Natalie Black was in Kuala Lumpur recently (17-19 October 2023) for The Ultimate Tribute to Adele at The Platform Performing Arts Theatre, Platform KEN-TTDI, Taman Tun Dr Ismail. Thanks to Dato’ Nicholas Pinder of Homme Productions, presenter of The Ultimate Tribute to Adele, I had the opportunity to interview Natalie during her rehearsal at the theatre on 17 October 2023.
Can you tell us about your background in the music industry & how you came to perform The Ultimate Tribute to Adele?
Natalie: I started the show in 2012 performing in small venues. It took me a year to put the show together . I went to a showcase and all the UK agents were there. I spent 2 and a half years performing in restaurants and cafes in 5-star resorts in Tenerife and Greece.
Which countries have you performed in?
Natalie: I’ve performed in Dubai, Egypt, Greece, Ireland, Spain and Bahrain.
Which countries will you be performing at in the near future?
Natalie: I’m going back to Dubai in December, then Mexico and India.
Where have you performed to the largest audience?
Natalie: The Pride Festival in Leeds, Yorkshire before 30k people.
What are some of your favourite memories about the Tribute Show?
Natalie: I performed at a big show in Malta where there were 10k people on the street, it was very surreal. I felt like the real Adele. There was a big poster on the motorway.
How do you prepare for each performance?
Natalie: I do vocal warm-ups, get 8 hours of sleep. Preparing curly hair takes 1.5 hours.
Tell us about the costumes for the show.
Natalie: Each costume costs 1,000 pounds.
How many songs do you prepare for each show?
Natalie: 21 songs. 10 songs for the 1st half and 11 songs for the 2nd half including the encore song.
How many times have you watched the real Adele perform?
Natalie: 3 times. Once in Manchester and twice in London. I tried to watch her perform in Las Vegas in March but there were no tickets.
What are your favourite Adele songs?
Natalie: Someone Like You (people cry when they hear this song), I Drink Wine and When We Were Young.
What are some of the challenges you have faced performing The Tribute Show?
Natalie: Driving around for 4 hours in the UK taking the equipment and working with a new sound person.
What would you like to say to Malaysian fans of Adele?
Natalie: Thank you for having me here, I am excited to perform and hope to discover the local culture and food.
Photo source for cover & 1st photo: Benedict Tan
