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Bank on this Welsh team in the gloom
Dec 1 2008 by Carolyn Hitt, Western Mail
WHAT better way to forget the gloom of this credit-crunched winter, writes Carolyn Hitt.
Those who invested in Wales on Saturday afternoon got a thrilling return.
They say that only gold is a safe bet in these financially precarious times, but as the Wallabies discovered
to their cost this time, you were better off in the red.
Wales finally closed the deal on a southern hemisphere scalp. And in some style. "Beautiful!" purred former
wing Arthur Emyr behind me as Lee Byrne crossed the line for Wales’ second try. Its creation certainly had been pretty
stunning. It began with a typically thunderous break from Andy Powell, continued with Shane taunting the Aussie defence with
his slanting dance across the pitch and finished with Byrne picking the perfect angle to glory.
Shane and Byrne had already proved their dynamic duo credentials when they combined for Wales’ first
score. David Campese had warned the newly-crowned world player of the year that the pressure was now on to live up to his
billing. Campo didn’t have to wait long. Shane had the goods gift-wrapped and delivered within minutes of the kick-off.
Incredibly, Jamie Roberts had also played his part in the opening try even though he had just endured a brutal
head clash with Stirling Mortlock and would later be texting his team-mates from hospital with a fractured skull. The brave
young medic broke the news of his injury in a congratulatory message.
For Wales attack coach Rob Howley, Jamie’s attitude embodied the closeness of the team bond: "It just
sums up the team spirit we have. A guy is in hospital with a fractured skull and he wants to get a message to the players
he has been playing with over the last month. It’s a testimony to the spirit that Warren has achieved over the last
three weeks."
That spirit could be seen in every move a red-shirted player made. It wasn’t always pretty though. Wales’
lineout creaked more alarmingly than the door to Nosferatu’s castle. Mark Chisolm’s 60-metre gallop to the line
came straight from one of its mid-air fumbles. Yet the pack compensated for these set-piece shambles with a monumental defensive
effort. Alun Wyn Jones, in particular, radiated intensity with every tackle, while Ryan Jones was back to his defiant best.
Likewise, Stephen Jones could be forgiven his missed penalties after dropping a 68th minute goal with great
composure and slotting that crucial penalty with two minutes remaining. Game over, surely, speculated a frantic Welsh crowd.
But somehow Australia found the time to squeeze in a try from Digby Ioane.
With the big screen clock glowing a scarlet 80 minutes, relief was seeping through the stands. But Allan Lewis’
watch was apparently in a different time zone. As he signalled there were seconds remaining for one more play, the Welsh fans’
anguish was palpable. Yet the character that had seen Wales through this scintillating encounter did not desert them when
they needed it most. The James Bevan Trophy returned to Wales from down under, just as James Bevan himself, the Melbourne-born
first ever Welsh captain, came home as a nine-year-old orphan to the land of his fathers years ago.
Up in the Cardiff Arms Suite, James Bevan’s grandson David, a retired teacher from Wiltshire, was a
proud man.
Rhydian Roberts had already had his personal rugby heritage mentioned. At the pre-match lunch, WRU president
Denis Gethin said he was delighted the former X Factor contestant was the union’s guest, not only because of his singing
success but because his grandad had been the team doctor at Pontypridd RFC.
Rhydian himself – Llandovery College product and a talented crash-ball centre who idolised Scott Gibbs
– might have contemplated a professional rugby career had a groin injury not curtailed his playing days. But submerged
in a post-match gaggle of star-struck WAGS it looked as if things didn’t turn out too badly after all.
And as a smiling Warren Gatland gathered his players for an end of autumn season meal, a coach from a previous
era summed up how this much-needed victory over a southern hemisphere nation takes Wales forward.
"The one word that strikes me about this Welsh performance is style," said Clive Rowlands. "Wales played with
great style for periods of the game. There was some excellent rugby. It augurs well for the future."
So even in the credit crunch, you can bank on this Welsh team.
Source
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In a taxi with... X Factor
runner-up Rhydian Roberts
The Welsh
wonder dubbed 'a glamorous alien' by Sharon Osbourne on the TV talent show talks celibacy, albums and the joys of coming second
By Maureen Paton
Last updated at 8:00 PM on 29th November
2008
Alarming rumour has it that Rhydian Roberts might be an alien, in which case I
can only hope he’s a friendly one. For the bookies’ silver-quiffed favourite in last year’s X Factor final looked a bit like an escapee from The Rocky Horror Picture
Show as he sung his melodramatic Welsh heart out – until he was beaten by Leon Jackson’s boyish charm.
But the very next day Rhydian was offered a recording deal by judge Simon Cowell’s
Syco label, so he’s been crying all the way to the studio ever since. Which is why a TV crew from Welsh channel S4C,
filming its local hero for a documentary, follows him around as he climbs into our cab for a lift to his new home in Hampstead,
North London.
But first, our cabbie, Dave from Colchester, takes a quick detour past Rhydian’s
favourite hotel, Claridge’s, and Savile Row, where he gets his suits made. If that’s what coming second does for
a guy, can we all have a piece of it, please?
