Celebrating International Country Music Day with Country Hits Live
Today is International Country Music Day, celebrating everything Country from honky-tonk to ballads from the American South. We thought it would be the perfect occasion to catch up with UK Country singer and star of Country Hits Live Jade Helliwell ahead of the show at City Varieties in March 2025.
Written by Jade Helliwell and Sarah Jewers
Meet Jade
It’s International Country Music Day – tell us how you came to be involved with Country Hits Live.
I am very lucky to be married to the director Luke Thomas. I’ve known of his love for theatre shows throughout our relationship and always known his plans to create a Country show much like the one he grew up performing in. I’m very excited to see this show become a reality in the form of Country Hits Live and be involved in the show itself.
What do you like most about country music and is there a particular country music act past or present you admire the most?
I love the storytelling aspect of Country music. When you hear a Country song you can fully visualise the story in your head and it’s not often that happens with other genres. I admire past acts like Dolly Parton and Patsy Cline, and present acts like Megan Moroney, Ella Langley and Carrie Underwood.
Is it intimidating to be singing such iconic songs by iconic artists?
It’s more of an honour to be able to try and do these incredible songs justice. Seeing the audience sing along and knowing how these songs play a role in people’s lives, both young and old, is amazing.
We welcome Jade to City Varieties Music Hall in March.
About the show
Any favourite numbers from the show?
I have so many songs that I love to perform in the show. Getting to do the really meaningful heartbreak songs as well as the upbeat songs to get the crowd going is a pleasure. It’s hard to choose just one song but I do love getting to sing Walking After Midnight by Patsy Cline because it’s really cool to see the audience of all ages knowing the words and enjoying such a classic.
What is it about country music that appeals to audiences?
I think audiences just love finding songs they can relate to and no genre does that better than Country. In Country music, there is a song for everything. Whatever you’re going through or have been through you can find the perfect song for it. Music is the greatest thing to help you through tough times and help celebrate the good.
Jade showing off her jacket.
Any tales from touring?
Not that are PG enough to share hahaha!
What can the audience at City Varieties expect from Country Hits Live?
Expect a trip through time celebrating the best in Country. The genre has evolved so much and gained so much popularity. We are excited to celebrate the journey Country music has been on. We will get audiences feeling all types of emotions but ultimately just feeling like they’ve had an incredible time. We want everyone to leave hooked on Country!
Jade is a three-time recipient of Female Vocalist of the Year at the British Country Music Awards.
Leeds Heritage Theatres
Leeds Heritage Theatres is Leeds Grand Theatre, City Varieties Music Hall and Hyde Park Picture House. A registered charity, together we make a significant contribution to the Leeds arts and cultural landscape; providing heritage spaces for people to share experiences of live performances, screenings and events. To help us achieve our vision of advancing the arts in Leeds and inspiring the next generation to keep telling our stories, we rely on your generosity and thank you for your kind donation (which is fully invested in our buildings and projects).
