Katherine Jenkins

Katherine Jenkins

Katherine Jenkins is a Welsh mezzo-soprano and classical crossover singer from Neath, United Kingdom. She is known for performing a range of operatic arias, popular songs, musical comedy and hymns, and for building an international reputation through both live and recorded work.

Career

In 2004, Jenkins signs a large record deal in the United Kingdom classical recording market. Her debut album, Premiere, makes her the fastest-selling mezzo-soprano to that point. She becomes the first British classical crossover artist to have two number one albums in the same year. Six of her seven studio albums reach number one in the classical charts between 2004 and 2008, and her total sales pass 4 million copies.

Recognition

Jenkins is the first female artist to win two consecutive Classical BRIT Awards. Her second album, Second Nature, reaches number 16 in the UK pop chart and is named Album of the Year at the 2005 BRIT Awards. Her album Rejoice enters the UK Album Chart at number 3.

Background

Jenkins is born in Neath in 1980 and is raised there with her sister Laura by their parents, Selwyn John and Susan. She also has twin half-sisters from her father’s first marriage, whom she has not met.