Popstar to Operastar
Popstar to Operastar is a brand new series for ITV1 in which best-selling recording artists from the world of pop discover if they’ve got what it takes to perform as opera divas.
Mentored by classical hit-singer Katherine Jenkins and famed tenor Rolando Villazon, the eight contestants will be trained to perform world famous opera songs - many of them learning to not only sing in a completely different style, but also a completely different language than they are
used to.
After their performances the pop stars will be critiqued by a panel made up of their mentors Katherine and Rolando and two critics, international award-winning rock musician Meat Loaf together with TV presenter and Classic FM radio host Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen.
Those taking part are:
Alex James, who found fame as the bassist in Blur. The band had five number one albums and in 1995 won four Brits breaking a record for the most awards won in one year.
Bernie Nolan, who sold over 25 million records worldwide as vocalist in the Nolan Sisters.
Danny Jones, of hit boy-band, McFly who have had seven number one singles and hold the record for the youngest band ever to top the album chart twice.
Darius Campbell, (formerly Danesh) who rose to fame after coming third in ITV’s Pop Idol show and had number one hits in the UK with both his debut single and album.
Jimmy Osmond, who sold over 100 million records worldwide as part of the Osmonds and is also a platinum selling solo artist.
Kym Marsh, the Coronation Street star who found fame when she won ITV’s Popstars and became part of the band, Hear’Say, enjoying two number one singles and a number one album.
Marcella Detroit, who was one half of the band, Shakespeare’s Sister and sang lead vocals on their hit ‘Stay’ which was number one for eight weeks in the UK charts.
Vanessa White, from the girl-band, The Saturdays who have had five top ten singles since their debut in 2008.
Hosted by Myleene Klass and Alan Titchmarsh, Popstar to Operastar will see the contestants rehearsing with their mentors and vocal coaches before getting on the glamour and taking to the stage for a live Friday night performance which will see one singer voted off each week.
Thanks to Susan Boyle, Paul Potts, Rhydian and Il Divo, classical music is at the top of the charts. So can eight successful singers make the transition from pop idols to tremendous tenors and stunning sopranos?
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