Katherine Jenkins

Introduction:

Katherine Jenkins (born June 29, 1980) is a Welsh classical-crossover singer celebrated for her exceptional mezzo-soprano voice and her ability to blend classical and contemporary music. She gained international acclaim with her debut album Premiere in 2004 and has since become one of the world’s most recognisable classical performers. With multiple award-winning albums and high-profile performances, Jenkins remains a prominent figure in both the classical and mainstream music scenes.

Early Life and Background:

Katherine Jenkins was born in Neath, Wales, to Selwyn and Susan Jenkins. She attended Alderman Davies Church in Wales Primary School and Dwr-y-Felin Comprehensive School, where her musical talents were first nurtured. She studied singing under John Hugh Thomas and was a member of the Royal School of Church Music Cathedral Singers and the National Youth Choir of Wales.

Jenkins later attended the Royal Academy of Music on a scholarship, graduating with distinction and earning an honorary fellowship from the institution. Before her professional music career, she worked as a music teacher, a tour guide, and a model.

Music Career:

Jenkins’ career took off with the release of her debut album Premiere in 2004, which topped the classical charts. Her second album, Second Nature (2005), solidified her reputation, making her the first woman to win two consecutive Classical BRIT Awards. She followed this success with albums such as Living a Dream (2005), Serenade (2006), and Rejoice (2007), which featured songs written by Gary Barlow.

In 2008, Jenkins released Sacred Arias alongside her autobiography Time to Say Hello. After signing a record-breaking deal with Warner Music, she released Believe (2009), featuring collaborations with Andrea Bocelli and André Rieu. One standout performance was her rendition of Evanescence’s Bring Me to Life at The Royal Variety Performance.

Jenkins continued her success with Daydream (2011), This is Christmas (2012), and Home Sweet Home (2014), her first album with Decca Records. Her career highlights include performances at Pope John Paul II’s silver jubilee in 2003, the Tsunami Relief Concert (2005), Live 8, the Nobel Peace Prize Concert (2005), and the Royal British Legion Festival (2006, 2007).

Recent albums, such as Guiding Light (2018) and Cinema Paradiso (2020), have showcased her versatility, featuring both classical and contemporary repertoire. Jenkins performed at Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations in 2022, reaffirming her status as a key figure in British cultural life.

Personal Life:

Jenkins grew up in a close-knit family in Neath, Wales. She has shared publicly about overcoming challenges, including being attacked and robbed as a teenager and surviving a missile attack during a 2005 visit to Iraq. She has also spoken about her past struggles with drug use as a student.

In 2011, Jenkins was briefly engaged to TV presenter Gethin Jones. She married American artist and filmmaker Andrew Levitas in 2014, and the couple has two children: a daughter, Aaliyah Reign, born in 2015, and a son, Xander Robert Selwyn, born in 2018. Jenkins is also involved in numerous charitable initiatives, including work with the British Forces Foundation and Macmillan Cancer Support.

Legacy and Influence:

Katherine Jenkins has been credited with making classical music more accessible to wider audiences. Her ability to bridge the gap between classical and popular music has inspired many contemporary artists. Her honours include an OBE in 2014 for services to music and charity.

Recent Activities:

In recent years, Jenkins has remained active with new recordings and performances. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she performed virtual concerts to raise funds for the NHS and other charities. Her 2022 album, Cinema Paradiso, celebrates iconic film music, and her performances continue to captivate audiences worldwide. Jenkins remains an influential figure in the classical crossover genre, combining technical brilliance with widespread appeal.