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Following in the footsteps of previous X Factor finalists G4, Welshman Rhydian Roberts wowed judges and viewers alike thanks to his ability to sing pop songs in an operatic style. Born in 1983, Rhydian's first passion was for rugby union -- he played locally and planned to become a professional for the Swansea RFC Ospreys. But after his mother took him to a Bizet opera, he fell in love with music and decided to change his career path. After taking a gap year to teach in South Africa, he won a scholarship to the Birmingham City University Conservatoire to study music and become a classically trained singer. Winning several awards, including the prestigious Kathleen Ferrier Society Bursary for Young Singers, he then auditioned for the Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and was immediately cast in the role of Morales in their production of Carmen. Following his graduation in 2007, he auditioned for the lead role in Joseph and His Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat via the Andrew Lloyd Webber TV talent search contest Any Dream Will Do, but failed to make it past the boot camp stages.

In the same year, he entered the fourth series of The X Factor, and despite initial concerns about his "cocky" persona, which Roberts later told newspapers was fabricated by the show's producers, he was chosen by mentor Dannii Minogue to appear in the live stages. Thanks to flamboyant performances of songs by the likes of Pink, Pet Shop Boys, and Meat Loaf, he soon won over U.K. audiences and became the favorite to win the series. But despite a well-received duet with Katherine Jenkins in the final, he surprisingly finished runner-up to Scottish crooner Leon Jackson. However, recognizing Rhydian's potential, Simon Cowell promptly signed him to his Sony BMG label in a £1 million album deal. His self-titled debut, featuring material penned by Jim Steinman (who spotted his X Factor performances on YouTube) and a duet with West End star Idina Menzel, was set for release at the end of 2008. ~ Jon O'Brien, Rovi
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Rhydian

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This article is about the singer. For his self-titled album, see Rhydian (album).
Rhydian
Background information
Birth name Rhydian James Roberts
Born (1983-02-14) 14 February 1983 (age 29)
Origin Sennybridge, Powys, Wales,
Occupations Singer, musical theatre actor, television presenter
Years active 2007 – present
Labels Conehead Records (2010) - Present
Sony Music, Syco (until 2010)
Website www.rhydianroberts.com

Rhydian Roberts (born 14 February 1983), popularly known as Rhydian, is a classically trained Welsh baritone, crossover artist, musical theatre actor and television presenter. He rose to fame on The X Factor in 2007.[1]

Rhydian has toured the UK and made gala and charity appearances in his native Wales and at the Royal Albert Hall, London. He is an ambassador of The Prince's Trust. He starred in a European arena tour of The War of the Worlds - Alive on Stage! and UK tours of We Will Rock You and Grease.

His recordings demonstrate an eclectic repertoire. Of his four albums, the first went platinum, and the second included collaborations with Kiri te Kanawa and Bryn Terfel. Conehead Records released a further two in 2011: the third, Waves, marking a shift in style from opera to pop,[2] and Caneuon Cymraeg ("Welsh Songs"), to tie in with his debut television series for S4C.

Contents

Early years and vocal training

Born in Sennybridge, Powys, Wales, Rhydian (middle name "James") attended the Pontsenni Cylch Meithrin and then Ysgol y Bannau Welsh medium school in Brecon. From the age of 5, he represented both the school and Powys in the Urdd Gobaith Cymru Eisteddfod, maintaining links with the Urdd whilst at Llandovery College (where he became head boy)[3] and subsequently at university.

He played rugby union for the Gwernyfed RFC club (near Brecon, as a junior and later for his school, as well as cricket for Powys County Junior teams.[4] "My plan was to be a professional player for the Swansea RFC Ospreys (rugby team)," he says. "From the age of ten that was all I could think about – and I wasn't interested in singing any more." He undertook a stringent exercise programme and was "a gym fanatic who could bench-press 386lbs at 16."[5]

Following a gap year teaching in a small school in South Africa, Rhydian won a bursary to the Birmingham Conservatoire at University of Central England (now known as Birmingham City University).[6]

Vocal training at Birmingham Conservatoire

Recognised as "a star pupil at the Conservatoire from the very beginning," [7] Rhydian studied with Adrian Clarke and Christine Cairns. He was the first student from outside London to win the Kathleen Ferrier Society Bursary for Young Singers.[8] Other accolades included the Reginald Vincent Lieder Prize, the 2007 Mario Lanza Educational Award,[9] and the Cecil Drew Oratorio Prize. At the Conservatoire, he played such leads as Charley in Merrily We Roll Along[10] and the title role in Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.[11] While still training, Rhydian was cast as Morales in the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra's semi-staged Carmen.[12] He auditioned for the BBC's Any Dream Will Do[13] upon graduating in 2007.

