Columnists: Yvie Burnett

The mezzo-soprano from Methlick and vocal coach to the stars

I’m writing this with a very big smile on my face because telling you about my week makes me remember just how much fun I have had. Last week was filled with a combination of nerves and excitement which I could only liken to being responsible for planning your whole wedding in a week and having to transform yourself into a glamorous bride at the end of it. Don’t worry, I wasn’t wearing a white dress this week, but I was preparing for the London launch of my book Yes, You Can Sing!

The launch took place in the extremely swanky Mango Tree restaurant around the corner from Buckingham Palace. No royal guests popped in but television royalty was out in force.

My gorgeous friend Carol Vorderman hosted the evening and there was much paparazzi activity outside the door when Carol sashayed down the red carpet followed by a host of other celebrities such as Anthea Turner, Strictly runner-up and Coronation street star Natalie Gumede, TV doctor Ranj Singh, and TV presenter Lizzie Cundy.

The celebs joined many of my close friends and family and lots of journalists and contributors to the book. The room was packed and the atmosphere was very celebratory.

We sipped Champagne, nibbled on an array of gorgeous Thai food and listened to Carol’s stories of how terrifying her one experience of singing, which was being Cher in Stars in their Eyes, really was. Halfway through the evening I went to reapply my lipstick for photos and I actually took the time to stop, look around and realise that we were in the midst of a really successful party.

Throwing parties is always stressful and you often get to the end of them and realise you didn’t have time to take it all in and enjoy it yourself. This time I did. I took the time to look across at Emily joking with Aunty Carol and Ollie and Gordon surrounded by glamorous ladies leaning against a table piled high with copies of my book. I allowed myself a moment, after months of sitting at my desk to stop and say ‘you did it!’

The exciting week continued with a string of radio interviews, newspaper and magazine interviews and a trip to a Eurovision event in Manchester where I combined being a panellist with a sell-out book signing.

Back in London and I appeared on the Good Morning Britain sofa with Piers Morgan, Susanna Reid and my good friend Richard Arnold.

I had to pinch myself a bit to realise that all of this was because of my book. I was so happy to have such a great team around me to help.

Of course, in among the comparatively tiny launch of my book my favourite client Sam Smith was launching his huge new single.

He has done a week of launch shows in LA, New York and London. At last the world has heard his wonderful song, Too Good at Goodbyes which, when you see him singing it live on TV, will reduce you to tears.

My week finished with a photoshoot at home for a magazine cover, dressed in sparkly evening dresses. A girl could get used to this showbiz life.

But just in case you think my head has been turned and I’m slipping away from reality, don’t worry, today I’m back at my desk doing my paperwork and then I have a week of washing to catch up on, the kitchen floor needs mopping and as Gordon is away I even have to put the bins out.

No amount of domestic chores though are going to take the smile off my face.

It’s been a week to remember. Let’s just hope now that someone buys the book.

Yes, You Can Sing! is published by Blake and available online and from all good booksellers. Have a good week,

Yvie.