Sometimes dreams do come true.
The lore and legend of opera thrives on the fact that every once in a dozen blue moons a star can be born, rising from nowhere. There are stories about the prima donna who, in a fit of temperament refuses to sing, only to be replaced by the shy young understudy who rockets to stardom. I attended a performance of Simone Boccanegra at the Metropolitan Opera where the soprano, whose name I now forget, but of star quality, was ill, only to be replaced by Aprile Millo, who blew away the critics with her exquisite performance of Amelia. My mother still tells the story of the evening she finally made it to the Met to see her favorite Robert Merrill only to discover he was being replaced by a young baritone no one had heard of, Sherrill Milnes. Such a moment occurred a few weeks ago when a very shy, insecure Welsh tenor appeared out of nowhere and has set the opera world, and perhaps the pop music world on fire.…
Article comments
— go to most recent comments76 - JCB
Tesco seem to be pushing Andrea Bocelli cd. Is the big advertizing linked to Paul Potts giving their suits a bad name, Katherine Jenkins CD has been flogged alot on the channels. Katherines voice does not change tone much, no way is she listenable to like Paul Potts.
77 - vancouverbc.
Paul Potts is simply remarkable. He is far too talented to waste time doing anything else apart from singing. His voice gives me the shivers and brings tears to my eyes. I wish him all the success he richly deserves.
78 - ERnie
He is a good singer, no doubt. But have any of you wondered why he was never discovered before now? He had been singing in amateur dramatic operas quite a few times? With such a God given talent how could he be passed over. Answer is that he is an opera singer of the class of Russell Watson. The same happened Watson, rags to riches story and everybody loved it. But are you telling me that Russell Watson is class A opera singer? Of course he isnt. But Potts is? Of course he isnt and best of all, Paul Potts knows that he isnt. I am really really happy for such a nice guy to catch a break in life. But people like you who are even mentioning him in the same light as one of the greatest opera singers of all time in Pavarotti......SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELVES. IT IS A DISGRACE TO EVEN SUGGEST THAT HE SOUNDS ANYTHING NEAR TO PAVAROTTI? DO YOU THINK THEREFORE THAT PAUL POTTS IS ONE OF THE GREATEST OPERA SINGERS OF ALL TIME? IF NOT THEN YOUT ANALOGY FALLS FLAT.
79 - Joe
Isnt it funny how people on here, who openly admit not knowing the slightest thing about opera, simply slander Potts critics as jealous? That is such a typically ignorant reaction, normally the preserves of school children. No people are genuinely annoyed that great Opera singers like Pavarotti, Corelli etc etc are being compared to this guy. That is a damn right joke ( I would use stronger words if I could). Pavarotti got booed at la scala years ago, that wasnt jealousy. It was because he was below par that night. People who understand what opera singing is all about, the technique, tone, pitch etc......understand that Paul potts is not a top opera singer. NO ONE WOULD HAVE A PROBLEM WITH PAUL POTTS IF SILLY COMMENTS LIKE THAT COMING FROM THE WRITER OF THIS BLOG WERE NOT MADE.
80 - Nestor Torres
When you think of all the mediocre talent that makes so much money in the Unitied States and around the world, you have to feel great about seeing an ordinary man (with no pretenses) that has one of the greatest voices around. The operas this man sings are not easy under any circumstances. We should all be happy that we have a replacement for Luciano which by all accounts was a great loss. Congratulations to Paul Potts, you epitomize what talent is and where it should come from, the heart. I salute a man that has obviously been through a lot of hardships and can still sing like an angel.
81 - ann
ERnie. I am sorry about your comment about Paul, I do not like to listen to Pavarotti, more than once, Bocelli never, and Bocellie gets a good deal of promotion on the ads. Pauls voice has a mesmerizing effect on the soul, which I have not come accross in opera before, Rusell Watson shouts. Pavorotti had the best training in the world, Paul is the opera peoples choice, the character, everything about him is lovable. The opera critics who say he would not get through the door of La Scala, they would be queuing up from around the world to see Paul Potts. One opera critic said, sales of opera tickets going up in the last months is nothing to do with Paul Potts, WRONG, it is everything to do woith Paul Potts.
