The meteoric rise of Emeli Sandé has only climbed higher with news that she will be performing live tonight, during the Opening Ceremony for the London 2012 Olympic Games today. The Opening Ceremony is a celebration that showcases the best of the Games’ host nation. The Scottish-born singer and songwriter will be performing the hymn “Abide With Me” (written by the Scotsman Henry Francis Lyte) during the Ceremony, which will be broadcast worldwide from Olympic Stadium in London to an estimated one billion people.
As one of only a handful of performers participating in “Isles Of Wonder,” the Opening Ceremony details have been a tightly held secret. As the only female vocalist, the Scottish-born singer and songwriter Sandé was hand-selected by Oscar-winning director Danny Boyle, who has overseen the creation of this ambitious display. Performing in the most moving section of Boyle’s visionary piece, and one that integrates gorgeous dance and innovative interactivity from the audience, all of Emeli’s formidable vocal talents are put to work as she literally is the gorgeous calm before the whole of the world descends upon the stadium.
Emeli’s debut album “Our Version of Events”, released on June 5th via Capitol Records has received rave reviews in the U.S. and abroad. The New York Times called it “striking” and an album with “a number of flawless moments” in its June front-page Arts & Leisure feature on Emeli, adding that “what’s magical about this album is how Ms. Sandé’s stance remains unmistakable regardless of what the backdrop is.” It also goes on to praise her “perspective-altering voice, clear and brassy and weapons-grade.”
“Our Version of Events” has been certified double-platinum in the UK and has remained in the Top 10 on the British album chart since debuting at No. 1 debut in February. With 22 straight weeks in the Top 10, “Our Version of Events” is the biggest-selling new album of the year in the UK. Individual sales of the album’s tracks have exceeded the one million mark.
After her performance at the Opening Ceremony, Emeli will return to the U.S. to continue her stint opening for Coldplay, who handpicked her for their summer arena tour. In September, Emeli will perform one night of the month-long iTunes Festival taking place at the Roundhouse in Camden, London(UK) along with Usher, Jack White, Norah Jones, One Direction, and others. She has also announced four headlining shows in the U.S. in October. Please see below for all upcoming tour dates.
Don’t miss Emeli performing on Today on August 10th (from London) and The Tonight Show With Jay Leno on August 22nd.
Emeli’s remaining tour dates opening for Coldplay are as follows:
07/29 Boston, MA TD Garden
07/30 Boston, MA TD Garden
08/01 Detroit, MI Palace of Auburn Hills
08/03 E. Rutherford, NJ Izod Center
08/04 E. Rutherford, NJ Izod Center
Emeli’s headlining October tour dates are as follows:
10/08 Washington, DC Howard Theatre
10/09 Philadelphia, PA Theatre of Living Arts
10/10 Boston, MA Paradise
10/13 Atlanta, GA Variety Playhouse
Connect with Emeli Sandé:
www.emelisande.com
www.twitter.com/emelisande
www.facebook.com/emelisande
