Larry Thu 13th Dec at 11.32 PM Dallas Texas USA As The X Factor Finals hover on the near horizon, it's understandable that passions are running high and fans of all three final acts are eager to make their opinions and loyalties known. It's unfortunate, however, that some fans feel that the only way to promote their own preference is by putting down the favorites of others. Personally, I don't feel that standing on the backs of Leon or Same Difference elevates Rhydian or my loyalty to him, nor do I feel that the finalists themselves feel anything less than enthusiasm, appreciation, and affection for each other. That said, Rhyd is the one I've rooted for from day one and I'm standing firmly in his corner going into Saturday night's competition--but I also hope that Leon and Same Difference go on to enjoy great success and fulfill their dreams, as well. To me, all of the finalists seem to be wonderful kids who bring something admirable to the contest, not least of which is the hard work and perseverance they've exhibited week in and week out. My belief is that there is more than enough success and abundance to go around in the world, so I don't feel compelled to visit Leon and Same Difference websites to express my devotion to Rhydian by denigrating them or their fans. Hopefully, the fans of the remaining finalists will also see fit to follow suit on this site, and allow us to rally around Our Rhyd without interference. At this point in the competition, all three acts are winners and I applaud them for getting to the top of the mountain. Naturally, I hope to see Rhydian win the title and make it official, but to me he has already won much more than The X Factor.

Larry Thu 13th Dec at 12.40 AM Dallas Texas USA Just one small comment more: This is the only fan-site that I have ever cared to participate in and I am so proud to be present amongst so many warm and wonderful fans from all over the world. It's also the only site where I'm compelled to read and re-read the inspired (and inspiring) comments of every single person who posts here, and it's been an additional joy to read messages from Mum & Dad Roberts and Uncle Nigel, knowing that Rhyd actually receives our good wishes. For what it's worth, I have been fortunate enough to visit the UK several times and consider myself a shameless and unapologetic Anglophile. All the best to all of you as we rally around our one and only Rhydian for the final night of X Factor competition! And while I truly hate for all of this to end, I find consolation in the knowledge that for Rhydian it is only the beginning.

Larry Wed 12th Dec at 12.57 PM Dallas Texas USA Rhydian, I am sending you luminous waves of positive energy as you go into the X Factor final competition, confident that you will once again be brilliant under pressure. I suppose the only thing to do now is wait for your CD to be recorded and hope that you will eventually bring your wonderful showmanship to America so that I can enjoy you in concert. On some level, I feel that I now know you and your charming family, and I have great affection for all of you. Thank you for your fantastic performances and for making it fun again to root for someone who is wholesome and dedicated and uniquely gifted. You have been a long overdue breath of fresh air in the entertainment industry and I truly feel that you will continue to inspire audiences worldwide as you grow into your newfound celebrity. Whatever the outcome on Saturday night, celebrate the fact that you have already won the hearts of millions of adoring fans, all of whom I feel would enthusiastically join me now in sending you this final wish: "May All Your Wildest Dreams Come True!"

Larry Sat 8th Dec at 8.49 PM Dallas Texas USA And now it's much later and I know that you were voted through to the finals, so hurrah! As it should be! I also saw the video tribute to you from your family and friends back home in Wales, and it is incredibly touching. You are much loved, which I can only imagine is testament to your own good and loving heart. Congrats again--and on to the win!

Larry Sat 8th Dec at 6.18 PM Dallas Texas USA It's only mid-afternoon on Saturday here in Dallas, Texas, but I already know that your brilliant performances were well-received again, Rhydian although I personally felt that the two dancers in "Bridge Over Troubled Water" were completely unnecessary and somewhat distracting. Fortunately, however, even they weren't enough to keep your great soaring talent from illuminating the stage and bringing the adoring audience to its feet. You were in excellent voice and form, as always, and in the hearts of fans around the world you have already won this competition. Kudos, bravos, and congrats to you, Rhyd! I believe it's now safe to say that you are officially a true international entertainment phenomenon, as more and more fans of all ages embrace you wholeheartedly and look forward to buying your CD's and attending your concerts. (That said, I also realized today that I must begin to prepare myself for Rhydian Withdrawal as The X Factor approaches its inevitable conclusion.) Nevertheless, I'm hopeful that this fan-tastic website will somehow continue to be a gathering place for fans and friends who want to enjoy sharing the news of your growth and success beyond The X Factor stage. Meanwhile, because of the time differences that separate us, I'm having to wait until later to verify that you did, indeed, get voted through to the finals by the call-in viewers. But regardless of how it actually plays out now, Rhydian, the immutable truth is that you have arrived at the perfect place at the perfect time. You are here. You are center stage. And you are here to stay. A Star Is Born!