82 - TOM
PAUL POTTS AN INTERESTING LETTER IN SOUTH WALES ECHO PUT PAUL POTTS ON A PEDESTAL HE WILL CHANGE THE WORLD SHOULD BE PUT ON ALL HIS WEBS WE NEED GOOD ROLE MODELS NOT THE BAD ONES MAGAZINE GLORIFY ALL TOO OFTEN
83 - LCB
I went into HMV to buy Paul Potts CD and it was hidden behind Pavarotti. I went into Woolworths and I found Bocelli CD covering up Paul Potts CD. Coincidence I suppose! but those awful opera critics are out to get him. The opera houses would be full the world over, if Paul Potts was there, when will they accept, opera is not just about shouting and mechanism. Paul Potts voice sticks in your head, your heart and soul. Opera critics I wish would get lost.
84 - gail webster
Paul Potts
I first heard your incredible voice and saw the show 'Britain's Got Talent' on U-Tube when I was working in Switzerland, cannot remember what I was looking up, something to do with Simon Cowel (sp) and we all have dreams and wishes which I hope do come true for those who deserve them especially at this time.
My wish is that you come to Zimbabwe to give hope to all who live there - those who choose to even though it may be a struggle at times, but, especially to those who have nowhere else to go in their struggle to survive.
It is an incredible country and difficult to describe just how beautiful, not only the landscape, but the people too - black and white - one way I can maybe do it is equate it with your voice.
I wish you and your wife everything you have been working and waiting for as you deserve it and hope you will always be the Paul Potts I first saw in your audition.
x
85 - Laura
Paul Potts should write a book. It would sell millions, also a fim, not a documentary. Great singer, great man, exciting story the world is waiting to hear.
86 - lc
SSh, please be SSh, person like you in every office, school, church, street, less of your kind, more of Paul Pott characters and talent.
87 - spm
My impression of opera singers, up until Paul Potts came along, is a world of self centered prima donnas looking down on the rest of us uncultured types ala Leona Helmsley and the little people.
Paul's eyes say it all. A common man with uncommon talent. Critics be damned, this guy is good. For the first time in my 52 years I will be buying opera music, sung by Paul Potts. I can't explain why he has the effect that he does, but it is genuine.
Should the opportunity come along to bear witness to his talents, I'm there!
88 - laura r
I watched Pavarotti documentary. Do you know he only did one show a month usually, because it was not good for the voice, Also, he took some substance to help his voice. Bocelli, does not talk the day of a show, and he only does one opera a year, and less concerts anually, than Paul does in months. Is Paul doing too much at once, he needs to cut down, he could harm his voice. Pavarotti and Bocelli have trained for years, with the best teachers. The raw talent of Paul Potts is phenonamal, he has a calming affect with his voice, which I cannot perceive with the other greats. Keep going Paul, but look after yourself better.
89 - Carole
I was in Australia when The talent show was on, so it was later I caught up with Paul Potts and i became hooked. Pauls CD haunts me, the warmth of his voice and wonderful character spills out into your heart. I am just tired of people like Posh whose face graces every magazine going, she like many others has no talent to talk of, walks about posing, and with three children, does not dress appropriately,. If PaulPotts was held up as a exceptional role model for society, the world would change for the better.
90 - Don
The Paul Potts story touches us so deeply, not because of his talent--but because of his story. Paul's story is our story: The struggle, the doubt, the "one more swing" in the face of seemingly impossible odds...if the YouTube made us cry; the movie will have us weeping with joy that we are not yet beaten, and setting our jaws in determination to go on. The world needs Paul Potts, but the world would do just fine without another opera singer. Paul's success in music is but a springboard for a far larger calling...at least that's how it looks from the banks of Troublesome Creek.
91 - Don
Paul Potts touches us so deeply, not because of his talent--but because of his story. Paul's story is our story: The struggle, the doubt, the "one more swing" in the face of seemingly impossible odds...if the YouTube made us cry; the movie will have us weeping with joy that we are not yet beaten, and setting our jaws in determination to go on. The world needs Paul Potts, but the world would do just fine without another opera singer. Paul's success in music is but a springboard to a far larger calling...at least that's how it looks from here, on the banks of Troublesome Creek.
