[Amy]

This is from todays Sun Newspaper

GARETH GATES has been sensationally dumped by his label, I can reveal.

The Pop Idol runner-up, tipped for worldwide fame following his showing on the TV talent show, has been “let go” by recording label BMG.

The crunch came at a party at London’s Royal Albert Hall on April 19 when Gareth had to sing.

His performance was so disappointing that unimpressed record execs decided to terminate the spiky-haired singer’s contract.

It is not known whether Gareth has been given the bad news yet.

A BMG insider told me last night: “It has finally happened. Gareth’s time at BMG records has come to an end.

“He’s a lovely chap with great resilience but he simply doesn’t sell records any more.

"There were initial meetings two months ago saying he was to be canned but the final decision didn’t come until very recently.

“To be honest, there were a few big players who saw Gareth at the Royal Albert Hall a few weeks ago and they weren’t very impressed.

“It’s the end of an era in pop. There’s no doubt that just a couple of years ago Gareth was the biggest pop star in Britain.”

For full article Click here

[Romantic Old Bird]

Well, I have to say, it had gone very quiet on that front.

I don't think the Jordan revelations have helped his appeal to the pre-pubescent ones, or their mums and grans.

You know what, he will just have to get used to, as David Bowie said:

"Ch-ch-ch-ch-ch-ch-ch-ch-changes.........."



What???

Politically incorrect?

Moi?

[Amy]

ROB

Gareth did well to begin with but, I think, Will was always going to have a longer and more successful career than Gareth!

[James]

What have his record sales been like? That's all that record company bean counters are interested in.

[Kaz]

Album sales, to be more exact James. Record companies don't make money from singles . . . . they're released more as adverts to entice the public to buy albums - that's were the big profit margin is.

So . . . . . . . .

Gareth's last (double) album 'Go Your Own Way' charted at No. 11, spent a couple of weeks in the chart and then disappeared out of the Top 40. Total sales so far of just over 100,000. VERY POOR. In fact, plans to release a 4th single from the album were scrapped - no point throwing more good money after bad.

As a comparison, Will's album 'Friday's Child' entered at No. 1, after 5 months is still at No 23 in the chart, and so far has sold over 1.3 million copies. THAT'S what the record companies want.

Have no sympathy really for Gareth - he believed too much in the hype surrounding him . . . . lying about the Jordan 'affair' did him absolutely no favours, and he even said in a couple of interviews abroad that he was bigger than the winner of Pop Idol!

Do feel sorry for his few remaining faithful fans though - they must be devastated. I'm sure another record company will be interested in signing him, though - but not one with as much clout as BMG.

[Romantic Old Bird]

Originally posted by Kaz


Have no sympathy really for Gareth - he believed too much in the hype surrounding him ..

I have got a little bit of sympathy for him though Kaz.

He was such a young lad, and obviously very 'precious' to his Mum and Dad. His immaturity left him very vulnerable.

Will was (and is) very grounded and sensible.

Gareth was like a child in a sweetshop - 0nly with hormones and endless available females.


I do agree, the Jordan revelations didn't help his appeal. Don't forget she must have sought him out too.

I'm all for independent women, and her image may be currently getting a make-over, but let's face it, she is a complete strumpet. Not a jot better than she should be!

[BusyBee]

I too think that part of Gareth's trouble was the hype that surrounded him - it started as soon as he showed up for the audition - he was the architypical good looking lad who could sing and looked like a pop idol. Unfortunately for him even though Simon pushed and pushed him to win - the best person one and Will's career has shown that the result was the right one.

I think as well he was a young lad who was thrown into the spotlight at a very young age and it went to his head. Makes you wonder how Sam will cope if he gets a big hit.

[AndyJK]

Gareth did one decent song ("Stupid Mistake"? I think that's the title). The rest seemed to be all cover versions of songs I've heard a million times before, sung no better than your average bloke on stage at a karaoke. Seriously.

There is no doubt in my mind Will Young deserved to win Pop Idol. He at least has talent, a unique voice and the ability to write songs.

[Amy]

I love your banner Andy, very nice

[AndyJK]

Originally posted by Amy
I love your banner Andy, very nice

Thanks Amy .

[Janette]

Originally posted by AndyJK
There is no doubt in my mind Will Young deserved to win Pop Idol. He at least has talent, a unique voice and the ability to write songs.

Hear Hear!

[BBBB]

Could see that coming from day one.