Darius World

Pop idol enjoys a taste of fame

Nick Ellis
Abergele Visitor 30 April 2003

HE is a singer who has the name of a Persian king and a voice which could put Britney Spears to shame.

But Darius, of Glasgow, Scotland, is not the cocky person who captivated the nation with his outlandish performances on the TV show Popstars.

His now humble approach to life is refreshing and proves he has matured since appearing on Pop Idol.

Darius, who is best known for turning down a record deal from pop guru Simon Cowell, recently scored a top ten hit with his debut single Colourblind.

Two sell-out shows at the Pavilion The -atre in Rhyl last week gave further evidence he is a star on the rise.

"This is the first time I've been to Rhyl," he said. "But I've been to Wales before when I attended a road show in Cardiff last year which was absolutely amazing," he said.

"I really like Wales because the Welsh are warm and friendly people who respond very well to the music."

Despite turning up on Popstars with a goatee beard, long hair and a guitar, Darius still managed to win over the public with his powerful voice.

But he believes it was the support he received following his TV appearances which has ultimately led to his success.

"When I did my first audition for Popstars I was very insecure and came across as being very cocky especially with my rendition of Britney's Hit Me Baby One More Time," he said.

"It is only through the public's support that I've learnt true confidence and the importance of being yourself.

"I do feel that if it was not for the public I would not be where I am today. On Pop Idol, it was the people who voted for me which led to me gaining success.

"This was followed by me turning down arecord deal from Simon Cowell and signing with Universal/Mercury.

"So if it was not for the viewers of these shows, such as those in Rhyl and people all around the country, I don't know whereI would be now.

"The last few months have been such a roller coaster ride and I really don't want all this to stop."

A former University student, Darius finished his degree course before launching his solo career.

He said it is important to have something to fall back on in case things go wrong.

"I think it was good to get my education out of the way before getting into this business," he added.

"It's always good to have extra skills under your belt because you never know where you could be in the future.

"Someone once described my music as feel good, upbeat, melody-driven pop which has catchy lyrics.

"Personally I would say my style of music is pop with depth. I hope to join the ranks of artists which I respect such as Pink and Robbie Williams."

The search for a pop idol phenomena has made stars out of ordinary people such as Will Young and Gareth Gates, and Darius believes there is no better showcase to recognise the talents of young performers than these programmes.

"Popstars and Pop Idol are good things because it gives young people the chance to show off their talent to the nation and it gave me my break," he said.

"I would say Pop Idol was the work experience before getting the actual job and there is no better employer."

His next single Girl on the Moon will be released at the beginning of June.

Darius added he cannot wait for people to judge him on the strength of his songs.

"My single Girl on the Moon is a Beatlesque ballad which is veryromantic and is a song that I have dedicated to my fans," he said.

"Understandably I'm over the moon and hope people will enjoy my album."