Well Done Paul Potts - Last night his performance of Time to say Goodbye, from the phantom of the opera was a winning performance in the Semi Final of Britain’s Got Talent.
It must have been good - Amanda Holden cries again.
Paul Potts is in the Final of Britain’s Got Talent! 
Not only a great performance of a great song - but I really liked the interviews with Paul. I almost cried when he said “My Voice is always my best friend” and how it had “saved” him many times when bullied at school.
Did you know?
Paul first sang opera at the age of 28 for a karaoke competition– he dressed up as Pavarotti.
He went on to perform in Barrymore’s ‘My Kind Of Music’ (1999). The money he won from the show (£8000) along with his savings was spent on attending various training courses in Italy.
From his Italian opera class he was selected to sing in master class’ for Pavarotti and Katia Ricciarelli – who he says were very impressed. Paul reckons he’s spent £20,000 in total to get to where he is today.
Paul has performed in 4 semi professional operas in the UK and some concerts. His proudest performance was with the philharmonic orchestra in a concert in front of 15, 000 people
After having appendicitis doctors discovered a benign tumour that was removed. 2 weeks after the operation he was back on stage.
A motorbike accident in 2003 which he broke his collar bone kept him away from performing and he got left out of the opera circles. Since his illness he has struggled with money and has never reached his potential in Opera and this is why he has chosen to enter Britain’s got talent.
Married for 4 years to his wife Julie (26) whom he met on a Internet chat room. They have been together for 6 years in total
Paul has worked at the Carphone warehouse for 2 years, for 1 year as manager – before that he worked the night shift at Tesco’s shelf stacking / Internet personal shopping.
Name: Paul Potts
Age:36
Occupation: Mobile phone salesman
Lives: Port Talbot
Also see: Paul Potts New Celebrity Opera Star
and
Paul Potts, Future Celebrity Opera Star Found in Britain’s Got Talent TV Show
Related Posts
Paul Potts Wins Britains Got TalentPaul Potts | Future Celebrity Opera Star Found in Britains Got Talent TV Show
19 responses so far ↓
david greenslade // Jun 15, 2007 at 9:36 am
Well what can you say? this guys singing brings me to tears absolutely out standing what a phenominal talent good luck! the guys a genious
sophist // Jun 15, 2007 at 10:08 am
[this is a repost of my comment to the earlier article on paul potts here at celebrity blog, due to the over 100 comments. it may refer to other comments to that article, feel free to enjoy that one aswell. make sure you dont miss the clip to his perfomance. it’s worth it.]
music is a broadcast of emotions, ideally.
commenting from germany here (excuse my english).
first to state i am not into musik it all, frankly the sound i enjoy most is a ironic quantumphysicfashioned one, this being said, you know i am talking about silence.
(logically i am offspring of a family of many musically driven generations, i just hit the state of the purest sound)
though as said before anything to be art has to connect or communicate to one emotionaly, which is definatly the case here, i have to agree to mike at some points.
i certainly dont share his conspicuous disfavour of positive feelings toward mr. potts’ performance, but, i too (yet being striked in the same manner as most of you), feel a lack of power in his singing. not his communicative power of emotions, but his voice.
as many of you stated you dig paul potts.
he might just have noticed that. the producers of this show definatly knew what was comming onto them. as my favorite music judge simon cowell says, you being a handy sailsman come here and do “that” while looking at a paper where he reads the musical backround of pott, his education, his history. hearing potts live you see the dollars in simons eyes, tipping the pen to his lips, already calculating, all he need to wait for is the audience, the consumers, and the many reactions and reflections on the media all over the blue planet.
no offense kids, this is produced (just like all those shows) this is market investigation at its finest. the elite of makers. using those who cant stand up for themselves. every single one of these shows gives you the typical soap characters throughout the show, just more real, because they are. public casting is pure entertainment and sells for just as much as it is planned and sometimes for even more.
how i, who does not even own a TV, dare to say so? i got rid of the thing over 8 years ago, and whatever there is being broadcasted it still finds its way to me. i am just trying to enjoy consuming a little more true to myself.
you oughta understand mike, he might not know yet, but this is exactly what he dislikes about paul. paul being real and unique, still exchangeable. if he’d seen paul in the club around the corner, he`d recognize his quality and enrichment to the clubs recent live acts.
instead he is served this real but produced random guy’s performance filmed and cut by people who are good at what they do. and then? he aint that random after all, having focused on opera for several years, having spent lots of time effort and cash on training. being trained by the big guys (btw. back in the day when they first met him they were pretty impressed).
we all will see what that talent show’s contract will bring up, in case you promise on spending money by letting him win the competition.
i hope paul will achieve what he already pursued in the past, being on stage, singing.
don’t let little miss amanda trick you though.
he certainly is no raw diamond.
raw diamonds dont shine. paul potts does.
