Originally released in 1994 on Seal’s second album (Seal II), “Kiss From A Rose” became one of his signature songs. It gained massive global success after it was featured on the Batman Forever soundtrack in 1995 and won three Grammy Awards (Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Male Pop Vocal Performance) at the 1996 Grammy Awards — showcasing its blend of soul, rock, and baroque pop influences.
One of the most talked-about acoustic performances is a live stripped-down rendition uploaded on YouTube titled “(rare) SEAL acoustic Kiss From A Rose performance.” This video captures Seal performing the song in a much more intimate arrangement — likely in a small venue or promotional setting — highlighting his vocal dynamics and emotional phrasing without full band backing.
Fans appreciate this version because it removes the lush orchestration of the studio recording and lets Seal’s voice shine with raw emotion, emphasizing how strong the melody and lyrics are even in a sparse arrangement.
Seal also delivered an acoustic version of the song on The Jennifer Hudson Show (aired end of 2025). This televised performance brought the ballad to a mainstream daytime audience, again focusing on stripped-down instrumentation and live vocals — making it more personal and direct than the original production.
