24-05-2010
Hi All - Niall here with an update on what we've been doing over the past few Classical Brits dominated weeks! The whole process began with a number of hours spent in front of our 'O Verona Fortuna' copies learning the German-Latin required for our performance with Rhydian. I know I speak for a lot of the boys when I say this is often the most 'testing' time of the rehearsal period but it is always nice to know this effort will be rewarded in the end. As soon as the words were in our heads the time came to put the routine 'on its feet' and after a few sessions with Debbie and Rhydian the excitement began to grow. Of course this excitement was further heightened by our nomination for the NS&I Album of the Year. Sadly when that album was being recorded I was revising for an exam in Political Theory and more concerned with Plato and Aristotle than I was Billy Joel and Bonnie Tyler! Since joining the choir in October I've been genuinely touched by the way the boys have made me feel so welcome and this was fully evident in the way they have let Dave, Ben and I share in their success. The night itself is somewhat a blur of nerves and anxiety (not helped by the after party put on for us by Universal!) but I will always remember being stood in the wings of the Albert Hall desperately hoping to hear Simon Bates say our name. I must admit to an initial feeling of disappointment when I heard 'And the Winner is...Band of...' but thankfully for us this was followed by 'Brothers' and not 'the Coldstream Guards'. What I can remember of the after show party was truly special. The boys and I formed a mile long queue for photos with Holly Willoughby and 'Bo Selecta's' Leigh Francis only to head upstairs to find Hayley Westenra belting out some Karaoke classics. It was certainly a far cry from the Student's Union nights that I had become accustomed to for the last few years and at times I have to pinch myself to check this is all actually happening! It was back to earth with a bang for a few of the boys the morning after when a car came to pick them up at 6:45am and take them to the Sky News studio. Thankfully most of us were left to sleep off the effects of the night before, eventually surfacing to get the coach back to Cardiff ready for a private performance the following day. The amazing few days we had would not have been possible had it not been for the fantastic support we've received from our fans and to everyone who took the time to vote we extend a heartfelt thank you. Congratulatory messages have been pouring in since our win from all over the world as well as from the new Welsh Secretary Cheryl Gillan and First Minister Carwyn Jones. Since the night itself Tim's phone hasn't stopped ringing and we're all looking forward to the opportunities we hope are going to come our way as a result of the award. Anyway, best be off as I have an Only Boys Aloud rehearsal to get ready for! Lots of love Niall x