Tom Jones and Bethzienna Williams Perform ‘Cry to Me’ on The Voice UK
Bethzienna Williams joined The Voice UK with a clear goal: to impress the coaches with her vocal ability. During the blind auditions, she selected ‘Cry to Me,’ a soulful classic originally performed by Solomon Burke. This choice established a deep, emotional tone that highlighted her soulful voice and capacity to convey the song’s emotional intensity.
When Sir Tom Jones, a legendary Welsh musician known for his rich baritone and long-standing success, heard her audition, he was deeply moved and decided to join her in an unexpected duet. This moment transformed the performance from a hopeful audition into a historic meeting of two generations of Welsh musical talent.
The duet focused on the chemistry and genuine enthusiasm between the two singers rather than elaborate staging. Their smiles and lighthearted banter on stage added warmth to a powerful vocal performance, creating an intimate atmosphere despite the large audience and camera presence.
Bethzienna’s progress on The Voice UK remained strong, reaching the final stages of the competition. Her collaboration with Sir Tom Jones was a key moment, offering her the confidence and recognition that helped her gain attention from both audiences and judges.
This performance highlights how The Voice UK sometimes creates special moments where music icons collaborate with up-and-coming artists. It honored both vocal skill and the transmission of a soulful legacy across generations.
Watch the performance
Sir Tom Jones’ career has spanned over fifty years, with his powerful voice spanning genres from pop and rock to soul and blues. His willingness to support new talent, especially in a live televised setting, adds a meaningful dimension to The Voice UK.
Bethzienna Williams’ voice, known for its warmth and control, perfectly matched the raw emotion of ‘Cry to Me.’ Their vocal interaction captured the essence of the song — a heartfelt plea filled with vulnerability and strength.
This collaboration also underscored their shared Welsh heritage, making the performance a cultural milestone for Wales’ presence in modern music competitions.
Both critics and fans commended the duet for its high-quality vocals and the authentic chemistry between Tom Jones and Bethzienna, which made the connection between them feel genuine to the audience.
The selection of ‘Cry to Me’ was notable. Originally soulful and emotionally intense, it enabled both artists to express deep feelings through subtle vocal variations rather than relying on dramatic performances.
Throughout the audition and duet, the encouraging atmosphere among the coaches and the audience’s response illustrated the core purpose of The Voice UK: identifying and fostering raw talent through strong mentorship.
Bethzienna’s advancement to the final rounds confirmed that her initial audition was more than a fleeting moment of attention; it marked the beginning of a promising musical journey.
The staged duet between a seasoned icon and a new talent also conveyed a powerful message about music’s enduring nature and its ability to connect generations and life experiences.
This performance is remembered as one of the most touching moments on The Voice UK, showing that unexpected partnerships can lead to some of the most unforgettable TV music highlights.
Bethzienna’s rising popularity has been partly due to the success of her duet, solidifying her position as a compelling soulful vocalist in the UK music scene.
Two more performances to explore
Bethzienna Williams' 'Cry To Me' | Blind Auditions | The Voice UK 2019
This video features Bethzienna Williams performing ‘Cry To Me’ alone in a blind audition, providing insight into her vocal capabilities prior to joining forces with Sir Tom Jones in a duet.
Bethzienna’s 'You Don't Own Me' | The Semi Finals | The Voice UK 2019
This semi-final appearance showcases Bethzienna’s vocal range and development on The Voice UK, illustrating her soulful approach to singing beyond the audition song.
