FLASHBACK MOMENT – IN 2004, OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN AND SIR CLIFF RICHARD UNITED ON THE ROYAL VARIETY SHOW TO RAISE FUNDS FOR CHARITY: NOW, RELIVE THEIR FULL PERFORMANCE OF “THE TWELFTH OF NEVER”
Few musical pairings have ever captured the magic of friendship, artistry, and generosity quite like Olivia Newton-John and Sir Cliff Richard. Their chemistry, both on stage and off, was forged over decades of collaboration and shared respect. One of the most unforgettable highlights of their partnership came in 2004, when the two legends joined forces at the Royal Variety Performance — a prestigious tradition in British entertainment — to raise funds for charity. That night, under the bright lights of London’s Theatre Royal, they delivered a tender and unforgettable rendition of “The Twelfth of Never.”
The Royal Variety Show, watched by millions around the world and attended by members of the British royal family, has long been a showcase for the best of international talent. When Newton-John and Richard appeared together, the anticipation was palpable. Both artists were at a stage in their careers where they had nothing left to prove, and yet everything left to give. Their duet reminded audiences not only of their vocal brilliance but of their enduring commitment to using music as a force for good.
“The Twelfth of Never,” originally a 1957 hit for Johnny Mathis, is a song about timeless devotion — a love that will last “until the twelfth of never.” For Newton-John and Richard, the lyrics carried an extra resonance. Their friendship had spanned decades, from their first collaborations in the 1970s through tours, television specials, and recordings. On that 2004 evening, the song became less a performance and more a promise: that some bonds, like great music, endure beyond time.
Olivia’s voice, warm and luminous, wrapped around Richard’s gentle tenor with effortless ease. Their harmonies, soft yet powerful, seemed to stop time for the audience. As the final notes floated across the theatre, the audience rose to its feet in applause — not simply for two stars, but for the heartfelt sincerity they brought to every word.
The flashback moment also highlights the charitable purpose of the night. The Royal Variety Performance has, since its inception, raised funds for the Royal Variety Charity, which supports performers who have fallen on hard times. Both Newton-John and Richard were long known for their philanthropic efforts: Olivia through her cancer wellness center in Melbourne and her tireless advocacy for research, and Cliff through his charitable foundations and countless benefit concerts. Their shared dedication to giving back added yet another layer of meaning to their duet.
Looking back now, in the wake of Olivia Newton-John’s passing in 2022, the performance carries even deeper significance. For fans, it is not only a memory of two extraordinary voices but a reminder of the kindness, friendship, and humility that defined both artists. Sir Cliff himself has spoken movingly about Olivia in recent years, calling her “the sister I never had” and cherishing the many moments they shared on stage.
As video of the 2004 performance continues to circulate online, new generations are discovering what older fans have always known: that when Cliff Richard and Olivia Newton-John sang together, the result was something more than entertainment. It was pure magic, a union of two spirits whose love for music — and for each other — shone brighter than the spotlights.
Nearly two decades later, “The Twelfth of Never” still echoes as a testament to their artistry and their bond. In reliving this performance, fans are reminded that while artists may leave the stage, the songs — and the memories — remain eternal.