Rhydian Roberts
Coming only second in the final of XFactor 2007, Series 4, Rhydian has since shot to fame in the classical/crossover genre with his second album 'O Fortuna' and is now invited regularly to perform as a prestigious guest for the Royal Family ~ and also privileged to have become a Patron of the Prince of Wales' Trust.
Always the extrovert, Rhydian gave stunning electrifying performances during the series including Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber's specially commissioned version for Rhydian of 'Phantom of the Opera', Meatloaf's 'I Will Do Anything for Love', Queen's 'Somebody to Love' through to his ballads of 'Somewhere' and 'The Impossible Dream'.
Getting the Party Started
Phantom of the Opera
Since bursting onto our TV screens 26 year old Rhydian has seldom been out of the news. He was male debut artist of the year in 2008, his first album achieved double platinum status. He has performed all over the world and also had a sell out Tour in April/May 2009 with 24 dates throughout the UK and Ireland. His rich baritone voice and mesmerising stage presence has brought pleasure to millions.
Born in Wales on Valentine's Day, Rhydian began singing at the age of three. In his teenage years he was a talented rugby player before an injury curtailed his sporting career and led him back to his first love - music. He won a bursary to the prestigious Birmingham Conservatoire, graduating with a first class Honours degree in 2007.
Today Rhydian is still a keen sportman and admits to being addicted to his twice daily fitness regime. He combines his successful career as a performing artist with sell out concerts, prestigious guest appearances and his role as Patron of the Prince of Wales Trust.
On Tour - Plymouth Pavilions 2009
This was the first time I actually heard and saw Rhydian in the flesh. I have been following him from the beginning of X Factor and on through Southampton, Bolton, the "racecourse" concerts etc, but always at a distance. The first thing that struck me was how unique and different he is with such an incredible stage persona, yet vulnerable at the same time.
Highlights for me were The Living Tree - I didn't rate it too much before, but live it was sensational. Somewhere and The Impossible Dream - magnificent. The new song wasn't really my cup of tea, but what blew me away was having Rhydian just sitting playing a piano and singing - the audience was transfixed. He doesn't always need the frills - he is incredible on his own. His voice live is amazing and sometimes other things can become a distraction.
If I have any negatives at all - it would just be as the result of a huge positive. Rhydian has grown and matured as a stage performer and entertainer and actually evolved into so much more of a higher calibre performer, that this show was a bit limiting for him. The Rhydian that conceived this show, put it together and executed it, is a different Rhydian than the one who stepped onto the stage in Plymouth on tour. In some ways he has out-grown the traditional format of the show - the weak local support act (although reasonable, was out of her natural environment), it was nearly an hour before he came on stage - people were getting restless - they had come to see Rhydian! Thankfully his first appearance (red sparkley suit) was such a blast that this soon disappeared. I don't think even he knows how much he has transformed and how much he is appreciated and admired. His next tour can be completely his and as unique as he is.
Highlights for me were The Living Tree - I didn't rate it too much before, but live it was sensational. Somewhere and The Impossible Dream - magnificent. The new song wasn't really my cup of tea, but what blew me away was having Rhydian just sitting playing a piano and singing - the audience was transfixed. He doesn't always need the frills - he is incredible on his own. His voice live is amazing and sometimes other things can become a distraction.
If I have any negatives at all - it would just be as the result of a huge positive. Rhydian has grown and matured as a stage performer and entertainer and actually evolved into so much more of a higher calibre performer, that this show was a bit limiting for him. The Rhydian that conceived this show, put it together and executed it, is a different Rhydian than the one who stepped onto the stage in Plymouth on tour. In some ways he has out-grown the traditional format of the show - the weak local support act (although reasonable, was out of her natural environment), it was nearly an hour before he came on stage - people were getting restless - they had come to see Rhydian! Thankfully his first appearance (red sparkley suit) was such a blast that this soon disappeared. I don't think even he knows how much he has transformed and how much he is appreciated and admired. His next tour can be completely his and as unique as he is.
I think he will also develop the deeper more challenging elements of his live performance. His 'Music of the Night' didn't completely do him justice on YouTube videos but was a revelation and completely mind-blowing live. I was left with a longing for more of the "serious/deeper" songs - maybe a few more classical elements to show off all the many facets of such a unique and special voice.
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If you would like to contribute, we are not a registered charity… this fund is for people who know and trust us that they will see results".
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Rhydian the Christian and Humanitarian
On 4th January 2010 Rhydian left for Kenya to help 're-build' this school :-
"Our dream is to fund raise enough money and return to the Hill - Wheeler School this year and complete works to the classrooms and kitchen areas. We have had reputable construction engineers visit the school and it looks like this project will cost around £3000.
We will be travelling to Mombasa (personally funded) to oversee all works along with anyone who wants to help.
If you would like to contribute, we are not a registered charity… this fund is for people who know and trust us that they will see results".
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It has been a fantastic experience to follow Rhydian and witness the amazing steps that he has taken to become the artist and performer he is today. It has been a priviledge to see him grow the wings that I saw on his Solo Tour and I am genuinely excited and wait in anticpation to see what the future holds for such a special and unique talent and, on a lighter note and purely for the record, who would have thought that underneath that flambouyant exterior lay a hidden physique like this:
Didn't expect that did you? Well Rhyd was a Personal Trainer just before he went on XFactor!!
'O FORTUNA' NOMINATED FOR CLASSICAL BRIT AWARD
Rhydian’s “O Fortuna”, has been nominated for Best Album of the Year in the 2010 Classical BRIT Awards.
http://www.classicalbrits.co.uk/voting
Voting closes 23rd April and the winner will be announced at the awards ceremony at the Royal Albert Hall on 13th May 2010.
War of the Worlds 2010
The most recent development is that it has been announced Rhydian is to star in War of the Worlds 2010.
Starting in Amsterdam in November, the tour will include Belgium, Ireland and the UK, finishing in Germany in 2011. In the dramatic role of Parson Nathaniel, he will join a star studded cast, including Justin Hayward, Jason Donovan and Liz McClamon.
Based on the concept album by Jeff Wayne and others, WOTW first toured in 2006 and has been seen by millions worldwide.
Rhydian: "My dream has always been to appear in a musical which tours large arenas and I'm very excited to be joining such an incredible cast for The War of The Worlds 2010 tour".
Jeff Wayne: "Rhydian is an incredibly talented singer whose range and depth of voice will suit this role perfectly. I am delighted to welcome him into this year's production".
Rhydian at the Royal Albert Hall Last Night - 3rd April 2010, for Classic Response Concert - Videos by fans in the audience:
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Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qYZY9IFjdE
Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlLwpW0I9W0
Part 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vzwN-T2t6Ek
Rhydian on Classical Brit Awards - Fantastic!!
O Fortuna with OMA
. . . and the original version
The "Impossile Dream" is coming true for Rhydian . . . . . . .
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