When a legendary singer steps onto a stage at nearly 80 years old, audiences usually expect a familiar hit — a reminder of the glory days. But during The Battles on The Voice UK 2020, Tom Jones made a surprising choice. He didn’t sing one of his own songs. Instead, he performed “Kiss,” a track forever associated with Prince.
“Kiss” is a minimalist funk-pop anthem — sharp, playful, and deeply tied to Prince’s eccentric, electric persona. On paper, it seemed like the least obvious song for Tom Jones, whose career was built on a powerful baritone voice and classic stage presence. That contrast is exactly what made the moment so compelling.
Rather than imitating Prince, Tom Jones reimagined the song entirely. His version was slower, heavier, and grounded in vocal authority. Where Prince’s delivery dances across the beat, Tom Jones plants each lyric firmly, letting experience and control do the work. It wasn’t an attempt to sound young — it was a declaration of artistic confidence.
Within the context of The Battles, Tom Jones wasn’t simply judging from the sidelines. He stood on stage alongside his contestant, turning the performance into a true collaboration. There was no sense of a superstar overshadowing a newcomer. Instead, it felt like mentorship in real time — a veteran stepping into unfamiliar territory to challenge both himself and his team.
What made the performance resonate was its restraint. No flashy choreography, no gimmicks. Just a band, a spotlight, and a voice shaped by decades of music-making. That simplicity allowed the song’s tension — between funk and soul, youth and age — to come alive naturally.
At an age when many artists rely solely on nostalgia, Tom Jones chose risk. By singing Prince’s “Kiss,” he demonstrated respect for another legend while proving that growth doesn’t end with longevity. He didn’t claim the song; he conversed with it.
That moment captured the true spirit of The Voice: the idea that music transcends fame, age, and genre. Watching Tom Jones perform “Kiss,” audiences didn’t just see a coach or an icon. They saw an artist still curious, still brave, and still willing to step outside his comfort zone.
In the end, this performance wasn’t just a television highlight. It was a quiet statement about artistry itself — that the greatest musicians never stop exploring, no matter how long they’ve been on the road.