As for the slightly weird TV image, the real-life Rhydian – who says he would
love to play the Phantom of the Opera in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s
planned sequel Love Never Dies – looks more like a bleached boy-next-door, with
his new cropped hairstyle, Diesel jeans and Jesus Christ Superstar T-shirt (yes, he’d love to star in that, too).
‘My hair is less gimmicky now,’ he explains, ‘because it suits
the songs on my album, such as "Bridge Over Troubled Water" and "Somewhere".’ Though with Meatloaf and Queen hits also
on his debut album, he’s not ready to halt the theatricality just yet.
His strong Christian faith, his teetotalism, his celibacy and a certain courtly
intensity all mean that former public schoolboy Rhydian is not your usual pop star; but he explains that alcohol damages the
vocal cords – which is why he would never party like his friend Charlotte Church.
‘I don’t know how she did it,’ he says. ‘Some people appear
immune to the consequences of getting drunk, but I think it’s going to catch up with her one day.’
As for his virginity, he’s still hoping to find ‘that special person’
after splitting up with his 37-year-old girlfriend Julia Carter. ‘I like older ladies because they know what they want,
but it’s hard to keep a relationship going when I’m away so much,’ says Rhydian, a true old soul at 25.
As for X Factor judge Sharon Osbourne’s
cutting comments (she called him a ‘glamorous alien’), he reveals with a shrug that it was all done for effect.
‘Sharon and I got on really well off camera – all that was staged. I’ve been called worse things than a
glamorous alien, but the programme-makers created an image for me that was very cringeworthy. They even made me say I wanted
to be knighted, to give them their sound bite,’ he says. ‘They told me I wouldn’t get to the final unless
I did what they wanted – so I did.’
A one-time teenage rugby star, he fell in love with the idea of a musical career
while recuperating from a groin strain that put paid to his hopes of playing for Wales. Having a GP granddad who delivered
Tom Jones 67 years ago was his only musical connection, but Rhydian was found to have perfect pitch at the age of three.
After winning a clutch of classical music awards at Birmingham City University’s
Conservatoire, he auditioned for The X Factor in the hope that it would lead to a
recording deal.
‘I had to keep it a secret at first, in case I had to go back to the conservatoire
and try a different route into musical theatre [his ultimate goal], because they don’t approve of talent shows. But
we are in the era of reality TV,’ says the realist, who previously auditioned for BBC1’s Any Dream Will Do. ‘Thank the Lord that door closed, because another door then opened.
'I never thought I was the favourite, because Leon was a deserving winner,’
he says generously. ‘But I’m living a dream – and I’m where I want to be.’
Rhydian’s
album Rhydian is
out now
Source
I'm at my best when… I've just
finished a successful concert and I'm relaxing with my friends in a quiet bar.
Friends who know me best would describe me as… gorgeous,
talented and modest!
The proudest moment of my life was…
during The X Factor, when I received a video message from a severely autistic young friend who couldn't even talk two years
ago. Hearing his words of encouragement and seeing the huge smile on his face was very moving. It made me so proud to know
him.
It really annoys me when… Wales
lose at rugby!
My most vivid memory as a child was…
having an I'll-show-you-mine-if-you-show-me-yours encounter with a girl at primary school and getting caught completely starkers
in the reading area. In my defence, I was only seven.
My greatest fear is… that one
day I'll break my leg, which would mean that I couldn't keep fit. If I wasn't able to enjoy my daily run, I don't know what
I'd do.
At the end of my life I want to be able to look back and say…
right, I'm ready now, it's time for a change – something even better.
The biggest risk I've taken in my life was…
The X Factor. I was already studying to be an opera singer and if I'd got booted out of the competition, I don't think anyone
in the classical world would have taken me seriously. It was a big risk at the time, but fortune favours the brave.
I would be happier if… the UK
was a bit closer to the equator. I love this nation, but the weather really sucks!
My most vivid dream was… when
I was six. My life-size panda toy and I were in the jungle and,from nowhere, a predator appeared and mutilated it! I was so
scared I had a bit of an accident…
Answer the following…
I am
a perfectionist… Always
I find
it easy to hide my true feelings from others… Never
I
enjoy making people feel appreciated… Always
I
like to be well prepared for anything I take on… Always
I
keep positive when things are going badly…
Always
Draw a picture that best represents you
Rhydian says: “It’s always the first thing I think of when I’m asked to draw something to
do with me. I know it’s very plain and simple, but I think the smiling face matches my attitude perfectly.”
* Rhydian's album Rhydian is out now.
‘OBSESSIVE RHYDIAN IS BATTLING LOW SELF-ESTEEM’’
JAMES' VERDICT: “Rhydian’s
determination and focus are the most striking aspects of his personality. He seeks perfection to the point of being obsessive
about whatever he takes on. There is also an edginess and impatience to his character that suggest underlying anxiety, probably
stemming from insecurity related to childhood experiences or loss. His dream symbolises his fear of losing someone close to
him. This low self-esteem may cause him to react badly to negative criticism, although it will also drive him on to do better.
The simplicity of his picture suggests he isn’t naturally creative and his career success has been largely due to hard
work, the courage to take risks and his drive for perfection. Although Rhydian’s social boldness may sometimes result
in others seeing him as overly confident and even cocky, he is really a generous and considerate person with a big heart.”
