London –
Royal concerts are usually brilliant mashups of British and international music, meant to satisfy everyone’s musical tastes. Her coronation concert, held in front of her 20,000 flag-waving fans on the grounds of Windsor Castle, certainly did not disappoint.
Below are my top 5 takeaways from that night.
Lucy Illingworth performs on stage at the Coronation Concert in Windsor, England on May 7, 2023. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
Blind pianist surprises the crowd
The night’s most moving performance came from 13-year-old Lucy Illingworth. Lucy Illingworth, a blind and neurodivergent pianist, wowed the crowd with his rendition of Bach’s Prelude in C major.
A member of Queen Camilla’s patron Amber Trust, the pianist was born with a cancerous tumor in his eye and can barely speak. The newly crowned King and Queen were speechless and visibly moved by the incredible performance.
Coronation Choir and Commonwealth Choir
The Coronation Choir had perhaps the most moving performance of the night. His 300-person choir, made up of some of Britain’s finest amateur choirs above and below, including the Deaf Choir, the LGBTQ2S+ Choir, the Health Workers Choir, and the Refugee Choir, is featured on Emery Sande’s track “Brighter Days” was played.
The Commonwealth Virtual Choir featured singers from over 40 Commonwealth countries and submitted their participation via video. They sang along with Steve Winwood to his hit “Higher Love.”
If it doesn’t want to join the local choir, do nothing.
Tiwa Savage performs at a concert celebrating the coronation of King Charles III at Windsor Castle, Windsor, England, on Sunday 7 May 2023. This is one of several events taking place over a three-day weekend. (Leon Neal/Pool Photo via AP)
Tiwa Savage
Nigeria’s Afrobeat queen Tiwa Savage looked incredible in a green gown designed by Lanre Da Silva, singing “Keys to the Kingdom.” It’s a track she recorded with fellow Nigerian singer Mr. Yeezy from Beyoncé’s album The Lion King: The Gift.
Savage performed with an orchestra that included a violinist, drummer and backup singers who sang in Yoruba.
“I am truly honored to represent Africa and the Commonwealth at such a historic event. Told.
Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Savage moved to London when he was 11. After he graduated from the University of Kent, he returned to Nigeria in the early 2010s and made a name for himself in the emerging Afrobeat his scene. Hit his albums and his 23 singles.
Please take a bow, Mistress.
Kermit and Miss Piggy
Two unexpected guests didn’t just steal the show. Yes, I’m talking about Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy. The famous couple showed up with host Hugh Bonneville, told a myriad of inappropriate jokes, claimed they should be ushered to the Royal Box where their seats would be while the royals watched, and absolutely loved it. was
Charlotte and George seemed to be big fans too, giggling while Miss Piggy left our host Hugh blushing a little. Then, Kermit the Frog was caught on camera at the night’s cutaway throwing some shape while British pop group Take That gave an epic performance of their hit “Never Forget.”
The Muppets at the Coronation Concert — Who would have thought?
WINDSOR, UK – MAY 7: Prince William, Prince of Wales, speaks on stage during his coronation concert on the grounds of Windsor Castle on May 7, 2023 in Windsor, UK. Photo by Rousseau Pool/Getty Images)
William’s Dad Joke
Prince William delivered a moving and simple speech during the concert, saying his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, would look down on him with pride at his coronation, and expressed his own pride in his “Pa” and dedication to service. expressed.
He also led the audience with a roar of “God Save the King.” The best part of the speech for me was his resounding dad joke and when he said at the beginning of the speech that unlike Lionel Richie, he wouldn’t be here “all night.”
And he was not wrong. He kept his speech short and sweet at less than two minutes so he could go back to his dad dancing (on the ceiling).
