Seven Things You Didn’t Know About Sissel
1. She Was the Singer Heard Throughout the 1997 Blockbuster Film, Titanic
When people think of the singer from the filmTitanic, they immediately think of Celine Dion singing “My Heart Will Go On,” the main theme song of the film. But the soundtrack by James Horner is filled with orchestrated pieces supported by Sissel’s beautiful arias. Horner auditioned 25 to 30 singers before choosing Sissel, whose aria took center stage during one of the most iconic movie scenes of all time—the “I’m flying!” scene. Sissel’s voice echoes throughout the scene as the film’s main characters stand on the bow of the ship while the sun sets, shortly before disaster strikes.The albumTitanic: Music from the Motion Picture sold over 30 million copies worldwide and became the highest-selling orchestral film score in history.
Watch a Titanic interview clip with Sissel (starting at 3:03)
2. She Has Been Nominated for a Grammy along with . . .
In 2007, Sissel was nominated for her first Grammy Award for her collaboration with The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square for the album Spirit of the Season, recorded during her Christmas concerts with the Choir from the previous year. The album was nominated for the Best Classical Crossover Album of the Year, as well as Best Engineered Classical Album.Watch Sissel perform “Vitae Lux” from tthe 2006 Christmas concert with the Choir: