Michelle McManus Feels Anxious Before Duet with Robbie Williams

Singer Michelle McManus expresses that she feels more anxious about singing with Robbie Williams than she did singing in front of the Pope.

The winner of Pop Idol, who hosts the Afternoon Show on BBC Radio Scotland, will share the stage with Williams this Saturday during the opening night of his Britpop tour at Murrayfield.

McManus received a surprise invitation from the Angels singer during her radio show.

She described the invitation as “really lovely” and “symbolic,” especially after 22 years in her career.

In an appearance on BBC Radio Scotland’s Drivetime, the Scottish artist admitted her nerves but also excitement to perform for a local audience.

She shared, “My happy place is when I sing, so the singing part is no issue; the nerves come from performing for Robbie Williams in front of a crowd of 70,000.”

“When we performed during the Pope’s visit at Bellahouston, it was 80,000 people, but singing for a gathering of cardinals and the Pope felt quite different from singing for Robbie Williams.”

Since her rise to fame on Pop Idol, McManus has performed at numerous events, including the 2014 Commonwealth Games and Pope Benedict’s visit to Glasgow in 2010.

She remarked, “At 45, with two children, I feel fortunate to be at BBC Radio Scotland.”

“Everything seems to be in order, and then this significant Murrayfield gig arises, which wasn’t on my radar for this year.”

“It’s profoundly emotional to be invited by a friend to join them on stage, truly a wonderful experience.”

Williams is on a five-month UK and Europe tour, performing hits such as Let Me Entertain You, Angels, and She’s the One.

He has previously performed duets with celebrities like Kylie Minogue, Nicole Kidman, and Taylor Swift—a list that now includes McManus.

McManus and Williams met in the early 2000s, when he offered her guidance on dealing with fame and media attention.

Their friendship has endured, with Michelle recently attending the premiere of his biopic, Better Man.

Details regarding their Saturday performance remain a secret, with Michelle keeping the selected song under wraps.

However, she shared that her outfit is embellished with 40,000 Swarovski crystals.

“I’ll never want to take it off. It’s one of the most exquisite outfits I’ve ever worn,” she stated.

“You won’t miss me on stage, given the color of my hair and the abundance of crystals.”