Who is Mel Raeburn? Star of John Lewis competitors and Richar Ashcroft | Music | Entertainment | EUROtoday

John Lewis, in collaboration with legendary singer-songwriter Richard Ashcroft, has introduced the winner of their nationwide singing competitors, a key a part of this 12 months’s iconic Christmas marketing campaign. The retailer, well-known for its Christmas adverts that includes cowl songs, used their largest platform this 12 months to supply aspiring musicians a singular alternative to turn into the following John Lewis cowl star.

In partnership with BMG and Richard Ashcroft, a nationwide expertise search was launched on 15 November on TikTok, inviting people to showcase their vocal skills by performing their very own variations of the advert’s authentic monitor ‘Sonnet’, penned by Richard Ashcroft.

Over 1,000 entries have been acquired, inspiring an unbelievable vary of covers from NHS colleagues, a Ukulele band, a furry entry from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, and proficient aspiring singers recording creatively good takes on the monitor.

Will Young, Britain’s Got Talent’s Ace Clvrk and the John Lewis choir additionally supported the competitors with their very own covers.

Mel Raeburn, often known as @mel.raeburn on TikTok, gained over Richard Ashcroft and the judging panel with their delicate association and wonderful harmonies, encapsulating the emotional depth and festive magic of this 12 months’s marketing campaign.

Who is Mel Raeburn?

Mel Raeburn from Crewe expressed her delight at being chosen by Richard Ashcroft and John Lewis. She stated: “I’m beyond thrilled to have been chosen by Richard Ashcroft and John Lewis as the cover star. Everyone waits for the John Lewis Christmas advert every year and it’s an honour to be a small part of that magic and have my cover track released as a single – it’s a dream come true.”

Additionally, the prize features a £3,000 John Lewis buying spree and tickets to a Richard Ashcroft headline present in 2025. Rosie Hanley, Brand Director, commented: “This year, we took the chance to feature an original song in the Christmas advert to run the cover star music competition and give the nation the opportunity to be part of something really special. “.

Richard Ashcroft, singer of The Verve, praised the expertise of singer Mel Raeburn, who might be masking his hit music “Sonnet” within the newest John Lewis advert. “This year’s Christmas campaign centred around connection, digging a little deeper into your heart and exploring deep connections – finding our cover star has been a fantastic way to extend that message. Mel Raeburn truly embodies the spirit of our campaign, and we’re so excited to share their incredible talent on our ad airing on Christmas day.”

Mel recorded her personal rendition of ‘Sonnet’ at Angel Studios, a part of the Abbey Road household, underneath the steerage of esteemed producer Tim Bran, recognized for his work with London Grammar, Aurora, and Birdy amongst others.

The prize features a digital launch of this particular model of the monitor on nineteenth December by way of BMG and a particular Christmas Day airing of the advert on TV. Proceeds from the monitor will go to the Building Happier Futures charity.

Ashcroft commented, “It’s been an honour to hear so many great interpretations of my song. The standard was so high it made choosing a winner really difficult.”

“As I could only pick one, it was Mel with her subtle arrangement and fine harmonies. ” “Congratulations, Mel, I look forward to hearing the recorded version. Merry Christmas, and love and peace to everyone who took part.”