Rhydian Roberts has admitted that he thinks Gary Barlow was the perfect choice for this year’s X Factor judging panel.

The 28 year old Welsh singer shot to fame when he finished in second place, on the 2007 series of the ITV show, beat by Scottish bore Leon Jackson.

Speaking on Daybreak this morning the opera star revealed that he’s looking forward to seeing the new judging lineup (consisting of Tulisa Contostavlos, Kelly Rowland, Gary Barlow and Louis Walsh) when the 2011 series starts on Saturday and explained why he thinks the Take That star is the perfect replacement for Simon Cowell.

Rhydian told Christine Bleakley and Adrian Chiles:

It’s interesting. I’m glad to see Gary Barlow there. I think he’s an amazing man, musician, song writer….he knows it all so he’s a great judge.

Roberts commented that she show needed a bit of a shakeup but added that he doesn’t think boss man Simon Cowell will be able to stay away from the UK version for too long. He said:

I think it needed a change but I don’t think that Simon Cowell will be away for too long. I think he’ll make a guest appearance or something.

When asked whether or not he regrets his time on the reality TV show, the blonde haired crooner claimed that while it wasn’t perfect, he ‘made the best’ of the situation. He added:

I made the best out of that show that I could, I came second and in that time I’ve released two albums, they both did very well.

Speaking about his soon to be released, third studio album, Roberts concluded:

They were more classical, this new one is a pop record….I always wanted to make a pop record.

View the original post X Factor 2011: Rhydian Roberts is ‘glad’ that ‘amazing’ Gary Barlow is on judging panel on Unreality TV

Former X Factor runner up Rhydian Roberts has claimed that judge Louis Walsh doesn’t give a s**t about the ITV show.

The Welsh opera singer was pipped to the post by Leon Jackson in 2007 and was mentored by Australian judge Dannii Minogue.

Speaking to The News Of The World about the judges’ attitude to the talent competition, Roberts said:

“Cheryl, Dannii and Simon take their roles very seriously. Louis, on the other hand, finds it all hilarious and basically doesn’t give a s**t.

“But Louis is crucial to the panel because he adds the fun element.”

Mary Byrne also claimed that the Irish star is the most relaxed judge on the show.

The Dublin mum of one was responding to a question in her weekly video diary, when she admitted that the Irish star is really ‘funny behind the scenes’ of the ITV series. She said:

It’s definitely Louis. He’s up for anything. Even when Konnie comes in to do a bit of a joke with him, he’s on the ball. He works hard but he’s relaxed and funny behind the scenes.

View the original post Rhydian Roberts ‘Louis Walsh doesn’t give a s**t about the X Factor’ on Unreality TV

X Factor star Rhydian Roberts has admitted that he doesn’t understand how Wagner Carillho has survived for so long on the show.

The classical singer shot to fame as a runner up on the 2007 series of the show and was known for his quirky ways and huge ego. However, weird as he may have seemed, he thinks eccentric singer Wagner is out there in a league of his own. Talking to The Sun Roberts said:

“I am a whack job but Wagner is like having one of the auditionees in the final.”

He also criticised Cheryl Cole, who controversially refused to choose between Treyc Cohen and Katie Waissel on last weeks show. He added:

“And it seems Cheryl can do no wrong. Can you imagine the uproar if LOUIS WALSH had not voted?

“Simon won’t give a s*** about the controversy though. He loves it.”

Rhydian was signed to Simon Cowell’s record label, Syco, until a few months ago. Talking about why he wanted to strike out on a different label, Rhydian admitted that his and Simon’s vision of the future too different to reconcile. He said:

“Simon and I parted a couple of years ago. It was all very amicable. But after X Factor you are moulded a little.

“He wanted to release more conceptual albums with no radio play whereas I wanted to try something a bit different.

“My fans want to get me on the radio and that’s what I want.”

He added: “When I left Syco I had two offers from major labels but in the end I went to an independent label called Conehead after getting advice from my friend Peter Andre.

“I don’t know if Simon knows. He’s a very busy man and is not someone who you can just call for a chat.”

View the original post X Factor: Rhydian Roberts doesn’t know why Wagner is in the finals on Unreality TV

With images of unbeknown, fresh-faced, pop star wannabes gracing the tabloid front pages and a new wave of Cheryl mania, it can only mean one thing: X Factor 2010 is well underway. Whether you are tuning in to admire Cheryl’s LBD, lust over Danni’s new do or simply to watch Simon and Louie attack one another’s acts there is no denying that this year’s X Factor will be keeping many of us glued to our tele over the forthcoming Saturday nights.

Not to be forgotten from past years gone by, we thought it only fitting to revisit some of the acts who made the winters of 2005 – 2008 that bit more bearable. Love them or hate them, there will be a few surprises (and sniggers) when you find out just with what this bunch have been up to….

