Jessie J made a triumphant public appearance at the Royal Variety Performance on Wednesday night, radiating positivity as she arrived at London's Royal Albert Hall. The 37-year-old singer, who has faced a challenging year following a breast cancer diagnosis and subsequent mastectomy, beamed with joy while showcasing her dark locks on the red carpet.
A Night of Glamour and Resilience
The hitmaker chose comfort and style for the prestigious event, wrapping up against the autumn chill in a baggy black hoodie paired with a long black skirt. Her appearance marked a significant moment for the artist, who has been prioritising her health after being diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year. Jessie J underwent a mastectomy in June and later informed fans she would require further surgery, leading to the cancellation of her tour.
Despite these health challenges, the Price Tag singer appeared in remarkably good spirits, smiling broadly as she posed for photographs. She was joined by fellow music stars including classical singer Katherine Jenkins, who turned heads in a colourful floaty dress with a matching draped scarf, and McFly's Tom Fletcher, who looked dapper in a checked navy suit.
Star-Studded Attendance and Royal Presence
The annual charity event, now in its 113th year, attracted an impressive array of celebrities from across the entertainment industry. Queen legend Roger Taylor attended with his wife Sarina, while Strictly Come Dancing professional Johannes Radebe made a dramatic entrance in a sparkly red dress with a tasselled skirt and knee-high lace-up heels.
Comedian Jason Manford, who hosted the evening, looked sharp in his formal wear, alongside fellow comedian Tom Davis who opted for an ornate gold-patterned suit jacket. The event gained additional royal prestige with the attendance of the Prince and Princess of Wales, who joined other distinguished guests in the audience.
Spectacular Performances for a Worthy Cause
This year's Royal Variety Performance promised exceptional entertainment while raising vital funds for the Royal Variety Charity. The organisation supports entertainment industry professionals requiring care and assistance. Highlights included:
- A special 40th anniversary medley from Les Misérables featuring 400 performers
- An exclusive performance from Paddington The Musical introduced by Tom Fletcher
- Jessie J's performance of her deeply personal track I'll Never Know Why
- Debut appearances from Madness and Grammy-winner Laufey
- A magical illusion from Britain's Got Talent winner Harry Moulding
The event, broadcast on ITV, continues to be hailed as the world's most successful and longest-running entertainment show, reaching a global audience of 152 million people. Other notable acts included Sir Bob Geldof and Midge Ure presenting a performance from the Live Aid musical Just For One Day, while Johannes Radebe wowed audiences with an extract from Kinky Boots.
Adrian Stoica and his border collie Hurricane, winners of America's Got Talent, made their UK debut with a specially choreographed routine, adding to the international flavour of the evening. Host Jason Manford returned to front the show after previously hosting in 2020 under COVID restrictions.
