Rhydian (From Knutsford Guardian)

Rhydian

11:37am Wednesday 7th January 2009 in Leisure By Nicola Davies

LAST year’s X Factor finalist, Rhydian Roberts, has announced a 16-date UK tour for next May that will take the classically-trained Welsh singer to Manchester and Liverpool.

The 25-year-old singer, who started singing in competitions at four, said he wanted to make his self-titled debut album, Rhydian, released on November 24, something timeless and ‘not just an X Factor tribute’.

The Welsh star said he had just finished his degree in music and classical singing when he decided to go on the show.

He said: “I really wanted a contract and I thought why not go for it?

"It was a huge risk being seen on TV but it’s the best thing I’ve ever done.

“My biggest regret though was the first audition – wearing fake tan was a big mistake!”

“Nothing can beat the ecstacy of performing on stage."

Rhydian

Speaking about his album, which was a year in the making and features The Impossible Dream - the track he famously he performed on X Factor last month - he said: “It is a real mix of music.

"Releasing the album is a dream come true for me and I can’t wait to start touring.

“Nothing can beat the ecstacy of performing on stage.

"To me that’s what it’s all about and when I feel like I’m really living.

”I’m not a classical act. There’s a burning showman in me.”

Tickets to see Rhydian at Manchester Bridgewater Hall on May 2 and the Liverpool Philharmonic on May 15 range from £22.50 to £30.