Thrilling show

Jun 11 2009 by David Simister, North Wales Weekly News

POP IDOL Hayley Evetts says she has landed her dream job in her latest performance, which lands in Llandudno later this month.

The 33-year-old singer, actress and TV presenter said that her role as female lead in Thriller Live, a celebration of Michael Jackson’s music which arrives at Venue Cymru on June 24, is her favourite to date and is nothing short of a dream come true.

“It’s an absolute dream to be able to sing my favourite songs to such a great audience, and something that’s completely phenomenal. I’ve never been happier,” she says.

“I love singing in general, and in this I’m singing constantly. I’d love to be able to record a song one day that’s original as one of Michael Jackson, but that’s unlikely. There is something timeless about them, and that’s what makes them so great.”

Miss Evetts, who was one of the stars of the original Pop Idol series in 2002 alongside Will Young, Gareth Gates and Darius Danesh, says Thriller Live is no tribute concert, but instead a celebration of the music of Michael Jackson, both as a member of the Jackson Five and as a later solo star.

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She has gone on to a wide variety of roles since the 2003 reality show, and has her own advice for young singers hoping to follow in her footsteps.

“You always have to trust your instincts and remember that it’s your career, not theirs, but the experience I got over a few weeks is what most people get in a lifetime, and that’s priceless,” she adds.

“One of the myths is that Simon Cowell is nasty – in real life, he’s lovely, and a true gentleman who embraces talent. In this industry it’s better to be tough and tell the truth anyway.”

Miss Evetts says she wouldn’t be averse to working with a musical on Madonna, her other favourite artist.

“I was a huge fan of her as well, and it was mainly she and Michael I listened to as a child. They really did have such an impact on me when I was growing up. Their music is unique and nobody can touch them.”

“Thriller isn’t a tribute show – it’s about taking all those little things that make Michael who he is, and celebrating what makes him so great.”

Thriller Live will be shown at Venue Cymru at 7.30pm on June 24, with tickets starting from £19.50. For more information contact 01492 872000 or visit www.venuecymru.co.uk