Rod Stewart’s performance at the BBC Platinum Party at the Palace has come under major fire - with some viewers suggesting he wasn’t at his best. Now wife Penny Lancaster has spoken out to reveal why Rodders wasn’t on top form.
Appearing on Loose Women on ITV today, she revealed the singer had been suffering from Covid - and soldiered on because he didn’t want to let anyone down. She said: “He was [performing] in Vegas, caught Covid. He came home and it was past the 10 day period of being contagious. But he lost his voice. So for the soundcheck on the Wednesday, he went along and wore a mask but had no voice.
“He went for another rehearsal on the Friday and it was touch and go. His voice is there now but it wasn’t quite on.” She added: “He didn’t want to disappoint anybody. It wasn’t the Rod Stewart show, it was a show for the nation, for the Queen, for everybody to come together so he could please these people so [Sweet Caroline] was the song. And it brought everyone together.”
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Viewers became confused as to why he sang Neil Diamond’s Sweet Caroline, instead of one of his chart-topping hits. The Maggie May hitmaker was even baffled himself as he admitted to the crowds ahead of his performance: “The BBC made me sing it. Join in and make it comfortable for me.”
Eight-year-old George was seen waving his Union Jack flag while singing along. Kayla tweeted: “Prince George singing along to Sweet Caroline with his dad and waving his flag, a British classic.”
Benjamin said: “Prince George singing along to Sweet Caroline says Britain is in safe hands.” Cheryl said: “Prince George singing Sweet Caroline. Best thing you’ll see today. Beyond cute.”
But others accused Rod of “butchering” the hit. “Catching up with party at the palace, now Neil Diamond is my all time fav and I do like Rod Stewart but I’m sorry NO NO NO,” wrote A.
Sandie asked: “Did you see little Prince George singing along to Sweet Caroline with Rod Stewart! Aww.” And Countess tweeted: “I’ve just seen Prince William and Prince George singing along to Sweet Caroline. My #PlatinumJubilee celebrations are made.”
Afterwards Rod said: “It was fabulous. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and while I’ve done it before, never on this scale.” Speaking about the Queen Sir Rod added: “She’s homely. She’s funny. I’ve had so many funny occasions with her that make me smile. She’s just wonderful.”
