X-Factor phenomenon Rhydian Roberts is among those stars who didn't fizzle out when the cameras turned off. The Welsh classical singer is coming to Camberley Theatre on Oct 18
For a time, the airwaves seemed glutted on talent – talent shows, talent contests, talent finders, all seeking out diamonds in the rough to polish and show their audience. Star after star was voted into victory by judges and phonelines, emerging blinking into the spotlight – and, sadly, a great many of them sank without a trace. For every Leona Lewis, there are countless winners who just couldn't handle the reality outside the reality show.
Rhydian Roberts isn't one of them. A trained classical singer and accomplished theatrical performer, he sang at Andrew Lloyd Webber's 60th birthday, has entertained members of the royal family on multiple occasions, and just last year released his fifth studio album, One Day Like This.
Do you remember Leon Jackson? No? He's the guy who won that series of X-Factor.
"It's a question of stamina", Rhydian suggests. "I think these shows are a great showcase, a great opportunity – but I went into X-Factor as a trained singer. I'd already starred in musical theatre, I was already making a career out of performing. I knew what it took."
"X-Factor was a launchpad for me, not something that made me into a performer. That's what it needs to be, really. Look at how many successful acts came out of the show as runner-ups, like myself. I barely passed the auditions, just because I wasn't the kind of singer they were expecting – the judges didn't know what to do with someone who wasn't singing pop!"
Though he did pick up at least one thing from the show – just how cleverly the cameras can change what the audience sees.
"It's amazing", he says. "These days you've got shows like First Dates and Bake-Off and so on, and until you've been on the receiving end you don't fully realise how much of a story these shows build – make up, really – just by using the right footage or music at the right time."
Those less experienced in the realities of rehearsal and touring were perhaps left unprepared when the cameras switched off. It's a dream, for many of them – but once you wake up, it still takes long work and luck to make it real.
"I originally wanted to be a rugby player", the singer commiserates. "I played for Gwernyfed RFC. I dreamed of playing for the Ospreys. I was a fanatic! As it worked out, I was injured and couldn't carry on – but I won a bursary at the Birmingham Conservatoire, and I moved my energies, my determination, back into singing. It prepares you for the realities of a performing career."
One imagines he'll be glued to the screen the night before his appearance at Camberley Theatre, when Wales will be playing South Africa.
"Absolutely! I still love rugby, even if I'm not a player. It'll be a tough match, but that's how you move forward."
Rhydian will be performing at Camberley Theatre on Saturday, October 18. The show is named after his latest album, but as he explains, it's not limited to those songs.
"The album is packed with great songs – buy it!" he laughs, "but I do like variety. It'd bore me singing the same songs over and over at each show on the tour. It's why I do so many different projects, and it's why I prefer playing to lots of smaller venues than a few large ones – you can get a feel for the audience."
They'll no doubt appreciate the attention from this blond sensation – and we look forward to seeing him on stage.
Rhydian Roberts is performing at Camberley Theatre on October 18