Career

Concerts, Galas and Solo Tour

In 2008, Rhydian performed at Andrew Lloyd Webber's 60th Birthday concert in Hyde Park,[14] and sang at private functions internationally. He completed a 24-date solo tour of the UK and headlined a Liverpool Summer Pops Festival concert during 2009.[15]

Between March and May 2010, Rhydian starred in three galas at London's Royal Albert Hall. Two of them were classical - the Classic FM Live concert[16] and the Classical Brits Awards - and the third, Classic Response, for charity. In Wales he sang in the closing concert of the 2010 St David's Week Festival at Brangwyn Hall, Swansea, performed several concerts with Welsh male voice choirs, and returned to the National Eisteddfod of Wales.[17]

On 1 March 2011 (St David's Day), Rhydian sang at his old high school in Llandovery during a visit by HRH The Prince of Wales.[18] He guested at at the opening night of the 2011 Gwyl Gobaith Festival, a 10th Birthday Concert of Wales Air Ambulance, which, said Rhydian, "is something close to my heart and saved the life of a neighbour of mine."[19]

From 2011 onwards, Rhydian has concertised almost exclusively in Wales, featuring regularly with Cor Curiad, Flint Male Voice Choir, and the Morriston Orpheus Choir.

Seasonal concerts

Rhydian switched on the 2009 Hull Christmas lights. In 2010 he performed in Hayley Westenra's Christmas Wishes at Birmingham's Symphony Hall and in Christmas concerts at the Barbican Hall and the O2. He performed a 2011 Christmas special at Bath Forum.

Stage

Rhydian's career broadened to incorporate musical theatre in 2010, appearing thrghout Europe and the UK. He starred as Parson Nathaniel in the European tour of The War of the Worlds - Live on Stage! Composer Jeff Wayne acclaimed him as "an incredibly talented singer whose range and depth of voice will suit this role perfectly." [20] The following year, Rhydian joined the 2011 UK Tours of a further two hit musicals. He portrayed Khashoggi, Chief of Police in We Will Rock You[21] and guest-starred as "Teen Angel" in Grease,[22] reprising the latter role in 2012.

Television

Rhydian was a guest artist on the The 2008 X Factor finals[23] and on Charlotte Church's Christmas special.[24] During 2009 he appeared on the Children in Need charity telethon and Songs of Praise (BBC), and S4C aired his own special followed by a documentary, Rhydian, One Year On.[25]

In late 2011, Rhydian fronted an eight-part television entertainment series for S4C, featuring, among its guest stars, Hayley Westenra and Claire Jones. (His fourth studio album was released to tie in with the series.)

Recordings

His debut album, Rhydian, was 2008's highest-selling album by a male newcomer.[26] 2009 saw saw more than 600,000 albums sold and the release of Rhydian's second album, O Fortuna, which included collaborations with Kiri te Kanawa and Bryn Terfel.[27][28]

He was a guest soloist on the CD To Where You Are with the Morriston Orpheus Choir for the Sain Label.[29] Conehead Records, to which he moved in 2010,[30][31] released two contrasting albums by Rhydian in 2011. Waves featured cover versions of many 1980s rock hits, and was hailed as a shift in style from opera to pop.[32] Additionally, to tie in with his TV series for S4C, Conehead released a second studio album (Rhydian's fourth to date), Caneuon Cymraeg ("Welsh Songs") containing classic Welsh songs as well as originals.

