Welcome A Star is the first single from Beckitt, in collaboration with the classically trained pianist, composer and TV presenter, Wakeman. The former Yes star first met Emmie, who has been singing classical repertoire since the age of ten, at a fundraiser for Kids'n'Cancer - and was so impressed by her crystal clear voice and effortless range that he decided to record a song from his oratorio The New Gospels, with her.

This beautifully melodic Christmas song features Emmie on lead vocals, accompanied by the Orion Orchestra, with Rick on keyboards, and the English Chamber Choir.

Currently studying for her Grade 8 exam in singing, Emmie Beckitt takes part in the Senior School Chamber Choir at St Augustines, Scarborough, North Yorkshire and is also a member of her school orchestra and jazz band, as she plays tenor saxophone, violin and piano. When aged only 13, she supported Katherine Jenkins in concert and a year later, appeared at Roy Wood's sell-out show at the Birmingham Symphony Hall, where she received a standing ovation. She recently sang The Hymn, composed by Sir Tim Rice and Rick Wakeman, with an orchestra and choir, at The Sage Gateshead, as part of the Tim Rice Concert Series.

A Fellow of the Royal College of Music, Professor of the London College of Music, former YES keyboard player, Watchdog presenter and renowned Grumpy Old Man, Rick Wakeman began his career as a much-sought-after session musician in the late Sixties, playing on more than 2,000 records by a wide variety of artists, including Cat Stevens, David Bowie, Marc Bolan and Black Sabbath. In the early Seventies, he found fame in his own right as a member of first Strawbs and then YES. As a solo artist and with YES, he has sold more than 50,000,000 albums. He has written a number of film scores and has become a TV regular, but still finds time to perform numerous concerts around the world every year.

Both Emmie and Rick are patrons of the Chesterfield charity Kids'n'Cancer and a percentage of profits from the sale of Welcome A Star will be donated to that organization. -

Rick Wakeman Music, DVDs, Books and more Rick Wakeman T-shirts and Posters More Rick Wakeman News Share this article Related Stories Rick Wakeman Announces The Final One Man Solo Tour Robert Fripp, Rick Wakeman, Steve Hackett Lead Cruise to The Edge 2025 Lineup Rick Wakeman Announces The Final Solo Tour Megadeth, Slayer, Yes, Rainbow Icons Cover Pink Floyd Classic - 2023 In Review Rick Wakeman The Prog Years 1973-1977 Box Set Announced