Post for Paul! // Jun 15, 2007 at 10:35 am
Considering that Paul is just a mobile phone salesman from Wales I think that the knocks I’ve seen on the posts on this blog are completely unfounded - he sounds amazing regardless - but especially because of where he has come from.
Andy P // Jun 15, 2007 at 2:33 pm
absolutely amazing, not into opera, but would go and watch this guy. Both his performances have been far and above any of the others on the show
Good luck to him
Rodney // Jun 15, 2007 at 2:49 pm
OUTSTANDING,… all I need say …..I sent the link from youtube to a couple of friends…..three of them cried….enough said!!!!
Mike // Jun 15, 2007 at 3:41 pm
He has no lower register. Was stumbling along for the first half of the song until the big notes came along.
And during that stumbling it was painfully obvious how much echo and reverb they have on the microphone.
He’s a lovely guy, even though he seems to be working the sympathy angle big time, and good luck to him (bullied at school etc). I’m not saying he can’t sing, it’s just that he’s nothing special.
Rodney // Jun 15, 2007 at 4:32 pm
NOTHING SPECIAL MIKE????!!!!!!! I wish I had 1/10 his talent…….oh my GOD!!!!! NOTHING SPECIAL!!!!??????? sorryy he is something special…….not sure you were watching the right program!!!
Pam // Jun 15, 2007 at 6:34 pm
Those who feel Paul’s lower registers, etc. to be lacking must not use earbuds or headphones. I’ve hated opera all my life but would go to hear and see him so I hope he comes to the
US. He’s worked hard, he’s earned his place in history. I’m not disappointed to learn he sang the first time at 28, karaoke opera, or took his hard earned cash to train with pros. in Italy or won a few contests or performed publicly in an opera. He’s all of us who pursue a dream despite obstacles….including health problems and bad luck. Someone says he’s playing the sympathy angle by saying he’s was bullied. Well, the truth can hurt and that’s the truth about us and how we treat one another. Paul generates joy. I shall follow his career with enthusiasm.
Michel // Jun 15, 2007 at 8:44 pm
Amazing.
Never heard ANY singer bring this kind of emotions out of me… Really weird. Especially the first performance on Nessun Dorma was amazing.
All the best Paul, you rock!
Best from Belgium
Mark // Jun 16, 2007 at 3:56 am
This guy is not now nor has he ever been “insignificant”. He is however well on his way to sold out shows and platinum albums.
TDELL // Jun 16, 2007 at 5:50 am
Dear sophist,
Don’t bother posting comments in such horrible english. You are trying to make such a sophisticated comment and you come off like a fool. Paul is really talented and as for the other comments about a not having a low register you must not listen to much live opera. This guy is great!! It is so nice to see a common man share his gift with the world, BRAVO!
Bill // Jun 17, 2007 at 2:53 am
I don’t like opera, but have played this over and over and over. It is great to see a common person live their dream. I hope he wins the whole thing
Christina // Jun 19, 2007 at 7:02 am
WOW!!! I haven’t been a big fan of opera either, however, if this guy puts out a CD and it hits the US, you bet your bottom dollar I’m buying it!!!! My son who’s almost three, has Cystic Fibrosis. He was in the room as I was watching the clips of Mr. Paul Potts on Utube. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing first of all but my three year old was humming as best he could with him! Mr. Potts has amazing talent, and I hope that I hear more of him!!
SSH // Jun 27, 2007 at 5:36 am
Paul Potts and Simon Cowell: singing hyped emotion?
As we reflect on the newly discovered and recognized world celebrity, and winner of “Britain’s Got Talent” [ BGT ], Paul Potts with his beautiful voice, we naturally reflect on our own values and life accomplishments. What gifts has God given us? If we work hard, can the sun warmly shine on us? I cried and replayed videos several times to take in the emotions of this singer, judges, and audience. But my wonder had a gnawing knowing that did fit neatly into the ‘underdog to top performer’ story I heard.