Charity concerts and appearances

In 2008, having heard Rhydian sing, HRH Prince Charles invited him to become an ambassador of The Prince's Trust. Rhydian sang at the Children of Courage Awards Ceremony at Westminster Abbey.[33] In 2009 Rhydian again entertained the Royal Family, at "The Prince's Trust Celebrates Success" Awards.[34]

Extensive 2010 charity commitments included the Lord Mayor of Cardiff’s Gala Concert, Christian Aid's concert,[35] Classic Response at the Royal Albert Hall and the charity single "The Prayer,"[36] and posing nude in Cosmopolitan[37] ("Taking my kit off wasn't something I expected to do, but as it was for a great cause [prostate cancer] I changed my mind.").[38] Rhydian entertained charity gala dinners for Help for Heroes and for the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC),[39] observing:

I'm delighted to take part in this event. I had a very happy childhood in Wales, but I know that not all children are so lucky. The work done by the NSPCC is critical in helping to keep children safe. . . . I hope that by performing at this event, I can do my bit.[40]

On 25 March 2012 Rhydian joined one million runners nationwide, winning the Cardiff Mile for Sport Relief in "an impressive five minutes 40 seconds."[41]

Sports events

Rhydian sang at the 2008 Welsh Grand Slam celebrations and BBC Wales Sports Personality of the Year Awards. He opened the 2010 Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford and the Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor.[42] In 2011, Rhydian opened the Carnegie Challenge Cup final at Wembley Stadium.[43]

Discography

Studio albums

Album Title Album Details Peak chart positions Certifications
and Sales
UK
[44]		 IRE
[45]
Rhydian 3 7
O Fortuna 25 61
Waves 39 —
Welsh Songs: Caneuon Cymraeg —

Singles

Year Song Chart positions Album
UK
[44]
2008 "The Impossible Dream" 91 Rhydian
2010 "The Prayer" — Charity Single
2011 "Parade" — Waves

The X Factor (2007)

In retrospect, Rhydian has said: "I’m very proud of what I achieved on X Factor. I’m a showman and it gave me the chance to put on a show".[48] His appearances included:

Powerful performances of, among others, "You Raise Me Up, " and "I Vow to Thee, My Country" made Rhydian favourite to win,[52] while his rendition of "Somewhere" moved judge Dannii Minogue to tears: "I can't even speak, that was so beautiful."[53] Of his "Bridge Over Troubled Water", Simon Cowell said "Rhydian, I thought that was bloody fantastic ... and I think probably your best performance, if not THE best performance of the competition so far."[54]

During his audition for X Factor, Rhydian had been openly self-assured and ambitious. Judges found him both perplexing and talented, and his eventual mentor Dannii Minogue gave the only "no" vote.[55] Sharon Osbourne was reported to have found him arrogant, although these tensions softened in time.[56] Later in the series, Simon Cowell averred: "[Rhydian] is incredibly polite and respectful. He stands out because he has an incredible voice."[57] Rhydian likened his portrayal during the series to that of a "pantomime villain".[58]

Notwithstanding his fears, Rhydian eventually won over public opinion. Overhauling his image, "his trademark white hair and flamboyant dress sense made him an audience favourite immediately"[59] He duetted in the final with Katherine Jenkins, whom he had long admired.[60] Despite finishing as runner-up,[61] Rhydian was offered a recording contract with Sony BMG by Simon Cowell the next day.

