Paul Potts Interview
In response to the emails we have received today about VIPGLAMOUR perhaps doing an interview with Paul Potts or people asking where they may find an online interview of Paul, I am afraid that I have to say we are just a “Lowly Celebrity Blog” and the chances of us pulling of an interview are almost NIL.
(For the record Paul, we completely understand, go on, enjoy your fame and Good Fortune, you do deserve it)
As you can imagine, Paul Potts is inundated with TV and Press interviews this week.
Searching online I have found a couple of good articles and interviews that give a bit more background to Paul and his life.
Take for example this article from TinesOnline:
Paul Potts will spend some of his £100,000 prize money getting his teeth fixed
And another more comprehensive Paul Potts interview from last week is found at the Guardian Unlimited
In particular I was impressed with Paul’s response to people who suggested he may have already been a Professional Opera Singer:
Speaking to this interview, the singer denied the allegations.
‘I have never worked as a professional singer. I have poured everything I could earn into a few lessons, but everyone taking part in this television show has had some training,’ he said yesterday.
‘My four performances with Bath Opera a few years back were all amateur. I am angry about this because I have never earned anything, although I did get petrol expenses a couple of times.’ His story is confirmed this weekend by the singing teacher who gave him lessons until Potts was forced to give up in 2003 because of illness. Potts adds that he has always been open about a trip to Italy to improve his voice. He had saved up to sing for Luciano Pavarotti in a masterclass, but had no tuition from the great tenor.
Another remarkable thing is that I heard Paul Potts say in an interview on Britain’s Got Talent was that he was not even sure he wanted to enter Britain’s Got Talent - as he had more or less gave up on his music career. Now that is Scary - because Paul has the most amazing talent and ability to connect with the general public with his singing and I can only think how much poorer the lives on many people would be today if Paul had not “PAID ATTENTION” to his inner voice and entered.
Also see another excellent article at: REAL FOLK HAVE POTTS OF TALENT
And yet another article with lots of information on Paul Potts winning Britain’s Got Talent can be found at:
‘Britain’s Got Talent’ winner Potts to spend prize on a new smile
From this article:
Although he claims that he will never again wear his Tesco suit - which ensured that all three judges, Cowell, Piers Morgan and Amanda Holden, described his image as ‘appalling’ - Potts, insists that he will not be having a ‘Hollywood makeover’.
“I vividly remember that doing that first audition in my cheap £35 Tesco suit and seeing Simon Cowell sitting there in his Armani,” he added.
“I don’t think I’ll ever wear it again but it will always be a reminder of where I was and where I attempt to remain - except in better clothes.
“I’m wearing a Burton suit today and I expect to continue buying Burton. I’m not hung up on labels, or being seen in the right shops and the right clubs
Special Note: Paul, if you do happen to read this and are available for an interview please email us at admin@vipglamour.net 
20th June Update: Just found this excellent article at MSNBC TV
Titled: Find Your Inner Paul Potts
A real inspirational read. I did not for example know that “But my secret is hidden within me, my name no one shall know.” are the words, roughly translated, from the famous Puccini aria “Nessun Dorma.” How appropriate for the Paul Potts Story.
Tony Maciulis (who wrote the article) also makes the excellent point that:
We all have a passion, a secret buried within us. And yes, for the most part, the world will never know our names. But that doesn’t mean we haven’t made an impact, changed lives for the better, or had a purpose on this planet.
Find your inner Paul Potts. Everyone has one.
And here, just because we at VIPGlamour don’t believe you can have too much of a good thing is another Video of the winning performanace:
Related Posts
Paul Potts Sings Nessun Dorma | Paul Potts InterviewPaul Potts Interview with Hello Magazine
12 responses so far ↓
The Law of Attraction, Paying Attention and Being Successful | An Important Lesson - Internet Marketing Services & SEO | BarryDunlop.com // Jun 18, 2007 at 7:24 pm
[…] I will admit, I did think twice about making the post, but something TOLD me GO AHEAD and make that post, which I did. You can see it at: Paul Potts, Future Celebrity Opera Star Found in Britains Got Talent TV Show and another follow-up post at: Paul Potts Interview […]
SSH // Jun 29, 2007 at 6:53 am
Paul Potts and Simon Cowell: Singing hyped emotion? H-umm?
As we reflect on Paul Potts, the newly discovered winner of “Britain’s Got Talent” [ BGT ] and 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 our faces? I cried and replayed videos several times to take in emotions of not only singer, but also judges, and audience. But my wonder had a gnawing knowing that did fit neatly into the ‘underdog to top performer’ story I heard in his storyline.
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, as Simon said, “… then you see something else.”, 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 his dream is to do what he feels he was born to do, and his feelings had always lacked confidence! Experience and prize money is confidence building. He had plenty since his birth and early identity. I saw a fellow who wore a humble jacket at the semi-finals, sans a tuxedo he knows well in opera, yet spiffed at the finals. But it is the voice! No. It is also the person’s words, too.