COMPILED BY: CLAIE WILSON PHOTOGRAPHY: DAVID FISHER, PAUL WEBB
Source
Charlotte Church's hot guestlist for chat
show Christmas special
Saturday, November 29, 2008, 07:00
CHARLOTTE Church has a host of big names on the guestlist for the Christmas special of her
Channel 4 chat show.
The pregnant singer will quiz Gavin and Stacey stars James Corden and Ruth Jones for the festive show alongside
comedy legend Ronnie Corbett.
And as I Ed-sclusively revealed last month, X Factor's Rhydian will appear on the show and sing with Charlotte.
What a great set of guests! It looks like she could take over from Jonathan Ross!
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Lewis Hamilton's Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger flirted with me says X-Factor star Rhydian Roberts
Nov 29 2008 By Anuji Varma
X FACTOR star Rhydian Roberts has revealed his purrrfect woman – Pussycat
Doll Nicole Scherzinger.
And the former Birmingham student has told how the pop beauty, who is dating
Formula 1 champ Lewis Hamilton, flirted with him.
Pop opera star Rhydian lived in Birmingham for five years while he studied
music at the renowned Conservatoire.
He met Nicole by chance while recording a radio show.
"She’s the fittest woman I’ve ever met – and I got to sing
with her," he revealed to the Sunday Mercury.
"I know she’s going out with Lewis, so I didn’t overstep the mark.
But she was rather flirty. I wouldn’t do anything though as I respect her and we’re pals now. Lewis is also a
national hero.
"We realised we both loved the musical Nine, and she wanted to sing one of
the tracks from it," he explained. "So we did a little private rendition of Unusual Way together. It was great fun."
The Welsh warbler has been busy recording and writing tracks for his new album
but that doesn’t mean fans have forgotten him.
One has even adopted a gorilla for him!
"All my fans are so sweet and they send me really lovely things," he laughed.
"But the strangest gift was a gorilla called Amy living in Africa. I’ve got pictures of her and everything.
"I’m hoping to go over and visit her sometime soon."
Wacky Rhydian was a hit with viewers on the ITV1 show last year, but he came
second to Scottish singer Leon Jackson.
Despite failing to win, he was relieved when judge Simon Cowell signed him
up anyway.
Now the blond-haired singer has released his debut album, and his single The
Impossible Dream is out soon.
He added: "All I wanted from X Factor was a record deal and that’s what
I got. I’ve spent a lot of time in LA recording it and I’m really pleased with the outcome. I helped to co-write
some of the original tracks and also pick some of the covers that are on there."
Rhydian has worked with Meatloaf’s producers on the album which also
features a cover of the rocker’s Not A Dry Eye In The House, as well as West Side Story hit Somewhere and the Simon
and Garfunkel classic Bridge Over Troubled Water.
And he’s making sure the record isn’t only heard in the UK.
"America is next," he said. "I want to do as well as Leona Lewis ."
Leona is the only winner of a UK reality show to break into the US music scene
and land a number one album in the Billboard charts. She shot to fame with a performance on the Oprah Winfrey chat show.
Rhydian added: "Simon’s working on getting me a slot on Oprah. That
would be really amazing."
The singer will perform at the Symphony Hall in Birmingham on May 19.
Source
Perfect pitch and the Cowell factor
Nov 29 2008 by David Whetstone, The Journal
What happens after The X-Factor? David Whetstone finds out from runner-up
Rhydian Roberts.
THE final of the last series of The X Factor ended up pitting Scotland against Wales, dark
against blond, karaoke against opera. In short, Leon Jackson against Rhydian Roberts.
Leon, an only child who was “desperate” to win himself and his mum a better life,
emerged the winner, even though previous public singing experience amounted to karaoke sessions.
Rhydian, whose perfect pitch was noticed at play school and who later won a scholarship to
a musical conservatoire, was the surprise (in our household anyway) runner-up.
Leon got the Simon Cowell contract and the fast track to the big time. Rhydian, with his startling
eyes and even more startling hair, became another X Factor also-ran.
Except that last Saturday he was back on the show, reminding the remaining new season finalists
that his armoury of attributes also includes a startling voice.
Vocally powering through The Impossible Dream, he generated enough G-force to press the live
audience back in their seats. Even at home you could imagine the wind in your hair.
“World class,” purred Simon Cowell like the cat that got the cream.
As well he might. Rhydian reveals that the X Factor judge, a powerful figure in the music
industry, was on the phone before the dust had even settled on the final last December.
A deal was done and Rhydian’s debut album is out this week.
“I was getting offers from other people and it’s not certain you’ll get
an offer from Simon if you don’t win,” says Rhydian.
“I thought I had lost that opportunity when I came second so I was delighted when he
got in touch. He was good to me all through The X Factor and I wanted to remain loyal. I think in the UK he’s the best
label to be with and his contacts in America are second to none. He’s a god out there.” So it was a relationship
made in heaven. Rhydian says it was “very exciting” making the album, which is simply entitled Rhydian.
“It’s the end of 12 months’ hard work. I was in HMV in Cardiff the other
day, doing a signing, and that was great.”
