ITV viewers fumed on social media as The Princess of Wales’ annual carol concert took a “painful” turn as singers Katie Melua and Dan Smith offered their take on traditional Christmas songs.
Pop star Melua first stunned viewers with a dramatic blonde makeover before bursting into a jazzy version of White Christmas. She posted on Facebook: “What an honour it was to sing at The Princess of Wales’ ‘Together at Christmas’ Carol Service at Westminster Abbey”. However, some listeners were not pleased with the musical rearrangement of the 1954 Bing Crosby smash hit.
One fan commented: “Katie Melua mangling White Christmas better if we had a silent night.” A second remarked: “Katie Melua is murdering White Christmas.” A third added: “Just what we need. Katie Melua mangling White Christmas. How about we don’t rewrite Irving Berlin’s gorgeous music.”
After Melua finished, Smith, lead singer of the band Bastille, burst into song, performing his rendition of “O Holy Night,” which did not please many viewers either.
One fan said: “This guy is massacring my favourite Carol. This version of O Holy Night is dreadful.” Another added: “Wtf they’re murdering these songs.” A third agreed: “Is this a Carol service for the deaf?”
However, one moment that did impress viewers was when Princess Charlotte, 10, sat next to proud mum Kate for a special pre-recorded piano performance.
In a heartwarming moment, the young royal looked up towards her mother, who beamed with pride, during the piece as footage showed Kate and Charlotte together playing ‘Holm Sound’ by Scottish composer Erland Cooper for his mother Charlotte.
Cooper’s work is inspired by ‘nature and connection’, themes the Princess of Wales has described as important to her recovery from cancer. Kate, 43, is an accomplished pianist and gained her Grade 3 piano and Grade 5 theory qualifications as a youngster.
She previously surprised royal fans by performing during the opening number at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2023. She showcased her musical talents by playing piano alongside singer Tom Walker at the inaugural carol concert in 2021.
Two years ago, Kate revealed her daughter had been learning to play the piano and appeared to already be showing promising signs of talent.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.express.co.uk ’
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