92 - Nikita
Paul tells a story with his eyes, and we connect...soul to soul. We've all had failures, and disappointments, but Paul has the opportunity to break free. We cheer him on. He is us, we are him, he sings our song.
93 - LB
A few days ago, Celebrity predictions was on /TV. There was Britney,Bog Brother contestants, Posh and Becks,Amy Whinehouse, Pete Docherty, Kate Moss, Paris Hilton. It looks like to be an icon, you have to have little talent, do drugs, get drunk, go to prison, or have just to go on a reality show sitting about or insulting people, please someone bring on Paul Potts, talented, decent and humble.
94 - Jo
I went on Paul Potts other webs, and I noticed SSh, has gone attacking him. SSh, what is your problem, did no one discover you in two minutes. Paul is not a trained opera singer, Pavarotti is,since a child. This mans voice is strong, yet calming, in the east, he is being used on Tv for meditation. Paul is a beautiful man, you are hateful.
95 - lynnette sydney australia
I'm of welsh background and had a father who could sing the birds from the trees. I came to believe for every 1 well known trained singer there are ten natural unknown singers undiscovered. Congratulations to Paul Potts for being found you truely move the people you sing to, thank you
96 - Jackie Lamphier
Yes it is obvious SSH had an agenda If you dislike something, you comment and let it go. He went around to all sites he could find posting the same thing. Using suppositions and half truths he tried to run down PP and his story. But remember that was back in June.
Now ,after all this time, we know Paul Potts . His honesty and integrity stands out.
After being a big star #1 in 13 countries 2 million and growing album sales , almost sold out concert tours. And still the same humble man, with the voice that CONNECTS with his audience.
97 - Thomas Wood
I think what people forget is that opera performers are not just voices... they are all rounders much like ballet dancers..
to be the best you have to study hard in acting, language, movement as well as vocal production.. It takes years for a singer to step up to the level of the international stage.
Now Paul has a great raw talent.. A fantastic and unique raw vocal technique and an emotional entourage of expression to match. Yet he is not an opera performer yet..
Firstly He does not have the language skills in italian to make the beautiful sounds that even spoken italian posesses, he has not shown any signs of being able to perform full operatic doing full operatic roles at international houses.. And his raw vocal talent has many flaws.. wonderful as it may be percieved by many (particularily from the english speaking world,) and these flaws will undoubtable limit his career by bringing on vocal trauma if not addressed..
Whether a person likes anothers voice is all based on the individual, and his successes should not be taken away from him or slandered.. yet all has really achieved is the winning of a competition (big or small does not matter,) and hence the attention of the larger media and public.
I think it is highly unfair for people to classify him so greatly untill he has proven that he has the discipline and patience to improve himself and make opera his career.
As I am a young student of opera, also a tenor, I feel I have a level of understanding that exceeds those mindless fans who would follow whatever trend is currently popular..
** Opera is a profession and not based on talent. As with a doctor, pilot or carpenter it takes years to hone your skills to a level where you can sit amongst the greats of old.. So show a little more respect to those who work hard at their craft. **
I sign off lastly to say.. I am not jealous of Potts or his successes, and I hope to meet him professionally one day on the grand opera platform, but I do hate those small minded people who talk about things they don't understand and condemn those that have critiqued and studied for their whole lives in the classical music scene. Im sure you would not like an opera singer commenting on your place of work and telling you that pure talent is enough to get by in your profession..
Thomas Wood (Australia)
98 - Su.
Thomas Wood, I know opera singers have to train for years, Pavarotti had a opera singing father, and trained from a child. Paul Potts training is minimul, but he has a voice that you can listen to for hours, and opera singers can after a while be too much. Paul Potts, has a magical quality that seems to connect up with the soul, not found in Pavarotti, all though I find it in Carearous. Pauls voice will improve if he gets the best training, but now, his tenor range is outstanding and his voice gives thousands pleasure. They say music is the launguage of the Gods, well Paul has got a God given gift, which I find hard to beat.
