Top 20 Most Beautiful Duets of All Time

The crowning finale of the film classic Dirty Dancing became one of the most beloved duets in music history. Bill Medley's deep, warm baritone blends seamlessly with Jennifer Warnes' clear, expressive voice. The gradual build to the triumphant sax solo and euphoric chorus is pure romance.

George Michael fulfilled a lifelong dream by working with the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. Narada Michael Walden's tight '80s pop-soul production provides the perfect platform for a rousing vocal duel full of runs and joy.

Inspired by classic Motown duets like those of Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell, Elton John and Bernie Taupin wrote this irresistible pop classic. The sparkling strings, cheerful piano and playful vocal dynamic between Elton and Kiki Dee make it an evergreen.

Composed by Lionel Richie for Franco Zeffirelli's film of the same name, Endless Love is the ultimate love ballad. The subtle interplay between Richie's warm timbre and Diana Ross' silky vocals breathes an intimate tenderness that has sealed countless weddings worldwide.

The emotional centerpiece of A Star Is Born shows the sizzling artistic chemistry between Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper. Starting as an intimate acoustic folk ballad, the song explodes into an overwhelming chorus thanks to Cooper's warm, weathered voice and Gaga's breathtaking, raw vocal cry.

Written by the Bee Gees, Islands in the Stream became one of the biggest country-pop duets ever. The relaxed groove, tasteful horn accents and natural fun between good friends Dolly and Kenny make it an indestructible classic.

Two of the most distinctive, raspy rock voices of the '80s joined forces in this steamy slab of power rock. Adams' raw Canadian rock vibe meets Turner's untamable soul energy in a clattering finale full of ripping guitars.

Robbie Williams and Hollywood star Nicole Kidman breathed new life into Frank and Nancy Sinatra's classic with a beautiful, warm arrangement. Kidman's soft, sultry timbre fits wonderfully with Williams' relaxed crooner sound, framed by a lush string orchestra.

With an oboe intro and a lovely waltz-like cadence, Sonny Bono and Cher sang about their unconditional young love against the rest of the world. Sonny's plain delivery contrasts beautifully with Cher's rich, deep alto in this iconic document of the flower-power era.

Inspired by the economic hardship of the Thatcher years, Don't Give Up tells the story of a desperate man who finds comfort in his partner. Peter Gabriel's fragile delivery is lovingly answered by Kate Bush's ethereal, comforting voice over a hypnotic bassline.

A wonderful artistic meeting between dark gothic bard Nick Cave and pop princess Kylie Minogue. This murder ballad, inspired by traditional folk, combines tragic beauty with menace, with Minogue's innocent vocals clashing eerily beautifully with Cave's sepulchral voice.

Two of the world's most celebrated composers joined forces for this musical plea for racial harmony. Based on the black and white keys of a piano, the song combines Stevie's inventive synth bass with Paul's unmistakable melodic mastery.

The theme song of An Officer and a Gentleman won an Oscar. Joe Cocker's gravelly, deeply lived-in voice forms a breathtaking contrast with Jennifer Warnes' pure, powerful voice. A sweeping apotheosis that literally lifts the listener.

Paul Simon's poetic lyrics about alienation and lack of communication gain their magical charge from the pitch-perfect two-part harmonies with Art Garfunkel. Their voices blend so perfectly that together they sound like a single, supernatural instrument.

As childhood sweethearts meeting again after years, Alicia Keys and Usher demonstrate the ultimate 2000s R&B synergy. The smooth Jermaine Dupri production and the intimate interplay between their velvety vocals make this a benchmark modern R&B duet.

Written by John Ewbank, Wereld Zonder Jou ('World Without You') is one of the most beloved Dutch ballads ever. The sweeping orchestra, Borsato's passionate delivery and Oosterhuis' pitch-perfect belts lift this song about friendship and loss to great emotional heights.

This Dutch-Flemish collaboration grew into a modern monster hit. The melancholy acoustic guitar and contemporary pop beats accompany a painfully recognizable dialogue about the silence after a breakup. Jaap's and Pommelien's voices fit together beautifully.

This monumental classical crossover duet touched hundreds of millions of people worldwide. Bocelli's warm, passionate tenor and Brightman's crystal-clear soprano merge on the waves of a huge symphony orchestra in a moving farewell song.

Composed by Jim Steinman, this eight-minute rock epic is a masterful theatrical mini-drama. The vocal clash between Meat Loaf's bombastic rock voice and Ellen Foley's razor-sharp belts, interrupted by Phil Rizzuto's baseball commentary, remains a timeless phenomenon.

This duet rewrote the rules of pop by presenting a painfully realistic dialogue about fading intimacy. The minimalist production explodes when Kimbra's indignant vocals respond to Gotye's tormented confession.