Only Boys Aloud
| Only Boys Aloud | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Wales |
| Genres | Choral music |
| Occupations | Youth choir |
| Years active | 2010–present |
| Labels | Relentless UK |
| Associated acts | Only Men Aloud |
| Website | www.onlyboysaloud.com |
| Members | Choral members |
Only Boys Aloud (OBA) is a choir based in the South Wales Valleys in Wales made up of boys aged 14–19. It was set up in 2010 by choral director Tim Rhys-Evans and members of Only Men Aloud. They finished third in Britain's Got Talent in May 2012.
Besides the choral function, the choir also has a social side. They intend to give the participating boys a way to broaden their horizons, grow in ability and self-confidence and keep out of trouble.[1]
History
The boys' inaugural appearance took place at the National Eisteddfod at Ebbw Vale in 2010.[2] Since then, they have appeared at many events, including at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff with Dame Shirley Bassey and Catherine Zeta-Jones in the "Ryder Cup Welcome to Wales" concert.[3]
In December 2011, they joined forces with their father company, Only Men Aloud, to perform on the final night of Only Men Aloud's arena tour at the Motorpoint Arena Cardiff and also featured on their Christmas CD.[citation needed] They have been the subject of two TV documentaries[citation needed] and appeared on BBC's Songs of Praise.[4]
They gained publicity when they auditioned for the ITV talent show Britain's Got Talent. They performed "Calon Lân" in their audition, which was aired on the first audition episode on 24 March 2012. With support of all judges, they progressed to the semi-finals. In the semi-final on 6 May, they performed "Gwahoddiad". After a split decision of the judges (2–2), the public vote sent them to the finals. In the final, on 12 May, they again performed "Calon Lân" and finished third in the competition.[5]
Subsequent interest in OBA has been at an all-time high with OBA and its performance of "Calon Lân" both trending worldwide on twitter and the self-same performance receiving over four million hits on YouTube to date.[citation needed]
In August 2012, it was announced that Only Boys Aloud had signed a record deal with Relentless Records–Sony Music. The news was announced at the opening concert of the National Eisteddfod in the Vale of Glamorgan.
Only Boys Aloud released the song "The Prayer" with Jonathan & Charlotte, on the debut album of the crossover duo from Essex, called Together.
Their self-titled debut album was released in November 2012.[6][7] "Calon Lân" went into the number one position on the iTunes classical singles chart[citation needed] and the choir developed a list of TV and radio credits, including This Morning, Songs of Praise, Who Wants To Be A Millionaire: Christmas Special, All Star Christmas Presents, Stepping Out with Katherine Jenkins and the The X Factor final in 2012.
References
- ↑ "About Only Boys Aloud". Onlyboysaloud.com. Retrieved 11 December 2012.
- ↑ "Feast of entertainment lined up at 2012 Vale National Eisteddfod". South West Argus. 14 March 2012. Retrieved 19 May 2012.
- ↑ Best, Jessica (30 September 2010). "Stellar line-up wows Millennium Stadium for Ryder Cup gala". South West Argus. Retrieved 19 May 2012.
- ↑ "BBC One – Songs of Praise, Welsh Voices". bbc.co.uk. 4 March. Retrieved 11 December 2012.
- ↑ "Only Boys Aloud soar to third place Britain's Got Talent finish". Walesonline.co.uk. Retrieved 11 December 2012.
- ↑ Price, Karen (4 August 2012). "Only Boys Aloud sign major record deal - Showbiz - Life & Style". Walesonline.co.uk. Retrieved 11 December 2012.
- ↑ Collar, Matt. "Only Boys Aloud - Only Boys Aloud : Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards". AllMusic. Retrieved 11 December 2012.
External links
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