The full Coronation Concern Lineup was impressive, as many A-listers were in attendance.
If you tuned in to witness the grandeur of King Charles’s coronation yesterday, you might have spotted some unexpected celebrity faces gracing the occasion. Lionel Richie and Katy Perry, to name a few. While their presence may have raised some eyebrows, there’s a fascinating backstory explaining why they were there.
The culmination of this three-day extravaganza is the official coronation concert, scheduled for this evening, Sunday, May 7th. It promises to be a star-studded affair, with Lionel Richie and Katy Perry among the headline acts. However, they are not the only ones in the spotlight. The lineup also includes the likes of Andrea Bocelli, Sir Bryn Terfel, Tom Cruise, and even the beloved Winnie the Pooh (yes, you read that right).
This concert stands out as the most inclusive part of the coronation celebrations, which commenced with the main ceremony yesterday and will conclude with an extra bank holiday on Monday.
Remarkably, around 10,000 tickets for the concert were distributed to the British public free of charge. If you missed out on securing one, there’s no need to worry. The event will be broadcast live on the BBC, and a massive screen will be set up in London’s St. James’s Park for those who prefer a communal viewing experience.
Now, let’s delve into the fascinating lineup for King Charles’s coronation concert on Sunday, May 7th.
The Stellar Performers at King Charles’s Coronation Concert
Take That, the iconic British boy band, will take the stage with three of its original members: Gary Barlow, Howard Donald, and Mark Owen. Robbie Williams, the fourth member, reportedly declined the offer.
Lionel Richie, the inaugural global ambassador of the Prince’s Trust, a charitable foundation founded by King Charles III, will also grace the audience with his musical prowess.
In a surprising twist that nobody saw coming in 2023, pop sensation Katy Perry will serenade the new monarch. However, this decision aligns with Perry’s appointment as an ambassador of the British Asian Trust, a charity established by Charles in 2020.
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Italian opera sensation Andrea Bocelli and Welsh singer Sir Bryn Terfel will join forces for a mesmerizing duet. Singer-songwriter Freya Ridings will also captivate the audience, accompanied by the classical-soul composer Alexis Ffrench.
The legendary American singer and star of “Hocus Pocus,” Bette Midler, is also rumored to make a memorable appearance.
In addition to these luminaries, an official coronation choir composed of choirs from various corners of the UK will enthrall the audience. This diverse choir will represent all four nations and include choirs consisting of refugees, members of the NHS, LGBTQ+ singing groups, and choirs for the hearing-impaired.
Declined Invitations and the Reasons Behind Them
Behind the scenes, a palace insider revealed that King Charles expressed a strong desire to have both Adele and Ed Sheeran perform at the concert, personally extending invitations to them. However, both superstar artists declined the offer. Ed Sheeran cited being “too busy” preparing for an upcoming gig in Texas, while Adele’s reasons for declining remain shrouded in mystery.
Harry Styles, another sought-after talent, was also on the guest list but had to regretfully decline due to scheduling conflicts. Similarly, Kylie Minogue and Elton John, a close confidant of the late Princess Diana, also had to decline the invitations.
In a particularly ambitious move, the palace even attempted to organize a Spice Girls reunion for the concert, but logistical challenges and a lack of rehearsal time dashed that plan.
The Coronation Concert Date and Viewing Options
Circle this date on your calendar: the coronation concert is set to dazzle audiences on Sunday, May 7th, commencing at 8 pm. If you missed out on securing tickets for the live event, fret not. In the UK, the show will be readily accessible for viewing or listening on various BBC platforms, including BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Radio 2, and BBC Sounds. Detailed information about the broadcast can be found in the comprehensive coronation concert guide.