Rhydian

Rhydian Roberts (born 14 February 1983), popularly common as Rhydian, is a Welsh baritone and crossover artiste in the United Kingdom. Classically skilled, he rose to fame in 2007 as a runner-up on The X Factor. Since so therefore, he has released two bestselling albums, completed a UK tour (2009), and made gala and charity appearances in his native Wales and on the Royal Albert Hall, London. Dressed in in the wee small hours 2010, he embarks on a major Europe and UK arena tour of The War of the Worlds - Alive On Stage!. Projects in favor of 2011 include the UK tour of We spirit shake You and a up-to-the-minute recording wedding album in February.

Biography

Rhydian Roberts was born in Sennybridge,celebrateds, Wales and attended the Pontsenni Cylch Meithcomediand subsequently went on top of Ysgol y Bannau Welstaughtmediate drill in Brecon. He represented the drill and Powys in the UsubsequentlyGobaith Cymru Eisteddfod from the age of fthrough He maintained his relatives with the Urdd whilst next to Llandovery College (where he becnext toe head boy)[1] and as a universivoguish much-lamented-lamented. An accomplished sportsman and intense rugby union player, he played rugby union pro the Gwernyfed Rprocasino, nearby Brecon, as a junior adesirefterwardkepro his drill-fangled,albumnbaby bookcket pro Powys County Junior teams.[2] "My design was to be a trained player pro the Swansea RFC Ospreys (rugby team)," he says. "From the age of ten with the purpose of was all I might think something like – and I wasn't interested in singing whichever more." He embarked on a stringent implement programme and was "a leisure center extreme who might bench-press 386lbs next to 16."[3]

Birmingham Conservatoire
After principles in a small drill in South Africa at some stage in his gap day, Rhydian won a bursary to the Birmingham Conservatoire next to University of Central England (now celebrated as Birmingham City University). Director of Theatre Studies Michael Barry commented with the purpose of "Rhydian was a star pupil next to the Conservatoire from the very opening."[4] He to begin with taught with Adrian Clarke and subsequently with Christine Cairns. He beat 13 other second-year vocal students from UK composition colleges to grow to be the to begin with scholar from outside London to win the Kathleen Ferrier Society Bursary pro Young Singers. A judging panel of internationally-renowned singers hailed his "formidable talent" and his "immediate connection with the audience". Other awards incorporated the Reginald Vincent Lieder Prize, the 2007 Mario Lanza Educational Award,[5] and the Cecil Drew Oratorio Prize. Having been recommended in his instant day by Barry pro interview by the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra's (CBSO) Musical Director Sakari Oramo, Rhydian played Morales in the CBSO's semi-staged Carmen. He safe leading roles in in effect all of the Conservatoire's operas and musicals,[6] counting Charley in Merrily We Roll Along[7] and the title role in Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde[8] After graduating in 2007 with first-class honours, Rhydian auditioned pro the BBC talent contest Any Dream desire Do.[9]

The X Factor (2007)

At his interview pro The X Factor, Rhydian was openly self-assured and ambitious. Judges found him both perplexing and talented. Ironically, it was his eventual adviser Dannii Minogue who gave the no more than "no" choose next to the while,[10] while Sharon Osbourne was reported to carry out found him arrogant, although these tensions softened in while.[11] Later in the chain, Simon Cowell averred: "[Rhydian] is incredibly polite and polite. He stands not at home as he has an incredible voice. But in attendance is veto arrogance or conceit. He's a very competent guy, and in truth I think he is very insecure."[12] Rhydian himself had allegedly been anxious with the purpose of film restriction might generate unfavourable municipal perception of him. He described his portrayal as with the purpose of of a "pantomime villain", and film clips of him often incorporated "The Phantom of the Opera" song singing in the background.[13]
Notwithstanding his fears, Rhydian eventually won greater than municipal outlook. Overhauling his image, he impressed as a spectacular and unpredictable perpetrator, and "his brand white beard and flamboyant dress good judgment made him an audience favourite immediately"[14] His appearances incorporated:
A thorough theatrical story of "The Phantom of the Opera", something like which consider Louis Walsh opined, "You've got star quality, you've got presence, and this show's available to vary your life."[15]
Shirley Bassey's version of Pink's "Get The Party Started" in a fur coat and sequin-covered suit[16]
The Village People's version of "Go West" in Navy Officer uniform surrounded by male back up singers in sailor outfits.[17]
At this purpose, judges expressed worry with the purpose of his camp theatrical presentation was opening to overshadow his vocal performances. Subsequently, while still counting dancers and pyrotechnics, Rhydian toned down his onstage actions.
Eventually, Rhydian became the favourite to win,[18] performing, amongst others, "You Raise Me Up, " "The Impossible Dream" (later the keynote track of his introduction baby book, Rhydian) and "I Vow to Thee, My Country." His rendition of "Somewhere" stirred consider Dannii Minogue to tears: "I can't even be fluent in, with the purpose of was so beautiful."[19] Of his "Bridge Over Troubled Water", Simon Cowell alleged "Rhydian, I ideas with the purpose of was bloody fantastic ... And I think probably your paramount performance, if not THE paramount performance of the competition so far."[20]
He duetted in the final with Katherine Jenkins, whom he had long all the rage.[21] Despite dying as runner-up,[22] Rhydian was free a recording contract with Sony BMG by Simon Cowell the after that date.

Career

Rhydian devoted much of 2008 to his introduction baby book, the eponymous Rhydian,[23] and performed next to not public functions worldwide. UK arrangements incorporated the Welsh Grand Slam celebrations and the BBC Wales Sports Personality of the Year Awards. He performed "Music of the Night" pro greater than 30,000 populate in Hyde Park to mark Andrew Lloyd Webber's 60th Birthday.[24] Having heard Rhydian sing, HRH Prince Charles invited him to grow to be a patron of The Prince's Trust. He sang next to the Children of Courage Awards Ceremony next to Westminster Abbey.[25] Guesting next to The X Factor finals, Rhydian performed "The Impossible Dream," the head track of Rhydian. The baby book was declared the highest advertising baby book by a male chart newcomer in 2008. [26] Rhydian duetted on "Have Yourself a Merry small Christmas" with Charlotte place of worship on the seasonal special of her chat musical.2009 motto more than 600,000 albums sold and the emit of Rhydian's instant baby book, O Fortuna.[28][29] He and fulfilled a 24-date solo tour of the UK.[30] For the BBC, he appeared on Songs of Praise; pro S4C he recorded his own television special, followed by the documentary Rhydian, One Year On.[31] Rhydian again entertained the Royal Family, next to "The Prince's Trust Celebrates Success" Awards,[32][33] and starred in the BBC's Children in Need charity telethon. At the 2009 Liverpool Summer Pops Festival, he headlined a concert pro 11,000 fans in the Echo Arena.[34][35] voguish December, he crooked on the Christmas light in Hull.