Making the Classics Sexy
BBC Nottingham Music
February 2003
By Jenna Bachelor

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There’s never been a better time to be a kid with an angelic voice.

Back in the days when Aled Jones was "Walking In The Air," few would have wanted to be in his shoes. Singing classics, pah. Get back to the cathedral and let the real artists enjoy being New Romantics or a touch of Madchester. But then along came Pavarotti to change everything. A certain tune used as a world cup theme made opera trendy. It was only a matter of time before the whole classical scene was embraced. Lesley Garrett sold opera with sex, nowadays we have Charlotte Church and her "bad boy" boyfriend.

But it’s Britain’s Russell Watson who’s meshed classic with rock. He even sings the Star Trek Enterprise theme. Now that’s trendy. But he’s got a rival. Josh Groban is flying the flag for the USA. Only 21, he’s being touted as "the next big thing." It’s all down to an appearance on Ally McBeal apparently. When he sang, the e-mails flooded in. Now he’s got his debut album out and, in the current climate, it’s what you’d expect – a mix of the classics and AOR rock in a classical style. Hence the re-working of Don McLean’s "Vincent."

Just to make sure he gets blanket coverage he’s roped in a few friends – The Corrs and Ms. Church (presumably before she fell out with mum and boyfriend). It’s finely polished, our Josh has a terrific voice and it’ll appeal to Radio 2 and Classic FM listeners. Think a cross between Russell Watson and Andrea Bocelli and you’re there.

As long as he looks after his voice, the dollars will look after themselves.