Katherine Jenkins comes full circle

SINGAPORE — Staying 10 years in any job is a milestone. For Welsh classical singer Katherine Jenkins meeting that milestone was made even sweeter when her 10th album, Home Sweet Home, shot to No 1 on the United Kingdom’s classical charts.

“I certainly never expect that the album will do well,” said the singer over the phone from London. “I don’t really like to look at chart figures and all that, because ultimately, I just want people to enjoy the album. I was very overwhelmed and emotional when I was told that it had gotten to No 1.

The album harks back to her early days, with classical selections interspersed with more modern tracks, which were selected because they were either inspirational or anthemic. “I looked back at all the albums that I did before — what did I enjoy most, what worked well — and I realised that I actually really loved the classical style of my first few albums,” she said.

The album’s title was a nod to her musical roots. “I’ve also gone back to the record company that signed me when I was a 23-year-old school teacher. So it felt that the whole thing has gone full circle and I’ve sort of come home.”

Still, Jenkins admitted that she has been very fortunate. She has had eight No 1 albums on the classical charts and several Top 10 hits in the pop charts, with five albums going platinum. She became the first British classical crossover artiste to have two No 1 albums in the same year (2005) and the first female artiste to win two consecutive Classic BRIT Awards. And let’s not forget signing the biggest classical recording deal in history, for US$10 million (S$13.1 million) back in 2008. Not bad for someone who, before signing a record deal, was working as a singing teacher, a tour guide and a model to make a living.

“The best part (about my job) is I get to sing. I really love that. At the Royal Academy (where she studied) there were some singers there who were better than I was, but they don’t get to work like I do, so I’m very fortunate,” she said.

However, she also reckoned that the biggest lesson she’s learnt is that success also depends on hard work.

“I think that ultimately, when you think about what this job entails or what you career is meant to be, it’s about hard work. In the last 10 years, I’ve worked really hard and it’s not always as glamorous as everybody thinks it is. I absolutely love it, but it’s not always what you think it’s going to be.”

Q: What’s the biggest misconception about Katherine Jenkins?

A: People think it’s all glam ... but it’s not. It’s not fabulous. The week when the album was released, I had only three hours sleep every night. You’re running here, there and everywhere. Right now, it’s morning over here but just before I spoke to you, I was signing CD covers after I woke up. I haven’t even had breakfast yet. It’s fine. People ask me to sign their albums and I’m happy to, but these things ... it’s constantly going on and you’ve got to be prepared to work hard.

Q: Does it bother you that people get the wrong idea?

A: I think that with the misconceptions, there are some things you want to rectify and some things you’re okay with letting go. Unless someone is writing something about your character that isn’t a fair representation who you actually are, then of course, I’m going to put that right. It happens sometimes with the media. But you have to have a thick skin and not let that get to you.

Q: So how you do separate your public and private lives?

A: I think it’s my right to protect my private life and I’ve always been very keen to keep my public and private life separate. For example, I got married three months ago, and we have a culture here where celebrities would sell wedding photos to magazines (but) I didn’t want that because I didn’t want that kind of attention. My husband and I just wanted to be a normal bride and groom, and spend a nice day with our families.

Q: Does being normal mean not getting mobbed on the street?

A: People are very nice and it’s all positive stuff. I don’t mind that. It’s just getting used to the idea that people want to talk to you. You know, you’re out running and people want to take a photo of you, and you’re like, why?

Q: Because you’re famous that’s why! But have your fans done any weird things?

A: I just met a gentleman recently who had a tattoo of my face on his thigh. It’s on my Instagram. It’s crazy. I think that’s dedication. Not me, though, I wouldn’t do something like that. I don’t have any tattoos. I wouldn’t be that brave.

Q: You always seem so cheery in the photos. Don’t you ever feel like just having a lie-in and not having to do press or fan meets?

A: I think that there are times where you might feel tired or stress or jet-lagged. But people spend money and time to come and see you perform or go to your record signing. I think that no matter how exhausted you feel, when you’re face to face with these people, you appreciate how lucky you are to have this job. I always find that energy once I’m onstage. That’s the fun bit. I would think the worst bit is ... not being able to go for a run in peace! (laughs)

Q: So what are your plans for the future? And what about holiday plans?

A: I’m going to be spending Christmas at home with the family. But for New Year, I’m going to be singing at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin for a million people. I’m not sure what to expect. I would love to continue singing. I’ve been lucky to make 10 albums. I’d like take some time out and have a family, but we’ll see what happens. If people still want to hear me sing, that would be amazing.

Home Sweet Home is available online and in stores now.