Paul Potts had spent a lifetime dreaming of becoming a successful tenor. He had studied voice and even starred in amateur opera productions, yet the realization of his dream seemed forever outside his grasp.
In 2007 following the success of programs like X-Factor and American Idol, Simon Cowell’s latest brainchild Britain’s Got Talent was poised to monopolize television. As with other reality competition producers need a strong musical act to add credibility and capture the public’s interest. The talent they were looking for came in the form of an unassuming Carphone Warehouse manager.
When Paul Potts strode onto the stage of Britain’s Got Talent his life changed. Paul’s audition with the opera aria “Nessun Dorma” from Turandot went viral and within a year Paul had not only won the competition but quit his job to pursue a full-time career as a classical crossover recording artist and concert performer. His story continues to inspire through his albums, book, and a motion picture.
Classical Crossover Magazine caught up with the tenor to discuss his latest release, “Home.”
CCM: Your new album is called, “Home.” Some people find “home” to be a specific location or country, while for others it is a person or family. What does “home” mean to you?
Paul Potts: Singing isn’t something I do; it’s a place I belong in. It has always felt like that to me and was my saving grace through the tough times of my youth. So music and singing have always been ‘home’ to me.
CCM: Your story was made into a movie called, “Once Chance.” What did it feel like to watch your life on the big screen?
Paul Potts: It felt really quite strange – especially when James Corden (who plays my character) opens his mouth and my voice comes out! I kept saying to Julx [Paul’s wife] that there was no way that I would have asked Pavarotti about the battery life of his phone. She assures me that I would have done. I bow to her greater knowledge!
CCM: I’ve personally struggled with nerves so it is inspiring to see someone who was able to conquer that and have a successful career. What is the best bit of advice you could offer a fellow dreamer?
Paul Potts: I think everyone has their own way of dealing with nerves before a performance. Mine isn’t ideal as I tend to get ready for a performance at the very last moment as this leaves me with little time to think about what I am going to do. The thought of performing in front of thousands and sometimes hundreds of thousands of people (I have sung in front of an audience of over a million before!) can be quite daunting! I think you have to find out what works for you and stick to it as much as possible. If you truly enjoy what you do, you WILL get past it.
CCM: How do you choose repertoire for your album? Is it mainly your decision, or do you have a team that helps craft the vision for each record?
Paul Potts: I tend to listen to a lot of music when preparing an album – often the playlist has hundreds of pieces on it. As someone who primarily sings pieces that have been performed by others, I have to consider what I can bring to the table with my interpretation. My wife, Julz often helps with an ‘every person’ view of what she thinks will work. November Rain and the title track Home were both her ideas (she is very much a rock chick!)
CCM: Singing opera requires rigorous training that is often acquired at great expense. Do you have any advice for singers who cannot financially afford lessons?
Paul Potts: Don’t skimp on lessons with a bad teacher because they are cheaper. A bad teacher can do more harm than good. Get as many good lessons with a good teacher as you can possibly afford. Choosing a teacher is a challenge as you need good chemistry with them. Don’t be afraid to try a few.
CCM: You have traveled around the world sharing your gift with others. How do you keep your voice in top form during a tour?
Paul Potts: Stay up late and drink lots of beer! No, seriously, I drink lots of water and get out and about as much as I can to sightsee and soak up the local culture and atmosphere. At the moment, I am in Seoul (for the 17th time!) and there is so much to see and do, and a performance on stage isn’t just about the singing, it’s about sharing who you are.
CCM: What does your typical day look like when you are promoting a new album?
Paul Potts: I don’t think there is any such thing as a typical day when promoting a new album, and that’s what makes it exciting and fun. Some days may start ridiculously early after a late night the night before. I have had days when I finish on talk radio in New York City at 2am and a 5.30am call time the same morning. You have to be adaptable and develop ta hick skin and plenty of stamina. You never know when or whether you will get another opportunity, so it’s really important you grab it with both hands.
CCM: How often do you take voice lessons?
Paul Potts: I take lessons as regularly as I can, bearing in mind I am out of the UK quite a lot of the time. It’s really important that you have someone else listen to your voice and give advice and tuition on how to progress. My present teacher is an Australian called Raymond Connell who teaches in London, and I have made a lot of progress with my voice with him.
CCM: Do you have any hidden talents?
Paul Potts: What, apart from being a pain in the ass for my wife? I do enjoy cooking – though apparently, I use every pan and utensil in the kitchen. My other passion is photography, particularly landscape photography. My wife says I have too many cameras. I don’t know, is 16 overkill?!!
CCM: What has been your favourite country to perform in?
Paul Potts: The diplomatic answer would be to say that I enjoy all the places I perform in. This would be the truth, but some of the places I go are truly fascinating. I have been to Korea so many times that the people I work with there have bought me Korean language books! Korea is a fascinating place with great scenery as well as the industry for which it is famous. Germany too has some great cities away from the most famous cities like Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg.
CCM: What are some of your dreams for the future?
Paul Potts: I just want to continue to do what I love doing. For me, that is the ultimate definition of success. If what you do is what you love doing, then by definition, you are successful.
CCM: Is there any particular message you would like to impress on the minds of your listeners?
Paul Potts: I am incredibly grateful to those who enable me to do what I love, so my message is a simple one: THANK YOU!
Paul Pott’s new album “Home” is available to purchase from his website: paulpottsofficial.com and is also available to stream on Spotify
