Merlin Elite

RUSSELL WATSON The Voice

In 1999, classical tenor Russell Watson was invited to Old Trafford to sing the world cup opera anthem ‘Nessun Dorma’ moments before kick off at United’s Premiership winning game. Russell’s performance received a standing ovation and the incredible exposure that followed led opera star Russell to be signed by the Decca Music Group for a six-album opera deal.

A factory worker born in Salford in North West England, Russell Watson went from performing on the pub circuit in his spare time, to selling over 7 million opera and classical albums worldwide. It’s no surprise that he is now dubbed ‘The Peoples Tenor’ and has succeeded in taking opera and classical music to a new audience world wide. Russell Watson has performed his opera music around the world in front of many audiences - the Beckham’s pre-World Cup party; to more intimate performances for the President of the United States, the UK Prime Minister, the Emperor of Japan and the Pope; as well as duets with artists as diverse as Cliff Richard, Lulu, Lionel Ritchie, Mel C (of Spice Girls fame) and Meatloaf.

Russell has broken a succession of records, being the first British male to simultaneously occupy a No.1 spot in the UK and American classical charts, as well as being the first artist to have a classical album at the No.1 spot in the UK classical charts for an entire year. Having released 7 albums to date, he has won four classical BRIT Awards, and is recognized as the UK’s biggest selling classical artist of the 21st century.

Russell has recently completed his summer tour including a trip to Japan and released his autobiography ‘Finding My Voice – My Story’. He is currently appearing as a judge on the BBC prime time show ‘Last Choir Standing’.