Paul Potts talks about coping with success on Britain’s Got Talent

Jun 4 2009 by Francesca Elliott, Chester Chronicle

After performing on Friday’s semi-final of Britain’s Got Talent, former winner Paul Potts, who wowed audiences in 2007 with his rendition of Puccini's Nessun Dorma, spoke to The Chronicle on remembering his own experience of the final and what life has been like since his rise to fame.

As well as appearing on numerous television shows, including two appearances on the Oprah Winfrey Show, America’s Today Program, and a series of Japanese and German advertising campaigns, his debut album, One Chance, has sold more than two million copies.

Earlier this year he was also presented with the Echo Award for Best International Male Artist in Germany.

“It’s incredible,” said Paul. “It just goes to show what a programme like Britain’s Got Talent can do.

“I remember how I felt on the finals’ night, it was absolutely nerve-wracking. So I really felt for all the contestants on Saturday.

“As well as having talent, I think a lot of the night’s results come from who can hold their nerve on the night more than anything.

“Susan Boyle, who I think is brilliant, was much more confident than I was at that stage. I had hardly any confidence in myself.”

Originally from Bristol, Paul performed in choirs and amateur operas for years, even performing in front of Pavarotti in Italy, as part of a music course he took to improve his singing.

However, after breaking his collarbone in an accident in 2003, Paul thought he would never sing again and left the decision to audition in Cardiff down to fate, flipping a coin to make his decision.

“I never expected to still be singing,” said Paul. “When I auditioned in Cardiff to go on the show, I thought to myself that if I didn’t get through, it would be the last time I ever sang, but I was lucky enough to have been given the chance to carry on.

“It’s been such a good two years, and I want it to carry on as long as possible. I’m really enjoying everything and I take each day as it comes, as I know how lucky I am to be doing this.

“It all happened so quickly that I know it could disappear just as quickly.

“If it wasn’t for the people who voted for me all over the UK, I wouldn’t be here doing this, I would still be selling mobile phones. I’m so grateful to them.”