The Celebs That Refused to Attend the Coronation Concert

 Sir Elton John

(Image/ Source: bbc.co.uk)

Sir Elton was famously close to Princess Diana and Queen Elizabeth II, and is something of a friend to the Royal Family. While he’s performed at both Will and Kate and Harry and Meghan’s wedding, the star was noticeably absent from King Charles’ concert. Elton's team claimed that this was because the singer's schedule clashed with the event.

The Spice Girls

(Image/ Source: tatler.com)

There have been a LOT of rumors about a possible Spice Girls reunion (with or without Victoria Beckham), and many got their hopes up that the girl group would be teaming up to perform at King Charles’ coronation concert. However, the Rolling Stone confirmed that the girls had passed on the opportunity.

Adele

(Image/ Source: showbizcheatsheet.com)

Adele – who was once named a member of the Order of the British Empire in Queen Elizabeth II's annual Birthday Honors List – also decided not to perform at the new King’s concert. While Charles III was reportedly “very keen” to have the singer there, her busy schedule meant that she had to decline his offer.

Ed Sheeran

(Image/ Source: dailyexpress.co.uk)

Ed Sheeran was another star at the top of the King’s list. While rumors are circulating that the singer deliberately “snubbed” the concert, Ed says that isn’t true. As he was performing in Texas on May 6 – just one day before the coronation, he puts it down to a schedule clash. But fans were quick to take note that the singer could have traveled by private jet if he really wanted to perform at the coronation.

Harry Styles

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The ‘Watermelon Sugar’ singer joins the list of British artists who decided against the coronation concert. While the likes of Adele and Ed Sheeran claimed there were scheduling clashes, Harry’s team flat-out refused to comment on why the star refused to perform. Harry also reportedly declined to perform at the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

Robbie Williams

(Image/ Source: people.com)

Former Take That star Robbie Williams is reportedly a long-time fan and friend of the royal family. So fans were surprised to hear that the singer wouldn’t be performing with his old bandmates at the King’s coronation concert. Robbie’s team gave no comment as to why the star refused to join the line-up.

Jason Orange

(Image/ Source: themirror.co.uk)

Just like former bandmate Robbie Williams, Jason Orange also refused to perform alongside Mark Owen, Gary Barlow and Howard Donald as a part of Take That. The singer prefers to live his life out of the limelight these days, and tends to shy away from glitzy celebrity events. He lives a quiet life in the Cotswolds with his family.

Freya Ridings

(Image/ Source: liverpoolecho.co.uk)

Freya Ridings – who rose to fame thanks to her 2017 song Lost Without You – also ended up declining to perform. However, unlike other celebs, the star was actually keen to get involved in the coronation concert, but she reportedly had to pull out at the last minute due to illness. She was replaced by singer-songwriter Zac Abel.

Bette Midler

(Image/ Source: thesouthafrican.com)

Hollywood legend Bette Midler was reported to be making an appearance at the coronation concert, but she never showed. Nobody’s quite sure why. Her team hasn’t made a comment about her no-show just yet, and fans are keen to know why the A-lister didn’t turn up. There’s still a LOT of speculation on Twitter though…

Tom Cruise

(Image/ Source: latimes.com)

While Tom was listed in the performance line up, he didn’t actually attend. Instead, he’d prepared a Top Gun-themed skit for the new King, which was played on giant screens at Windsor Castle. His brief cameo was filmed while flying his Top Gun Warbird plane, where he told King Charles: “You can be my wingman any time.”

Zoe Ball

(Image/ Source: womanandhome.com)

BBC radio presenter Zoe was meant to be providing coverage of the coronation concert for BBC Radio 2, but also had to pull out at the last minute due to a sickness bug. She tweeted: “Absolutely gutted… the sickness bug has got me. [I] was meant to be heading to Windsor Castle for the #coronationconcert on @BBCRadio2 later".

Her colleagues Dermot O’Leary and Scott Mills stepped in for her though.

