to allow assisted dying last year, by 330 votes to 275.

She described returning to the Royal Albert Hall as "a full circle moment", after getting some of her earliest career breaks at the English National Opera in London."I feel like all of my dreams have come true," she said.

"I've had so many goals in opera, so many dreams that I've realised [but] I think this is the one that will top everything."Blue started singing at four years old after her parents took her to see a production of Turandot, and paid her way through UCLA music school by competing in beauty pageants – winning the titles of Miss Apple Valley, Miss Hollywood and Miss Southern California.She won a Grammy for her recording of Gershwin’s Porgy And Bess in 2020; and hit headlines in 2022 after pulling out of a performance at Italy’s Arena di Verona in protest at the venue’s use of blackface make-up in a production of Verdi’s Aida.

Known for her dusky middle register and soaring, agile upper range, her vocals have been called “radiant,” “alluring,” “honeyed,” and like “plush velvet”.Hugely in-demand, she’s compared her lifestyle to the Looney Toons' character of the Tasmanian Devil, “constantly going, constantly moving, constantly having to perform”.

But there's no doubt she'll have to schedule a return to the Proms after Saturday's stellar performance.

The Last Night capped off an eight-week season of 90 Promenade concerts, held in London, Gateshead, Belfast, Newport, Nottingham, Aberdeen and Bristol.She will take part in the event on Sunday, also raising money for the same causes.

"It's going to be a challenge physically and emotionally because it's the first one since Rob's passing," the 42-year-old said."It's such a special occasion and it makes me proud to be associated with Leeds.

"I know how proud Rob was to have the marathon in his name and to continue his legacy is so special to the family."Rob's MND diagnosis came two years after he retired from a17-year career at Leeds Rhinos, during which he made almost 500 appearances and won 13 trophies.