Wednesday, Oct 02, 2013

Classical star Katherine Jenkins believes in following her heart, not the charts. “Do what makes you happy” is a philosophy that she lives by. And for her, not doing karaoke is what makes her happy. “I happen to think I’m rubbish at karaoke. So I think I should leave the pop album to the pop stars.”

The Welsh mezzo-soprana, 33, will perform with Spanish tenor Jose Carreras at Abu Dhabi’s du Arena on October 25th, and while she won’t be going down the pop road (and didn’t answer any questions about a fellow classical star who did, Charlotte Church), is a sign she’s totally secure in her talent. Jenkins launched her career in 2004, has sold over seven million albums and is best known for giving unique spins to operatic arias and hymns. Her popularity hit the roof when she took part in Dancing With The Stars (the American version of Strictly Come Dancing) and emerged second in the competition last year.

“I learnt a new skill that I fell in love with,” said Jenkins about her DWTS experiences. Armed with pretty frocks (“I am such a girlie girl) and a beautiful voice, Jenkins will storm the capital this month.

Excerpts from our e-mail interview ...

What should we expect from your concert with Spanish tenor Jose Carreras?

We will be performing a concert with an orchestra of well-loved Opera arias, duets, classical music and songs from operetta and musical theatre.

Jose Carreras is an icon in the musical world. What did you have to learn and unlearn while teaming up with him?

It’s such an honour to sing with Jose. He’s an inspiration. Sharing the stage with him makes me want to be at my very best. We have performed together once before in the UK and it is something I will never forget.

It’s your first concert with Jose Carreras in the Middle East, but you have been here before. Will you be taking Carreras on a tour of the UAE and how have you planned it?

Yes, I have been here before to sing at private functions and I have some dear friends living in Dubai. Our schedule is pretty intense when we reach Abu Dhabi but I do want to indulge in a few touristy things.

You are hailed as one of the most successful classical artists. Have you thought of making a transition to popular music?

I am always asked to make the switch but it’s not something that interests me. I have trained hard to be able to do what I do. Singing is what I am passionate about, but I also happen to think I’m rubbish at karaoke. So I think I should leave the pop album to the pop stars.

Dancing With The Stars made you a household name. How was the experience and what do you take back from it?

I have received several invitations for reality TV shows but those offers didn’t really interest me. Dancing with the Stars was different because I thought it was a classy show. It sounded like lot of fun at a time when I wanted something that would put a smile on my face. I also learnt a new skill that I fell in love with.

What’s the best and worst part about being a celebrity singer?

The best part is that I get to do what I love most in this world as my job. I can travel the world and sing with people I admire. The downside is that you are away from your loved ones quite a bit. It’s also tough to cope with untrue things written about you in newspapers.

Who are your idols in the music world and why?

Edith Piaf, Judy Garland, Doris Day, Marilyn Monroe, Maria Callas, Margo Fonteyn, Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire, Ella Fitzgerald, Adele, Shirley Bassey and Barbra Streisand are my all-time idols.

What’s your advice to all singers who are trying to make it in the world of classical music?

You should always do what makes you happy and not do things to please other people. I consider myself lucky. At school, classical music wasn’t seen as something cool and I could have been a target of bullying. But somehow the students in my school seemed to accept my choices. They let me get on with it knowing that it was I did and loved. Ultimately, you should go for what makes you happy in life.

By Manjusha ?Radhakrishnan, Senior Reporter

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