Kylie Minogue

(Image/ Source: nowtolove.au)

The Aussie queen of pop was asked to perform at the concert, but declined. And while Kylie said this was down to not being in the country at the time of the event, sources say there’s another reason behind her decision to say no. It’s said that the star is worried her inclusion in the concert wouldn't go down well with some of her fellow Australians due to the growing Republican sentiment in the country.

Meghan Markle

(Image/ Source: koimoi.com)

While there were plenty of singers who didn’t show, there were other noticeable absences too. Meghan Markle didn’t turn up for any of the coronation events, and instead stayed in California with children Archie and Lilibet. Most fans weren’t surprised by her decision to stay away from the royal family.

Prince Harry

(Image/ Source: gazettegnr.com)

While Prince Harry attended the official coronation ceremony on May 6, he wasn’t keen to hang around. According to sources, he was eager to jet off back to California to celebrate Archie’s birthday, which meant he didn’t spend much time catching up with other members of the royal family. He still had a smile for Princess Anne though.

President Biden

(Image/ Source: telegraph.co.uk)

President Biden was another famous face who didn’t attend the coronation concert. While his wife Dr Jill Biden attended the coronation ceremony, she was absent from the live performances the following day. A few days before the event, the White House issued a statement: “President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. spoke today with King Charles III, underscoring the strength of the relationship between our countries and the friendship between our people. The President congratulated the King on his upcoming Coronation.”

So who DID attend? ...Katy Perry

(Image/ Source: vogue.com)

One of the biggest headliners of the King’s coronation concert was California Girl Katy Perry. Apparently she has a pre-established relationship with King Charles (who knew?) as she was actually appointed an ambassador of the British Asian Trust – a charity he co founded – in 2020. This explains why she was at the coronation ceremony too.

Lionel Richie

(Image/ Source: thesun.co.uk)

Lionel Richie was another top performer at the concert. The superstar was the first global ambassador of the Prince’s Trust, a charity founded by King Charles III, so it’s no huge surprise that he was one of the first singers to confirm he’d be there. However, his performance received a mixed response from fans.

Andrea Bocelli

(Image/ Source: etonline.com)

The Italian opera star absolutely smashed his performance at the coronation concert. While he treated the crowd to the classics, he also performed the song ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ – which the King requested specially. He’s been no stranger to royal concerts over the years, and is a long-time fan of the royal family.

Sir Bryn Terfel

(Image/ Source: planetradio.co.uk)

Welsh opera singer Sir Bryn Terfel joined Andrea Bocelli for some classical hits at the coronation concert. He’d also performed at the coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey the previous day, but nearly missed it after police decided to stop him. The staff at Westminster managed to smooth things over.

Paloma Faith

(Image/ Source: telegraph.co.uk)

Despite making some VERY rude comments about King Charles on Twitter, Brit songstress Paloma Faith decided to join the list of performers – which was a bit of a shock to her fans. However, it seemed the star wanted to use her platform to tackle issues close to her heart, like climate change. The star was pictured in a ‘climate’ dress to raise awareness about the environment.

19. Nicole Scherzinger

(Image/ Source: derbytelegraph.co.uk)

The former X Factor judge went all out for her performance at the coronation concert. Even the King himself looked impressed! She belted out a heartfelt rendition of the Disney song "Reflection" from the 1998 Disney film Mulan, and she absolutely smashed it. Apparently Nicole was ‘overjoyed’ to perform at the concert.

 Gary Barlow

(Image/ Source: bbc)

Super group Take That were there to show their support to the royal family. Fans were quick to comment that Gary Barlow had aged the best out of the Take That members, and was happy to give a few pre-concert interviews for fans. He and the rest of the Take That members went on to smash their performance for the new King.

Mark Owen

(Image/ Source: bbc)

While fellow Take That member Gary Barlow received a fair few compliments for his appearance, fans weren’t so kind to Mark Owen. Despite being the youngest member of the group, internet users to quick to point out that the star hadn’t aged all that well. Still, it didn’t stop him from singing his heart out for the royal family.