99 - grandmagrumpy
Thomas Wood, You are right, Paul has not trained like a professional opera singer. But he is bringing people to the opera arena. A Seattle Opera blog mentioned a woman who attended her 1st ever opera because she heard Paul's audition video.
You might be interested in the article there. They have a very reputable company. And the blogger understands that people do not recognize the difference in operatic and non-operatic voices yet.
100 - Thomas Wood
Thanks for the comments.. will check out the article.. from your comment su, all I can see is that you are reiterating my point.. He is yet only a glorified popopera singer, and does not have the standard to be referred to as operatic..
a doctor is not a surgeon till he proves himself capable, no matter how intelligent or capable.
I truly hope that people such a potts are the tool to transfer the public back to a classical interest, since all the music we have come to know in our century has originated from years of genius peeling away the endless layers of musics possiblities.
101 - grandmagrumpy
Thomas Wood,
Just another point about Paul, who so many people enjoy.
I think Paul, at this stage in his life, is happy to be singing for a living; it was his life's dream.
He has provided a gateway to those who never considered listening to opera. Now many people are investigating the classics. And he's reminded those classical music fans to get out and buy tickets and drink in the glorious music. I've listened to more classical music in the last 6 months than in the last 10 years: CDs, DVDs, concerts & operas pending...
What more could he do?
You should see the discussions this has generated!
And if the trend continues, more people, both listeners and performers will be moving in that direction. How can this be anything but beneficial for all of us?
The only detriment is to compare. And I believe this is where people get contentious. Many pop singers have been thoroughly enjoyable in the past: Bing Crosby, Andy Williams, Perry Como, etc.(going way back) filled our world with good music, too. Nobody compared Bing Crosby with Mario Lanza! There was no need. Why compare Paul with Pavarotti? Paul loves opera, but he doesn't call himself an 'opera singer.' He said he wanted to sing the music he loves. He's doing that.
So I hope both the opera, jazz, pop singers can share the spotlight. We need a variety of good music, but we can't expect everyone to agree on their favorites.
We can all learn to investigate and appreciate different genres of music.
102 - Carol
C.L. I wish opera fans would stop telling us who to listen to. I have been a classical music fan for years, and Pavarotti has not got the voice to listen to for any length of time, I was very disappointed with the Three Tenors concert. I am going yo Harrogate to see Paul next week, and if he sings his best,it will be the greatest show I have watched, and yes I have been to many operas. I watched Phantom of the Opera film, on sunday, Pauls voice outshone all of the professional opera singers in that film, he has got that crystal effect with his voice, velvet whatever you call it, he does for me since Mario Lanza like no other. Mario Lanza did not do many operas either.
103 - Thomas Wood
just to clarify you fool...
phantom of the opera is musical theatre not opera. and never compare the b grade music of lloyd webber to opera's that have stood the test
104 - grandmagrumph
Thomas Wood,
I agree, Andrew Lloyd Weber writes pop musicals, but I wouldn't say they are grade b; they are very entertaining, light fare. Most people today have trouble sitting through an entire opera, I believe. Our listening skills are like our eating skills: fast food and fast music, just the summaries, please.
And so a concert with an aria or two is satisfactory. What a shame! I'm no expert, but I've been listening to Elijah for about a month now (well to work and back...slow learner), and love it more with each listening. And I still have barely begun to scratch the surface. I think of opera as gold to be mined. It takes some time, but the treasures will be found there, and this is the music that will endure for centuries. A friend suggested listening to Elijah, a baritone friend who sang it. I don't understand why people are so upset at suggestions about listening to things that they might enjoy if they took the time. And I can't take people seriously who see no beauty in Pavarotti's voice. He was Paul's idol.
105 - grandmagrumph
Thomas Wood,
I agree, Andrew Lloyd Weber writes pop musicals, but I wouldn't say they are grade b; they are very entertaining, light fare. Most people today have trouble sitting through an entire opera, I believe. Our listening skills are like our eating skills: fast food and fast music, just the summaries, please.
