[diamond1]

The choreography, costumes and dancers fill me with a tremendous amount
of envy that I’m not a contestant this year. I hope the remaining 4 get
to digest all the wonderful opportunities handed to them in amoungst all
the pressures of being an x factor semi finalist.

This has cheered me up as this doesn't sound the kind of thing a person wanting to spend the rest of their career standing stuck to the spot in a stiff suit singing Karl Jenkins songs would say

[neelia]

Originally Posted by Liz G-S

I am getting very suspicious about all these newspaper articles and Rhydian did imply on Xtra factor that they are untrue. It is almost as though he is being used to generate headlines for the X Factor without involving the contestants themselves. There has been little done to promote his album, but he seems to have been used to promote the X Factor. He should distance himself completely from the show. I watched last night in case he performed, not that I expected it, but almost felt it would be better if he didn't - it isn't really his world any more.

I fear for the album sales - how can it sell if only few know about it. All that people know is that he doesn't rate the contestants, he doesn't like Danyl, thinks Cheryl is only there as eye candy and today we read that he thinks that Dannii has little confidence. I don't believe he has said all this, but a lot will.

Sorry Liz but how do people "KNOW" this?

We know that he doesn't like Danyl (or at least didn't when he give that radio interview) but I don't remember him saying that he didn't rate the others or about Cheryl being eyecandy. Or is there something I missed apart from the tabloid stuff

Or do you mean people "THINK" that.

[neelia]

Just in from signings and a bit knacked as sleep was hard to find.

I will give a clearer view of the album tomorrow but there is nothing that isn't sung superbly.

I was amused by seeing that in the order of "thanks" on the album we (as in the fans) come inbetween his family and God. - Pretty impressive billing there

[sweetcaroline]

Hello

I'm back from Cardiff where Rhyd kindly signed my OF CD

He looked fabulous in grey suit and white shirt and the hair was immaculate

I have to admit that I love the album - having listened to it several times while on various trains! It does have a much more classical feel than album one, but I think that the production is better than the first album. I absolutely love OF, Benedictus, Conquest of Paradise, IWLYWTRA, Cantilena and Anthem.
Annie's song is quite simply beautiful and makes me go all fwibbly.
My biggest surprises were Myfanwy and How Great Thou art which I like much better that I expected, and my guilty secret is Ave Verum which has really grown on me.
Land Of My Fathers is very rousing but is my least favourite track.
The choir is excelllent and the two special guests, Dame Kiri and Bryn Terfel, sound fabulous singing with Rhyd.
Rhyd's voice is wonderful. It has developed over the last year and his lower range seems much richer, but he can still get those high notes too. He does make each song his own

The album notes are much better this year with some great pictures of Rhyd and I can actually read them!

I don't expect the same sales as last year for lots of reasons, but I hope for good sales compared to other contemporary classical albums.

I'm looking forward to seeing The Man perform on the AT show tomorrow.

[sweetcaroline]

Originally Posted by neelia

Just in from signings and a bit knacked as sleep was hard to find.

I will give a clearer view of the album tomorrow but there is nothing that isn't sung superbly.

I was amused by seeing that in the order of "thanks" on the album we (as in the fans) come inbetween his family and God. - Pretty impressive billing there

Hi neelia

I hope that you will be feeling fabulous again after a night's sleep

[sweetcaroline]

Originally Posted by grimtales1

I love this 1 min version of the ad:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LBhMJ5O7t0

Hello grim
I love it too

I'm still hoping for a 2min 30secs video

[SILLY SUE]

Seems like it was when he was on 'Xtra Factor' Grim. In a radio interview (yesterday) when asked about the contestants by the presenter, he mentioned that Joe was asking him for advice.

[grimtales1]

That's interesting
I hope Rhyd does well with his album but it seems not many are giving him a chance

I guess Rhyd (maybe?) knew from the start it wasnt a guarantee he'd be asked back - even Leona was the 1st winner to come back twice and S. Cowell sees her as his protegée, not that Leona isn't a great singer but the way he goes on annoys me sometimes, like hes saying he taught Leona how to sing
Simon seems to have moved onto Susan now instead of Rhyd it seems..?
Disappointed he didnt get to sing OF on XF though (unless he could in the final)? That would be amazing!

Anyone set for the AT Show tomorrow? I think he will sing The Living Years or Annie's Song.

[grimtales1]

Originally Posted by sweetcaroline

Hello grim
I love it too

I'm still hoping for a 2min 30secs video

Yeah me too, I love the acapella part.
I wonder what Joe thought of Rhyd?

