Sir Tom Jones, 84, left barely a dry eye among BBC viewers on Saturday night after taking to the stage at this year’s Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance.
Performing in front of King Charles III, Princess Anne, and the Prince and Princess of Wales, as well as the nation’s military heroes of past and present, Jones didn’t let the gravity of the occasion stop him from delivering show-stopping vocals.
The Voice UK judge was one of the first acts welcomed onto the stage by host Adrian Lester to perform a rendition of I Won’t Crumble With You If You Fall.
Jones had previously performed the emotive track while attending D-Day 80 in Normandy earlier this year as he honoured those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the country.
Paying his respects once more during Saturday’s show recorded at the Royal Albert Hall, Jones kept his spot on stage while accompanied for the performance by the military orchestra.
And within moments of him beginning his rendition, social media was awash with viewers heaping praise on the singer – and several couldn’t help but mention a rather distracting feature they wanted to point out.
Sir Tom Jones was praised by several BBC viewers for his performance
BBC
While several fans were left in tears at the performance, others were more distracted by the fact Jones could belt out performances in such a way given he’s 84 years old.
“Tom Jones’ seems to be defying nature,” one stunned fan penned on X, formerly Twitter. “His voice hasn’t deteriorated one iota #RemembranceDay2024.”
A second agreed: “Sir Tom Jones still has an incredible voice and looks physical strong and well #RoyalBritishLegionFestivalofRemberance.”
“Sir Tom Jones sounds amazing considering he is 84 years old. #FestivalOfRemembrance,” added a third while a fourth said: “Sir Tom Jones, at 84, still sings like an angel. Extraordinary. #RememberanceDay2024.”
Sir Tom Jones took to Instagram with a statement about his performance
Elsewhere, a fifth echoed: “Watching Tom Jones at the Festival for Remembrance has turned me into a wreck. It’s the first time since my great nanny’s funeral in February that I’ve listened to I Won’t Crumble With You If You Fall.”
A sixth also felt overcome with emotion: “I’m in floods of tears after that performance by Sir Tom Jones he is an absolute legend #FestivalofRemembarance #RoyalBritishLegion.”
Jones didn’t address the crowd of service men and women or royal while on the stage but did take to Instagram to address the honour of performing at this year’s festival.
In a social media post, Jones penned: “It’s an privilege to be joining the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance to honour the service of past and present military personnel.
“It is a beautiful, moving show that everyone should see. Tune in at 9pm.” (sic)
Jones was far from the only big name to perform during the powerful show, with the likes of Jack Savoretti, Masabane Cecilia Rangwanasha, Alexandra Burke, Samantha Barks and Jake Isaac also taking to the stage.
Elsewhere, Princess Kate and Prince William shared a number of tender moments during the event after what the latter described as “the hardest year in my life”.
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Have you seen Tom Jones’ performance?https://t.co/vymZLgK2tu
— Tim Bromige (@Timbrom2) November 9, 2024
The Princess of Wales shared her cancer diagnosis earlier this year and has been steadily returning to the public eye in recent months as she continues to recover.
Kate beamed as she wore a sleek black dress for Saturday’s event, complete with just a single poppy – a notable change from the usual three she’s opted for during previous Remembrance weekends.
Throughout proceedings, William was seen planting a comforting hand on his wife’s arm during some of the emotional moments of the festival.
Kate reciprocated the sweet gesture, lovingly rubbing William’s lower back whilst they greeted officials.