Last updated at 13:40, Friday, 26 September 2008

Singing schoolboy Andrew Johnston has come a long way since his first nervous audition on Britain’s Got Talent just six months ago.

• Video: Andrew Johnston sings

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Carlisle Cathedral’s former head chorister has, however, tried to savour every moment of his rapid rise to stardom – and is excitedly awaiting the release of his eagerly-anticipated debut album on Monday.

Its mere recording is a major achievement for a boy who not so long ago appeared as though nerves would get the better of him before he performed on the big stage.

But the Trinity School pupil, who celebrated his 14th birthday this week, has overcome his jitters in style – and proved a point to the bullies who once teased him for his musical tastes.

Andrew, of Stanwix, is looking forward to seeing his album, One Voice, hit the shelves.

He told The Cumberland News: “It will be weird, really weird, to see my own album. It’s so exciting. I can’t wait.”

After finishing third in TV talent show Britain’s Got Talent, Andrew won a lucrative recording contract with Simon Cowell’s label SyCo, part of entertainment giants Sony BMG.

The music mogul had the Cumbrian pegged out as a potential star from the moment he first sang for him, former national newspaper editor Piers Morgan and actress Amanda Holden in early April.

He said then that Andrew did not realise how good he was. Cowell obviously did and kept a close eye on the young hopeful’s progress while he recorded One Voice during the summer holidays.

The songs on it include Pie Jesu – the song for which he found fame – as well as Eric Clapton’s Tears In Heaven, another song he performed for millions of television viewers.

Andrew has certainly grown in confidence since he first performed for Cowell and co.

He’s since performed to live audiences at Carlisle United’s Brunton Park, Carlisle Live in Bitts Park, Carlisle Cathedral – and in London’s Hyde Park for Mr Lloyd Webber’s 60th birthday.

Andrew admits first performing on Britain’s Got Talent was daunting.

He said: “It was scary singing in front of 2,500 people. I had never sang on stage before – then there was also Simon, Amanda and Piers.

“I have become more confident. I don’t get as nervous as I did before.”

Over the past few weeks Andrew has had to balance his school work with touring TV studios promoting One Voice, appearing on the likes of GMTV.

“It has been an amazing experience – just a great opportunity,” he admitted. “Going to GMTV and meeting Fiona [Phillips] and Ben [Shepherd] was good fun.”

Andrew’s also had to get used to being recognised in the street, but says the support from his home city has been fantastic. “People look at me twice when they see me because I’m bigger than I look on television, but it’s been great.”

Andrew’s voice and tale of how he was determined to beat his bullies endeared him to millions of television viewers.

He said: “I just want to put all that to the side. I want to help others who have been bullied achieve their aims.”

The former choirboy is open about what the future could hold. “Hopefully I’ll get another album,” he said.

But despite all he’s been through, he insists he’s just a teenager from Carlisle.

“A few months ago I didn’t think about any of this, then my mum put me forward for the audition.

“It’s been a whole new experience, but I’m still that normal kid. I’m just trying to make the most of it all.”

Andrew will celebrate his album’s launch on Wednesday when he will sign copies of his CD at Carlisle’s Woolworths store.

He will be there from 4pm and fans are advised to arrive early to avoid disappointment.

Andrew Johnston’s debut album One Voice is released on Monday.

First published at 05:42, Friday, 26 September 2008
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk