Calum Scott

From Wikipedia the free encyclopedia

Calum Scott
Scott on his Bridges World Tour in 2022
Born (1988-10-12) 12 October 1988 (age 35)
Beverley, England
Occupations
  • Singer
  • songwriter
Years active2013–present
Musical career
OriginKingston upon Hull, Yorkshire, England
GenresPop
Instrument(s)
  • Vocals
  • piano
  • guitar
  • drums
Labels
Websitecalumscott.com
Signature

Calum Scott (born 12 October 1988)[1] is an English singer and songwriter. In April 2015, he rose to prominence after competing on the ITV talent contest Britain's Got Talent, where he performed his version of Robyn's hit "Dancing on My Own" and earned Simon Cowell's Golden Buzzer. After coming sixth in the contest, he released his version as a single the following year, which peaked at number two on the UK Singles Chart and became Britain's best-selling single of summer 2016.

Scott later signed with Capitol and in 2017, released the single "You Are the Reason", included on his 2018 debut album Only Human, which reached number 4 on the UK Albums Chart.[2] The song has been viewed over a billion times on YouTube.[3] Later in 2018, he collaborated with Leona Lewis to release a duet version of "You Are the Reason".

Early life[edit]

Scott was born in Beverley, East Riding of Yorkshire, to parents Debbie Burton and Kevin Scott, and grew up around the Yorkshire area, mainly North Ferriby and Kingston upon Hull. His parents split up when he was two years old, and his father moved to Canada. He has a younger sister, Jade, who is also a singer. Scott played the drums, and his sister later encouraged him to sing. Prior to his fame, he worked in human resources.[citation needed]

Career[edit]

2013–2015: Career beginning and Britain's Got Talent[edit]

On 15 August 2013, Scott won the talent competition Mail's Star Search, organised by Hull Daily Mail.[4][5] He then joined a Maroon 5 tribute band, Maroon 4, and toured around the United Kingdom.[6] In 2014 he formed the electronic duo, The Experiment with John McIntyre.[7] The debut single, "Girl (You're Beautiful)", was released on 14 June.[8] The duo performed the song on Good Morning Britain and BBC Look North, but after, broke up.[9][10] [11]

On 11 April 2015, Scott's audition for the ninth series of Britain's Got Talent was broadcast on ITV. Just before his audition, his sister Jade also auditioned but was stopped early on both of her songs by Simon Cowell. Jade received four "No" votes from David Walliams, Alesha Dixon, Amanda Holden and Simon Cowell.

Despite obvious nerves at seeing his sister get rejected, Calum performed a cover of Robyn's "Dancing on My Own", which he had heard Kings of Leon performing on BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge in 2013. Following a standing ovation from the judging panel, Cowell pressed the Golden Buzzer giving Scott an automatic place in the live shows. Explaining his decision to send Scott straight to the semi-finals, Cowell said:

"I've never ever in all the years I've done this show heard a guy with the talent you've got. Seriously. And the version was sensational, and that shows to me that actually, you're more than a singer, you're an artist, and that's why you got that (the buzzer)."

After this audition, Scott received support from stars such as Little Mix and Ashton Kutcher.[12]

Following his appearance on the show's first episode, his Twitter followers jumped from 400 to over 25,000.[13] The video of his audition has been viewed over 378 million times on YouTube. In the semi-final on 29 May, Scott performed "We Don't Have to Take Our Clothes Off" by Jermaine Stewart. Walliams commented "You really sound like a recording artist", whilst Alesha Dixon suggested that he could have "success around the world". He won the semi-final with 25.6% of the vote, sending him straight through to the final. In the final on 31 May, Scott performed "Diamonds" by Rihanna and finished sixth out of 12 contestants with 8.2% of the vote. After Britain's Got Talent, Scott embarked on a series of shows around the United Kingdom, including Viking FM Future Star Awards, Flamingo Land Resort Fair, Westwood Cross Shopping Centre's tenth anniversary, Gibraltar Summer Nights, Hull Daily Mail's Star and Dartford Festival.[14][15][16][17][18][19]

2016–2018: Only Human[edit]

