Katherine Jenkins Transforms KPop Demon Hunters' Hit into Stunning Classical Aria

Katherine Jenkins, a well-known Welsh mezzo-soprano, has taken on a new musical challenge this Christmas. She has recorded a classical version of Golden, a viral hit song from the animated Netflix film KPop Demon Hunters. Jenkins is famous for her performances of opera, hymns, and the national anthem, but this time she decided to try something different by reimagining a modern pop song in her own style. Golden became a huge hit in 2025, breaking streaming records and gaining fans all over the world. In the movie, the song is performed by the fictional girl group HUNTR/X, and its catchy tune and positive message made it especially popular with young audiences.

KPop Demon Hunters tells the story of three K-pop stars, Rumi, Mira, and Zoey, who secretly protect the world while also performing as a famous music group. The film’s mix of exciting music, dance scenes, and adventure helped it become Netflix’s most-watched original movie ever. Jenkins said she was drawn to Golden because she thought it could be turned into a beautiful aria, which is a type of classical solo song. She also mentioned that the song’s message about overcoming challenges and finding your own strength really spoke to her. To perform the song, Jenkins had to learn some Korean lyrics, which was a new experience for her. She admitted that singing in Korean was probably the hardest part, but she enjoyed learning something new.

Jenkins will perform her version of Golden at the Royal Variety Show, where she will also sing the national anthem. She said the song fits perfectly at an emotional moment in the show, and she hopes its empowering lyrics will inspire the audience. The recording of Golden also features children singing towards the end, including Jenkins’ own daughter, Aaliyah. Jenkins shared that singing with her daughter was a special experience, and that her daughter was very excited to be part of the project. Jenkins loves Christmas and has fond memories of singing with her family in Neath, her hometown. She said Christmas is her favorite time of year, and she is looking forward to celebrating with her family and sharing her new music with fans.