Blind Singer Gets Standing Ovation For Breathtaking Surprise Performance Of ‘Phantom Of The Opera’ Song

Apr 06, 2023

Music can bring people together in many ways, providing inspiration and hope no matter where a person is from. True enough, music is the universal language – and one person has proven that during one of those most trying times for a lot of people across the globe in recent history. That person is a woman who treated her neighbors to an impromptu performance outside her home during the coronavirus pandemic. But her performance wasn’t an ordinary one – she did it in honor of the people who have made significant contributions to the world’s healing. Nearly three years later, she was given the opportunity to perform on television alongside one of the artists she admires the most.

A blind woman named Anne Wilkins from the town of Bridgend in the UK has performed all over the world. Wilkins, who is a talented singing teacher and soprano, did not let her condition become a hindrance to her passion for singing. She even teaches Braille classes and is a member of the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) Task Group which works to improve the accessibility of Braille music.

When people came out in 2020 to clap for the National Health Service (NHS) back in 2020, Wilkins surprised her neighbors with a number of performances. But her performance of “Over The Rainbow” alongside her neighbor, West End actor Alyn Hawke, was what left everyone speechless. 

Hawke, who has always been a fan of Wilkins, suggested that the latter perform for her neighbors. He then posted the video of Wilkins singing which eventually went viral after thousands of people across the UK watched the video online.

That same year, she was nominated for the RNIB See Differently Awards – Coronavirus Heroes for using her voice to help lift not just the spirits of her neighbors, but other people as well.

In January 2023, English TV presenter Michael McIntyre surprised Wilkins on his show. To pull off their surprise, they had to set up a fake recording studio. Wilkins first appeared in a made-up podcast hosted by Anita Rani called Inspiring People. Wilkins answered Welsh opera singer Bryn Terfel after she was asked who her dream celebrity guest would be. When Rani finally introduced the guest, McIntyre walked inside the studio instead.

But at that moment, she had no idea that Hawke nominated her to be the “Unexpected Star” or the member of the public who was given the chance to perform in front of a live audience on McIntyre’s show.

"I'm incredibly excited to tell you that you're on my show right now. This is Michael McIntyre's Big Show and you've been nominated to be the unexpected star of the show. You are actually backstage at the theatre and there are 2,000 people sitting there watching us. They know all about you and you will be performing for us tonight if you agree,” McIntyre told Wilkins.

She then walked up on stage wearing a purple dress and performed “All I Ask Of You” from the “Phantom of the Opera with Terfel.

After delivering a breathtaking performance, she received a standing ovation from the live audience.

Meanwhile, Wilkins thanked Hawke for pulling off the surprise which allowed her to fulfill her dream of performing with Terfel.

"I was really super surprised when I realized Michael was behind this. I never guessed anything like this,” she said.

"It's a dream come true. I've known Alyn all his life. I really appreciate what he's done. I'm looking forward to performing very much. It's something I never thought I'd do,” she added.

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