Scott at the Tabernacle, United Kingdom, in 2016

Scott released his cover of "Dancing on My Own" independently on 15 April 2016. It became a sleeper hit, first hitting number 40 in the charts in May and climbing into the top 40 despite little radio airplay apart from on West Hull FM. It was then added to Radio 2's "C List" and reached number two on the UK Singles Chart on 5 August. In August 2016, it was certified platinum in the UK, having sold over 600,000 copies.[20] Scott announced on Twitter on 24 May that he had inked a record deal with Capitol Records, where he was signed by A&R Executive Alex Wilhelm.[21][22] Scott performed the song at television shows BBC Look North, Lorraine, Weekend, Late Night with Seth Meyers and Brazilian show Encontro com Fátima Bernardes.[23] He also promoted the song on several radio stations, including BBC Radio Humberside, Viking FM, Radio Gibraltar, BFBS Radio and Gibraltar Broadcasting Corporation.[24][25][26] On 16 September, he released the promotional single "Transformar" with Brazilian recording artist Ivete Sangalo as the official song of the 2016 Summer Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro; they performed the song at the closing ceremony on 18 September.[27][28] It was revealed in September 2016 that "Dancing on My Own" was the most downloaded song of the summer in the UK.[29] In autumn 2022, "Dancing On My Own" had a sudden resurgence in popularity due to the Philadelphia Phillies players and fans embracing the dance mix version of the song during the team's run to the 2022 World Series.

In 2017, he toured the US and released the single "You Are the Reason". Also in 2017, he began working on his debut album, Only Human, which was released on 9 March 2018. A new version of "You Are the Reason" was released ahead of the album in early 2018 as a collaboration with Leona Lewis, and was performed by the two on The One Show in February 2018. In May, Scott released "What I Miss Most" as the fourth single from Only Human.

In October 2018, Scott released a new single titled "No Matter What". Upon release, Scott said:

"'No Matter What' is without question the most personal song I have ever written and the one I am most proud of. It's a song born from loneliness, acceptance and the heartbreaking but liberating tale of my coming out experience. What I love about this song is that it isn't just limited to a story of sexual identity, but about the relationship between parent and child and acceptance as a whole. This song didn't make my debut album because I simply wasn't ready at that time to give it to the world."[30]

2019–present: Bridges[edit]

In September 2020, Scott partnered with American watch company Bulova on the development of a music documentary series titled Minutes with Calum, which explores the creative process behind his upcoming second album through the lens of Bulova.[31]

In March 2021, Scott digitally released his first EP, titled Only Acoustic, which featured acoustic renditions of songs from his debut album. The following month, he released two more EPs; Only Collabs and Only Love. On 11 June 2021, Scott released the single "Biblical",[32] the first song from his upcoming second album. He released the second song titled "Rise"[33] on 1 October 2021, and the third song titled "If You Ever Change Your Mind"[34] on 4 February 2022. On 29 April 2022, Scott announced that his second album, Bridges, would be released on 17 June 2022.[35] On the same day, he released the fourth song, "Heaven", from the album.[36] In July 2021, Scott collaborated with Belgian artist Lost Frequencies singing on a song titled "Where Are You Now", which was released on 30 July 2021. The song became a big hit over the next several months, charting on many streaming platforms in many countries.[37] In early February 2022, the song reached the top 10 of the UK Singles Chart, becoming Scott's second song to reach the UK top 10.[38] In November 2021, Scott collaborated with Brazilian recording artist Bryan Behr, singing on the song "Da Primeira Vez (From the First Time)". Scott sang in both English and Portuguese.[39] Also in November 2021, he collaborated with British singer Jasmine Thompson on a song titled "Love Is Just a Word".[40]

In February 2023, Scott collaborated with GRAMMY-nominated producer, DJ, and record label executive, Jax Jones on a song titled "Whistle" which was released on 10 February 2023. Scott has recently performed the track live at the BAFTA Film Awards. Scott performed live with Take That on 7 May 2023 at the Coronation Concert in the grounds of Windsor Castle.[41] On 18 August 2023, Scott released the single "At Your Worst",[42] Upon the release of the song, Scott shared, "This could be a song reassuring someone that you'll love them no matter what, but it's also a song to yourself: a reminder that you should love yourself at your worst because self-love is the most important. The sound on this one feels nostalgic and retro to me — kind of takes me back to my Sega Mega Drive. I’m excited to share new music with my fans and show everyone what I’ve been working on!"[43] which debuted at number 20 on the UK Singles Downloads Chart a week later.[44]

