Sir Tom Jones Stunned by Woman’s Singing at The Voice UK Joins Her for Impromptu Duet

Getty Images | ANDREW PARSONS

A blind audition turned into a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a young singer on The Voice UK. When Bethzienna Williams sang to the backs of four formidable chairs, she had no idea she'd be singing a duet with one of the world’s biggest crooners just moments later.

But that’s exactly what happened.

The Voice UK’s panel of judges, like all other judges in the global talent show franchise, base their decisions on brave contestants’ voices alone. Jennifer Hudson, will.i.am, Olly Murs, and Sir Tom Jones cannot be swayed by a sweet smile, a great outfit, or a photoshoot-ready physique.

Clearly it’s a formula that works; the U.K. version of the show is already gearing up for its ninth season. When a singer convinces the judges to hit their button and turn their chair around, they win the chance to introduce themselves to their idols and pick a mentor for the episodes ahead. But Williams got a little more than she'd bargained for.

Bethzienna Williams is no stranger to the camera. The young singer and actress from Barry in South Wales has already had roles in British TV dramas Casualty, Skins, and Our Girl, says The Sun. Williams’s passion for performing shone through as soon as she stepped in front of the microphone.

After singing Solomon Burke’s “Cry to Me” for her blind audition, the 28-year-old turned an impressed Jennifer Hudson’s chair. But it was Sir Tom Jones who really and truly made her day.

After Williams finished her audition, Sir Tom asked the elated young lady, “How do you know that song?” Williams replied that it was from the 1987 movie soundtrack to Dirty Dancing, her favorite film of all time.

“It’s a great song, I love that,” Tom replied, adding, “I sing that myself.” Shouts of approval and encouragement began to rise from the audience as Jennifer Hudson chimed in, “Come on, let us hear!”

The legendary singer couldn’t resist the microphone. He quickly joined a starstruck Williams on the floor beneath the stage to perform a joyful, off-the-cuff duet.

Sir Tom, who rose to fame in the 1960s with hits such as “What’s New Pussycat,” “Delilah,” and “She’s a Lady,” poured his velvety vocals into a microphone that was quickly passed to him by a member of the TV crew. Williams descended from the stage to join him.

Sir Tom sang the first few lines solo. Then Williams came in, singing the same melody as Sir Tom as their voices found synchronicity. The pair finished their performance in perfect harmony, to wild cheers from the audience.

Jennifer Hudson, having already secured Williams for her own singing team, sat back and enjoyed the show, filming the whole thing on her mobile phone.

Olly Murs and will.i.am made their way back to their chairs after dancing along with the upbeat melody. As the last few notes of “Cry to Me” died out, and the live band’s drummer wrapped things up, Williams and Sir Tom embraced onstage.

Williams made it to the grand finale of the series, finishing in a respectable fourth place. But nobody can forget her blindsiding first audition; an upcoming star met a living legend that day. Now that was a good day at the office!