Adele recently spoke of how Brit Award singer Gabrielle was her icon when she was growing up; and now the go-to British soul singer of the 90s - whose signature Swarovski-encrusted eye patch was as glittering as her career - is set to take to the London stage this week for a very special performance.
Known for a string of hits including Dreams, Sunshine, Rise and Out of Reach, which she penned for the soundtrack of Bridget Jones Diary, Gabrielle will perform at this year's prestigious Butterfly Ball.
"I'm so grateful that after 23 years I still have the chance to perform and record, it's what I know and what I love, when I said dreams can come true, I wasn't wrong!" she recently said.
Gabrielle will perform at the Butterfly Ball this week
Of Adele, she says: "What I love about Adele is that she's become a world-class recording artist by being herself – and that’s why everybody loves her. She didn't conform to any stereotypes about what a popstar should be and in the end she was so good and so different, she didn't need the hype."
The 46-year-old songstress who has just finished touring with Michael Bolton will take to the stage at this week's Butterfly Ball on 22nd June in aid of Caudwell Children (which supports youngsters with disabilities including autism) alongside All Saints and legendary singer/songwriter Burt Bacharach.
"I met him many years ago on Chris Evans' TGI Friday Show when I was asked to come on and sing his hit, Walk on By, made famous by Dionne Warwick," recalls Gabrielle. "I felt so intimidated and don't know if he liked my version, because I didn’t hang around to find out. I ran out of the door as soon as I could. He probably thought I crucified it!"
He will have undoubtedly approved. And wouldn't have been the first musical genius to give their seal of approval. Bob Dylan allowed her to use a sample of one of his songs, Knocking On Heaven's Door, in her hit Rise; modmaster Paul Weller invited her to sing a duet with him; whilst the late Prince invited her to join him on stage at his Formula 1 concert in Abu Dhabi.
"I was so sad when I heard he had passed away," she says. "He was like a musical God to me. He was very encouraging, gracious and generous with his time and advice. I was very shocked when I heard. The last time I saw him, he was looking so fit and healthy. He will be remembered forever and will always be a legend."
For more on this year's Butterfly Ball visit caudwellchildren.com/butterflyball
