gary barlow | CELEBRITY INTERVIEW
» And the lead single Let Me Go – I think it’s got a bit of a country feel about it!
I guess so! At the time when I was pulling the record together, I was listening to a lot of singer-songwriters – in particular, I’ve gone back to a Johnny Cash-era, so that tempo comes from there. The ‘folk’ thing has always been there with me. If you listen to songs like Back For Good, there’s a folk element in there, it’s just that they’re all mixed in with a lot of pop songs as well. This, to me, is quite a good area for my voice, it’s a good area to tell a story during a song, it’s got some good lyrics, and it feels right. It feels like something I’ve never done before, really.
whole format of the show. He did very, very well – and the great message I wanted my contestants to see was how hard he’s worked since the show. Really, there’s no substitution for that. It’s the first thing I want to kill off with any of the contestants. ‘If you think you’ve won a golden ticket – forget it. There isn’t one. It’s called hard work and determination.’ He’s the poster boy for that! Was it best you didn’t have Robbie?
In my first ‘Judges House’ I had Robbie, and we’ve got to share these people round! during the pre-recorded stage of the show, did you sit down and watch it every weekend – and did you ever think: ‘Why did
After all the success with Take That, you joined The x Factor
I say that?’
panel three years ago – how nerve-wracking was it, knowing
No – the kids did it for me! ‘Daddy, what are you doing? You’re so embarrassing!’ I got it in the neck!
you were taking Simon cowell’s seat?
Yes, there was that…! I’ve been on TV a lot in my career, but you soon realise that you haven’t ever been on TV in that kind of a role, and it’s a very… I don’t know… it’s very exposing, that role. Your opinions and how you behave, it’s all on camera for people to watch on a Saturday night. What I learned really quickly was you’ve got to be yourself, because audiences aren’t stupid at all! They would see straight through it if you tried on an act and be something you’re not. I learned very quickly I’ve got to be how I am at home, and just try and translate it to TV. It’s been a lot of fun! In particular, I’ve had more fun this year than the last two combined. It’s been brilliant.
What’s the best thing and the worst thing about being a judge on the x Factor?
The worst is the bad news – no-one wants to do bad news – I wish I didn’t have to! You’re given a role to do on a show and I think people want to hear what you think. If I think, compared to everyone else, you weren’t that good – that’s what everyone’s thinking at home, and that’s why I’m there. The best thing is going ‘that was the most incredible thing I’ve ever seen’. You’re almost brought to tears. That’s the magic. That’s what I joined for. To try and nurture people to be even better than they are. You seem to be the voice of reason – the other members of
We’ve watched you mentoring the ‘groups’ on TV – I don’t
that judging panel are quite fiery characters!
think I’ve seen so many people in tears since Take That split
You’ve got to be, really. It’s hard work and all the rest of it – but I’m just sat there telling people what I think on a Saturday night. It’s not hard to do – I do look back and think I know quite a lot about this industry. I would’ve loved someone to tell me when I was 17 what I should’ve done. I’d have loved that. I do see the really talented ones, they really want to know.
up.
You’re probably right! It was very emotional. If you were to speak to anybody who was in the audience, it was really dramatic. While Sharon was doing hers, I was like an audience member. Who’s she going to choose! I think it was great TV. There’s 50 per cent of me that’s aware that there’s a cruel side to it, especially for the youngsters – but they know what they’re in for when they go on the show. That’s the only way I can defend it really.
If Take That went onto a show like The x Factor, would you put them through?
Oh, definitely! Absolutely! That lead singer? He’s brilliant! Who is that guy?
Robbie staying with Sharon, and olly Murs went with you to
Looking ahead – what’s the situation with Take That? When
America. He’s obviously been through the show before – so I
can we expect any new material from the band?
imagine he had plenty of advice for your groups?
Soon I hope! I want to get everybody into the studio in 2014 and tour the year after. That’s the plan!
He was a good guest for me, just because he’s been through the
CATCH GARY AND THE X FACTOR GANG EVERY SATURDAY ON ITV
during the ‘Judges Houses’ stage, we saw your bandmate
placesandfaces.co.uk | december 2013
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