His new-found celebrity doesn’t faze him. “I was establishing a career as a young
baritone before I entered The X Factor but I wasn’t feeling completely fulfilled on stage. I wanted to appeal to a wider
audience and to make real contact with people – and that wasn’t likely to happen for another 15 years.”
Then he saw Simon Cowell on TV and deduced that here was a fast track to the big time. He
entered The X Factor, confessing now that it wasn’t the done thing even to watch the show at opera school. We know the
rest.
The album, put together with top producers, features covers such as Bridge Over Troubled Water
and Queen’s Who Wants To Live Forever.
But there are also some original numbers including I’m Coming Home Again – “very
evocative of Wales” – and What If, a duet with Broadway star Idina Menzel.
Rhydian is going on tour to promote the album and will be singing in Hall One of The Sage
Gateshead on May 14 next year.
Is he nervous? “I can’t wait,” he says immediately. “I love doing
the whole thing – meeting the people and going to different venues, and it’s always great catering.
“I’m hoping to rekindle the excitement of working with a live audience. That’s
what I missed in the studio.”
I suppose it was a silly question to ask a young man who sang weekly in front of millions
of TV viewers (and acid-tongued Mr Cowell) with a bleached Bart Simpson hairstyle.
Rhydian seems genuinely pleased to be returning to the North East. He came here on the last
X Factor Live tour.
“It’s a really beautiful place – not like some of the cities we went to.
I was really impressed. It was a breath of fresh air. Nice people, too.”
Finally, who does he tip for victory this time?
“To be honest, they’re all OK,” he says diplomatically. “But I know
what they’re going through. It’s really tough for them.”
Rhydian, the album, is in the shops now. Tickets for Rhydian’s Gateshead gig next year
are on sale at (0191) 443-4661.
I was establishing a career as a baritone before I entered The X Factor but I wasn’t
feeling completely fulfilled on stage. I wanted to appeal to a wider audience.
Source
Charlotte Church's hot guestlist for chat show Christmas special
Saturday, November 29, 2008, 07:00
The pregnant singer will quiz Gavin and Stacey stars James Corden and Ruth Jones for the festive show alongside
comedy legend Ronnie Corbett.
And as I Ed-sclusively revealed last month, X Factor's Rhydian will appear on the show and sing with Charlotte.
What a great set of guests! It looks like she could take over from Jonathan Ross!
Source
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Secrets of X Factor's Rhydian Roberts and how Simon Cowell 'has an attention
span of a five-year-old' in our video
3am exclusive: By Sarah Tetteh 28/11/2008
Rhydian Roberts (ITV)
Chrome-haired warbler Rhydian Roberts lost out on X Factor - but since then he's not stopped winning.
A year after becoming runner-up to Leon Jackson, the Welsh wonder has done better than he could have ever
imagined.
Signed to Simon Cowell's Syco label, he travels the world and charges up to £30,000 a performance - a far
cry from his £150-a-throw gigs of the past.
On Saturday he even performed material from his new album, Rhydian, on the show that opened his door to fame.
The lad from Brecon with the spooky glare, glow-in-the-dark hair and knack for off-putting quips has it all,
except Mrs Right.
Despite the money, a bachelor pad in Hampstead and women falling at his feet, Rhydian's old world values remain
unchanged.
"I am no angel, but I'm saving myself for the right person," he says with a glint in his eye.
That's not to say he hasn't found time for romance. He fell head over heels for Cowell's stylist Julia Carter,
at 37, 12 years his senior.
Sadly the couple split and Rhydian is now seeking The One.
With this in mind, I arrived in sub-zero Iceland for his first video shoot for single Impossible Dream, not
sure what to expect.
Leaning forward as we sit under a make-shift shelter by a colossal waterfall, he softens as he smiles and
recalls his time with Julia.
He said: "She was really hot. But she wanted kids so she had to find the right person. She's lovely and we're
still great friends.
"It wasn't hard to break up though. I just thought the relationship was wrong.
"Sleeping around is degrading. If someone wants to just s**g me I'm not really interested.
"Sex should not be abused. I'm no stallion and lads' mags don't do it for me. I like women you can build a
relationship with."
For a 25-year-old, Rhydian's wisdom is almost middle-aged.
He'd prefer a cuppa with his folks, to a night on the razz. He bans alcohol and cigs. His vice? Diet Coke.
And the kindly star goes out of his way. While we were at Heathrow airport he popped off to help an elderly
woman with her case.
One thing's for sure, for a single man in his 20s Rhydian never fails to shock with his old-fashioned taste.
He said: "I'm a huge fan of Shirley Bassey, she's my idol. I love the way she performs. She tells a story.
I would love to duet before she gets too old. I'm like a female Shirley Bassey."
And while most men his age dream of dating Girls Aloud, Rhydian barely knows who they are. He carried on:
"I adore Audrey Hepburn. She was so elegant. Victoria Beckham is gorgeous, especially as she has her hair cut like Audrey's.
"I really fancy Katherine Jenkins too. I'll just have to wipe her boyfriend Gethin Jones off this earth. Only
joking."
He comes over as so old-fashioned I'm taken aback when later on he wrestles me over for a snow fight!
