Ronan Parke chats to Click Liverpool as his debut album hits shelves

Earlier this year, Britain's Got Talent contestant Ronan Parke won the hearts of the nation as he performed Nina Simone's "Feeling Good" to a standing ovation from the entire 2500-strong audience and three judges.

The 13-year-old, and bookies' favourite to win in spite of a media storm, finished a worthy runner up to Jai McDowell. But if you thought he went into hiding thereafter you'd be wrong.

Norfolk-born Ronan released his debut solo album earlier this week, and Click Liverpool caught up with the angelic-voiced pop star to find out how fame has been treating him.

Pint-sized pop star Ronan spoke of his collaboration with Take That's Gary Barlow, playing Wembley and his dedicated fanbase of 'Ronanators'.

He said: "I'm loving every minute of life at the moment.

"Working on the album was a dream come true, particularly my track 'Stronger Than I Am' written by Gary Barlow.

"It's largely a covers record so it was fantastic to have a song to really make my own.

"Gary's really nice, and I am watching X Factor this year. I know what they are all going through.

"My favourite is Misha - I hope she wins - and I really like Frankie, too."

Already dubbed Britain's answer to Justin Bieber, a globally adored popstar with a following in the multi-millions, Ronan humbly responds: "It's an amazing compliment, and I love Justin Bieber but I think I'd rather be known as me than anyone else.

"It's so overwhelming to be playing to thousands of fans at packed out stadiums, it's been crazy but I love it.

"I'm so thankful to everyone who voted for me and support me still.

"My fans are brilliant, I love my 'Ronanators' and I hope everyone enjoys the album as much as I did making it."

In the final on 4 June, Parke performed "Because of You" by Kelly Clarkson and received a standing ovation from the audience and judges, and the judges praised him for such a powerful rendition of the song at such a young age.

Signed to Sony Music, his first album - Ronan Parke – produced by Stephen Lipson (Will Young, Jordin Sparks) includes "Because of You", "Make You Feel My Love" and the focus track from the album is a fantastic cover of Vanessa Carlton’s 'A Thousand Miles'. The piano part in the song is played by Paul Gbegbaje – the young pianist from this year’s Britain’s Got Talent.

Other standout tracks on the album include an original composition by Gary Barlow –Stronger Than I Am-; the big musical classic Nina Simone’s Feeling Good, Cee Lo Green’s Forget You, Coldplay’s Fix You and Eva Cassidy’s Song Bird along with acoustic versions of Lady Gaga's Edge of Glory and a truly explosive rendition of Katy Perry's Firework which allows the young lad a chance to show off his incredible vocal ability without need of a backing track.

Truly staggering, this thirteen year old's talent far surpasses the 'cute' appeal he may be in danger of being dismissed with at this tender age.

While it's fantastic to have a collection of the 'favourites' he performed on BGT on one album, it's to be hoped Ronan's given the chance to mature and grow as an artist in his own right rather than relying on cover songs. He's worth far more than a karaoke singer.

The self-titled album "Ronan Parke" is out now.

Tracklisting below:-

Feeling Good Nina Simone
Forget You Cee Lo Green
A Thousand Miles Vanessa Carlton
Fix You Coldplay
Because Of You Kelly Clarkson
You Gotta Be Des’ree
Make You Feel My Love Bob Dylan
Song Bird Eva Cassidy
We'll Rock The World Original track
Stronger Than I Am Gary Barlow original
Edge of Glory (acoustic) Lady Gaga
Firework (acoustic) Kate Perry

www.ronanparke.com

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