Andy Abraham
| Andy Abraham | |
|---|---|
|
Abraham signing autographs at The X Factor | |
| Background information | |
| Born |
17 July 1964 North London, England |
| Genres | Pop |
| Occupation(s) | Singer-songwriter |
| Years active | 2005–present |
| Labels | Sony BMG (2006–07) |
| Website |
www |
Andrew "Andy" Abraham (born 16 July 1964 in North London, England) is a British singer. He was the runner-up in the second UK series of TV talent show The X Factor in 2005 to Shayne Ward, and also represented the United Kingdom in the Eurovision Song Contest 2008.
Before applying for The X Factor, Abraham was a refuse collector. Prior to this he worked as a bus driver for Arriva London North based at Palmers Green bus garage. Abraham has two children by his wife Denise, a daughter called Tara and a son called Jacob. He is of Grenadian descent.
Career
2005: The X Factor
Abraham was narrowly beaten to the top spot on The X Factor by Shayne Ward by 1.2% of the national public vote. Abraham was mentored throughout the competition by Sharon Osbourne although fellow judges Simon Cowell and Louis Walsh also praised the singer highly throughout the competition. Other performers who came to prominence in the same series of The X Factor were finalists Journey South and quarter-finalist Chico Slimani.
After The X Factor
On 26 March 2006, Abraham's debut album entered the UK album chart at number two, selling 176,000 copies in its first week and being beaten to the top spot by Journey South.
In 2006, Abraham's debut album was the twelfth highest selling album of the year with total sales of around 300,000.
Abraham's second album, Soul Man, was not as popular yet it still managed to make the Top 20 in the UK Charts. The album included the Christmas song "December Brings Me Back To You", a duet with television presenter Michael Underwood.
A Very Best Of album was released in May 2008.
His third studio album, Even If, was released in June 2008 to positive reviews, and its title track reached number 67 in the UK Charts. Album sales were not helped by its distribution company Pinnacle Entertainment (UK) going into administration due to the downturn in the economy. The album was released digitally on iTunes in March 2009.
Abraham released the Christmas single "Oh Holy Night" in December 2009.
On 3 August 2008, it was reported in The Daily Star Sunday newspaper that Abraham had told friends that he would not release any further material, and instead he would concentrate on becoming a property developer. However, on 6 August 2008, Abraham announced on his website that this was not true.
In January 2010 Andy signed up with celebrity management agency Champions (UK) Plc who are working on new material with Andy as well as a number of exciting projects. On 14 March 2010 Andy performed at Arsenal player Theo Walcott's 21st birthday party, alongside Beverley Knight.
In 2012 Andy released his fourth album "Remember When", a collection of the songs that influenced him over the years and two new songs. It was released as a book package, with Andy's comments on why he chose each song for the album, some copies also came with an accompanying making of DVD.
Eurovision 2008
On 1 March 2008, Abraham won Eurovision – Your Decision 2008, the UK selection for the Eurovision Song Contest 2008, held on 24 May 2008, with his song "Even If". He was selected as a wild card in Eurovision – Your Decision by Terry Wogan and won the contest in a sing-off with favourite Michelle Gayle through a public vote.
In the final, Abraham finished equal last of the 25 entries, sharing 14 points (obtained from San Marino and Ireland) alongside Germany and Poland.[1] In addition to becoming only the second UK act ever to come last in Eurovision, Abraham also became the first since 1989 not to hit the top 40 singles chart, peaking at number 67. Of all the UK entries that have made the singles chart (only three did not), it is the second least successful ever.
Touring
Andy Abraham did a variety of shows up and down the country. In his show An evening with Andy Abraham, he sang "Whenever you need me" with a children's choir. The children's choir were named by Andy to be the best kids he had worked with and were featured in the stagecoach magazine.
During 2012-2013 he has toured both in the "History of the Big Bands" and "Boogie Nights" as lead vocalist.
In April 2015, Abraham took to the stage in the musical Godspell. The show concluded in May.[2]
Discography
Albums
| Year | Album details | Chart peak positions | Certifications | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK | IRE | |||
| 2006 | The Impossible Dream[3]
|
2 | 1 |
|
| 2006 | Soul Man
|
19 | 22 |
|
| 2008 | The Very Best Of
|
- | - | |
| 2008 | Even If
|
- | - | |
Singles
| Year | Song | Chart positions | Album | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK | IRE | |||
| 2006 | "Hang Up" | 63 | 14 | The Impossible Dream |
| "December Brings Me Back to You" | 18 | - | Soul Man | |
| 2008 | "Even If" | 67 | - | Even If |
References
- ↑ "Russia scoops Eurovision victory". BBC News. 24 May 2008. Archived from the original on 26 May 2008. Retrieved 2008-05-25.
- ↑ "Jade Ewen and Andy Abraham on Tour in Godspell". 7 March 2015.
- ↑ "Andy Abraham - The Impossible Dream - Music Charts". Acharts.us. Retrieved 2014-01-17.
- ↑ "Matt Cardle interview: 'I don't want next album to be overproduced'". digitalspy.co.uk. Retrieved 18 January 2012.
- ↑ "Certified Awards". BPI. Retrieved 18 September 2013.
| Preceded by Scooch with "Flying the Flag (for You)" |
UK in the Eurovision Song Contest 2008 |
Succeeded by Jade Ewen with "It's My Time" |
External links
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Andy Abraham. |
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