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Welsh mezzo-soprano Katherine Jenkins, renowned for her interpretations of iconic operas, hymns, and numerous renditions of the national anthem, is embarking on a unique musical venture this Christmas.
Jenkins has recorded a classical reimagining of a viral hit song, even venturing into learning some Korean in the process.
“Golden,” the celebrated track from the animated film “KPop Demon Hunters,” achieved widespread popularity in 2025, breaking streaming records globally.
Originally performed in the film by the fictional girl band HUNTR/X, Jenkins shared with BBC Radio Wales’ Lucy Owen that she envisioned the song as “a really beautiful aria” and that its uplifting message resonated deeply.
Netflix describes “KPop Demon Hunters,” as its most-watched film to date, chronicling the lives of K-pop stars Rumi, Mira, and Zoey who secretly protect the world from supernatural threats.
Its captivating music and choreography have garnered immense popularity among younger audiences, and Jenkins playfully noted that she earned “brownie points” from her children, aged seven and 10, “for at least trying it”.
Jenkins, a native of Neath, Port Talbot, is scheduled to perform the song at the Royal Variety Show on Sunday, where she will also sing the national anthem.
“It comes at a bit of an emotional point in the show,” she said.
“When you look at the lyrics in an empowering, inspirational way, it really resonates in that setting,” she said.
The optimistic anthem celebrates resilience in the face of adversity, empowerment, and the search for identity.
“It’s been a really lovely song to try and interpret in a classical way,” she said.
“The hardest bit, probably, is learning the bits in Korean,” she said. “I’ve never sung in Korean before, so that was interesting,” she said.
The recording also features a children’s choir toward the end, with Jenkins revealing that her eldest daughter, Aaliyah, is among the singers.
She joined her mother in the studio after school one day to record her part.
“It ended up staying on there, so she’s excited this morning as well,” she said. “She’s definitely loving singing and anything that we can do together like that is always lovely.”
The singer added Christmas was her favourite time of the year, growing up with choral singing in Neath.
“It’s just the best time of year, so we’re really excited at home, as always,” she said.
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