LONDON, UK (Top 40 Charts/ Sony Music) - With a humble demeanor and an angelic tenor voice,
Paul Potts is an unlikely and endearing addition to the ever-growing list of would-be stars making names for themselves via reality TV.
As winner of the hit UK show 'Britain's Got Talent,' Potts, 37, has come a long way from his days as a mobile phone salesman in South Wales, overcoming many financial, physical and emotional hardships that preceded his triumph on the show. Already beloved around the globe, the singer is now bringing his inspirational story and music to the U.S. with the recent release of his debut album, 'One Chance'.
Bullied as a child, suffering financial difficulties as an adult and experiencing a devastating bicycle accident in 2003, Potts always found solace in opera, but a lack of self-confidence kept him from pursuing the career path of his hero Pavarotti. Yet in feeling that singing was what he was born to do, Potts mustered the courage and stood awkwardly before the judges, including American Idol's Simon Cowell, at his March audition.
When asked what he was there for, Potts stated matter-of-factly, "to sing opera," and was immediately met with questioning stares. But when Potts launched into an unexpected, soaring rendition of Puccini's "Nessun Dorma," he reduced many in the audience to tears, and made believers of all who have seen the performance since.
The clip of the audition performance has been viewed nearly 14 million times to date, and now ranks among the most-watched videos ever on YouTube. That feat has prompted an appearance on Oprah Winfrey's upcoming 'YouTube Special.' The album debuted at the top of the European charts when it was released there in July. Critics hailed the US release of 'One Chance' on September 18th. "Paul Potts can hold his own with the 'gods' of the High C's!" enthused BlogCritics.
'One Chance' Track List:
1. Nessun Dorma
2. Time To Say Goodbye (Con Te Partiro)
3. Amapola
4. Everybody Hurts (Oguno Soffre)
5. Caruso
6. Nella Fantasia
7. You Raise Me Up (Por Ti Sere)
8. My Way (A Mi Manera)
9. Cavatina
10. Music Of the Night