It is implied that people did not previously value his talent: an unknown without promotions. On the British TV interview after Paul won 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 ….”, http://www.myspace.com/paul_potts - June 17 video, set 1.30. 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 stage on the Italian operatic circuit, and London’s experiences? If humility means to be unassuming and common with other people, like its root ‘humus’, then earthy and unpretentious people do not cover their history of help from other people. Rather, Paul gives us wrong assumptions.
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 Paul and Simon story?
British Simon Cowell spent 2 years forming “Four Tenors” or “Il Divo”, a popularized package of the operatic world, similar to the Three Singing Tenors. Producers package talent. He knows that world. He knows that both talent and emotion sell. Did he tweak our emotions through set-up stories to launch a Paul Potts’ premier CD; with Simon producing more mogul money? I like true emotions, meaning full; not half-full false ‘unknown underdog’ ‘discovered’. That half-full leaves me half-empty.
A contestant background video showed Paul in what appeared to be lush South Wales seaside, looking like a CD cover. 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 common emotions for hope in challenges, and 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’ is hyped and yanks at more money. 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. Its 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, and 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.
Don Sturgill // Jun 29, 2007 at 8:48 pm
Paul has given us a “breath of fresh air” indeed. Just what we needed, when we needed it most. I have set up a blog forum where folks can describe their own experience with this incredible story. I went first. Your turn.
www.thepaulpottsstory.com
Mark Hutcherson // Jul 12, 2007 at 5:38 am
Millions of people in the U.S. and around the world are waiting impatiently for the release of Paul Potts new CD called “One Chance” and I count myself in those million’s of folks. Paul won my heart over to Opera music a few weeks ago as I watched his U.K. audition on You Tube. What a wonderful talent from a soft spoken man from humble roots.
Don // Oct 11, 2007 at 11:39 pm
Regardless of questions regarding alleged “full disclosure” or lack of it, the man is in possession of a magnificent talent that has brought tremendous satisfaction and excitement to throngs of people all over this earth. I would never begrudge his success and any riches that may come his way, for he has given to people at least as much as he could ever receive.
I have only become aware of him in the past few days. Having been sent a YouTube link to his performances, my wife and I were both deeply moved by his great gift and by his unassuming humility. I maintain a barrier that keeps my internal emotions separate from outside forces. However, against Paul Potts’ voice, those barriers might just as well have been set against the power of a roaring locomotive. It took him less than 10 seconds to reach inside me and stir the strongest of responses within me. I was reduced to tears; my wife even more so. From the standpoint of a listener, while I’m sure his background is very interesting, I frankly was not aware of his background as I was experiencing his great gift. As for his having traveled to learn from Pavarotti, I am reminded that, while men and women may continue to compose the music, only God can create such a voice.
phyllis // Nov 15, 2007 at 3:38 am
well of course he’s had training! But he hadn’t had his chance to shine.
laura // Nov 17, 2007 at 12:26 pm
paul potts has a talent like no other, his voice touches the chakra, this is why people are moved so much by hum, better thab bocelli and thwe likes, he connects up with the soul, thest jealous negative comments are just so spitefuln his humble demeanor is what singers and actors do not possess, he is how good people are.
gomma // Nov 17, 2007 at 2:29 pm
he is good
Suzanne // Nov 24, 2007 at 4:45 pm
Nice try - Paul is the real deal and no one is going to doubt their emotions or their sense of wonder and appreciation as they discover this precious artist. Though I don’t know Paul, I doubt he has a cynical bone in his body. I bet he thinks he is lucky…. but we all know we’re the lucky ones to have found Paul Potts.
l.c.b.shaw // Nov 27, 2007 at 11:55 am
paul potts has done it again, i cannot stop listening to holy night. i cannot play pavarotti more than once, it is a rare thing to be able to connect up always with ones soul. the critics are jealous spiteful people, and its people like paul with beauty of voice and soul,that people turn to as arefuge from people like them
Nancy Brand // Nov 29, 2007 at 4:17 pm
Where can I find Paul Potts recording here in the US - he is fantastic - Pavarotti reincarnated - we love him and so will the rest of the world if we can get some of his recordings.
beth piedad // Feb 10, 2008 at 6:09 am
We love Paul Potts. The moment my children played his songs from you tube, I was mesmerized from then on and so are my friends at work. They all have purchased the CD ahead of me. I recently purchased the CD and have been listening to it every morning as I am getting ready to work and also before I go to bed. This is the first time that I keep listening to an opera songs. I also listen to the famous Pavarotti and Andrea Bocelli, but none of them has touch my deeper soul as when I listen to Paul Potts. My friends at work wants me to update them it there any more CD coming. Thank you Paul Potts.
Leave a Comment