I don't think that money makes you any better brought up than I was.
BRITISH pop star Shayne Ward is proud of his surreal experience with Chinese fans.
"I was once chased through [Hong Kong] airport by 300 girls," the 22-year-old pop star says. The girls were actually waiting for the winner of the Chinese Super Girl competition. Shayne pretended to be a reporter and asked who they were waiting for.
"Someone recognized me," he adds, "and my manager just shouted 'RUN'!"
Ward shot to fame in 2005 on a reality TV talent show. His debut single That's My Goal went to No 1 in the UK. His rugged good looks have also earned him an army of female followers.
Like many reality TV products, Ward had been through some real difficulties, and he's called a role model for Britain's anti-social youth.
That's because he achieved success while his family fell apart. When he was on The X Factor talent show, the tabloids reported that his father had been jailed for eight years in 2005 on a rape charge. Two uncles and a cousin have also received life sentences for murder.
Ward knew that his family past would be difficult to deal with but "didn't want it to get in the way of my career".
About his troubled upbringing, he says, "We couldn't afford holidays, but mum would take us for walks in the park. I don't think that money makes you any better brought up than I was. We all had love for each other."
Ward's first album, Shayne Ward, was a top-seller, but things don't always go that way. The music industry is fickle and the market prefers singers who write their own lyrics and music.
Shows like The X factor may have made overnight stars of Michelle McManus and Steve Brookstein. But these people became unpopular very quickly when the show finished. Will things be the same for Ward?
His third single Stand By Me failed to set the charts alight and many people said his career was all but over.
To avoid this fate, Ward has spent this year recording in America and Sweden to develop a fresh new sound.
He's dropping the old ballad image in his new album, which is due out next month. The new single If That's OK With You is an up-tempo, edgy track and the MV shows off his sexy dance skills. Critics have compared his new sound to Justin Timberlake.
"I'm 80 percent excited and 20 percent nervous," Ward says about his changing of style. "You've got to have some nerves otherwise you'd just become arrogant. But I'm really pleased with the album and hopefully the fans will love it too." 21ST
'X Factors' that make a lady killer
SINCE we last saw him, Ward has clearly been working out with some serious weights to produce the perfect look. And, by the sound of it, with some serious producers. Here's his secret lady-killer weapon:
Sexier, dancier music: The ballad singer has obviously been listening to a lot of Justin Timberlake and Rihanna. This album only has two ballads ? a big change from the first one. He might just have been practicing his dance moves too.
Mr Unpredictable: Ward has been with his girlfriend for over four years. "You can tell most about a guy by the way he treats his mum," he says. "As boyfriends go, I'm the best ? fun, loving, exciting and unpredictable."
CK body shape: He has been offered a ￡750,000 deal with Calvin Klein (CK). CK is looking for a new underwear model to take over from Arsenal player Freddie Ljunberg.
Crossover style: He's looking buff ? a bit like a cross between Timberlake, Prison Break-star Wentworth Miller, a little Vin Diesel, and Dr Jack from Lost. |