In January 2024, it was announced that Scott will be headlining the Zebedee's Yard music festival in Hull on 8 August 2024. The festival will also include performances from Ocean Colour Scene, Embrace and Cast.[45]

Personal life[edit]

Scott is gay. He has talked about having struggled with his sexuality when growing up, but has gained confidence since becoming an adult.[46]

Charity[edit]

Scott is a proponent of mental health awareness and suicide prevention. In 2020, he performed live in support of Mind for Mental Health Awareness, donating all proceeds to Mind.[47]

Discography[edit]

Main article: Calum Scott discography

Tours[edit]

Awards and nominations[edit]

Year Award Category Work Result
2015 National Reality Television Awards "Best Performance" Britain's Got Talent Nominated
2017 Brit Awards "British Single of the Year" Dancing on My Own Nominated
2018 British LGBT Awards "Metro Guilty Pleasures Award" Himself Won[48]
2022 Septimius Awards Best Music Video Lost Frequencies ft Calum Scott: Where Are You Now Won[49][50]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Happy birthday to our frontman Calum have a great day mate". The Experiment. 12 October 2014.
  2. ^ "Official Albums Chart Results matching:only human". Official Charts.
  3. ^ Bowenbank, Starr (14 September 2023). "Calum Scott's 'You Are the Reason' Joins YouTube's Billion Views Club: 'I'm Speechless'". Billboard. Retrieved 5 April 2024.
  4. ^ Winter, Phil (10 March 2018). "Calum Scott releases debut album with intimate Hull gig in HMV". Hull Daily Mail. Retrieved 14 September 2018.
  5. ^ "Calum Scott talent: Winner of Star Search 2013 declared". Hull Daily Mail. 15 August 2013. Archived from the original on 6 July 2015. Retrieved 13 September 2018.
  6. ^ "Star Search 2014: Hull New Theatre stage is set for talent to shine". Hull Daily Mail. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 13 September 2018.
  7. ^ "Introducing Calum Scott!". Flavourmag.co.uk. 13 April 2015.
  8. ^ "Girl (You're Beautiful)". iTunes. Retrieved 18 November 2016.
  9. ^ "My sister Jade's 'the inspiration behind my singing'". Itv.com. Retrieved 6 July 2015.
  10. ^ "Timeline Photos – BBC Look North (East Yorkshire & Lincolnshire) | Facebook". Facebook.com. Retrieved 6 July 2015.
  11. ^ "All Calum Scott Lyrics". LyricsGetit.com. Archived from the original on 6 August 2019. Retrieved 6 July 2015.
  12. ^ Forrester, Katy (22 May 2015). "BGT favourite Calum Scott on getting sex messages from fans". Mirror.co.uk. Retrieved 6 July 2015.
  13. ^ "Simon Cowell's golden buzzer act Calum Scott already receiving marriage proposals". Hello Daily News. 13 April 2015.
  14. ^ "Future Star Receives Fundraising Award". Scunthorpe Independent News. Archived from the original on 1 July 2015. Retrieved 6 July 2015.
  15. ^ "Flamingo Land – Party In The Park June 2015". Flamingoland.co.uk. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 6 July 2015.
  16. ^ "Calum Scott to perform at Westwood Cross' 10th birthday celebration weekend". Thanetgazette.co.uk. 26 June 2015. Archived from the original on 17 November 2015.
  17. ^ "Visit Gibraltar – Events". Visitgibraltar.gi. Archived from the original on 14 August 2017. Retrieved 9 July 2015.
  18. ^ "Britain's Got Talent star Calum Scott could be Star Search final judge". Hull Daily Mail. Archived from the original on 6 July 2015. Retrieved 6 July 2015.
  19. ^ "Dartford Festival 2015: Record numbers of visitors come to see Calum Scott from Britain's Got Talent and Andy Jordan from Made In Chelsea". Kentonline.co.uk. 19 July 2015. Retrieved 20 July 2015.
  20. ^ "British certifications – Calum Scott". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved 18 June 2023. Type Calum Scott in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
