SINGER Russell Watson returned to the Villa Marina last night (Wednesday) and more than proved why fans have dubbed him "The Voice".
The tenor took to the Manx stage accompanied by the National Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Sir William Haywood, and local choir Musicale.
Looking dapper in a navy suit and matching tie, Russell was welcomed with rapturous applause and a standing ovation by fans.
Opening the show with O Sole Mio, he set the tone of the night as his booming voice filled the venue and made the audience sit up and take notice.
He was obviously pleased to be performing here as he said: "What a thrill to be back in the Isle of Man."
The singer oozed character, confidence and personality stopping mid song to joke with the crowd about flash photography and to pose for photographs.
Continuing the set with Panis Angelicus, Va Pensiero and Ave Maria, Russell littered the set with informal chat as if he was addressing old friends.
Despite singing in another language Russell easily kept the audience fixated on him. Whilst they may not have understood the words they certainly understood the power and the passion.
He seemed to feel every word he was singing, hardly pausing for breath, and most definitely making the hairs stand on end.
Mentioning the two brain tumours he was diagnosed with in 2007 he said: "I’m so thrilled to still be doing this. I’ve had a difficult four to five years with health but I’m still here.
"I think about two years after I finished radiotherapy I didn’t think I’d be able to sing this type of music again."
A rendition of the theme tune from The Godfather led to yet another standing ovation for the singer.
For the final song of the first half Russell easily switched between languages to give a memorable performance of "the most requested song that I’ve never recorded".
Singing Music of the Night from Phantom of the Opera the audience were transported to a West End stage with Russell giving an emotive performance of the Andrew Lloyd Webber classic.
It was clear that many in the audience had seen the singer before and some die hard fans had travelled over especially for the concert.
He was adorned with gifts throughout the performance including a pair of Manx cufflinks which he proudly put on.
A quick costume change for the second half saw Russell return to the stage in a black tuxedo.
In his performance of Volare he took to the floor for a chance to meet some of his fans up close. Russell remained note perfect whilst shaking hands and receiving numerous kisses from his admirers.
The second set consisted of Feniculi Funicula, Caruso and the Elvis Presley classic, Can’t Help Falling in Love - to name a few.
He praised the audience thanking them for their continued support and said: "You’re amazing it’s quite a noise up here."
For his big finish it had to be the song that catapulted him into the spotlight - Nessun Dorma.
Giving it everything he had he looked emotional during the performance and was rewarded with a standing ovation from the crowd before leaving the stage.
After shouts of "more" - and the stamping of feet more commonly associated with a pop concert - the singer returned to the stage. He performed Land of Hope and Glory twice, Jerusalem and a final offering of You Raise Me Up.
The singer’s powerhouse voice, versatility and charisma certainly proves why he has won four BRIT Awards and is considered one of the most successful classical singers in the business.
Photos by: Tessa Hawley
Also see: "The Voice" returns – Russell Watson to perform tomorrow
