Anthony Russell is "anxious" to deliver as he prepares to perform at his eagerly anticipated album launch party.
The singer, known as Tighto, shot to stardom as a fresh faced 17-year-old on series four of the X Factor in 2007. The 33-year-old has since experienced a rollercoaster career that has been rocked with addiction struggles.
His path to redemption appeared to be complete when he returned to the ITV talent contest as an accomplished performer in 2018 as he showcased his vocal range to record an impressive third place finish. However, there was a twist in the tale as he was hit with another setback when he was forced to quit the X Factor nationwide tour to enter rehab.
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Anthony previously told the ECHO how this was his lowest moment, but he has since worked hard to get on top of his personal troubles and has now been sober for nearly three years. The Bootle singer's path is now moving in the right direction and he has channelled the difficult times to produce a raw and authentic new album named By The River that captures the hardship of everyday life.
Anthony is preparing to officially launch his debut album with a show at the Camp and Furnace next month and is eager to repay the people who have stood by him throughout his road to recovery.
He told the ECHO: "People are starting to support the cause and show me the love again after I let them down. That support is priceless and it is why I do the music.
"People are giving me major love for what my passion is. I owe it to them and I just want to deliver and go out with a bang." Anthony will perform the album in full at a jam-packed event at the Baltic Triangle venue on February 16.
The singer said he was "honoured" to stage his comeback at the Camp and Furnace, but admitted he initially felt nervous about having the event at such a renowned space.
He said: "I didn't think I'd be doing a venue as big as the Camp and Furnace as soon as I come back. I was thinking this might be too big a venue for me, but I'm taking chances."
He added: "I was a bit anxious thinking what if people think I'm a washout or just a cover artist. But, this is the success that I've got by being sober, putting work in writing and getting my head down to make this album."
Anthony has vowed to use his nerves in a positive manner to give fans a "night to remember". He said: "We all get anxious thoughts and think what if it doesn't work out, but I'm focused. Nerves are good when you use them well because they keep you on your toes.
"Getting back on to the road of doing this type of stuff has just given me the hunger to do this more and more. This is what I was meant to do. Everyone is raving about it and I've just got to come through now and give them what they want."
Anthony has put together a stellar line-up of local Scouse talent to perform on the night such as Louis Smith, Ellis Murphy and Fiona Lennon, who recently supported Jamie Webster. Anthony said it was important for him that the evening showed off the best of Merseyside.
He said: "It's giving love back and trying to help local talent in the city. If I'm coming up as well, I want to help others. That's what it should be all about in music. Helping other people rise because you know how hard it is when you're trying to get on somewhere.
"Real songs from real experiences. It's going to be an indie soul evening, but we've got dance anthems as well. It's all original, Scouse home-grown bangers. It's gonna be an epic night and I can't wait."
The show runs from 6 - 11pm on February 16 and tickets are priced from £16.50. More information on the launch party, including how to get tickets, can be found on Anthony's official website here.
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