Jessie J delivered a powerful and emotional performance at the prestigious Royal Variety Performance, held at London's Royal Albert Hall. The singer, 37, performed in front of an audience that included Their Royal Highnesses The Prince and Princess of Wales.
A Song of Personal Loss and Tribute
The star chose to perform her new single, 'I'll Never Know Why', a track that serves as a heartfelt tribute to her late bodyguard and close friend, Dave. He died by suicide seven years ago. Jessie J has described Dave as far more than a security detail; he was a steadying presence and confidant during the intense pressures of fame.
She has shared that he was the person she would call when overwhelmed, saying, "I need to go for a walk, this is too much for me." The loss, she revealed, continues to affect her profoundly. The song appears on her new album, 'Don't Tease Me With a Good Time', which marks her first major music release in seven years.
Overcoming Adversity to Perform
The performance held extra significance as it came following a challenging year for the artist, during which she underwent treatment for early breast cancer, including a mastectomy. Holding back emotion while discussing the song's meaning on ITV's This Morning, she explained she initially wasn't going to include the track on the album.
However, after playing it for her new team, they convinced her of its potential to help others. "It's not easy to sing," she admitted, "but seeing how people have reacted to it in the last few weeks has been incredible. He was like my big brother."
Audience and Fan Reaction
The raw emotion of the performance resonated deeply with the Royal Albert Hall audience and viewers at home. Fans quickly took to social media platform X to express their admiration.
One fan wrote that the song had them "sobbing," calling it "such a beautiful song." Others praised her vocal prowess, with one stating they had "never heard this woman ever miss a note," and another suggesting her "unmatched" talent belongs on a West End stage.
The moment underscored the power of music to channel personal grief into a public, healing performance, creating a standout moment at the 2025 Royal Variety show.
