WITH Leona Lewis enjoying massive global success at the moment it would seem
every other X factor contestant has disappeared into obscurity.
That is until Shayne Ward took to the stage at the O2 in London last night.
The singer has enjoyed ups and downs in terms of success, but has stuck at it
and last night’s uncomplicated pop extravaganza of a show reminded the crowd
just why they chose him as the 2005 winner of the juggernaut talent show.
With a crowd that consisted of rather a lot more men than expected, and an
array of six year old girls, who seemed ready to spontaneously combust, it
really was a mixture of fans from across the board.
Dressed in a bondage style orchestra conductors outfit, complete with Phantom
Of The Opera style silver mask, Shayne launched into Tell Him from his
latest album Breathless.
Throughout the show there was a very well rehearsed and wise mixture of songs
from the both the new album and also recognizable hits such as the million
selling single That’s My Goal.
Shayne had obviously been brushing up on his dancing too as his locking and
ability to entwine with the backing dancers proved he’s put in the work and
could deliver.
Sexy ... Shayne and his dancersLIVEPIX
The covers came thick and fast from a faultless version of One Republics
Apologize, with some contemporary routines going on behind him, to a disco
version of Mojo’s Ibiza anthem Lady (Hear Me Tonight).
Breathless, which is probably the most memorable from the lasted offerings was
the finale, which was sang with heartfelt emotion.
It all seemed a bit much, as Shayne stood back to take in this obvious
milestone show, and something he had been aiming to achieve since he began
his singing career.
Then like a scene from Westlife’s Flying Without Wings video, he was lifted to
the air and soared across the crowd, which was pretty well staged and sent
deafening screams through the arena.
With offerings still to come from Leon Jackson - who watched last night’s show
with enthusiasm - Shayne Ward keeps his crown as king of the pop reality
show winners with the voice, drive and stage presence to achieve the
ultimate goal, longevity.
That is of course if he can take some control over his future and head in a
more daring direction using much more creative producers and video directors
than in the past, and hopefully not get lost in a sea of mundane ballads and
dull suits.
But on Wednesday night, Mr Ward pulled it off and provided a great live pop
show with personality and talent, even without the mega bucks staging.
The lad from a Manchester council estate has indeed done good.
Some cyborgs are only happy when it rains.