Rhydian is no wimp - just ask Charlotte Church's lover Welsh rugby hero Gavin Henson. "He was always a pretty
boy," said Rhydian, who played against him at school. "At half time he would style his hair and wax his quiff.
"He likes fake tan too. I was tougher but he was better so made a career of it. I adore Charlotte.
"We sang together on her show last year. You hear all sorts about her being bolshy but she was so sweet to
me. She is gorgeous."
Snug in a gigantic sheepskin coat he smiles as a flunky rubs his hands for him while another paints white
foundation on his face.
He said: "Filming this video has been amazing. We were between two islands and the copter couldn't land, so
I had to jump out. My camera guy was air sick and spewed up. I enjoyed it though." But as we talk it's clear he isn't the
bolshy guy with the big voice on X Factor.
On the contrary, he is incredibly shy, polite and a bit of a nerd. Not one to hang with the crowd he breaks
off to practise his scales while the crew crack jokes.
But it's easy to warm to Rhydian, who seems to have been punished for being different and standing his ground.
"I was cleverly edited and started out hated by the whole country. I felt hurt.
"They want you to have a story before you can get through so they made me out as arrogant, but I hate arrogance.
If it wasn't for my faith and family I don't know how I'd have got through. I hope now they will see the real me. The evil
Phantom of the Opera music played when I was on did me a favour in the end.
"After X Factor I performed at Andrew Lloyd Webber's 60th to 35,000 people. One of my ambitions is to star
in his Phantom 2, out next year, and we're in talks. It's only possible because of X Factor."
As for his screen feud with Sharon Osbourne, they made up after she invited him to her LA mansion. In his
best Sharon voice, he says: "Sharon told me: 'Rhydian I do like you. It's just for TV.'"
Although Rhydian remains close to mentor Dannii Minogue it's a different story with Simon Cowell. He said:
"Simon is very much my boss. You don't disturb him much. He has the attention span of a five-year-old. If you play him a new
song, if it's not good he'll say: 'I hate it, it's c**p.' I have such respect for him as my boss."
"His two houses in Beverly Hills. are soulless and colossal - but that's Simon for you."
Rhydian is as nervous as ever on putting out the best album possible.
He says: "My big fear is how well people receive it. I really hope people like it and see the real me."
Rhydian's self-titled debut album is out November 24.
For the essential news and opinion on TV's hottest show, check out our X Factor blog.
Source
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'X Factor' tickets go on sale
Friday, November 28, 2008, 10:13
X FACTOR fever has hit the West Country with tickets going on sale this month for two of the
most controversial acts to appear on the talent series.
Welsh classically-trained singer Rhydian Roberts and bubbly siblings Same Difference are coming to Plymouth
Pavilions next year.
Rhydian came second in the competition last year and Same Difference were hot on his heals in third place,
both acts losing out to Scottish teenager and ballad singer Leon Jackson.
Rhydian was always an unlikely candidate for the show. He won a scholarship to Birmingham City University's
Conservatoire to study music, where his talent and commitment was recognised with the prestigious Kathleen Ferrier Bursary
for Young Singers, the Reginald Vincent Lieder Prize and the Mario Lanza Educational Award.
By his second year he was already performing in professional operas and musicals in Birmingham.
His self-titled album has been almost a year in the making.
"We wanted to make something timeless, full of great songs, not just an X Factor tribute," he said.
The lead track on the album is The Impossible Dream which Rhydian performed live on X Factor last week.
Pop duo Same Difference have also been working on their debut album and have just released their first single
We R One.
Sean, 23, and his sister Sarah, 19, travelled to Europe to work with those best educated in pop wizardry including
Quiz Larossi, who have worked with artists Diana Ross, Westlife and Shayne Ward, and Pete Waterman, who has worked with Kylie,
Bananarama and Steps.
Tickets for both shows are on sale now.
Rhydian will be performing at Plymouth Pavilions on Saturday, May 9. Tickets cost from £22.50.
Same Difference will be performing on Friday, March 13. Tickets cost £23.50. Call the box office on 0845 146
1460.
Source
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Short interview from the Sky Magazine!
THE NATION DECIDES
Sky Magazine Dec 2008
As music fans prepare to vote in the final of the X Factor last years
runner up Rhydian Roberts tells us about his year...
"Since coming second to Leon Jackson in 2007s final of The X
Factor, I've worked with some amazing people, including Simon Cowell. His record label, SyCo, produced my new album, Rhydian.
He's a perfectionist and if something isn't right, you go back and do it again. I love that about him.
As well as
recording, I've been doing concerts around the world. I performed in front of Prince Charles and I'm now a patron of his charity,
The Prince's Trust. I also performed at Andrew Lloyd Webber's 60th birthday in Hyde Park in September. Andrew took me out to supper to ask me to perform - that was unbelievable!
[size=2]
In the week of last year's final I was juggling visits home and press
interviews with rehearsing three songs - one was a duet with Katherine Jenkins. We had about 5 minutes to practise the whole
thing! What I'd say to this year's finalists is, grow a thick skin, stay true to yourself and dont let nerves get the better
of you.