Howard Donald

(Image/ Source: dailymail.co.uk/ bbc.co.uk)

Howard Donald was the third and final member of the original Take That line up to take to the stage at the coronation concert. He, Gary and Mark sang some of their greatest hits for King Charles III and the royal family as the concert came to a close, including Greatest Day, Shine, and Never Forget.

Olly Murs

(Image/ Source: dailyexpress.co.uk)

British pop star Olly Murs was also in attendance. The Essex-born Troublemaker star was a particular hit with younger audiences, but a fair few fans were confused by his new American-style accent! But this didn’t stop him from putting on a high-energy performance for King Charles III and the royal family.

Tiwa Savage

(Image/ Source: premiumtimesng.com)

Nigerian music star Tiwa Savage gave a pretty sensational performance at the coronation concert. Her attendance was hugely significant, as it was the first time a Nigerian artist was given an opportunity to perform at a royal concert. She belted out “Keys to the Kingdom,” a song she recorded with Mr Eazi and featured on Beyoncé’s album “The Lion King’’.

Lang Lang

(Image/ Source: zawya.com)

Superstar pianist Lang Lang also performed at the royal concert. Taking to the stage with former Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger, he gave the performance of his life. He opened his set with a solo instrumental interlude using the entire range of the piano before he announced the arrival of his duet partner for the night.

Hugh Bonneville

(Image/ Source: theindependent.co.uk)

You could tell that the Downton Abbey star was absolutely delighted to host the coronation concert! He was on top form as he ushered all the stars on stage for their performances, and was keen to take part because it was a “unique event, celebrating the best of musical entertainment.”

Full marks for Hugh.

Emma Thompson

(Image/ Source: themirror.co.uk)

While Harry Potter star Emma Thompson didn’t actually appear on stage at the coronation concert, she was keen to attend as an audience member. Not only did she give interviews and pose for pictures with her fans, but she also rushed to help a coronation guest who ended up having a bit of a coughing fit.

Miss Piggy and Kermit

(Image/ Source: telegraph.co.uk)

Let’s face it – you can’t have a proper celebrity event without Miss Piggy and Kermit! While the royals were absolutely over the moon to see the pair, some members of the family were ‘nervous’ about what the world’s sassiest pig might come out with live on air. They even thought she might come and sit on their lap…

And in case you missed it... The best moments from the concert: the fact loads of viewers switched off!

image source: reddit.com

Awkward! We know this was a huge TV deal and one that the nation (and world) turned in for at some point or another, even if only to watch the highlights, but the reality is that many British viewers switched off very quickly indeed! According to social media, they weren't impressed with the 'bottom of the barrel' celebrity line up!

Actor James Nesbitt's controversial appearance

image source: themirror.co.uk

So Irish actor James Nesbitt make an appearance to read a poem. Nesbitt is a popular actor, and we love to see him on TV - but there was a bit of a controversy because when James turned up to read a poem about how amazing the UK was, Irish viewers were a little confused since he'd recently spoken about separating Northern Ireland from the UK...

Prince William's dad jokes

image source: skynews.com

Although Prince Harry wasn't there to make awkward dad speeches, Prince William certainly was - and he took to the microphone to make an emotional speech about his dad, and the new king of England. But of course there was a 'dad' joke thrown in there... referencing 'all night long' and concert headliner Lionel Richie!

Katy Perry dressed like a 'Quality Street'

image source: nottinghampost.com

Quality Street is a favored British chocolate selection, known for its bright metallic and plastic wrappings... pretty much like what Katy Perry's outfit looked like. British viewers were quick to Tweet how she resembled a certain favorite confectionary selection.

... And singing a song that references America!

image source: youtube.com

Katy Perry is of course American, but with her appearance at a British concert for a British monarch, you might have thought she'd put more thought into her set list. Some viewers were surprised when she decided to sing 'Firework' - a song many fans might associate with 4th July celebrations.

The presenter mispronouncing Nicole Scherzinger

image source: themirror.co.uk

In a flashback to John Travolta's 'Adele Dazeem' moment, TV presenter Kirsty Young was forced to interrupt an interview on voiceover when the king and queen arrived earlier than expected (you can do what you want when you're the king) and she mispronounced Nicole's rather challenging surname!

