'Just surreal': Llanymynech singer James joins Coldplay on stage for national anthem - watch the video
A singer from Llanymynech stole the show at a Coldplay concert with his performance of the Welsh national anthem in front of 73,000 people.
James Llewelyn Jones, conductor of the Rhos Male Voice Choir in Wrexham, had the opportunity of a lifetime when he was invited to sing with Chris Martin and the band at their Cardiff shows on Tuesday and Wednesday evening.
The 39-year-old received a phone call on Tuesday morning from Coldplay's management team and was told the frontman is a fan of the choir.
He said: "It's a very surreal story and one I still can't quite believe - it's been a whirlwind experience.
"When the tickets went on sale last year, my sister and I managed to get tickets for Tuesday's concert for us and my nieces. We kept it a surprise to give to them for Christmas as they're massive fans.
"So when I told them I'd been asked to sing with Coldplay they didn't believe me. They thought it was a prank because I'm always playing jokes on them."
Watch James's video of the moment he walked out on stage with Coldplay:
The singer had a recording of Rhos Choir's version of Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau on CD and dreamt of re-creating it at the concert.
"It was the full VIP treatment," James continued. "I was on stage doing sound check before the performance at the Principality Stadium and my family were watching. Next thing they started jumping up and down screaming and Chris Martin put his hands on my shoulders and said 'You're absolutely amazing'."
The experience was even more incredible for James who is a huge Welsh rugby supporter.
"I've had my choirs go out on the pitch before a rugby match and sing with Katherine Jenkins but to be singing there myself is unreal," he said.
"After the concert we were invited to the after party and I went to the Presidential suite at the stadium which is crazy. A woman in the corridor said she thought I was amazing - I turned around and it was Dawn French!"
James, who a former pupil of Welshpool High School, and fellow singer, 18-year-old Elin Hughes from Carmarthenshire, were invited back for round two on Wednesday evening and he was able to invite his friends along for the experience.
On the second leg they sang alongside Welsh comedian and actor Rob Brydon.
He added: "The whole experience was mental. If I die tomorrow I would be happy."
The choir is performing in Wrexham later this year and are learning Coldplay's hit song Fix You and will be sending a recording to the band themselves.
