03 August 2023 , 18:33
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One former X-Factor star's life is completely different from what it once was after swapping the stage for a career as an artist manager.
Singing sensation Rhydian Roberts wowed the judges and the public with his powerful vocals during his stint on the ITV talent show in 2007 and came runner-up to eventual winner Leon Jackson. The public favourite has opted for a life away from the glitz and glam of fame after retiring from music. The former contestant, who has eight albums to his name, is now working as an artist manager and promoter, he has revealed.
The Welsh musician, 40, who describes himself as a property developer and investor on his Twitter page, is the agent of acts including Lee Mead and UB40. Roberts, who hasn't been "performing much since 2019", says his career decision comes completely out of choice as he is keen to help other artists find their foot in the industry.
The singer was known for belting out tunes during his appearance on the ITV talent show (Cynon Valley Leader)"I took the decision to go to the other side of music to promoting and managing acts. I’d achieved a lot of what I wanted to achieve in singing." He added to Wales Online: “It’s a different sort of pressure. I prefer it because you’re working with different personalities and it’s different every day.
His decision also comes down to the fact that he struggled with anxiety whilst being a performer. "With singing I used to get an anxiety that was similar to people who were scared of flying. So that stress has been alleviated somewhat. Working with other people has made me realise how precious I was and how I was worrying for no reason."
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“The job has made me realise that maybe I was never cut out for it in the first place. The X Factor was just a stepping stone to release music and then do other things. My main job is actually in property and that’s my main source of income" he added.
In 2008, the singer - known for his trademark white hair and bold outfit choices - catapulted to stardom after being offered a record deal from music mogul Simon Cowell. His debut album titled 'Rhydian', gained platinum status in weeks when it was released in November 2008, and earned him the title of highest-selling male solo artist of the year with 600,000 copies sold.
The star performed to an audience of over 30,000 at Andrew Lloyd Webber's 60th Birthday Party in Hyde Park and Prince Charles invited him to become a patron of The Prince's Trust. After going on tour, Rhydian released his second album 'O Fortuna' and recorded his own television special for Welsh broadcaster S4C followed by the documentary 'Rhydian' before eventually hanging up the microphone.