Introduction:
Donny Osmond just took fans on a trip down memory lane, and the nostalgia is hitting hard.
The legendary entertainer shared a throwback video on TikTok featuring himself performing “You’re the One That I Want” with the late, great Olivia Newton-John on the Donny & Marie Show back in 1978. The clip shows the two stars bringing incredible chemistry and energy to the iconic Grease hit, with Donny stepping into John Travolta‘s shoes for one unforgettable performance.
“I still get chills, and yes, they’re multiplying…every time I remember this duet! What a joy it was to sing this timeless song with Olivia Newton-John,” Osmond wrote, cleverly referencing the famous song while honoring his duet partner.
Donny Osmond and Olivia Newton-John Created TV Magic in 1978
The performance aired on Sept. 22, 1978, during the height of both stars’ careers. The Donny & Marie Show, which ran on ABC from 1976 to 1979, was a variety show phenomenon that brought music, comedy and family-friendly entertainment into millions of homes. Meanwhile, Grease had just become a cultural sensation that summer, making Olivia Newton-John’s Sandy one of the most recognizable characters in movie history.
Watching Donny and Olivia perform together is pure time capsule magic. The energy, the vocals, the wholesome fun—it’s everything people loved about ’70s television.
How Did Fans React to This Nostalgic Moment?
The comments section turned into a love fest for both performers. “I’m never passing up a Donny Osmond video. Something very special about him,” one fan wrote, while another declared, “I think Donny could have been a great Danny Zuko.”
Many fans expressed how much they miss Olivia, who passed away on Aug. 8, 2022, after her brave battle with breast cancer. “Miss Olivia so much,” one commenter shared, while another wrote, “Olivia was the most beautiful woman in the world!!!!!” Several fans noted that Olivia had it all: a fantastic voice, stunning beauty and a generous heart.
The nostalgia ran deep, with one viewer reminiscing, “I miss these good wholesome shows from the 80s!! I got Donnie and Marie dolls for Christmas in 1979. God, I wish I still had those today!!!”
One enthusiastic fan even pleaded, “Oh PLEASE RELEASE THIS COVER OF THIS SONG GIVE THE PEOPLE WHAT THEY NEED.”
A Legacy That Lives On
Donny Osmond has spent six decades entertaining audiences worldwide, selling over 100 million records and earning 33 gold records. Now performing solo residencies in Las Vegas, the 67-year-old continues to delight fans of all ages.
Olivia Newton-John left behind an equally impressive legacy, not just in music and film, but through her tireless work supporting cancer research and wellness. The Olivia Newton-John Cancer, Wellness & Research Centre in Melbourne, Australia, continues her mission to help others facing the disease she courageously battled.
This sweet throwback reminds us why both stars remain beloved icons—pure talent, genuine warmth and memories that never fade.