Rhydian Roberts: Classical Album Review

Many still remember watching clips of Rhydian Roberts on the X Factor in 2007. The Welsh singer was already distinctive for his white hair and being shot down by Simon Cowell for auditioning with “one of the worst songs I’ve ever heard.” Simon doubted his ability to survive the different themed weeks but Rhydian showed his versatility went beyond the operatic voice immediately belting out ABBA’s “Dancing Queen” on the spot.
The Welsh singer was given the villain edit on the show with the ominous “Phantom of the Opera” providing his personal motive. Yet despite this, Rhydian won hearts with his robust voice, dynamic vocal range and stage presence. Perhaps it’s most telling that after the show it was Simon who signed the young baritone to his Syco label and helped launch him.

Rhydian’s career has been one of many highs with a double platinum debut, Classic BRIT nomination and 5th album staying in the Official Classical Charts for 10 consecutive weeks. Rhydian also found a home in Musical Theatre playing roles in The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Jesus Christ Superstar, Little Shop of Horrors and more.

Fans were shocked when Rhydian announced that he would be releasing his final classical album, a collection of hymns, songs & arias. It is clear that the industry has changed greatly from the time Rhydian first burst on the screen, and his interests have drifted more into managing other artists, including Bryn Terfel who Rhydian once duetted with.
“Classical Album: Hymns, Songs & Arias” is a brilliant time capsule of the quality of music Rhydian has created throughout his career. His voice is one of the most classically beautiful of crossover stars and highlights include, “How Great Thou Art,” “Myfanwy,” “Flower of Scotland” “O Fortuna” and “Nessun Dorma.” Watching Rhydian react with humble tears to the news that this final collection of classical hits had gone to No.1 was so pure and a perfect end to that side of his recording career.

★★★★★★★★★☆

Natasha Barbieri, Editor

Editor

Creator of Classical Crossover Magazine. For Natasha music has always been closely tied to her faith. At age 18, Natasha made her opera debut playing the part of the mother in Menotti’s ‘Amahl and the Night Visitors’ with the Eastern Festival Opera. At 20, she was a winner of the 2011 Young Artist Competition at Andrews University. Natasha graduated in 2012 with a Bachelor’s of Music. Natasha has released a series of Holiday singles “A Place Called Home” (2020), “One Little Boy,” and “The Perfect Year” (2021). In 2021, she was nominated for the ‘Future Classic Women Awards’ show on Men’s & Women’s Radio Station. Natasha is the creator and editor of ‘Classical Crossover Magazine’ a venture that has allowed her to interview many of the top stars in the genre including Sarah Brightman, Celtic Woman, Mirusia, Paul Potts, and more. During the covid-19 pandemic, she created an online concert series for the magazine that has seen her perform in the same line-up as Alex Sharpe, Lucy Kay, Barbara Padilla, Classical Reflection, and more on the virtual stage. In 2022, Natasha was included on the charity album “Stars of Classical Crossover: Christmas” in benefit of the Wallace & Gromit Children’s Charity.