Jessie J closes Radio 2 Piano Room Month with Defying Gravity cover

BRIT Award winner Jessie J delivered a standout finale to BBC Radio 2’s Piano Room Month today.

Performing live at London’s Maida Vale Studios, Jessie appeared alongside the BBC Concert Orchestra for a special set that included a powerful version of Defying Gravity from Wicked, her hit Who You Are, and new track California.

Speaking to Vernon Kay on BBC Radio 2, Jessie confirmed she previously auditioned for the Wicked film and said she felt proud to have reached the final stages of casting.

During the interview, she reflected on her career journey and explained how time spent living in California strengthened her resilience both personally and professionally.

Jessie also discussed appearing on the Chinese television singing competition Singer, describing how much she enjoyed performing for audiences there and building a strong connection with fans across China.

The singer spoke openly about health challenges following a car accident which caused her larynx to shift position, explaining that vocal therapy helped restore her voice and confidence as a performer.

Motherhood was another key part of the conversation, with Jessie saying balancing family life now shapes how she views success.

“Being a successful mum is more important than my career. But I love being great at my career and working hard and showing him how hard I work, and how much I love what I do,” she said.

She revealed that after bringing her son on stage during Radio 2 in the Park in Chelmsford last September, he has asked to watch footage of the moment every day since.

Jessie released her sixth studio album, Don’t Tease Me With a Good Time, in November last year, written and recorded while she was also receiving treatment for breast cancer.

You can hear Jessie J’s full Piano Room performance and interview now on BBC Sounds, with video performances available later today on BBC iPlayer.