and Boe might be the best musical duo this century
When West End superstars Alfie Boe and Michael Ball started making music together last year, it was pretty much the best pairing since mince pies and brandy butter.
After their amazing performance in the Radio 2 Piano Room, we look at all the reasons why they might just be the best musical twosome this side of the Millenium.
1. They know how to name an album...
Michael Ball and Alfie Boe perform White Christmas
Michael and Alfie perform this Christmas classic in the 成人快手 Radio 2 Piano Room.
Already massive solo stars in their own right, when Alfie and Michael decided to join musical forces and release their first joint album they named it Together. Neat, sweet and does exactly what it says on the tin, right?
So what did they call this year's follow up to Together, another collaborative album? Together Again, of course!
We're enjoying imagining what any future records will be named. Together Once More? Together One More Time? The possibilities are (sort of) endless.
2. And boy, do they know how to make an album
"By having the two voices the songs take on another life" - Michael Ball and Alfie Boe on the power of the duet
Michael Ball and Alfie Boe in the Radio 2 Piano Room.
Alfie and Michael's first joint album was the best selling LP in the UK that year. Shifting over 600,000 copies in the UK alone and reaching double-platinum status, it outsold the likes of The Rolling Stones and Little Mix.
What's more, it was the Christmas number one.
This year's follow up, Together Again - featuring West End and Broadway classics - looks set to emulate the same success. It went straight to number one, and we can't wait to find out how it fares long term.
3. Their bromance is inspiring
How do you decide whose name is first?
Michael Ball and Alfie Boe on their new working partnership.
The relationship between Ball and Boe is obviously much more than professional, and they really do seem to be the best of buds.
The talented twosome tease and support each other in equal measure - which is what makes their bromance so inspiring.
"We encourage each other to do the best job we possibly can," Alfie told the Daily Express. "We get each other through the hard times and good times as well.”
4. This dream team was a long time coming
Michael Ball and Alfie Boe perform a medley of songs from the musical Les Miserables
Michael Ball & Alfie Boe perform a medley of songs
Alfie and Michael are both hugely famous individuals - Michael is an OBE and a two time Olivier Award winner, while Alfie has sold over one million albums in the UK.
Yet when they first worked together a decade ago, few would have suspected that they would end up touring the globe together all these years later.
They met during the English National Opera's revival of the Broadway musical Kismet. While the production received notoriously bad reviews at the time, it sparked off a firm friendship which has lasted for years. “We went through hell together on that," Alfie told the Radio Times - and the experience clearly cemented their bond.
5. They've made a magical collaboration with Bing Crosby
Bing Crosby is inducted into Michael Ball's Singers Hall of Fame
Jean Combellack nominates Bing Crosby for Michael Ball's Singers Hall of Fame
Bing Crosby, another smoothed voiced legend who makes us feel as festive as twinkling lights and mulled wine, "sings" with Alfie and Michael on their new version of White Christmas.
While the great man himself passed away back in 1977, extraordinary technology means that they are able to sing in harmony with the older vocal, lifted off the original track.
The results are truly magical.
6. Their Piano Room session was truly wonderful
Watch Michael Ball and Alfie Boe sing Bring Me Sunshine
Michael and Alfie perform Bring Me Sunshine, a song synonymous with Morecambe & Wise.
Alfie and Michael came in to perform live in the Radio 2 Piano Room with Ken Bruce, and their performance was predictably incredible.
Singing Hero, Bring me Sunshine and - yes - White Christmas at Elton John's famous piano, they blew us away once more with their fantastic voices.
Come back again guys - we could listen to you all day.