see video: exclusive interview with rhydian

Posted: 19th November, 2008

There will always be one X Factor contestant who sticks out like a sore thumb and last year it had to be Rhydian Roberts.

With his platinum hair, operatic voice and huge ego he was portrayed as the pantomime baddie. But despite losing out to Leon Jackson in the final, the Welsh warbler still managed to bag himself a record deal with the man himself - Mr Simon Cowell.

We caught up with Rhyd ahead of his debut album to see what has been keeping him so busy this past year.

‘It’s been some year. The best year of my life without a doubt, just had so many amazing experiences,’ said Rhydian.

‘Making a record has always been my ambition. That’s the reason I entered The X Factor because the prize was that you were assured a record contract.

‘I didn’t win so I was disappointed on the night because I thought, a, I let the audience down who voted for me and, b, there goes the contract. Luckily Simon signed me the next day.’

But if you’re expecting big hair and camp outfits, Rhydian has sadly moved on from that image.

‘Going to the X Factor and being outrageous, wearing sailor outfits with extensions on your hair and a sequin outfit was all good fun but as an artist that’s not really me,’ added Rhyd.

Check out our interview below.

Rhydian’s album is released on Monday November 24.