And so a concert with an aria or two is satisfactory. What a shame! I'm no expert, but I've been listening to Elijah for about a month now (well to work and back...slow learner), and love it more with each listening. And I still have barely begun to scratch the surface. I think of opera as gold to be mined. It takes some time, but the treasures will be found there, and this is the music that will endure for centuries. A friend suggested listening to Elijah, a baritone friend who sang it. I don't understand why some people are so upset at suggestions about listening to things that they might enjoy if they took the time. And I can't take people seriously who see no beauty in Pavarotti's voice. He was Paul's idol.
106 - Anne
Thomas Wood, apart from being rude,let people have an opinion besides yours. I watched Paul Potts in concert at the start, I am going to watch him again. I do not see the difference in power of the voice between him and Pavarotti, but Pavarotti is the trained opera singer. Paul is brilliant, it can only get better, and I met the man at the stage door, you would have thought he was one of the stage hands, modest, unassuming, no pretence, he does not have helicopters like the three tenors to get him to the concert. Pavarotti and Carrerous have all noted the talent of Paul Potts, and his many fans cannot get enough of this wonderful man, wonderful talent.Anne
107 - Omaclin
Many people have been "beat up" in life, but keep on going, as Paul Potts has with his belief in his voice, his best friend, next to his faithful wife encouraging his dream. Wow! What a trip!!
Watching Paul's premier on the British talent show, I got a kick out of watching Simon Cowel, whith pencil in mouth, almost drop it when Paul sang. Was funny..... yet quite serious. Simon recognized Paul's talent immediately. As did we all.
As far as all the crying goes from respondents, its not about being sad or happy. I believe its about your own personal wave lengths and sometimes, certain sounds just make your emotions surface to the vibrations. Paul's projection of voice is really BIG and it hits you in the mind and heart. He IS going places with his God gifted talent.....his voice. And he loves to sing to the people, thats us. Thank you Paul and I look forward to hearing alot from you over the years.
108 - CB
Paul Potts, I have just seen you in concert, amazing, Mario Lanza reincarnated, altjough I think a nicer person than he, you walk about with no self inportance, I could not beleive how humble you are in person, indeed rare, never mind in the conceited world of celebrities. Your stage presence is fine, we do not want to see cocky, conceited arrogant, artificial looks like the other welsh singer out there.
109 - Laura
Paul Potts I also saw in concert, better than I have heard anyone sing in a long time. There are people going on webs criticizing this beautiful talented man, I suspect it is the smae people, opera snobs, struggling singers, and just spiteful people. I do not see Any opera singer better than him. its not the mechanical process you see in opera that people want, its Paul Potts. Opera elite, who do not like it that Paul in just two minutes Paul shook the world, and people with years of training getting nowhere,are out to get him. The man has no pretence, his character quite godly,please go to his concert, you will want to see him again.
110 - C.L.B
my friend said, do not watch Paul Potts Ist audition you will become hooked, I did, and I have become hooked, need help, if I go more than a day without watching him, I get withdrawul symptems. What is it about this man, his voice, the rare breed of person he is,he has to be the most interesting people about, time we had some of his type around, they are a rare thing in deed, Long Live Paul Potts.
111 - Laura B
Can anyone fill me in on Paul Potts personal details,I am very interested. Are his parents divorced?, I heard he used to hear them fight as a child, What about his brothers, this man intrigues me.
112 - jackielamp
Read the wikipedia page on Paul, too much to type here.
Although all married couples squabble I NEVER read that Paul commented on that.
113 - michele
My son sent me the UTube link of Mr. Pott's first performance on the British show...Oh my... I love hearing beautiful voices and Paul has the voice of an angel. I can hardly wait until I get off work tonight to purchase his CD. When he first appeared and said opera, I admit thinking, geeze I hope he doesn't mess up. First note, I was absolutely blown away. I googled him and found his other performances. I wish he was coming to Portland, OR. Maybe next time. All my good wishes to you. A delight.
114 - Danielle
Has anyone heard the outstanding female teen out of St. Peters, Missouri who has the voice of an angel and aspires to be an opera singer. I know her first name is Gabrielle but know nothing else. She has won numerous vocal competitions and they are putting her voice on the par of some of the greats. I have heard that not only does she have the soprano high belting but she has the lower chest range that will also move you to tears. Does anyone know more?
115 - Sydney
Sounds like Americas Version of Paul Potts. Who is she?