ANDY ABRAHAM (Came second in 2005)

Nice guy Andy had a busy time after X factor, undertaking 2 tours in 2006, and a third in 2008/2009. After releasing 3 fairly successful albums, he was chosen by the public to represent the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest 2008 with his track “Even If”. Sadly he came last and has since been trying to salvage his reputation by signing with a new management company, appearing on ‘Live From Studio Five’, raising money for The Childhood Eye Cancer Trust and presenting an award at the 2010 Urban Music Awards. Interestingly, he is joining forces with soul legends Alexander O’Neal, Kenny Thomas and Eddie Holman to perform in 15 UK performances during November and December 2010.

SAME DIFFERENCE (Came third in 2007)

Cringe-worthy sibling duo Sean and Sarah have been regulars on the holiday camp scene entertaining youngsters at Pontins, as well as performing cheesy pop at Pride events including London, Manchester and Cardiff. In August they released single ‘Shine On Forever (Photo Frame)’ which will feature on their second (yes, second!) album to be released in January 2011. One for your diaries, perhaps?

RHYDIAN ROBERTS (Came second in 2007)

Strange but successful Welsh singer Rhydian’s debut album sold 500,000 copies and last year he performed a sell-out UK tour. As well completing a second album, he performed ‘O Fortuna’ at this year’s classical BRIT awards. Rhydian is next set to star in his first musical ‘War of The Worlds – Alive on Stage!’. He will perform in a total of 19 international shows alongside Jason Donovan and Atomic Kitten’s Liz McClarnon, kicking off in Amsterdam in November.

BAD LASHES (Came twelfth in 2008)

This girlband foursome joined just a week before they auditioned on X Factor and sadly were booted off after their first live performance. They are, amazingly, still together with things set to get ‘even crazier’ for them according to their site. Such craziness has so far included switching on Durham’s Christmas lights, supporting Sean Kingston, a St Tropez promotional tour and a few Butlins gigs at Minehead. So far 2010 has been a quiet year for them though with just three bookings: a charity performance and two private parties. Weirdly there have been no updates on their website, blog or Facebook since March when they stated that they were moving to London.

RUTH LORENZO (Came fifth in 2008)

Sexy senorita Ruth was a firm favourite of Simon Cowell’s (for obvious reasons) but surprisingly only made it to fifth place. Ruth has since left music company EMI due to ‘creative differences’ and has spent the past 2 years independently developing her album, citing to fans that she wants to ‘make an album that they deserve, not another expendable pop record that remains forgotten in time’. On her crusade, she is asking fans to donate money for the video and marketing budget of her debut single. So far she has raised $4,470 which equates to around £2408. Going by that sum, expect to be waiting around another 8 years for her album!

This year’s X Factor finalists are bringing even more variety to the show; from mini-Cheryl – we mean Cher, to teen heart throbs One Direction, emotional crooner Aiden, soul sensation Paije, crazy Wagner and many more. Fancy seeing this year’s X factor finalists perform live on tour? The 2011 X Factor Live extravaganza is set to be even bigger than ever. Don’t miss the chance to snap up your X Factor Live tickets and see this year’s winner and all X Factor finalists live on the X Factor Live stage.

With 21 shows over the dates 19th Feb 2011 – 6th April 2011, concert tickets are available for Birmingham LG Arena, Belfast Odyssey Arena, Sheffield Arena, London Wembley Arena, Manchester Evening News Arena, Brighton Centre, Nottingham Trent FM Arena, Newcastle Metro Radio Arena, Aberdeen Exhibition Centre, Glasgow SECC, and Cardiff International Arena. Search now for your chance to see all the action live from a stage near you!

View the original post X Factor: Andy Abraham, Ruth Lorenzo, Rhydian Roberts – Where Are They Now? on Unreality TV

Former X Factor contestant Rhydian Roberts has bared his bum for Cosmo magazine, as part of a campaign to raise awareness of prostate cancer.

The opera singer, who recently left Simon Cowell’s record label, posed naked in a bathroom for the shoot. The magazine also featured England rugby players, Ben Foden and Ugo Monye, and Rick Parfitt Junior, son of the Status Quo rocker.

The 27-year-old said: “I used to sing in the shower, it’s where I found my voice, but not now. I don’t want to disturb the neighbours.

“Taking my kit off wasn’t something I expected to do, but as it was for a great cause I changed my mind.

“If it raises awareness of this great cause and people have a giggle in the process, then great.”

See the full spread in Cosmo. Out tomorrow.

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X Factor star Rhydian Roberts has revealed that he has left Simon Cowell’s record label Syco. Rhydian signed with the company after finishing in second place on the show’s 2007 series.