You might be in bed at 2am, up again at 4am, then have to perform - you don't get much rest. The great thing about
The X Factor is how much you learn about the music industry. It's a cliche, but my dreams are coming true - I'm doing the
best job in the world"
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Rhydian returns with
debut album
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Last year's X Factor runner up says Simon Cowell was out of order to say he should
have won instead of Leon Jackson. Rhydian Roberts has also admitted it was scary going back on X Factor at the weekend to
perform. His first album, a mixture of songs he performed with a few originals, is out now.
How did it feel going back to the X Factor?
I really loved it. It's not the norm for a runner-up to go back and it was great to see everybody
again.
Was it nerve-racking?
It used to be chaos backstage and it was no different last Saturday, in fact more so. I went
on stage and they said, '3,2,1' and I had to start singing, but I wasn't in position. Yeah, it was a lot of pressure and I
could feel the nerves of the competitors as well.
What was it like being in front of the judges again?
Yeah, fab. The studio's slightly different. There seems to be less audience in there now and
they were further back. But you still get that glare from the judges. It was different though because Cheryl wasn't there
last year.
You were on the show when Louis made Dannii cry, and she was your mentor last series.
Did you see it all happen?
I was backstage preparing for my performance and the person doing my hair and make-up is the
same as does Dannii's. She was rushing back saying, 'Dannii's not happy - she's crying.' It was quite an awkward moment because
she genuinely was shedding a tear, it wasn't just for camera.
What has life been like for you over the last year?
It's been awesome. The best year of my life without doubt. I've been away in America for a large
part of the year working in Los Angeles, writing and recording. And also in Nashville, Tennessee. The rest of the time I've
been living in Stockholm in Sweden, kind of hibernating.
Tell us about your album.
Rhydian's debut album was released on 24 November | It's a real eclectic mix of songs. I really wanted that to be the case and not go down
the X Factor tribute album for Mothers Day route. I'm really happy with the results. We've included some originals, which
is important for me, one song in particular that really suits me called I'm Coming Home Again.
I've heard you've also done a duet with Nicole from Pussycat Dolls. Is that right?
Ha ha! Very impromptu that was! I was lucky enough to be in an interview with Pussycat Dolls
and I was blown away. Seriously the most attractive girls collectively that I've ever seen. They were really sweet and Nicole
started singing this song that I know and we sang together. It was very much an impromptu duet, but it was a moment, a real
moment.
I've been lucky enough all year to meet incredible people. The week before I was doing a private
gig with Girls Aloud. They were awesome. I gigged with Stereophonics and I often gig with Catherine Jenkins, who's very easy
on the eye, and has a great voice as well.
Simon Cowell has been quoted recently as saying you should have won last year and Leon
shouldn't. Have you heard any of this?
I've seen that interview. They filmed a documentary about me that went out on Welsh TV. He did
say that and yeah, that's a bit harsh on Leon. It is what it is. A competition and on the night he won hands down. I was disappointed
because I felt I let a lot of people down who voted for me but in a way it's worked out better for me. I've been a lot more
free this year to do my own thing.
Longer term is there anything else you'd like to get involved with?
My main goal was to be a recording artist and off the back of that do UK tours. I'd love that
to continue, but also theatre. I'd love to create on role on Broadway and the West End. If theatre and acting comes round,
then great. I'm just really enjoying life right now and taking every opportunity that comes my way.
Andrew Lloyd Webber hasn't offered you anything yet?
I met Andrew at his 60th birthday and had a few drinks. He was awesome and very funny, very
complimentary. If he was to ever ask me to play a role in his new sequel (to Phantom of the Opera), if it works out time wise,
if I've got a period off and can play a role in his new musical, then fantastic. I've had other offers for the West End but
it's not the right time.
Rhydian Roberts was talking to Newsbeat entertainment reporter Sinead Garvan.
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S4C launches 2009 Cān i Gymru
Nov 26 2008
THE official launch of S4C’s 2009 Cān i Gymru songwriting competition has taken place
with the event’s music coordinator, Owen Powell, formerly of Catatonia, calling on composers from across Wales and beyond
to enter their songs.
At the launch, X Factor finalist, Rhydian Roberts, will be announced as the competition’s
guest judge.
Rhydian, who will join a panel of experts to select a shortlist of eight songs for the public
vote, will also perform at the 2009 St David’s Day final.
Owen Powell will be inviting a member of the public to bid to be on the competition’s
adjudication panel, while finalists in the 2008 competition, Lowri Evans and Lee Mason, will perform their song, Ti a Fi at
the launch.
As well as £10,000 and a special competition trophy, the winner will go on to represent Wales
at the Pan Celtic Music Festival held in Ireland.
Sarra Elgan will co- present the Cān i Gymru final with Rhodri Owen at Venue Cymru on St David’s
Day, Sunday, March 1 2009.
Entries by composers can be on CD, cassette or via mp3, but must be accompanied by an entry
form, which is available, along with full competition details, at the Cān i Gymru website. www.s4c.co.uk/canigymru
The closing date for entries is Wednesday, December 31, 2008, and the minimum age for entry
is 16. The Cān i Gymru competition is produced for S4C by Avanti, and for further information on the competition, contact
Avanti on (01443) 688530 or canigymru2009@thepopfactory.com
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Advance polls from UK report The Killers ahead of Guns N' Roses, singing priests and Kanye West on Musical
Super Tuesday
The UK loves The Killers. Even more than Guns N Roses, Rhydian (uh...?) and Kanye West.
