Gwyneth Paltrow `surprised by singing success`

The actress showcased her vocals in recent film Country Strong, going on to perform at the Grammys, and on Glee.

But speaking to rapper Jay-Z for his new website LifeandTimes.com, she said she was shocked that she actually managed to perform after a 'terrifying' performance with the rapper and her Coldplay front man husband Chris Martin in 2006.

The 38-year-old said, 'I kind of always sang. My mother has a great voice and was always singing jazz around the house and I think she passed on her musicality to my brother and me. I sang in an a Capella singing group and I always thought that somewhere down the line I would dust off my pipes and use them but I didn't know I would be so old when it happened.

'When I sang with you [Jay-Z] one night at the Royal Albert Hall a few years ago, it was so terrifying. I thought that would be the end of it. This has been a surprise to me as much as anybody else. But I love it.'