Britain's Got Talent's breakout star Calum Scott on going viral, touring with Pentatonix, and plans for his first ever visit to HK
From working in an office to selling out concerts, it’s safe to say this singer is living his best life. And as he tells us, he owes it all to his fans
Scott is working his dream job touring with Pentatonix.On November 1, British singer Calum Scott will touch down in Hong Kong for the first time to bring his Only Human tour to the Kitec Music Zone in Kowloon Bay. The 29-year-old, who rose to fame in 2015 through the TV show Britain’s Got Talent, is currently touring with a cappella group Pentatonix in the US. He spoke to Young Post over the phone about his humble beginnings, adjusting to the limelight and becoming a role model.
“It’s such a dream come true,” says Scott, who sold over 6.5 million copies of his debut single Dancing On Your Own, and received a Brit Award nomination for the song.
“To have the opportunity to come and perform right across America to thousands of people every night in the amphitheatres is just incredible – and to be opening for such an awesome band like Pentatonix, who’ve had such amazing success.”
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Despite playing to 15,000 people every night, Scott still takes time during his set to thank Pentatonix for bringing him on tour with them, and watches their show every time.
“I wouldn’t have that opportunity if it wasn’t for them, so it is the most incredible memory I could ask for, really.”
Having worked in an office job in his hometown of Hull up until the age of 25, Scott finds that he’s still adjusting to his new lifestyle, four years after his Britain’s Got Talent audition went viral overnight.
“I’m incredibly lucky, and it’s such a surreal, gratifying experience – the fact I’ve got complete strangers supporting me as much as my friends and family do. That’s why I give so much in my recordings and performances. I wouldn’t be where I am without any of them.”
But with this fame; the singer-songwriter has also felt a great deal of pressure.
“I’ve always had a tough time coming to terms with my sexuality," he revealed, "because of things that have happened with my friends in the past, and because of not being accepted for who I am.”
This lasted until that life-changing audition, when suddenly, the whole world was watching Britain's Got Talent, and Scott no longer wanted to hide who he was. “I wanted to be honest with my fans, the media, and the rest of the world. With that level of attention and focus on me, that was the biggest challenge I’ve faced.”
Perhaps because of his personal experience, his songs are more than just songs to him. “The approach I’ve taken to songwriting is to make medicine [for people] with my music, and that comes with pressure, but also a great sense of achievement. I’ll be there for my fans in whichever way they need me to be there. If I’m honest, I just want to make a difference.”
As for his first trip to Hong Kong, Scott is excited by the sense of adventure, cuisine and culture the city has to offer.
“I know I’m going to love it, but I don’t want any pre-conceptions,” he exclaims.
“I’m going with my eyes and mind completely open, as that’s the best way to embrace the world.” Even though it will be a short visit for the star, he’s intending to cram as much in as possible, as he professes: “I’m already smiling about it.”
Edited by Charlotte Ames-Ettridge