Will Young is a British singer best known for winning a talent competition.
After the Pop Idol show, he immediately began his musical career, achieved good success. For 10 years on stage, he made a good fortune. In addition to performing talent, Will Young proved himself as an actor, writer, and philanthropist. The artist is the owner of more than a dozen awards and nominations, confirming his merits.
Family, roots of the future artist Young Will
Will Young was born on January 20, 1979 with his twin brother. Childbirth took place 1,5 months ahead of schedule. Together with his brother, Will was the first. They also had an older sister. The family lived in the UK, on the father's side had famous representatives of the family, associated with the army, the administration of colonial territories. The Young family belonged to the middle class, showed good prospects.
Childhood and education of the future celebrity Will Young
Parents began to educate their children early. By the age of 8, the future artist graduated from elementary school, after which he entered a prestigious educational institution for a preparatory course for up to 13 years.
From childhood, the boy understood that he had advantages over children from ordinary families, tried to resist this, asked to be transferred to a regular school. At the age of 13, Will went to a college boarding school. By the end of his studies, he lost interest in education so much that he stopped attending an educational institution and failed his exams.
He had to receive a certificate on the basis of another college after additional training. After that, he entered the university, choosing to study politics. In 2001, the young man finally decided on a profession, choosing the School of Art Education for additional education.
A series of interests, the first steps on the stage Will Young
Gradual involvement in the musical field of activity began at the age of 4 years. He performed in a school play, playing the role of a Christmas tree. In the future, the boy joined the choir, having achieved good success there.
At the age of 9, he mastered playing the piano. The boy tried to participate in school amateur performances, but refused this idea, explaining his decision by shyness. At this time, he seriously switched to sports. Will admitted that he dreamed of participating in the Olympic Games, choosing running as his role. During this period, he actively represented the school in athletics, basketball, football and other competitions, ignoring only cricket.
After dropping out of school, the young man became interested in ecology. This interest was replaced by the stage again. Will joined the Footlights theater company. At the same time, he contacted representatives of Sony Records, interested in the musical direction of show business.
Will Young's first part-time jobs
Dropping out of school, Will Young took a part-time job as a waiter at the Grand Cafe in Oxford. He worked, at the same time sought to get a certificate. Having entered the university, the young man did not part with his work. He moonlighted as a fashion model, was engaged in the execution of assignments in agriculture, worked at a clothing factory.
First appearance on Pop Idol
In 1999, by chance, while watching TV, Will Young learned that young people were being recruited for a musical talent search show to pass the casting. He decided to try, sent recordings of his songs.
Soon a letter arrived with an invitation to a live audition. Became part of 75 applicants.
After the live audition stage, he was among the 9 lucky people invited to participate in the show. A week later, four guys remained, who became part of the group, originally planned by the producers.
The team soon broke up, due to the lack of expected popularity.
Second participation in Pop Idol
In 2001, a friend suggested to Will Young about a new set for Pop Idol. This time the producers intended to find a solo artist. The winner was promised a good contract and representation of interests. The young man sent the participant's questionnaire, having received an invitation to audition. This was followed by a series of rounds of participation. First there were several stages off the air, and then filming.
During the show, one of the judges criticized the performance of an aspiring artist, and he had the courage to object to him. The incident spurred the attention of the audience. After that, a large number of viewers became interested in the singer. In support of their candidatures, the participants visited radio and television sites, went to live communication with the audience. As a result, Will Young won this show.
The beginning of a musical career
In 2002, after the end of the show, the real solo career of the singer began. The start came from a single written especially for him. The sales success was overwhelming. Soon the singer released his debut album "From Now On", which also lived up to expectations.
A year later, he received the BRIT Awards as Breakthrough of the Year. After that, the artist released his second studio album "Friday's Child". In 2004, the singer first went on tour around the country. In 2005, the artist received his second BRIT Award for Best Lyric Song.
In the same year, his next solo album "Keep On" was released. 2006, like in 2008, Will Young recorded a new record, went on a concert tour. The artist was often invited to various events, he was in the spotlight.
Record company change
In 2011, the singer released his latest album, Echoes, under the label of the record company he's been with since his time on Pop Idol. He says that he is tired of the dictatorship that imposed on him every step in his creative activity.
The following year, he signed with Island Records. The artist continued his musical activity, but she ceased to be as active as before.
Acting work by Will Young
In 2005, a film was released in which Will Young made his debut as an actor. This was followed by several similar episodic roles in the artist's career. In one of the films, he starred naked from the back. The new activity fueled interest in the singer.
Soon, participation in theatrical productions was added to film roles. In 2009, the artist released a documentary about his career. In 2011, Will Young tried himself as a TV presenter. The singer has also written several books and is actively involved in charity work.
Will Young's personal life
During Will Young's participation in Pop Idol, there were rumors about his homosexuality. After the victory, the singer officially confirmed this information. He stated that he never tried to hide it, he was pleased with his choice. Will Young claims to be in a relationship, but does not seek to advertise them.
