| Gareth Gates - Pop Goes The Idol We've read from your biography that you regard Cliff Richard as one of your most inspirational artists. Is it an influence from your mum? That's not true. ELVIS is my ultimate idol. It's been reported that you are intending to move to a more R&B sound in your next record. Why the change? I do want my next album to be a bit different yes -- a bit edgier, a bit sexier, R&B-ish with a bit more bass. It's good to have a change. Is the reported duet with Romeo from So Solid Crew still going on? No. You and Will Young did a version of "The Long And Winding Road." Is that your favorite Beatles song? The "Long And Winding Road" is a fantastic song and we loved doing it. I quite often play piano and sing "Yesterday" if I am doing an acoustic set. Other than singing, you play the piano, guitar and drums as well. Are there plans to, perhaps, show the instrumental side of you more? Yes, definitely! I hope to play all the instruments on my next album and do more acoustic live sets. Your famous spike fetched �651 at the Comic Relief Charity Auction. What do you think the winner of the auction is going to do with your hair? Wow! I didn't know that! Thanks, brilliant! You are doing the Comic Relief single this year, which is a remake of Norman Greenbaum classic "Spirit In The Sky," with a video about a bad hair day saved by The Kumars. Was it fun making the video? "Spirit In The Sky" is a single for charity and it's raised thousands of pounds. I'm really proud. When I wake up feeling like it's a bad hair day I put on some pumping music and that's always makes things better. Your driving test results were announced publicly on the Comic Relief show, were you disappointed that you didn't pass? Of course. But I've been told that all the best drivers fail first time! Any plans to re-take the test again in the near future? Yes, when I have a few lessons -- but it'll be soon. Which type of cars do you fancy? Not sure yet. My favorite car is a Ferrari but I think it's a bit soon for one of those! What's next for Gareth Gates? We read that you hope to conquer America. Are there good, solid plans yet? Not just yet but that would be a dream come true for me. At the moment, I am concentrating on Europe. |