[sweetcaroline]

I'm all set for the AT show

I'll be watching fom my sofa

Rhyd could go for OF again as on GMTV for the ooomph effect, but at some point I would love to see him sing Annie's song

[SILLY SUE]

I'll be recording the programme Grim and I'll watch it when I get home from work. Be interesting to see which choice of song he goes with.

[grimtales1]

I think he will sing Annie's Song SC, O Fortuna is amazing but it must be hard to sing live and maybe not suitable for AT's audience?
On the other hand as you say O Fortuna is really powerful and has great OOMPH.

[grimtales1]

Rhyd has some nasty YT comments

[sweetcaroline]

Originally Posted by grimtales1

Rhyd has some nasty YT comments

I think that happens to a lot of artists grim - the YT video of OF has attracted a lot of views today which is good, the downside being the nasty comments -but in the end they mean nothing

[sweetcaroline]

I'm not sure if this has already been posted-YT of Rhyd meeting Dannii on Sunday and talking about OF-the album

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7LaB5Nz5EqI

[sweetcaroline]

The DS album review

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/al...o-fortuna.html

A reasonable review and rated at three stars.

But I have to disagree with their take on Annie's Song which I think is a very beautiful and delicate version of John Denver's song.

[diamond1]

yeah that's a pretty good review from DS

.. and yes I wouldn't worry too much about the Youtube comments Grim .. Youtube seems to attract that kind of comment no matter who it is .. I think some people just stumble across a particular video and think it's funny to post something rude or sweariy or whatever about it. .. Plus artists from reality show are prime targets for these kind of comments. .. just ignore them .. I think people will be able to sort out the genuine comments from the troll like ones.

[diamond1]

just seen Rhyd's advert on ITV2 in the break between IACGMOOH spin off show

[diamond1]

Hope those going to the AT show tomorrow/today have a great time.

Just been looking at the predicted sales figures in the US for this week and Subo is miles ahead of all the others

1. Susan Boyle – I Dreamed A Dream – 669,843

Those figures are a bit gobsmaking .. whilst I do think that she has a pleasant voice it just goes to show you what a bit of a back story and a lot of hype can do for sales

[Liz G-S]

Originally Posted by neelia

Sorry Liz but how do people "KNOW" this?

We know that he doesn't like Danyl (or at least didn't when he give that radio interview) but I don't remember him saying that he didn't rate the others or about Cheryl being eyecandy. Or is there something I missed apart from the tabloid stuff

Or do you mean people "THINK" that.

Of course I meant think, as the latest rush of articles are almost certainly not from Rhydian - the problem is, the public don't know that - hence my use of the word 'know'. In other words, I was writing it from the perspective of those who have not been following Rhydian and are not aware of the private high-profile events, which although they earn Rhydian and the management (with their cut) a lot of money, are not career enhancing. As far as the vast majority are concerned, Rhydian has disappeared for a year and is now using the X Factor for his own means and is passing judgement on contestants and judges alike. So I think it is the other way round and he is being used. In my opinion, the statements are so far from what Rhydian would normally say, it is more likely X Factor headline grabbing propaganda and Rhydian's name came in handy. Sadly, this has not been reciprocated with adequate promotion. Why isn't he on This Morning, Paul O'Grady, BBC Breakfast, ITV national etc.

Look at the difference to Faryl Smith, who I read here is singing at the Royal Variety Show and has sung at many such events. She is good, but I don't find her special - Rhydian is a far more exciting singer, he is very different from all others. Her management combined with the lower expectations from her label regards album sales, leads me to believe that perhaps Simon and Sony were not the best choice. The first 'flop' threads are here - with a different label he would have had more distance from the whole X Factor circus and perhaps less stress. He looked so tense in that video with Dannii filmed backstage on Sunday.

And finally:
Here is a video from the Welsh Rugby Union and found by a r-r forum member (many thanks!) about the Wales/Australia rugby game - it includes a segment of Rhydian singing and interview with him. He seems thrilled to be there. In the video, there is almost as much about this as the game itself:
http://www.wru.co.uk/22770.php

[neelia]

The trouble is Liz that the statement "People know he did X" adds the the myth of X, regardless of the truth,

[Liz G-S]

I think that the articles and the prejudices Rhydian has battled since two years have far more impact than the one misjudged word in my post on this appreciation thread.

[grimtales1]

Good morning RATs

[neelia]

Originally Posted by Liz G-S

I think that the articles and the prejudices Rhydian has battled since two years have far more impact than the one misjudged word in my post on this appreciation thread.

True but it does not negate the point I was making about your post, which you seemed to be challanging in your reply. However it's sorted now.

[grimtales1]

Hi Neelia
Alan Titchmarsh today