Olly Murs' American accent

image source: themirror.co.uk

Olly Murs is another well known British singer, who actually skyrocketed to fame after his appearance on a British talent show, X Factor. But when he appeared at the coronation concert, he seemed to be sporting a weird fake American accent that viewers found confusing. Maybe he's been spending a lot of time in America?

Prince William's whole speech

image source: people.com

Dad jokes aside, Prince William's speech was one of the most heartfelt moments of the coronation concert. The crowd cheered him on as he spoke warmly of how proud him, and the royal family, are of King Charles, as William's own children and wife watched from the royal balcony.

And his tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II

image source: cnn.com

And one of the most heartfelt moments of all during the speech was William mentioning his late grandmother - her passing being the reason Charles was being coronated at all. William said: "I know she's up there fondly keeping an eye on us and she would be a very proud mother".

The royals dancing in their seats

image source: wwd.com

It was great to see that the royals themselves were actually enjoying the concert - it'd be a bit awkward if they weren't - and joining in with the rest of the crowd with the singing, dancing and cheering. They could be seen waving their little United Kingdom flags, too!

And when the king stood up for Lionel Richie

image source: wwd.com

And apparently Lionel Richie is one of the king's favorites from the concert - maybe even in general on his Spotify playlist - because King Charles was quick to stand for Richie when he came out on stage! Maybe the king just really liked that sequined silver jacket.

Prince Louis missing out!

image source: bbc.com

Even though we got to see Prince William's children bopping around to the music in the royal box, there was one royal child that was missing: Prince Louis! The 5 year old had stayed at home during the concert, leaving Princess Charlotte and Prince George to go it alone.

The pretty impressive drone display

image source: iotworldtoday.com

One thing you can be sure of for any sort of event in the UK - New Year's fireworks over London, we're looking at you - is a spectacular event in the sky! And for the coronation concert, the public were treated to a pretty incredible drone light display that's definitely not one to forget.

Landmarks around the UK were illuminated

image source: blackpoolgazette.co.uk

But it wasn't just the sky directly over the concert that was putting on a pretty impressive show - in honor of the coronation, many landmarks across the UK were illuminated in solidarity and celebration, which included Blackpool Tower and Edinburgh Castle, as Paloma Faith performed.

Princess Charlotte singing along to Katy Perry

image source: townandcountrymag.com

And apparently Katy Perry has a number one fan in the royal family, too! Her performance was one of the best of the night, but made even better by the fact that Princess Charlotte seemed to be enjoying it in particular. She could be seen singing along to 'Roar', even making the facial expressions.

Tiwa Savage's performance

image source: footwearnews.com

Known as the 'Queen of Afrobeats', Tiwa Savage performed on the concert stage and gave a stunning display, with her song 'Keys to the Kingdom' (rather fitting) which also included elements from her native Yoruba language as well as a performance from the drummers.

But there was backlash about her appearing in the concert

image source: vanguardnews.com

Her amazing performance wasn't without its controversy, though, and this came from the people of Nigeria. This was because Nigeria was once a former British colony, so her appearance at the coronation concert was considered a little in bad taste - despite her stunning dress in the green from the Nigerian flag!

The James Bond cameo

image source: twitter.com

Maverick wasn't the only action man cameo, as even James Bond put in an appearance - well, one of the James Bonds, anyway. Pierce Brosnan appeared for the coronation concert - virtually - to give his own little speech as he introduced a segment and called the king an "action man".

A message from Winnie the Pooh?

image source: variety.com

The last person - or bear - you might have expected to appear at the king's coronation concert would be Winnie the Pooh - but we love him, so we're not complaining! The bear was too busy looking for honey to appear in person, but he did take the time to pre-record a greeting message!

And Kermit was spotted at the end of the show

image source: dailyrecord.co.uk

Kermit and Miss Piggy made a memorable pair early on in the concert, but they definitely stayed for the rest of it! Kermit was spotted at the end of the concert in the royal seats of all places, looking pretty happy to be sat with Prince Edward as they enjoyed the show together!