AP News, June 21st, 2007
Sometimes even the most acid-tongued critics are left speechless.
Paul Potts, 36, took to the stage of a British TV talent show as an unassuming mobile phone salesman from Wales, but after stunning judges with a virtuoso rendition of the aria "Nessun Dorma," he left it a star.
Even acerbic "American Idol" judge Simon Cowell melted as Potts sang Puccini's masterpiece from the opera "Turandot," clinching the show's $200,000 prize with a display of pitch and tone most professional tenors would be proud to boast.
"I'm an ordinary bloke who just loves singing," Potts said after his win Sunday on "Britain's Got Talent."
His performance has propelled Potts into the hearts of the British public and on Thursday he will try to woo American audiences as he starts a publicity tour in New York. He's also just signed a record deal with Cowell's Syco Music.
However, Potts may be a newcomer to the public but not to singing: He said he spent a lot of money _ $24,000 to be exact _ on lessons to hone his craft.
Four years ago, Potts joined a semiprofessional opera company, taking lead tenor roles in productions including Verdi's "Aida", and Mozart's "Don Giovanni" and "The Marriage Of Figaro."
But despite these successes, Potts said he almost gave up on his dream _ before his star-making turn on the British talent show.
Potts said he plans to spend his winnings on fixing his crooked teeth so he can smile without feeling self-conscious. "But whatever I do I'm not going to change who I am," he said.
He's already got one big concert on his schedule: As part of his prize for winning, he gets to perform for Queen Elizabeth II at a royal variety show on Dec. 3.