Those are the findings that can be concluded after midweek sales numbers were reported in the UK.
According to Music Week, The Killers' new album Day & Age sold 70,764 copies to take top spot, while Axl's Dr.Pepper-popping opus Chinese
Democracy sold 50,791 copies. The third highest seller was by this guy, while The Priests' (a band of real Catholic priests) debut album holds the fourth spot. Kanye West's 808s & Heartbreak is currently
in sixth place.
Read a review of Day & Age vs 808s & Heartbreak here.
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What I know about women: Rhydian Roberts
Published Date: 25 November 2008
Rhydian Roberts, 25, came second in last year's X Factor, sparking more than 1,000 complaints to regulator
Ofcom from viewers who believed he should have won the contest. He has spent the past year recording his first album.
WOMEN are extremely complicated. But I find that quite interesting, because I'm quite complicated as well.
I believe in the idea of 'the one', I really do, but I haven't found the one yet.
I've been in a relationship recently
but it just wasn't conducive to the busy work/life situation I have. She was at an age where she wanted
to settle down and have children and I couldn't give her that and it wasn't really fair. One day I would love to settle down.
I think one of my goals is to find the right person, to be a great husband and a good dad. Marriage is a huge commitment,
and a wonderful commitment, but I'm not ready for it yet.
I was 13 when I had my first kiss. It was with an older lady,
a girl of 16, and it was on a beach in Menorca. We still keep in touch. My more serious relationships were at university.
My longest relationship so far is seven months, which is pretty poor. I'm pretty much all or nothing and I think ladies deserve
to be treated well.
I prefer working with women a bit more than men. I think women are more diligent and hardworking
overall. I'd put my trust in a woman to do the job properly. They're definitely more reliable.
I have no idea how
women perceive me. I usually have a good response from women though, and most of my fans are female.
I have a lot of
female friends whom I would never dream of having a relationship with. I think everybody gets tempted, and temptation isn't
a sin, it's just how you control that. I enjoy flirting though, that can be fun. I'm not a prude, put it that way.
I'm
pretty good at staying friends with my exes. It's a shame when you have a love so strong and it ends up sour and bitter. I
never wanted that to happen, and it hasn't happened yet. I've had four serious relationships and I keep in touch with all
of them.
I had quite a few pin-ups on my wall when I was growing up. I had Sharon Stone, Michelle Pfeiffer and Pamela
Anderson. I was a huge Pammy fan. My tastes have changed a bit now. I'm sure Pam's a lovely lady, but… I don't really
have a type though. You never really know who you're going to fall in love with, they could be completely different to what
you perceive as your type. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Currently I like Katherine Jenkins, she's beautiful. And
Audrey Hepburn, she was classy, my kind of girl.
My mother and my grandmother are two people I look up to. They've
been such a great inspiration to me. They give me their unwavering love and support in whatever I do. So many people out there
are fickle, it's great to have a family that stays strong.
If I could be a woman for a day I'd love to be able to sing
as a woman. Christina Aguilera has an extraordinary voice, and I love Maria Callas too. I'm fascinated by the voice, I studied
it, and women have completely different apparatus, so to be able to sing as a woman? That would be great fun.
•
Rhydian Roberts's eponymous debut album is out now on Syco Records.
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November 24th, 2008 by Gerard McGarry.
Tags: Interviews, Rhydian Roberts
Rhydian Roberts. Arguably the real winner of last year’s
X Factor, denied the ultimate prize by the power of teenagers voting for er…that other fella.
But he got his record deal the very next day after losing X Factor to Leon Jackson.
Fast forward to almost a year later and Rhydian is back on the scene with his debut album
just released (today). You’ve got to wonder what this guy’s been up to in the last year and how he feels about
how he was portrayed on X Factor. Well, we got the chance to ask him directly!
This time last year, you were a finalist on X Factor - one of the
biggest shows in the UK. Can you just fill us in on what’s changed for you since then?
Well, pretty much everything in my professional life and singing career has changed. I’ve
had the best year of my life. As soon as Simon signed me the next day after X Factor, I was in the studio, and I’ve
been working a lot in America, in Los Angeles with a producer called Walter A. He was behind Mariah Carey’s success, and he’s worked with Celine Dion, Michael Jackson and Pavarotti even. He thought he was right for me because of the classical background, and
I’m actually singing a song on the album that he wrote for me called There’ll Be A Time.
I’m a huge fan of the quasi-operatic artists of the past like Freddie Mercury and Meat Loaf, so I also wanted to include some classic rock songs. I’ve got a Queen song
on the album, and a Diane Warren song that she wrote for Meat Loaf called Not A Dry Eye In The House.
I went to Nashville to record that with Desmond Child.
I lived out there for three weeks with Desmond and got to know him. And the rest of the time
I spent in Sweden, in Stockholm, writing and recording with some Swedish producers. And I’ve recently moved to London.
In between writing and recording, I’ve been gigging. I had a gig the other day with
Girls Aloud, which was nice, and I’ve met Princes William and Harry. I don’t want to name drop, but it’s
been busy, the dream is coming true.