  21. ^ "As Calum Scott Soars, A&R Exec Alex Wilhelm on Signing Him to Capitol & Finding Hidden Gems When 'Goosebumps Meet Data'". Billboard. Retrieved 15 March 2018.
  22. ^ "Calum Scott". Twitter. Retrieved 28 July 2016.
  23. ^ "BBC Look North (East Yorkshire & Lincolnshire) | Facebook". Facebook.com. Retrieved 6 July 2015.
  24. ^ "Calum Scott, 06/06/2015, James Hoggarth – BBC Radio Humberside". BBC. 6 June 2015. Retrieved 6 July 2015.
  25. ^ "#BGT finalist @calumscottmusic chats to @jameshoggarth about @BGT and the future". AudioBoom.com. Retrieved 6 July 2015.
  26. ^ "Calum Scott in Gib". Gbc.gi. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 20 July 2015.
  27. ^ "Ivete Sangalo brilha na cerimônia de encerramento das Paralimpíadas 2016". O Povo News. Archived from the original on 7 December 2018. Retrieved 19 September 2016.
  28. ^ "Ivete Sangalo lança "Transformar", música inédita com Calum Scott para as "Paralimpíadas Rio 2016"". Pure Break. 17 September 2016. Retrieved 19 September 2016.
  29. ^ Copsey, Rob (31 August 2016). "The Official Top 40 Biggest Songs of Summer 2016 revealed". OfficialCharts.com. Retrieved 4 November 2016.
  30. ^ "The Purge 375". auspOp. 20 October 2018. Archived from the original on 27 January 2022. Retrieved 20 October 2018.
  31. ^ "Bulova and Calum Scott make music documentary series". Watchpro USA. 22 September 2020.
  32. ^ "Calum Scott - Biblical (Official Music Video)". Retrieved 6 February 2022 – via YouTube.
  33. ^ "Calum Scott - Rise (Lyric Video)". Retrieved 6 February 2022 – via YouTube.
  34. ^ "Calum Scott - If You Ever Change Your Mind". Retrieved 6 February 2022 – via YouTube.
  35. ^ "I can hardly believe I get to do this again. I am unbelievably proud to announce that my second album, 'Bridges' will be released on June 17th! 🌉 The fourth single from the album, 'Heaven', is OUT NOW to stream/download". Twitter.com. Retrieved 30 May 2022.
  36. ^ "Heaven - YouTube" – via YouTube.
  37. ^ "Calum Scott Chart Positions on iTunes/Spotify/YouTube". kworb.net. Retrieved 6 February 2022.
  38. ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts. Retrieved 6 February 2022.
  39. ^ "Bryan Behr & Calum Scott - da primeira vez (from the first time)". Retrieved 6 February 2022 – via YouTube.
  40. ^ "Jasmine Thompson & Calum Scott - love is just a word". Retrieved 6 February 2022 – via YouTube.
  41. ^ Take That fans raging as they mistake Calum Scott for Robbie Williams at Coronation Concert Metro, 8 May 2023. Retrieved 9 May 2023
  42. ^ Griffiths, George (17 August 2023). "How Calum Scott learned to stop worrying and love the banger". Official Charts. Retrieved 26 August 2023.
  43. ^ Daly, Rhian (18 August 2023). "Calum Scott Embraces Imperfection On Up-Tempo New Single 'At Your Worst'". U Discover Music. Retrieved 26 August 2023.
  44. ^ "Official Singles Downloads Chart on 25/8/2023 - 25 August 2023 - 31 August 2023". Official Charts. 25 August 2023. Retrieved 25 August 2023.
  45. ^ Madden, Richard (29 January 2024). "Hull's Calum Scott to headline new hometown festival". BBC News. Retrieved 1 February 2024.
  46. ^ Corner, Lewis (7 May 2018). "Calum Scott interview: "I had a lot of troubles with my sexuality growing up"". Gay Times.
  47. ^ "Calum Scott - Live Performance in Support of Mind for Mental Health Awareness". Retrieved 10 February 2022 – via YouTube.
  48. ^ Corner, Lewis (11 May 2018). "Calum Scott, Laverne Cox and Jess Glynne among big winners at British LGBT Awards". Gay Times. Retrieved 31 March 2022.
  49. ^ "Septimius Awards 2022 Nominees & Winners". septimiusawards.com.
  50. ^ "Coming Out Gay At 13 Caused Calum Scott To Lose All His Friends". instinctmagazine.com. 22 June 2022.

External links[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Calum Scott.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Calum_Scott&oldid=1217405966"