Perhaps it is fate that the man who sounds so much like his idol, Luciano Pavarotti has appeared on the scene at a time when his idol, the great Luciano is suffering from pancreatic cancer, and has not been seen in public since December. The opera world is in need of a breath of fresh air and something besides this never-ending onslaught of mediocre mezzo sopranos with more temperament than talent. Opera loves a Cinderella story, and the Paul Potts story may be the greatest one yet.
According to IC Wales, Potts took a master-class taught by his idol, Pavarotti, who pulled him aside and asked him to repeat a song, then suggested Potts try something from Tosca. After that, Paul went back to his job stacking shelves at a warehouse until his a serious of health problems forced him to quit: appendicitis, a benign tumor, and then to top it off, he broke his collarbone. His health on the mend, Paul began corresponding with a woman on-line. By the time they were married he was working at his current job at Carphone Warehouse. Potts and his wife Julie Ann have been living in Port Talbot in a small two-bedroom home. The couple, married for four years, has existed on the brink of poverty, with Julie sacrificing along side Paul to help pay for over twelve thousand pounds worth of voice lessons. But, after so many disappointments, Paul was ready to give up on his dream – until his television appearance a few weeks ago.
After his first win, and onto the semi-finals, Potts said in an interview that he always felt insignificant. But now though, after that first win, “I'm Paul Potts.” His semi-final appearance brought down the house. The first time he sang, there was this look of abject resignation to the disappointments of life. This second appearance showed us a man who realized there was hope. Instead of the cheap suit purchased in a grocery store, he was wearing a tux.
His award winning performance was better than the first two. Potts appeared to be more at ease with the cameras and himself. The hallmark of a great singer is the range. The Welshman has the lower registers that are needed for shading and for putting depth into a piece and he has the high notes needed to please the crowds. These are high notes that are so well done, so competent, the listener does not cross fingers and grab a rabbit’s foot and hope for the best.
Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - Andrew Abshier
Wonderful writeup! I didn't know about Paul Potts until someone posted the audition video on another blog. My jaw absolutely hit the floor when he sang that first phrase of Nessun Dorma and it has pretty much been on the floor since then!
It is a great thing when the little guys, and the good guys, grasp that shining moment. I hope this is just the beginning of greater things for him.
Andy (who's played in an orchestra pit, and has heard a few singers in my day)
2 - GoingLikeSixty
Suitable for a Sinister cabal of superior writers: Paul Potts Profiles Pataritida Pacharawirapong
3 - Skrooks
Brilliant piece of writing and analysis....I was trying to find out about Paul and your blog was everything I needed - all in one place! Thanks!
4 - Dave
I am not a fan of opera nor Britain, but after seeing a clip on Brit Hume's show on Fox, I watched Paul Pott's performance on YouTube. I, too, found myself in tears (not knowing why). You blog has nailed it. Pott's "world weary" face told a heart-breaking story and made his performance so uplifting. Thanks.
5 - Operarooster
Paul Potts may become the next "Harry Potter" of the Opera World. His voice offers us a refreshing innocence to our ears! Tenors are extremely rare and Paul Potts is certainly one of the rarest----he sings without pretense or
entitlement!
6 - Doug Kerr Toronto canada
My 17 yr old son and I watched the Paul Potts video...me in tears and my son with goosebumps. What a wonderful story and thanks for the update on his life and progress. We'll be waiting to buy our first opera CD as soon as it is ready!!! Thanks for the blog spot Cheers Doug Kerr
7 - Doug Kerr Toronto canada
My 17 yr old son and I watched the Paul Potts video...me in tears and my son with goosebumps. What a wonderful story and thanks for the update on his life and progress. We'll be waiting to buy our first opera CD as soon as it is ready!!! Thanks for the blog spot Cheers Doug Kerr
8 - Don Bernard
Wow! I played the tube video at least 10 times, Stirring. Moving. Emotional. Takes a lot to impress Simon, and impress Paul did. Can't wait for the album. BRAVO.
9 - SSH
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.
10 - Siegggy
Last week my 8 girlfriends and I met in Whistler,BC at the Limoges Inn to spent some time togehter and to celebrate our baby's 50th Birthday. Maggie introduced us to Paul Potts, none of us had heard anything about, and we listened to him on my Macbook...when we first saw him and Maggie proclaimed, isn't he cute, Janet's response was, no! Then we heard him sing and he brought me to tears. The clarity of his astonishing voice blew me away when he hit the high notes. I was an instant fan and my husband and I have been watching him daily on youtube since and cannot wait to get Paul Potts first CD.
11 - Mark Hutcherson
Paul has an amazing talent. Someone said in a movie once that people either love Opera or hate it. Until I heard Paul Potts sing on Youtube I had never experienced the power of Opera music. I now have experienced it and I now proudly join others who love Opera music.
12 - beachroses
SSH has been pouring on every blog she or he can find in an effort to destroy this man's image. Talk about devious motives....
To set the record straight, this is Paul's story from an article you might enjoy reading the rest of. He never said he was an idiot, he said he was insecure and down on his luck. Perfect target for an abuser, I suppose. He also is not considered a "professional" where I come from, because he was never paid to perform. Taking lessons is usually standard for any amateur, so I don't see that as a problem, no matter who the teacher is.
"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."
13 - 0
Potts is SHITE.
You feel goosebumps because it is DISGUSTING.
BGT just picked up a most strange one to be the winner.
14 - Mark
I am so VERY tired of all the people that want to attack Paul Potts for his background, his talent which hasn't fully blossomed yet, and whether or not he should be considered an amateur. As Clark said so well "frankly my dear, I don't give a damn." The mans singing sends chills down my spine. His rendition of "Time To Say Goodbye" does something that Bocelli or Brightman NEVER did, it makes me cry. You're going to poo poo him and/or deny him the success his voice deserves? GET A LIFE, Paul just got his.