116 - Jo
Yes, Paul Potts mum and dad were two warring parents, he had it at school then he had to come home to rows.
117 - Anthony
Saw Paul in Cardiff 1st Feb. What an experience! What a voice! It made grown men cry. Two standing ovations from a packed house of 5200 - Wonderful
When he appears in a venue near you don't miss it.
118 - Maryann
I saw Paul Potts in yorkshire, now my daughter is going to treat me to the Apolla performance because he sang better than anything I have heard. I bought Russell Watson the other day,his voice did not do anything for me, cold and something about the night about him, Paul Potts personality comes through in his singing, and that uplifts the soul.
119 - Jane
How many CDs has Paul Potts sold, some say one million, some say two million, is he a millionaire.
120 - Brenda M
This is a man blessed by God. Paul Potts
People are often unreasonable, illogical and self-centered forgive them anyway.
If you are kind People may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives; Succeed anyway.
If you are successful you will win false friends and some true enemies. Succeed Anyway.
What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight. Build Anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous: Be Happy anyway
The good you do today, people will often forget tomarrow; Do good anyway.
Give the would the best you have and it may never be enough. Give the world the best youve got anyway.
You see in the end its between you and God.
It was never between you and them anyway.
You see Paul Potts dont believe any bad remarks from anyone, you have a gift, believe in that gift. You made even the hardest man cry, yes Simmon teared up, in that last performas. And as he said you are a breath of fresh air.
121 - John
Paul Potts in concert sounds like Mario Lanza and is as good, cannot get on the website to answer back to Catherine Jones at the empire. These critics, what is wrong with them, they think they can put their opinion on the masses, and that their opinion is somehow right, Paul is bringing out the jealousy in a lot of people, also the bullies, bullies always go after the great and godly.
122 - Paul Potts Fan
I did not know of Paul Potts, because when everything was going onI was not living in the country, I did not know of anything about him, but on the radio I heard his voice and it did something the great Pavarotti did not. I have attended several operas, seen all the greats in concert, but Paul is something different. I have looked through his web and the people that compare him to Pavarotti as I have, but the critics should not go after a man like the nasty Adam Sweeting. I have just seen Paul Potts in concert, he is second to none, even better taking into account his lack of classical training in comparison. Is Adam Sweeting deaf, or just a very spiteful man? Someone said he is doing a documentry on Pavarotti, uh! say no more, I have no doubt if Adam Sweeting was at school with Paul Potts, he would have probably been one of the bullies. He has tried to get Paul Potts out of a job, now someone get him out, all get together and complain to the telegraph, do not buy the paper.
123 - JACKIE LAMPHIER
Adam Sweeting, managed to get egg on his face, not only for himself but for his boss, Rupert Christianson (who dislikes Paul Potts) but also his newspaper).Anyone who dislikes Paul has that right. But..... to offer a specific criticism of something he has not seen...
See:- myspace.com/paul_potts Jan 27 Titled "Adam Sweeting We Have a Problem"
It seems our illustrious ROCK reviewer, wasn't there for the second half, of which he was most particular in denouncing. How his company was ever selected by BBC 2 to do the peice on Pavarotti is amazing to all. Jackie
124 - Vida M.
I wanted to read about Simon Cowell when I accidently stumbled on Paul Pott's, singing on his first audition. My jaw too dropped to the floor and then tears!!! I replayed the video over and over and out loud I thank dear good God for Paul and for giving him this gift! Its seems so fitting and deserving!
I could not wait until I showed the video to my husband, not telling him ahead of time what he is going to see. My husband was so silent and then I saw tears purring down his face....We both cried!I can't wait for the concert in Chicago and the CD, because my husband and I will be there!
125 - Cathy
Adam Sweetingshould be sacked. He went after Paul Potts to destroy him. I am a person who attends operas,have been to the classical concerts, I found Paul Potts in concert the other day, something very rare, his voice is strong, but has the edge over the top opera singers, and the man is unbeleivable. I spoke with him a while, you could not believe is humbleness, the goodness vibrates from this man. Why don't people complain to the Telegraph editor or to the awful man himself, I am going to. In two minutes he did what trained opera singers few have been able to do in a lifetime.