“Livin’ On A Prayer” gets a unique twist with Bon Jovi, Prince William, and Taylor Swift.
During the 2013 Centrepoint Gala Dinner at Kensington Palace, Jon Bon Jovi treated guests to a short performance and surprised them by inviting a special guest on stage. As he began the first chords of “Livin’ on a Prayer,” he teased about bringing up a “karaoke kid” for a duet, revealing the guest to be Prince William, a supporter of the Centrepoint homeless charity.
With Bon Jovi leading, Taylor Swift and Prince William provided backup vocals. Initially timid and barely audible, Prince William gained confidence with a little nudge from Swift, eventually finding his stride in the duet with the renowned singer. The duo elegantly exited the stage post-performance.
Reflecting on the event, Prince William expressed how the experience lifted his confidence, crediting Swift for easing his initial hesitations and stage fright. Despite forgetting lyrics to a beloved song, he emphasized the value of embracing one’s imperfections and the freedom in self-expression.
Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer,” a beloved track since its 1986 debut and a chart-topping hit, remains a fan favorite, amassing over 1.1 billion views on YouTube. Its performance at Kensington Palace, featuring royal participation, added a distinctive charm to the song’s rich history, reaffirming its lasting popularity.