[Graeme]

Gareth Gates could become an Opera Idol

Gareth Gates says if he doesn't win Pop Idol he could become an opera star instead.

He says he has been offered a place at the Royal Northern College of Music.

Gareth says if nothing comes from his appearances on Pop Idol he will study opera.

"I am classically trained on all my instruments, piano, guitar, drums, and I also sing. I'm on grade eight for my instruments, which is quite good," he tells the London Evening Standard.

"It's only been in the last eight months that I have decided to sing pop. I was going to go into opera.

"I was going to go to music college in September. I went to an audition and they have now offered me a place to study opera at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester," says Gareth.

"They offered the place to me in the middle of Pop Idol. I have that option open if nothing comes of this, but hopefully something will."

found ananova.com