Larry Wed 5th Dec at 3.34 PM Dallas Texas USA Uncle Nigel, you have definitely made my day with the information that Rhydian's two new songs will be "Bridge Over Troubled Water" and "You'll Never Walk Alone." In fact, I had jotted down five challenging power-ballads that I felt would be winning showcases for Rhydian's rich voice and range, and both of these choices were on my list. Lyrically, they're brilliant, but they also have the gradual vocal rise and soaring sentimental orchestrations that create moments of magic in a competition such as this, especially when combined with the fantastic theatrical lighting and set designs The X Factor uses to frame performers. While "Bridge Over Troubled Water" will most certainly allow Rhydian to show his amazing power and vocal control, I predict that it's actually "You'll Never Walk Alone" that will be the defining moment for him, the song that lifts him up and places him gently, but firmly, into the forefront of the finals. If I were to offer one last bit of advice before Saturday night's performances, it would probably be this: "Simply show us your heart, Rhydian--because that's where your X Factor resides."

Larry Tue 4th Dec at 2.50 PM Dallas Texas USA It's very heartwarming to be able to share comments and feelings about Rhydian with so many other loyal fans on this wonderful website. Actually, it's starting to feel less like a fan-base and more like an extended family, so much so that when I see Mum & Dad Roberts jumping up and down on the TV screen I feel they're cheering on behalf of all us who can't be there to enjoy Rhyd's performances in person but would dearly love to be. Rhydian, please know how very rare it is for a relatively new performer to elicit this amazing level of excitement and enthusiasm and support amongst the viewing public at large. It's a testament to your marvelous talent, to be sure, but even more than that I feel that it reflects a widespread appreciation of your upbringing, your training, your discipline, your work ethic, and your unusual willingness to live authentically and purposefully at such a young age. I hope you will remember that your smile is as much a part of your fortune as your voice, because you truly light up the screen when you express your joy and reveal your natural good humor. It's going to be very exciting to follow your success and observe your rising star in the night sky--even from this great distance--knowing that I am sharing the experience with millions of other people on the planet who are also wishing you well and supporting your dream.

Larry Mon 3rd Dec at 5.56 PM Dallas Texas USA Hello Mum and Dad Roberts! Big hugs to you and Rhyd from Dallas Texas USA. And an extra big hug to Great Aunt Lou, who has her own international fan club growing by leaps and bounds!

Larry Sun 2nd Dec at 8.51 PM Dallas Texas USA Dear Uncle Nigel, if you're still perusing these comments and sharing some of them with Rhydian, please consider conveying to him the following advice: Over the years, I have been in the business of working creatively with many established celebs in the movie, television, stage, and music industries and I have observed new talent coming along, as well. In the Week 7 performances, I detected something in Rhyd that is very normal, but potentially self-defeating. He wants this so very much that his desire to win is now in danger of depleting the carefree energy that makes his performances shine and endears him to millions of fans. Just as he said he got a glimpse of what his future could be like on the Red Carpet, he can now also see the X Factor finish line and the first prize within reach. His wildest dreams could conceivably come true within a matter of mere weeks, and that realization can be overwhelming if one loses focus. This is the time to return to the pure happy spirit that defines the one and only Rhydian, a competitor who is performing not just for the prize but also for the simple joy of sharing his talent with the world. If he stays grounded now and for the next few weeks, all that he wants will fall into place and come to him quite naturally, and we who wish him well will also be able to enjoy his incredible success for years to come. He simply must pause now, take a deep breath, and start believing in himself again as much as his fans believe in him already. As challenging as it may be with the intensity elevating, please tell Rhydian that his pure desire to PERFORM must continue to take precedence over his increasing desire to WIN. That is his greatest strength. The world already sees his natural star quality--all he has to do is enjoy the applause.

Larry Sun 2nd Dec at 4.27 AM Dallas Texas USA This is a quick note to "mark in cardiff" who left the mean-spirited comments about Rhydian's voice and ability. Your jealousy is toxic, but happily no one really cares what you think. If you are such a grand operatic talent, then why are you unknown? Rhydian and the others have been rehearsing around the clock at the same time they are recording other songs in the studio, making public appearances, doing wardrobe fittings, staging routines, etc. Then they must perform multiple songs on television! This is all in a week's time! Let's see you do it. You wouldn't last ten minutes at this frantic pace, nor would you have a voice left, operatic or otherwise! Rhydian will be a star years from now while you are still giving children voice classes in your home and resenting the success of others!

Larry Wed 28th Nov at 12.00 AM Dallas Texas USA The Rhydian wave is cresting on this side of the pond, as well. You are a brilliant entertainer, a fascinating individual, and I wish you every good thing as you continue to build toward superstardom. Stay true to your authentic self, Rhyd!

From a Friend in India Keep your heart and soul well encapsulated by the divine power of the Great Father. You will be another proof to the world no sticks or stones can break through His Divine protection and He indeed will raise you up to stand on mountains and walk on stormy seas. I respect you loads, Rhyd. It takes great strength to stand above the crowd as a non-smoker, teetotaller, believing in the divinity of marriage and human relationsips and even proclaim to the world that you are a believer in God; things that are out of fashion with commoners of our age in this time. Wish you all the best."

Copyright ~ Larry in Dallas & A Friend in India