Melbourne University accounting student’s double life as an international singing superstar

By day, James Watkinson is an accounting student at Melbourne University. But at night he is a member of an internationally acclaimed singing group.

James Watkinson is early one of the newest members of the Ten Tenors. Picture: Josie Hayden

An accounting student from Surrey Hills is living a double life.

James Watkinson has been a member of the internationally acclaimed group The Ten Tenors since mid-2017, while studying accounting at Melbourne University.

“I was just an accounting student but then in a blink of an eye I’m on the other side of the world singing to multiple thousands of people,” he said.

Watkinson’s whirlwind ride has included international tours across America and Europe and recording with Andrea Bocelli.

The 25 year old, and youngest member, is finally going to perform for his home crowd when the group embark on their Love is in the Air Australian tour.

“To have friends and family there will make it so much more special,” he said.

James Watkinson (third from right) with the Ten Tenors in Folsom, California. Pic: Supplied.

James Watkinson is the youngest member of internationally renowned group, The Ten Tenors. Picture: Josie Hayden

Yet he said nerves may still be high with familiar faces in the crowd, though nothing could compare to his first performance with the group in New York.

“I handled the nerves dreadfully, shaking head to toe,” he said.

After years of performing in local musical theatre a “right place right time” singing lesson lead to the opportunity to audition for the group, which Watkinson said was completely unexpected.

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“It was never my intention to go professional,” he said.

“What’s great is we (The Ten Tenors) all get on like a house on fire. They’re not just good singers but good blokes too.”

The Ten Tenors will be performing at Hamer Hall, Monday, May 27.

Tickets at artscentremelbourne.com.au