We’re used to Adele making us cry tears of sadness, depression, relief, but tears of happiness? That’s a whole new frontier. But that’s exactly what this clip from Adele’s ITV An Audience With Adele concert does.
In her most recent TV concert special, Adele was surprised with a reunion with her middle-school English teacher, Miss McDonald, whom the singer hadn’t seen in 20 years. The emotional surprise was prompted by the one and only Emma Thompson, who asked Adele during the show if she had someone who inspired her growing up. “I had a teacher at Chestnut Grove, that was Miss McDonald,” Adele told the audience — which included Emma Watson, Hannah Waddingham, and Daniel Kaluuya. “She got me into English literature, but she also did dance. She was just so bloody cool, so engaging, and she really made us care.”
The singer was already tearing up before Thompson brought Miss McDonald out, but once Adele’s teacher started walking toward the stage, it was over.
The two were only able to catch up for a minute or so before Adele had to go on with the show, but she promised to get Miss McDonald’s information so that they could keep in touch. “I’ve still got my books, you know?” Adele said after one last hug onstage. “I’ve got all my books from when you were my teacher.” Cue the sobs.
My thoughts go out to everyone who was in Miss McDonald’s English class who is not a Grammy-winning artist with a killer voice and the ability to turn raw heartbreak into art.
