Will Young proved to Liverpool last night that he has still got it two decades later.
The singer marked 20 years since being crowned Pop Idol champion by putting on a concert, that even I, someone who was three-years-old when he first graced our TV screens, was in awe of.
In many ways, Will is a symbol of a specific era in pop history, a turning point that ushered in the TV music competition that is today part and parcel of the cultural landscape. As the winner of the first-ever Pop Idol in 2002, he remains a cherished household name amongst many, not only as a singer but as an actor, author, broadcaster and LGBTQ+ figure.
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Now, years later, Will showed he hasn’t lost his touch and certified he can still entertain a crowd with his Will Young - 20 Years Tour. When the 43-year-old first took to the stage in the intimate Royal Liverpool Philamonric venue, on Tuesday, October 25, and kicked off his setlist with Evergreen - setting the bar high - guests knew it was going to be money well spent. Reminding fans of his vocal talent, the noughties reality show winner stunned the audience with his own take on The Beatles’ The Long and Winding Road, a song he originally dueted with Gareth Gates on and the Door’s Light my Fire.
Much like the supporting act, Will knew how to connect with the guests. Sweetening them up, he confessed he has always had a love for the city and has always been thankful for the support he's had. He then went on to answer questions from fans before sharing some secrets that shouldn’t fall on the ears of those who are 16 and under. Sharing that side of his life, in a way, showed Will to be humble and proved he hasn’t let the fame nor fans go to his head.
Having said all this, I will admit I was a little confused by the singer's clothing choice. Although his outfit did compliment the band and backup singers, the all-white suit with ruffles down the shirt felt a little disjointed and almost from a different era in comparison to the genre of music.
While my appreciation of Will Young only goes so far, probably because of my age, the crowd made it clear they were more than happy to see Will back in the city doing what he does best - especially the group of women who shouted “We love you Will” any and every time there was a five-second silence.
Will’s setlist lasted for an hour and a half and but before this, Scouser Kris James, Will’s support act, was the perfect warm-up. His infectious music and vocals were only amplified by the minimalist set and the choice of light, which each time flawlessly matched the tone of the song.
Playing a range of hits, including his latest single, Home, as well as covers of Harry Styles’ Golden and Cher’s Believe, it was the perfect blend of songs to allow everyone to get involved - even those who weren’t familiar with Kris’ music, while still letting the crowd know he was an artist in his own right.
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