Shayne sets sights on US

May 2 2008 by Gavin Allen, South Wales Echo

Shayne Ward returns to South Wales this month so we caught up with the former X Factor winner to ask him what he thinks of being compared to Justin Timberlake, why he is so big in Asia and whether or not he can rival Leona Lewis in America. KAREN PRICE asks the questions...

DO you feel more confident on this tour than on your last one?

“I can’t wait for my second tour. The first one was in 2006. I get a little bit nervous but excited too. It’s good to feel like that”

How have you survived in the industry when so many other X Factor contestants have disappeared?

“It’s all about not rushing into things. You have to take your time and listen to what the fans want. And you have to know what sounds right, what works and what doesn’t.

Every time I go into a studio it’s a learning curve. I haven’t found my niche yet. I’m taking a few years to find what’s exactly me. I’m excited to explore how my voice sounds.”

What’s Louis Walsh really like?

“He’s wicked. He is one funny guy. He’s always on form. He’s very caring and very focused.

The amount of belief that he has is incredible. I owe the guy a lot.”

Leona Lewis has done particularly well in America, do you want to succeed there too?

“I think it’s great (her success). We both came from the same show and I support her 100 per cent. She’s lovely and has a fantastic voice. I think everyone wants to crack America at the end of the day.

You want your music to be everywhere. After the tour I’m going to America for four to six weeks so it’s on the map for me as well.

I’m going to be working with all these different writers so it’s going to be exciting.”

Why are you so big in Asia?

“I have a connection with the public (in Asia). I am who I am and they feel a bit of a connection with me. They love music out there – it’s just about having the right sound. It’s nice to be accepted. I spent a lot of time out there before Christmas. I was in Hong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing. I’m also massive in South Africa.”

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

“The highlights have been travelling the world. I’m surprised by how many stamps there are on my passport now.”

You travelled to North Wales for Bryn Terfel’s Faenol Festival. Did you get to meet the big man?

“It was good fun. It’s always good when a festival has different elements from the music industry. I met Bryn (Terfel) backstage – he was a really nice guy. He was very appreciative. It was pretty cool that he asked me to go there.”

Do you enjoy fame or is it a hassle?

“I enjoy it – as long as everyone is nice, I don’t mind people taking photos or asking for autographs.”

What do you make of people comparing you to Justin Timberlake?

“It’s a great compliment to be compared to Justin. He’s very credible. It’s probably because I have a shaved head.”

Do you like being a heart-throb?

“I’m not going to say I don’t like it!”

Shayne Ward is at Cardiff International Arena on Monday, May 19. Tickets cost £26.50 from 029 2022 4488.