Sunday, June 29, 2008, 12:43 pm
Britain’s Got Talent choirboy Andrew Johnston has signed a £1 million deal with Simon Cowell’s record label.
The 13-year-old with the voice of an angel will release his first album later this year.
Andrew melted hearts when he sang Pie Jesu on the ITV talent show, reducing judge Amanda Holden to tears.
The council estate boy from Carlisle spoke movingly of being bullied at school for his singing.
currently Head Chorister at Carlisle Cathedral in Britain.
He came third in the Britain’s Got Talent final earlier this month, behind dance duo Signature and eventual winner George Sampson, and exited the stage in floods of tears.
But he is all smiles now after landing the deal with Cowell’s SyCo label, a subsidiary of music giant Sony BMG.
“I can’t believe it. I’m so excited. It’s a dream come true,” Andrew said.
A spokesperson for SyCo said: “We are absolutely delighted to be working with Andrew. He is incredibly talented and has huge potential.”
An insider said the multi-album deal is worth in the region of £1 million, although Andrew’s earning potential may be restricted by the fact that his voice will break in the next few years.
His first appearance on Britain’s Got Talent drew inevitable comparisons with Aled Jones.
He is the second runner-up to get a deal, after Cowell snapped up classical quartet Escala. The music mogul is also in negotiations with schoolgirl singer Faryl Smith.
Andrew’s performances on the show have been viewed over 15 million times on YouTube.
He is currently appearing on the nationwide Britain’s Got Talent tour and will begin work on his album as soon as it comes to an end.
The 13-year-old with the voice of an angel will release his first album later this year.
Andrew melted hearts when he sang Pie Jesu on the ITV talent show, reducing judge Amanda Holden to tears.
The council estate boy from Carlisle spoke movingly of being bullied at school for his singing.
currently Head Chorister at Carlisle Cathedral in Britain.
He came third in the Britain’s Got Talent final earlier this month, behind dance duo Signature and eventual winner George Sampson, and exited the stage in floods of tears.
But he is all smiles now after landing the deal with Cowell’s SyCo label, a subsidiary of music giant Sony BMG.
“I can’t believe it. I’m so excited. It’s a dream come true,” Andrew said.
A spokesperson for SyCo said: “We are absolutely delighted to be working with Andrew. He is incredibly talented and has huge potential.”
An insider said the multi-album deal is worth in the region of £1 million, although Andrew’s earning potential may be restricted by the fact that his voice will break in the next few years.
His first appearance on Britain’s Got Talent drew inevitable comparisons with Aled Jones.
He is the second runner-up to get a deal, after Cowell snapped up classical quartet Escala. The music mogul is also in negotiations with schoolgirl singer Faryl Smith.
Andrew’s performances on the show have been viewed over 15 million times on YouTube.
He is currently appearing on the nationwide Britain’s Got Talent tour and will begin work on his album as soon as it comes to an end.