World wide delight and emotions from seeing Paul fully approved; perhaps after being de-valued for years, came as much for his humble slightly tousled persona in the show, and as much for his ardent operatic singing. But, a charade that falsely elicits my true emotions seems a scam, especially if greedy.
I heard the story on video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1k08yxu57NA - from the opening set-up, “… the world of show biz seems a million miles away. Its Paul, a mobile phone salesman from South Wales.”. At 3.51 on the clip, Simon Cowell said, “I like shows where somebody isn’t a professional, has talent, isn’t aware of it, has a normal job, and then you see something else.”
On the clip, Paul talked about his dream and how he had lacked confidence. Yes, we identify and all desire encouragement. He sang. Magic. But, “… then you see something else.”, as Simon said, and like he said: I saw a former £8,000 prize [ about $16,000 U.S., now ] for Paul Potts from Michael Barrymore’s TV talent show, and extended tutelage from operatic masters in Italy, four amateur opera productions, a concert with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and plans for a summer tour with them.
Obvious. Amateur talent needs training and experience. That is worthy. But my emotions are dialed into a guy who said that his dream is to do what he feels he was born to do, and his feelings had always lacked confidence! I saw a fellow who wore a humble jacket at the semi-finals, sans tuxedo he knows well in opera, yet spiffed at the finals. But the voice! Wait. His early-on contestant background video showed him in what appeared to be lush South Wales countryside, looking more like a CD cover.
It is implied that people previously did not value his talent, an unknown without promotions. On Paul’s British TV interview after winning BGT, he was clear, “You know, I’ve not taken up promotions before because people wanted me to change who I was, and I’m determined to be true to myself, because at the end of the day ….”, June 17 video, set 1.30 http://www.myspace.com/paul_potts . They wanted his talent, and he chose not? Okay, he can negotiate! But, that seems strong-minded; and very confident! He refused pro-motions. We got e-motions: shy bullied kid; his best friend was his voice.
Paul went to New York to field NBC’s basic questions: “… and I know that you haven’t had formal training, so how did you learn to sing like this?”. He ignored their wrong assumption and said, “Umm, I’ve just always sung - just always sung. My voice has always been my best friend.”, June 21 video at 2.53; same site. As Simon said, “has talent, isn’t aware of it ….”. What worth to him are the masters who gave him lessons, on which he spent most of the £8,000 prize money? … and singers with whom he traveled the Italian operatic circuit on the stage, and London’s experiences? What is humble?
Critics comment that for operatic singers, Paul is okay; not extraordinary. I like his voice. It is good and memorable! But, what is extraordinary are the hyped emoted feelings. Some people might say, “that is how the show world sells!” No! Not here! Not with true emotions of people around the world, teary eyed for the underdog; not in this case of contestants’ climbing the ranks on rungs of public votes: and the public paying to vote by telephone. Purity of spirit should remain pure, not a sham that brings a shame to hope and faith in Horatio Alger type humanity; at public expense. I enjoy world-class music, but not world-class charades and emoted stories for profit! What is the Simon and Paul story?
British Simon Cowell spent 2 years forming “Four Tenors” from the three singing tenors, for the popular operatic world. He knows that world. Producers package talent. They know that both talent and emotion sell. Did he tweak our emotions in set-up stories to launch a Paul Potts’ premier CD; with Simon producing more mogul money? I like true emotions, not false ‘unknown underdog’ ‘discovery’.
Is this true or false? If BGT showcases this 36 year old mature amateur singer, then perhaps the last drop of bloody money can be wrung from innocence. Not his innocence. Ours. Simon Cowell’s announcement at the final show that Paul Potts would be recording an album the next week was lucid business-linkage to the world. But, to link our emotions of common hope in challenges, of our faith in people, and love of life: to a ‘confident’ ‘hold-out promotion’ person who did not disclose his full story, is miserly manipulation. A contestant who approaches their stage will be known: by producers: and in advance. They want to uncover upsetting persons, especially when the prize is the doorway to a further contract! They want lead-in pieces, about a contestant’s character and history! I want a good spirit that is fair to the closing of Nessun dorma!: Vincerò! Vincerò! Vincerò!, I shall win! I shall win! I shall win!
If we act fairly, work hard and have talent, then hopefully we are rewarded. But, an ‘underdog’ ‘without confidence’ yanks at more money. It is hyped. His ‘unknown’ is really sans full disclosure.
