What does a former rock and roll tour manager say about a classical tenor who won a reality show (the first Britain's Got Talent ) in 2007? In the two years since his victory on that show, Paul Potts has rounded the globe six times, sold almost four million copies of his first CD, "One Chance," won the German equivalent of a Grammy, been the toast of Europe, the Far East, Australia, New Zealand & Canada ("One Chance" being certified platinum many times over in all those countries), embarked on a seemingly endless tour, sang for the Queen of England, and managed to fit in appearances on Ellen, Oprah & countless television gigs across the world.
In the midst of it all, Paul Potts has managed to record a second album, the beautiful, well-crafted "Passione", and embarked on his new tour and seventh circumnavigation of Planet Earth. When he landed at the Rosemont Theatre July 20th, the assemblage paid homage to the British tenor - loudly and fervently. The show, a generous two and a half hours long, revealed how hard Paul Potts has worked these last two years since the victory on BGT. On the surface at least, he appears to be supremely confident in his vocal abilities, without losing the everyman appeal with which he began. From the opening song, an Italian interpretation of Roberta Flack's "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face," through "Memory", "Caruso" and a Mario Lanza medley, a song dedicted to his wife, Julz - "I'm Yours" and a song written for him, "Bellamore" from "Passione," Pott's amazingly strong and clear tenor, with a tone all its own, ended the show with "Time To Say Goodbye" and the inevitable "Nessun Dorma." When he finished, a 10-minute standing ovation ensued and he more or less exited the stage bowing as he went.
The sentiment seemed to be "Hey, Paul! Do it all again!" Paul Potts, who was not exactly chopped liver when he won BGT two years ago has, nevertheless, improved in voice and confidence and presentation and yet managed to remain the same talented, lovable klutz we went nuts over at the beginning. Though his audience is mostly middle-aged females such as myself, a brother, two teenage nieces into music other than classical and several males of various ages shanghaied for the occasion, all said the same thing - this guy is unbelievable/when's he coming back? - and from the nieces: Wow! And out in the lobby after the show, Paul Potts signed programs, CD's, and met the adoring multitudes. While theatre staff were, no doubt, checking their watches, Pottsmaniacs adored up close. It was, all in all, an evening to remember and as much as I hate to admit it, it beat the hell out of the Rolling Stones.