After his album O Fortuna was nominated for the album of the year prize in Thursday’s Classical Brit Awards, Rhydian told The Daily Mail that he is moving on. He said:

‘I enjoyed my time in the Cowell Sycobubble but I’ve always wanted to be taken seriously as a classical singer,’ he said last night.

‘And the truth is that Syco is no longer the best label for me. In creative terms, they don’t have the right approach or experience when it comes to classical music.

‘This is something they would admit themselves. I want to make the sort of album that will launch me on the international stage and, like Russell Watson and Hayley Westenra, appeal to audiences in Asia and Japan.

‘The X Factor and Simon Cowell were definitely a good launch pad for me. They changed my life forever. And I’ll always be grateful to the three-and-a-half million people who voted for me.’

The blonde haired opera singer is excited about being nominated for a Classical Brit Award and his only real competition for the prize is fellow reality TV stars Only Men Aloud.

‘It would take my career to the next level,’ said Roberts.

‘I’d love to win. But, whatever happens, I couldn’t be more pleased I’m being taken seriously in the world of classical music.’

View the original post Rhydian Roberts leaves Simon Cowell’s record label on Unreality TV

Rhydian Roberts has landed a role in musical ‘The War of The Worlds’.

The former X Factor runner up will star alongside ex Atomic Kitten Liz McClarnon and former teenage heartthrob Jason Donovan.

Rhydian will take on the character of Parson Nathaniel – previously played by Russell Watson and said:

“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.”

“I am a big fan of Jeff Wayne and I grew up listening to the classic album, so it’s very special to be performing one of the main roles of Parson Nathaniel – even more so given that I will share the stage with an 11-foot floating 3D hologram of my fellow countryman, Richard Burton, 26 years after his death!”

Producer Jeff Wayne added: “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.”

View the original post Rhydian Roberts lands role in War Of The Worlds on Unreality TV

Former X Factor runner up Rhydian Roberts has said that Robbie Williams’s duet with Olly Murs on last Saturday’s X Factor show was “like two guys doing drunken karaoke”.

Roberts told iVillage that he was actually backing Olly to win the show, but thinks that his duet with Robbie hurt his chances of taking the title. He said:

“I could see that no-one wanted the title more than he, and no-one tried harder on the Saturday night performances than he did.

“The Robbie duet however, was tragic! This was such a shame for Olly on the biggest night of his life to have to prompt his idol and hope that he remembered the words to his own song ‘Angels’!

“They did get it back but the remainder of the song did look like two guys doing drunken karaoke on a night out.”

He added: “I felt it was a missed opportunity for Olly to put his critics to bed and sing a rare ballad to show off his tone, interpretation and to demonstrate an array of nuances that are expected from a top class vocalist.

“Instead, it was a bit of a car crash and all I heard was people saying that ‘Olly isn’t a great singer’. Well neither is Robbie but he’s a superstar and I actually think that Olly is good.

“I love his tone and I love his charisma. Anyone who is prepared to belt lying on his back during the difficult song ‘Superstition’ gets my vote of approval!”

View the original post Rhydian Roberts: ‘Olly Murs and Robbie Williams duet was tragic’ on Unreality TV

Former X Factor runner up Rhydian Roberts, has admitted that he would like to duet with previous winner of the show, Leona Lewis.

Leona appeared on last night’s X Factor final, singing the Oasis hit ‘Stop Crying Your Heart Out’. Rhydian has said that he would like them both to record a rendition of the Peter Gabriel and Kate Bush track, ‘Don’t Give Up.’

He told The Daily Star: “I want to do a duet with Leona as she’s phenomenal.

“I’m very fussy when it comes to voices as I get quite technical but she has a superb voice. It would be nice if I could play Peter’s role and she could be Kate on Don’t Give Up.”

View the original post X Factor: Rhydian Roberts wants to sing with Leona Lewis on Unreality TV

Rhydian Roberts has reportedly claimed that none of this year’s X factor singers are as talented as Leona Lewis. Much as we hate to agree with pompous Rhyd, we think he might have a point with this one.

“I don’t think any of them are in Leona Lewis’s league, to be honest,” he told The Sunday Mirror.

“Jedward were one of the best things in the show talent-wise. At least they were entertaining. I was surprised they went last week – I thought another little young lad would have gone! Lloyd Daniels is making it through by the skin of his teeth each week.”

Rhydian, also admitted that he wanted Stacey to win this year’s series.

“I love her personality and she’s beautiful too. Vocally, though, she’s not a Leona but she’s not bad at all,” he said.

Make your mind up Rhydian! last week you were touting Olly to win! Decisiveness is obviously not a strong point!

View the original post Rhydian Roberts: ‘None of the X Factor singers are as good as Leona Lewis’ on Unreality TV