If Paul Potts fairly wins a competition to get a contract, then great! The Paul Potts NBC interview ended with a transition piece, to NBC’s next show segment. The topic was ironically poignant: “Greed in America: why some people will do anything in search of easy money.”. Emotion was hyped, then E-motioned by U-tube. We cried. Why? Good voice; hyped. Perhaps disclosures of Paul and Simon were not as lyrically full as some New York city namesakes, but they might have much in common with another June 21 item from MSNBC: “Martha Stewart on grilled chicken done right” at http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19054369/ . Someone, turn up the heat to grill them about “disclosure”, in this case! The sound of money echoes in my deeply emoted feelings, and charades are shallow sales.
BARBARA EARNEST // Jul 4, 2007 at 8:36 pm
If some punk kid can sing rapp ,using every foul word there is and downgrading women and call it music why can’t paul potts win too.These kids get rich on junk music our kids buy. If you don’t like paul then don’t listen , I don’t listen to rapp ugh!
beachroses // Jul 12, 2007 at 4:52 pm
From an excellent article on Paul Potts, you can read the whole thing at:
http://www.express.co.uk/features/view/12849/Britain’s-got-talent-winner-Paul-Potts
“He joined Bath Opera and performed four roles as an amateur. He had singing lessons when he could afford it and spent all his savings – around £12,000, including £8,000 he won answering music questions on Michael Barrymore’s My Kind Of Music – on opera singing courses in Italy. This has led to accusations that Paul is a “trained” performer, tutored by Pavarotti himself.
“Everyone in Britain’s Got Talent had had some kind of training, including the kids. You don’t just walk out on stage and produce something out of nowhere, Paul explains. “If I were a trained opera singer, I’d have three years in a conservatoire behind me – and I haven’t. I spent three months studying in Italy in 2000 and six weeks in 2001 and I had to work 13-hour days for months to save enough money to go. I’ve never been paid for singing.
“I have sung for Pavarotti in Italy when he came to hold a master-class, but he would be the first to admit he’s no teacher. He didn’t give instructions or make suggestions or even pass comment. I sang an aria by Rodolfo from La Boheme and ran out of breath and Pavarotti said, ‘Rodolfo wouldn’t run out of breath – you’d better sing me something else’.
“I was the only one he asked to sing again so I took it as a great compliment. But again, he didn’t say anything about my performance. Someone else who was watching him told me his body language indicated he’d liked it. But I had auditioned to be allowed to sing for him in the first place.”
Speaking of “charades,” SSH has been prowling the internet anonymously and going to great lengths to try and destroy Paul Potts with false innuendos (or should I say in-you-endos) without providing one shred of proof to back up those accusations, while proclaiming how much he/she values the truth. This person has a problem, but it’s not Paul Potts.
So far, I’ve counted at least 20 blogs with this garbage posted on it. Party’s over, SSH, and I mean for you, not Paul.
CONNIE // Nov 21, 2007 at 1:21 am
PAUL POTTS FOR, PRESIDENT!!!! ANYONE WHO CAN MAKE THE WHOLE WORLD FILL WITH SUCH JOY IN THEIR HEARTS, IS A WONDER WORKER!!!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!
Hal // Dec 22, 2007 at 6:23 pm
A message for SSH: You remind me of the old adage “A Dog in a Manger” interpreted - a mean barking dog who keeps the cattle away from the feed trough. It seems to me that your prattle about Paul Potts is just misguided criticism to detour people from enjoying the magic that Paul has generated through his voice and soul. How much time did you spend writing your comments to make your arguments? What did you get out of it - a rush of intellectual superiority, ego trip - what? You really need to find something useful and uplifting to do, i.e. get a life.
By the way, who cares if some money is made off of Paul - more power to him and his promoters!!! Paul has a beautiful voice and I hope he realizes his life long dream to be an Opera Star!!!
I hope DVDs and CDs of Paul Potts come to the U.S. - I for one will buy them.
JAS // Dec 31, 2007 at 4:12 am
Paul Potts CD is great and his story has been an inspiration to me.
I found the CD at Target it was not on the shelf I had to ask for it. They didn’t know how to classify the record.
There is plenty of garbage that they call music.
We will always have negative comments for those who have their own agenda.
For a person to work on what they love and dream is great.To me it means he not only had a dream but a passion for it and most of all he stayed focused .
To me that is great. How many of us can say that?
Because of his focus we now have a beautiful CD to listen to that brings great joy and tears to many of us who love great music.
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