15 - John and Trish
The Dude rocks!!!
16 - Tim
Critics be damned. I'm a 30 year old from the USA, I've never cared for opera and never thought I would. I normally listen to genres of music that are infinitely different from opera: death metal, grindcore, hardcore... I found Paul's audition video on youtube and it only took him about 5 seconds to make me start crying. His singing is deeply moving, a beautiful experience. Picture me, a bearded, tattooed, heavy metal tough guy crying to opera... I'm an instant Paul Potts fan and now very interested in opera. The critics and naysayers can flap their lips, but don't underestimate Paul's ability to connect with people like me, people who would probably never have been interested in opera. I like Paul's singing for the same reason I like all the other music I listen to: a passion that isn't contrived and a power that is earth shattering.
17 - Francisco From Chile
Right now the world is full of singers, everyone tries to show his talent in different ways, maybe some of them dreess up with strange customs, hats, rings, piercing, trying to be different, but Paul Potts is a common man, with old shoes and very cheap clothes, but the diference between Paul and all the "talents" is that he is a common man with a extraordinary voice. Opera for me has always been music, music that it´s always set in the doctors office, in some schools, but never in the radio at the time of the news, or sports , Opera is music for higher moments, not for every day, but with this man you can realize that even a crowd can be in extasis, people that went to see a new pop singer, was finally in love we a fat man that was singing something in italian, they didn´t know what he was saying, but they love it. I really don´t like Opera , but the music that crisp my skin, is somethng that makes me stop and take a look, because Paul gives us the opportunity to discover that music has the power to make us believe in us, show us to the world, and realize that every man has something to show, even if you are not a good looking man. Thank you Paul, you make my day different today.
From Chile , Francisco
18 - Kurt Wagn Hansen
Dearest Paul Potts.
A great Congratulation from me Kurt and my wife Kirsten living in Copenhagen, Denmark. You brought us to tears, when we saw you and heard you sing Nessum Dorma in danish TV - fantastic. Also the TV-hosts were very touched, had tears in their eyes. The same with our neigbours and friends. You have really touched our hearts. Thank you, Paul. We hope for a happy future for you, your wife and family. We wait for your album. Let it be soon.
Love from
Kirsten and Kurt Wagn Hansen
[Personal contact info deleted]
19 - Edward Sandalls
What a superb piece of writing, strong on both the subjective and the objective.
All the faith that has been put in Paul is steadily coming round to be rewarded. He is singing better and better, and his voice is showing more of its distinctive nature and high quality.
He is Paul Potts, and that looks like staying that way. No other tenor I can think of would have ended an interview with Richard and Judy in a flurry of giggles. Then, as he went off to sing, he turned, gave a teeny bow and thanked them. He has no idea how good he is; Richard and Judy should have been on their knees thanking him.
Just one tenor giggled a lot: Sir Harry Secombe, aka one of The Goons. Not the same class as Paul, but the same huge heart, and the same determination to be himself. And, of course, Sir Harry really was a Welshman.
Only kidding, only kidding!!! Paul holds a British passport, but he is a citizen of The World.
20 - Lee
Paul not only has a winning,emotive voice,but a personality that puts people at ease. There are too many celebrities w/ minimal talent & an arrogant,self centered,entitled attitude. The media is flooded w/ their problems,stupid comments,extravagant expenditures. It's a relief to finally have someone held up to public view that's humble,practical - even frugal!,grateful, ethical and extraordinarily talented; in other words,someone deserving of fame & fortune,for a change! Let's have more "ordinary" folks in the news who appreciate a chance to share their gifts w/ the world.
21 - Char Kolzow
Like so many before me, I have no knowlege of "opera", but Paul Potts has "addicted me" with his humble, honest, simplicity and powerful voice. I am looking forward to the DVD i just ordered! I must have listened to Britain has Talent 30 or 40 times since my friend forwarded it to my E-mail. Stay as wholesome and wonderful as you both are, Mr. and Mrs. Potts!!
22 - bobk
I don't know anything about opera, the only tune I like is O' fortuna simply because the movies pump it so much when something great is about happen. Watching the guy floor the auditorium and bring them all to either tears or their feet......nothing but inspiring and motivating. I was in tears and can't wait to buy his album.
emotional....bravo.
new opra fan
23 - AR
Paul,
Just lovely, absolutely lovely. Sometimes music makes you literally stop and really touches your heart. I can't describe it really. I watched the you tube video 3 or 4 times a day because I just had to see you sing one more time and see the audience express their joy as you sang. I am now listening to your CD. And I knew I did not care for opera from prior experiences. Thank you for opening my ears and mind to this beautiful music sung by your beautiful voice.
Wishing you the very best (please keep singing and recording!!!),
AR in the U.S.
24 - Dave
Tim is right on. The way Paul projects himself, the emotion, the feeling he is able to project into people from all walks of life isn't taught, it's God given.
Paul is a humble sensation, and as others have said; I keep listening to is U-Tube clips. I'll have the CD when it's out, and my love of music has always been country.
So from rednecks to bikers to steel workers, this man has our attention. True God given talent!
25 - Dennis Dowling
Paul, as with the members of our choir, The Australian Welsh Male Choir, you are an amateur singer who loves to sing and entertain people with your singing.
However, your voice is terrific and you have taken the sound of opera to many who would not have listened to it previously, but certainly you have turned the heads of equally as many 'opera lovers' with your performances.
Your "hwyl" is infectious and should you come to Melbourne, we would love to meet with you and maybe do a number or two with you.
Diolch yn fawr