Welsh mezzo-soprano Katherine Jenkins has shared a remarkable backstage anecdote from the late Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee concert, revealing that Hollywood superstar Tom Cruise momentarily mistook her for a member of the Royal Family. The 45-year-old singer described an awkward encounter where military personnel, recognising Jenkins from her frequent work with the armed forces, inadvertently caused the Mission: Impossible actor to be "body-slammed against a wall" in the cramped corridors.
The Cinderella Gown That Caused Chaos
Performing at Sandringham Royal Parkland in June 2022, Jenkins wore an extravagant bardot red gown with a dramatic puff design and form-fitting waist. The singer explained how her voluminous, Cinderella-style creation left minimal space in the tight backstage passageways, creating a particularly challenging situation when she needed to move through the area.
A Royal Misunderstanding Unfolds
"As I was getting ready to go out on stage, Tom was walking off, being escorted on either side by military personnel," Jenkins recalled. "Because I do so much with the military, they knew me. They both bowed their heads and said 'good evening ma'am' at which point, because there wasn't space, one of them pushed Tom out of my way and almost body-slammed him against the wall."
The singer later encountered Cruise after her performance and noticed his unusual greeting. "He gave me a very strange handshake/nod/bow thing," Jenkins told The Telegraph. "Maybe he'd got confused and thought I was a royal?"
A Performance of Honour and Nerves
Jenkins performed career highlights at the historic Platinum Jubilee concert alongside a symphony orchestra and special guests the Military Wives Choirs. Despite her extensive experience performing for royalty, the mezzo-soprano admitted to feeling significant nerves before taking the stage.
"Singing for her means you really need to bring out your best performance," Jenkins explained. "It doesn't matter how many times I perform for her or meet her, whether it's in front of thousands or just at a small dinner, I will never be blasé about it. It's a huge honour and lovely to be asked."
Documenting Pavarotti's Legacy
Beyond the jubilee celebrations, Jenkins recently collaborated with classical music radio station Magic Classical for a special tribute marking what would have been legendary tenor Luciano Pavarotti's 90th birthday. Partnering with Decca Classics, the station celebrated the release of Novanta – a comprehensive 74-track album featuring iconic duets and previously unreleased material from the opera great.
The network aired an exclusive interview with Jenkins ahead of her new documentary, Pavarotti at 90 with Katherine Jenkins, which explores the life and legacy of one of the world's most beloved tenors.
"It is such a joy to present this documentary exploring the remarkable journey of Luciano Pavarotti from his humble beginnings, through his years of dedication, to becoming the legendary superstar we all know and love," Jenkins told Bauer Media. "For me, Pavarotti was not just an extraordinary tenor, but a lifelong inspiration whose artistry shaped my own career and deepened my passion for music."
She continued: "I have always been in awe of his gift to touch hearts across the world, which is why sharing his story feels profoundly special, as his influence continues to remind us of the true power of song."
