A HOST of stars have performed at The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee concert outside Buckingham Palace in London.
Robbie Williams, Kylie Minogue and Sir Elton John were among those to sing before The Queen, Prince Charles and other members of the Royal Family.The event was attended by 12,000 ticket holders, with thousands more spectators lining the length of The Mall.Sir Paul McCartney was the final act on a night that ended when the Queen lit a beacon to mark her 60-year reign.The concert was broadcast live on BBC One and BBC Radio 2 in the UK and to millions around the world.
It was a joint venture between the BBC and Gary Barlow, who co-wrote Sing, the official song for the Diamond Jubilee celebrations.Williams was the first star of the night, taking to the specially constructed stage around the Queen Victoria Memorial to sing his hit Let Me Entertain You.He was followed on stage by Black Eyed Peas member Will.i.am, his fellow The Voice judge Jessie J and chart-topping boy band JLS.Barlow then took to the stage himself to perform a surprise duet with Cheryl Cole.
Next on the bill was Sir Cliff Richard, who performed a decade-straddling medley of hits and his 1968 Eurovision track Congratulations.Singer Grace Jones surely deserved some herself for performing Slave to the Rhythm while spinning a hula hoop around her midriff.The world of classical music was represented by Chinese pianist Lang Lang, US soprano Renee Fleming and English tenor Alfie Boe.
Other artists who appeared include Annie Lennox, Ed Sheeran and Sir Tom Jones.Dame Shirley Bassey performed Diamonds are Forever, while Kylie Minogue – dressed as a pearly queen – was joined by street dance crew Flawless.She was followed by Sir Elton John, who sang such tracks as Crocodile Rock and Your Song in a sparkly pink jacket.Stevie Wonder took the opportunity to wish the Queen a happy birthday during a set that included Isn’t She Lovely. – PT
