Introduction
Sir Tom Jones’ ‘Cry To Me’ | Blind Auditions | The Voice UK 2021
“Cry To Me” is a classic soul song originally written by Bert Berns (credited as Bert Russell) and first recorded by Solomon Burke in 1961. Burke’s version became one of the defining tracks of early soul music, reaching the US R&B Top 5 and later gaining wider fame when featured on the soundtrack of the 1987 film Dirty Dancing. The song’s heartfelt plea — “When your baby leaves you all alone…” — and its gospel-inflected rhythm have made it a standard covered by many artists, including The Rolling Stones and Betty Harris.
On 9 January 2021, during the Blind Auditions of The Voice UK (Series 10), legendary Welsh singer Sir Tom Jones delivered a spontaneous rendition of “Cry To Me.” Tom was serving as a coach alongside fellow judges Anne-Marie, Olly Murs, and will.i.am when the performance took place between auditions. Prompted by the enthusiastic virtual audience calling for a song, Jones leapt into the classic with powerful vocals and commanding presence, surprising many viewers and even his fellow coaches.
The moment stood out not as part of the competition but as an impromptu showcase of Jones’s enduring talent. Anne-Marie reacted with awe, remarking on how incredible his voice sounded up close, while the other judges and the virtual audience responded with cheers and visible appreciation. The performance demonstrated that, even at age 80, Tom Jones could take a soul standard and make it his own, blending nostalgia with raw vocal energy.
This rendition of “Cry To Me” on The Voice UK was widely shared online (including millions of views on the show’s official YouTube upload), reminding audiences why Tom Jones remains one of music’s most compelling live performers — able to reinterpret classics with intensity, charisma, and heart.