References

  1. ^ "Rhydian Roberts". classicfm.co.uk. http://www.classicfm.co.uk/music/artists/p-s/rhydian-roberts/. Retrieved 2012-02-12. 
  2. ^ "X-factor's Rhydian to go from Opera star to pop star," Rachel Mainwaring, Wales on Sunday, 24 July 2011. Retrieved 1 August 2011.
  3. ^ "Llandovery College Information on Rhydian'!". Archived from the original on 13 February 2008. http://web.archive.org/web/20080213231353/http://www.llandoverycollege.com/view.aspx?id=186&linkID=869. Retrieved 7 January 2008. 
  4. ^ "Cricket: 'My brush with Rhydian'". http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/sports/sports-news-round-up/2007/12/29/cricket-my-brush-with-rhydian-91466-20295467/. Retrieved 7 January 2008. 
  5. ^ "Change of tune that led to fame for Rhydian Roberts," Times Online, 2 February 2008. Retrieved 16 March 2010. This article gives Rhydian's background and interest in rugby union. He is described in several blogs as the strongest Welsh bench presser during his teens.
  6. ^ "bcu.ac.uk 2". http://www.bcu.ac.uk/news/releases07/rhydian_winner.html. 
  7. ^ By Michael Barry, Director of Theatre Studies
  8. ^ He beat 13 other 2nd-year vocal students from UK music colleges, and the judges hailed his "formidable talent" and his "immediate connection with the audience".
  9. ^ "Mario Lanza Award 2007'!". http://www.bmls.co.uk/awards.htm. Retrieved 1 May 2008. 
  10. ^ June 2004, Crescent Theatre, Birmingham
  11. ^ June 2006, Crescent Theatre, Birmingham.
  12. ^ Symphony Hall, Birmingham, 27 September 2005. See BBC Radio 3 website. (He had been recommended for audition to the CMBSO's's Musical Director Sakari Oramo by the Birmingham Conservatoire's Director of Theatre Studies, Michael Barry, who directed the performance.
  13. ^ However, he did not progress beyond the bootcamp stage, as his voice was not deemed right for the production's pop score.
  14. ^ http://www.britishtheatreguide.info/reviews/ALWbirthday-rev.htm He performed "Music of the Night" for over 30,000 people.
  15. ^ Rhydian Roberts, Only Men Aloud!, Summer Pops 2011 at Liverpool Echo Arena on Thursday 30th Jul 2009 Audience of 3,000 in the Echo Arena.
  16. ^ He sang "Myfanwy" and "Land of My Fathers" in Welsh.
  17. ^ National Eisteddfodd of Wales website. Retrieved 2010-03-16.
  18. ^ Report on the Prince of Wales's website. Retrieved 21 March 2011.
  19. ^ "Rhydian To Sing at Wales Air Ambulance Birthday Concert"/ Retrieved 28 August 2011.
  20. ^ Press Association announcement of 16 March 2010 Retrieved 16 March 2010.
  21. ^ Queen News, retrieved 25 August 2010. Rhydian performed in Cardiff, Southampton and Birmingham.
  22. ^ Other guest "Teen Angels" on this tour have included Robin Cousins and Mary Byrne. See Grease website. Retrieved 31 July 2011. See also "Rhydian Roberts to Star in GREASE UK Tour," from broadwayworld.com. Retrieved 31 July 2011. Rhydian played at Blackpool, Sunderland, Liverpool, Norwich, and Edinburgh.
  23. ^ He sang "The Impossible Dream."
  24. ^ They duetted on "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas".
  25. ^ "Rhydian". S4C. http://www.s4c.co.uk/rhydian/e_index.shtml. Retrieved 2012-01-01. 
  26. ^ Upon release, the album charted at number 3, selling over 150,000 in its first two weeks and over 300,000 after four weeks to win Platinum Album status as awarded by the BPI.
  27. ^ a b "Exclusive: X Factor loser Rhydian set for new album.. while Leon Jackson is dumped by label". The Daily Record. http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/entertainment/2009/03/24/exclusive-x-factor-loser-rhydian-set-for-new-album-despite-leon-jackson-being-dumped-by-label-86908-21223680/. Retrieved 2012-01-01. 
  28. ^ a b "STV Programmes | The X Factor". Programmes.stv.tv. http://programmes.stv.tv/x-factor/news-gossip/88436-rhydian-dreams-of-duet-with-christine-aguilera/. Retrieved 2012-01-01. 
  29. ^ Released in 2011. Rhydian performs lead vocals in "Stars" (Les Miserables), "Bui Doi" (Miss Saigon), and "You'll Never Walk Alone" (Carousel).
  30. ^ Barber, Richard (9 May 2010). "Rhydian Roberts dumps Simon Cowell - and quits the 'Sycobubble'". Daily Mail (London). http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1275456/Rhydian-Roberts-dumps-Simon-Cowell--quits-Sycobubble.html?ito=feeds-newsxml. Retrieved 16 November 2010. 
