John Newman’s performance in the BBC’s VE Day 80th Anniversary celebration has been blasted by viewers.
The singer, 34, joined a star-studded lineup who took to the stage to pay tribute to the nation’s war heroes with a special concert at London’s Horseguards Parade.
The concert, which took place at London’s Horseguards Parade, is the last of many events this week to mark the 80th Anniversary of VE Day, which was the day the Second World War finally came to an end in Europe in 1945.
John, best known for his hit song Love Me Again in 2013 before he took a hiatus from music in 2020, showed off his vocal skills during the performance, but viewers were left unimpressed.
Posts on X included: ‘Oh God. John Newman is… painful. What on earth is this?! Never thought I’d say this but get The Darkness back on quick
‘Who the hell told John Newman he could sing, premium nasal mumbling that. Can’t make one word out.
John Newman’s performance in the BBC’s VE Day 80th Anniversary celebration has been blasted by viewers
The singer joined a star-studded lineup who took to the stage to pay tribute to the nation’s war heroes with a special concert at London’s Horseguards Parade
‘The Audience listening to John Newman; What a row from John Newman, that’s not singing
‘Watching the VE Day 80 celebrations on TV, who the hell is John Newman? That was probably the worst performance I have ever seen. Totally inaudible;
‘John Newman being taken over by the spirit of Kenneth Williams to celebrate VE Day;
‘What in the First Response Nasal Spray has happened to John Newman;
‘John Newman sounds like my dog when he yawns.’
John’s performance came hot on the heels of rock band The Darkness, a signing which also sparked confusion from some viewers.
While many fans were quick to praise the band and lead Justin Hawkins for their energetic performance, others shared their confusion at the decision to sign them, considering the audience in attendance.
Taking to X, fans noted that many veterans may prefer some of the older songs in the show, quipping they ‘didn’t know’ The Darkness had such a large following in war heroes.
John, best known for his hit song Love Me Again in 2013, showed off his vocal skills during the performance, but viewers were left unimpressed
This was a sentiment that appeared to be echoed by Queen Camilla, as the camera caught her covering her ears, while she chatted to 107-year-old World War Two bomber pilot Harry Richardson.
Elsewhere, Their Majesties, King Charles, 76, and Queen Camilla, 77, smiled as they made an appearance for an evening of music, along with Prince Edward, 61, and his wife Sophie, 60.
The mother-of-three stunned in an all-white ensemble, rewearing an effortlessly elegant Cream Tailored Bouclé and Chiffon Midi Dress by Self-Portrait.
The artists featured include include the cast of World War II musical Operation Mincemeat, West End legend Samantha Barks – offering her powerful rendition of We’ll Meet Again – Fleur East, Calum Scott, John Newman, Toploader and Tom Walker.
Elsewhere, Brian Cox – celebrated for his role in Succession – delivered a moving re-enactment of Winston Churchill’s iconic wartime speech.
On May 8, 1945 the nation celebrated Victory in Europe (VE) Day with church bells ringing out across the country and people gathering to revel in the end of hostilities, with crowds gathering outside Buckingham Palace calling for King George VI.
After almost six years of fighting against Hitler’s Nazi regime peace was declared, although the war against Japan would continue until August 15 that year.
