GreatGGfan

I might be biased, but I think that Gareth has the best voice of all the singers on this album. All the performers are good, of course, but Gareth has that extra 'something'. His clear, strong voice is superb and I particularly like 'Why God Why' from Miss Saigon (would love to see him take on the role in that show). The album is very enjoyable on the whole and Gareth's inclusion makes it even more so. Looking forward to Gareth possibly taking on another West End role, 'Miss Saigon' or 'Wicked' would be nice. Bravo, Gareth!

Thanks for your message, Val. Glad to report that I received my CD in the post today. It is not a 'signed' copy but I expect that only applied to those that were 'pre-ordered', or a certain number of the first ones sent out. However, I'm not too fussed about that, I'm just pleased to have received it now (hoping to give it a listen this evening).

Thanks for letting us know that you have received your CD's, Val and NicolaJayne. I ordered my copy on 23rd March from Spekulation, but have not received it yet. I will keep an eye on my letterbox as I know it is actually 'out there' now! I will have to give them a nudge if it hasn't arrived in the next few days.

Hi folks, Just got around to commenting on last night's show. I thought Gareth was brill, as always. Interesting to see how different he looks now, to when he was 17 (as you said Snowdrop, NOT 18!) In fact, I believe Gareth still holds the record on being the youngest ever UK Male to have a number 1 single. (Not that we heard anything on the show about his success since Pop Idol, which is a shame!) I'm pleased that responses on Twitter, etc. appear to be positive. Let's hope it's done him some good! I was also worried that Simon Cowell's comments about Will would throw a spanner in the works for Gareth, but it doesn't seem to have done, thank goodness! Like a lot of you (and Simon Cowell have said) I still cannot watch the 2002 final even though, in reality (pardon the pun!) there were truly two winners on the night, with just over 4 million votes each! (It really could have gone either way!)

Just want to throw my penny's worth in, in case no-one has mentioned it before. Gareth and Jonathan were both in the TV show "Greasemania" a few years back. Also, I remember Jonathan being interviewed at Gareth's opening night as Joseph. But I had no idea they had been friends for so long. I hope their venture is a roaring success (can't see why it wouldn't be!)

Loved the interview and didn't he speak well! Great that they captured so much about him in just a few minutes. If he returns to recording, would love him to put his Valentines "set list" onto a CD!

There is a pic of Gareth and Denise in the taxi in today's Daily Mirror (Thurs 3rd Feb). Its in the 3am column (and for once, they haven't made any catty remarks about him!)

Yes, Linda, I seem to remember that Gareth was offered Marius either at Queens or on tour, and chose the tour as it was a "new" staging. He has done the right thing, as I'm sure more people have seen him playing the role on tour, than would have seen him in the West End. Plus, he has now "proved" himself over the past year and Cam Mac is obviously in no doubt that he is perfect for the role. It is very exciting that Gareth is going to become a big West End star. He has the "name" of course, and can now back it up with a solid reputation as a stage performer. It is also his second West End role, having already done Joseph, and I'm sure he will be offered many roles in the future (in fact, he may well be in so much demand that he might have to turn some down!) I know that Gareth has voiced an ambition to return to pop at some stage, but I would like to see him continue in musical theatre for some time to come, I feel he is wasted on pop music. It would be lovely to buy his records of course, but I feel that he prefers being on stage in front of an audience than being closeted away in a recording studio. He loves performing and has such "stage presence" (in fact he has the "X Factor" that Simon Cowell continues to look for!)

Good news, we finally know what he's doing until June! Cameron Mackintosh is obviously very impressed with him (for good reason). I wondered if he might have been booked for "Soho Cinders", but don't know when that starts, maybe that's a future plan?

I know the Diana Ross version of this song, though there are many others (a YouTube search for it will call up many singers performing it). The DR one is on a "Christmas" album, and while not a Christmas song as such, I suppose it fits in with the religious theme of the show. Gareth will do an excellent job as always I'm sure. It must take him back to his "Choirboy" roots!

Cameron Mackintosh calls him "The wonderful Gareth Gates". Michael Ball calls his version of Empty Chairs "awesome". I would like to add "stunning" to the list. As you said, Val, pitch perfect and also his diction is amazing, you can hear every word clearly. He didn't just sing it, he acted that song. The range in his voice is amazing. Remember the "bud" we saw forming in Pop Idol. He has now blossomed and is currently in full bloom. I feel privileged to have witnessed his journey into a major star. Can't wait to see what the future holds.

Only have to wait until tomorrow now! I have "spread the word" to several friends and family, who will be watching or recording (not "Gareth fanatics" as such, but like to see how he's doing). I bet they will be surprised as most of them will remember him from his pop star days. Michael's show ratings should leap up for Wednesday!

As the CD now "physically" exists (at Bristol!) it can't be long before it goes on general release. I can't wait either! Maybe they will do a bit of TV advertising when it actually hits the shops? There must be a reason why there is a delay, so maybe they are preparing a marketing plan.

By far the best version of Empty Chairs I have ever heard! Utterly fantastic performance as always, in all the songs. Well done that man!

Lovely to see Gareth and Suzanne win on Mr and Mrs, well done! The Bobby Moore Fund must be so pleased that Gareth supports them (winnings from Mr and Mrs, Family Fortunes, etc.) The guy is such a great supporter of charity. Does anyone remember a 17-year-old lad saying "if I was to become famous, I really want to help people who are in need..........." He meant every word, bless him!