  31. ^ "Rhydian Roberts quits Simon Cowell's Syco record label". 9 May 2010. http://xfactor.tellymix.co.uk/2010/contestants/6924-rhydian-roberts-quits-simon-cowells-syco-record-label.html. Retrieved 9 May 2010. 
  32. ^ Interview in OK Magazine. Accessed 7 January 2011]
  33. ^ http://www.itv.com/News/Articles/Prince-honours-Children-of-Courage-582180971.html
  34. ^ princestrust. "Rhydian at The Prince's Trust Celebrate Success 2009". YouTube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?gl=GB&feature=channel_page&v=GiMI-RIYX10. Retrieved 2012-01-01. 
  35. ^ The Lord Mayor of Cardiff's Gala Concert was City Hall for Bobath Children's Therapy Centre Wales. Christian Aid's concert was at St David's Hall.
  36. ^ Hoyle, Antonia (27 February 2010). "Classical stars sing The Prayer in aid of Haiti quake victims". Daily Mail (London). http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1254293/Classical-stars-sing-The-Prayer-aid-Haiti-quake-victims.html. 
  37. ^ "Rhydian bares his XXX factor". 9 May 2010. http://www.walesonline.co.uk/2010/05/09/rhydian-bares-his-xxx-factor-91466-26406693/. Retrieved 12 May 2010. 
  38. ^ "Rhydian Roberts gets his bum out for Cosmo". 12 May 2010. http://www.unrealitytv.co.uk/x-factor/rhydian-roberts-gets-his-bum-out-for-cosmo/. Retrieved 12 May 2010. 
  39. ^ Help for Heroes, organised by Joe Calzaghe, at London's Grosvenor House Hotel, and the NSPCC gala at Cardiff City Stadium
  40. ^ "See Rhydian at Stadium". Retrieved 21 April 2010
  41. ^ "Cardiff rises up to go the extra mile for Sport Relief 2012", Cardiff Penny Post, 26 March 2012. Accessed 8 April 2012.
  42. ^ At Old Trafford he sang the anthem "Jerusalem", and for the Ryder Cup he performed "This Is The Moment" and "The Impossible Dream."
  43. ^ He sang "Abide With Me" and "God save the Queen". The Black Dyke Band also performed. "Rhydian To Entertain Fans At Wembley". Retrieved 28 August 2011.
  44. ^ a b "Chart Stats - Rhydian". Chart Stats. http://www.chartstats.com/artistinfo.php?id=12213. Retrieved 2011-07-20. 
  45. ^ Steffen Hung (2008-11-27). "Discography Rhydian". irishcharts.com. http://irish-charts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Rhydian. Retrieved 2012-01-01. 
  46. ^ Lyons, Beverley; Sutherland, Laura (2009-03-20). "Fans' anger as Leon Jackson is ditched by record label". Daily Record. http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/entertainment/2009/03/20/fans-anger-as-leon-jackson-is-ditched-by-record-label-86908-21212228/. Retrieved 2009-04-04. 
  47. ^ Announced 7 January 2010
  48. ^ Quoted in "X-factor's Rhydian to go from Opera star to pop star," Rachel Mainwaring, Wales on Sunday, 24 July 2011. Retrieved 1 August 2011.
  49. ^ Judging comments after Rhydian's performance of "Phantom of the Opera." Retrieved 2010-03-16.
  50. ^ TheXFactorUK (2007-11-03). "X Factor 4, ep 13, Rhydian (itv.com/xfactor)". YouTube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YC61Bp_dq8U. Retrieved 2012-01-01. 
  51. ^ TheXFactorUK (2007-11-17). "X Factor 4, ep 15, Rhydian (itv.com/xfactor)". YouTube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfMnBmO8ksg. Retrieved 2012-01-01. 
  52. ^ "Same Difference out of X Factor". BBC News. 15 December 2007. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7144792.stm. Retrieved 22 May 2010. 
  53. ^ "Somewhere," on X Factor. Retrieved 2010-03-16.
  54. ^ "Bridge Over Troubled Water." Retrieved 2010-03-16.
  55. ^ Rhydian's X Factor audition. Retrieved 2010-03-16.
  56. ^ "Rhydian and the no seX factor," Daily Mail, 7 December 2007. Retrieved 2010-03-16.
  57. ^ "Rhydian and the no seX Factor'!". Daily Mail (London). 7 December 2007. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/showbiz/showbiznews.html?in_article_id=500208&in_page_id=1773. Retrieved 2008-01-04.  Cowell continued: "there is no arrogance or conceit. He's a very good guy, and in fact I think he is very insecure."
  58. ^ "Do you want Rhyd of me?", The Sun, 9 October 2007. Video clips of him often included the "Phantom of the Opera" song playing in the background.
  59. ^ Rhydian biography from Classic FM website. Retrieved 2010-03-16.
  60. ^ "ICWales". http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/2007/11/24/rhydian-katherine-jenkins-duet-my-goal-91466-20153814/. 
  61. ^ Leon Jackson won the series

External links

Rhydian
Studio albums
Singles
  • "The Impossible Dream"
  • "The Prayer"
  • "Parade"
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