Adele Reveals The Song She Had To Play To Cry For ‘Hello’ Video

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No, she didn’t need onions, a devastating memory or somebody stepping on her toe to her to start bawling in her new music video. All Adele needed was for the video’s director, Xavier Dolan, to play Labrinth’s “Jealous,” according to i-D. “The minute that piano starts, I’m like–” she said, before breaking into a fake wail of sorrow and misery.

“Snot going everywhere. I can’t cope with that song,” she added. “You could play it at my kid’s birthday and I’d burst into tears.” That’s a huge compliment to Labrinth, a 26-year old singer who only made his debut in 2012, since Adele’s music often leaves listeners feeling just as emotional. In fact, both Kate Hudson and Katy Perry were left sobbing by Adele’s brand new song.

As to why Labrinth’s song makes Adele break down, she didn’t reveal the details. Even Xavier didn’t know why the song has such a powerful effect on the woman who sang “Someone Like You.” “I don’t know what that song means to her,” the “Hello” video director told Entertainment Weekly. “It sounds like it’s connected to something private.”

Whatever the reason, it worked, as Xavier said everyone was “stunned” with how Adele started to cry. “It was outstanding. She was bawling, but not doing it in an uncontrollable way. She was truly impressive.”

Impressive was one of the many words that fans used to describe Adele’s comeback. Fans shared their amazement at her new song and excitement over her upcoming album, 25. They’re counting down the days until Nov. 20 when Adele’s new album is finally released to the world.

Does Labrinth’s “Jealous” make you want to cry the same way it does Adele, HollywoodLifers? Or do you shed tears when you hear her music?

— Jason Brow