Wow. That’s a long way from being what they called the ‘pantomime
villain’ on X Factor!
Yeah, but I always saw a light at the end of the tunnel throughout all of that. My quest was
to get the contract and let people hear me for who I really am, see me for who I am. And every show needs a villain, somebody
they need to hate, and I happened to be that guy. It’s done me a favour in the long though, I think.
I was worried that the cartoon character they created would affect
your image in the long run. How do you think that’s affected you?
It’s difficult to say, but the main thing is that Simon doesn’t perceive me as
that at all - he really admires me and respects me, he’s really taken me down a serious route as a singer and that’s
what I’d always intended. And when you’ve got somebody of his calibre backing you, you never know what you can
achieve.
I think generally people saw through the nonsense in X Factor. It was all a bit of fun, but
then when we got to the live shows, people could really see me for who I was. I think I won over the majority.
You’ve got a new album, ‘Rhydian’ coming out on
Monday 24th November. How’ve you gone about putting the album together and choosing songs for it?
Well, what happens when you’re making an album is an A&R process where you sit down
and brainstorm a whole load of songs that are appropriate. You look at various producers and songwriters that suit you. I
think I’m slightly different as a performer, so that’s another reason we’ve taken so long to release a record.
I was passionate about getting a duet on the album, and I’m honoured to say that I’ve
duetted with Idina Menzel, who’s a broadway star, and I’m a huge broadway fan. She sings a song, What
If with me.
The lead track The Impossible Dream has an almost autobiographical
feel to it. Especially with the last 18 months and my journey through X Factor until now, and the epic style of the song suits
my style of singing.
We were going to ask about the mass market appeal of this operatic
type of music, but this week Il Divo, another one of Simon’s acts has gone to Number 1 with their new album.
Yeah, Il Divo are great and it shows that the public do like a classical
voice. I think it’s slightly different for me again, because they’re four operatic singers. I was classically
trained and I was intending to go into opera, but I don’t sing in an operatic style. It’s slightly different.
I sing in a classical style, but I don’t have operatic sob. I try and stay true to the
genre. But still, it’s not a pop voice.
There were rumours that you’d be working with Meat Loaf producer
Jim Steinman on this album?
Well, it hasn’t happened for this album, but apparently Jim stumbled across me on YouTube
and he came across my rendition of Anything For Love. He got in touch with my agent, inquired about
me so in the future, it would be great to work with Jim Steinman.
You mentioned working with Desmond Child - what was it like working
with him?
Well, he’s an extremely extravagant, eccentric guy and I didn’t know what to make
of him when I first met him. But you know what, he’s become a great friend. I admire his talent, he’s extremely
professional and I loved Nashville. His studio was my favourite studio to work in. His studio was my favourite to work in.
Have you gone through that surreal phase where it seems like you’re
dreaming the whole thing?
Yeah, well every day I pinch myself! I’m loving it, I’m meeting some extraordinary
people - I’ve just come from this function and I was with the Pussycat Dolls! It was an impromptu thing, but amazing
to be chatting with them.
Now, obviously you’re classically trained, and you didn’t
just stumble into a reality TV audition. You’re obviously serious about your career, so where do you see yourself in
a few years time?
I’m very ambitious, I set myself lots of goals. Where I’d like to see myself in
the next few years is to continue making records and touring. What I really love about performing is the live touring and
I loved being on the X Factor tour which was a blast. My tour won’t be an arena tour, it’ll be a more intimate
setting, but still the opportunity to perform live.
A few years down the line I’d love to do theatre, musical theatre. I’ll keep on
training my voice and see where that takes me. Maybe 10-15 years down the line my voice will have developed more, and it might
be ready for opera.
Would you take on any acting work?
Acting? I’d love to do some acting work. I trained as an actor
at Birmingham University, so I’d love to exercise those skills.
Rhydian’s debut album is now available to
buy.
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Only Men Aloud! will battle Rhydian Roberts to top the album charts
Nov 24 2008 WalesOnline
SINGING sensations Only Men Aloud! and Rhydian Roberts are set for a chart battle as they release their debut
albums today.
And fans will be able to meet their idols face to face as they launch their albums in Cardiff.
Only Men Aloud! are entering the race to the top of the charts with a self-titled album filled with the songs
that brough them success in the BBC talent contest Last Choir Standing.
It includes favourites like Don’t Rain On My Parade, Bridge Over Troubled Water and Angels, as well
as the choir’s version of All By Myself, which catapulted them to victory in the contest and was watched by six million
viewers.
Pop classics, including The Beach Boys’ God Only Knows and Seal’s Kiss From A Rose, also feature,
as well as a tribute to their roots in the Welsh hymn Cwm Rhondda.
The group’s success has already sparked an increase in choir membership and they hope the album will
be the first step in their domination of the classical and pop charts.
It is the first of five albums the choir will record for music giant Universal under the terms of their multi-million-pound
record deal, signed on the pitch at the Millennium Stadium just weeks after their TV win.
Choirmaster Tim Rhys-Evans said: "People seem to love what we do and that recognition for our hard work is
a very nice reward."
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