Robert Plant cried — no one saw it coming. When Heart took the stage in 2012 to perform “Stairway to Heaven,” they didn’t just sing a song — they shattered the internet and broke the heart of a rock legend (in the best possible way). With Led Zeppelin watching from the audience, Ann and Nancy Wilson delivered a cover so powerful, so emotional, that Plant, the man who wrote the song, was visibly moved to tears by the final notes. Now sitting at nearly 200 million views, this moment still hits like a wave, proving that real music, real emotion, and real connection never go out of style.Watch below
In December 2012, during the Kennedy Center Honors, Heart’s rendition of “Stairway to Heaven” profoundly moved Led Zeppelin’s Robert Plant, bringing him to tears. Ann and Nancy Wilson, joined by Jason Bonham, delivered a performance that resonated deeply with Plant, who later described it as a “spectacular performance” that stripped the song back to its essence. (
The performance, featuring a gospel choir and a full orchestra, was a tribute to Led Zeppelin’s enduring legacy. Plant, who had often been critical of covers of the song, acknowledged the authenticity and emotional depth of Heart’s version, stating, “It just rubbed it right back to the bone.” (
This moment, captured on video, has since garnered millions of views online, standing as a testament to the timeless power of music and its ability to evoke profound emotion.
You can watch the full performance here:
