Wolverhampton's Beverley Knight collabs with Billy Porter in new song

Singer-songwriter and actress from Wolverhampton, Beverley Knight has collaborated with American actor and singer, Billy Porter on a new single, Never Say Never, which was released on Thursday 3rd April. The song sees the talents of Beverley and Billy, both of whom have starred in West End and Broadway shows respectively, come together in a brilliant duet. The duo are set to co-host this year’s Olivier Awards on Sunday 6th April, a pairing which set in motion this session in the recording studio.

Billy Porter and Beverley Knight (Olivier Awards)

Porter originated the role of Lola in the Broadway production of Kinky Boots in 2013, starred as Teen Angel in the 1994 Broadway revival of Grease, as well as countless other productions throughout his career including: Little Shop of Horrors and Dreamgirls. He also made his West End début in Cabaret as the Emcee in 2025. Porter has also released many albums and singles including 2023's Black Mona Lisa, and has an extensive filmography which includes his directorial début Anything’s Possible. Billy’s best-known TV appearance, however, is his iconic role in FX’s Pose as Pray Tell.

Beverley Knight released her first album, The B-Funk, in 1995, and has since released eight further albums including 2023’s The Fifth Chapter. She has also starred in countless West End and National productions including The Bodyguard, Cats, Cinderella, Sister Act, Sweet Charity, and the world premiere of Sylvia as Emmeline Pankhurst for which she won an Olivier Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Musical. In 2025, she will star as Rosetta Tharpe in Marie & Rosetta, which comes to the Wolverhmapton Grand in May.

“I’m thrilled to be working with Bev on Never Say Never!” Billy Porter explained “Our careers have had many parallels, hers in the UK and mine in the U.S. Our artistry has taken us from contemporary music to the stage and beyond. You can’t put us into any one box, genre, or medium. Here’s to an amazing time hosting the Olivier’s together!”

Beverley added: “Ever since I saw the smash hit TV series Pose, I have wanted to work with Billy Porter. His voice and his energy is so special. The universe was clearly listening. We found ourselves paired together to co-host the Olivier awards making it the perfect opportunity to get in the studio. Never Say Never is the perfect song for us, I could not be more happy.”

Never Say Never is out on all streaming platforms now.