Will Young’s Willy Worries

The Mirror reports that ‘Pop Idol’ season one champ Will Young confessed that he was terrified that he would get over-excited during filming a nude scene in ‘Mrs Henderson Presents’. “It’s ridiculous, but I was worried about getting aroused while we were filming,” the openly gay 26-year-old said. “It ended up not being a problem - I was surrounded by beautiful women. Nothing moved down there at all.”

Will Young Plots ‘Friday’s Child’ Follow-Up

January 11, 2005 - Will is trying to plot his next move following the success of his latest album ‘Friday’s Child’. A spy for Neil Sean of Sky News said the singer said, “I have many ideas but I don’t think it would be a good idea, really. He has already teamed up with Brian McFadden and Beverley Knight. Personally I would like to hook up with a band like The Coral. I love their vibe and the whole chill-out experience they bring to music.”

Jail For Will Young Stolen Photo Huckster

December 26, 2004 - The Mirror reports that convicted burglar Sharife El-Whabe faces jail after admitting on Tuesday he tried to sell stolen pictures of Will Young in drag. The judge told El-Whabe, of Chelsea, West London: “Selling them seems like an act of pure greed.”

Will Young Documentary Planned

December 5, 2004 - Neil Sean of Sky News reports that Will is planning his first inside documentary film, hoping he’ll get a showing in cinemas. “I like the idea of fans getting to know the real me,” he told a source. “This tour diary, filmed mainly in black and white, will be the closest that they can get.”

Will Young Wants To Work With Scissor Sisters

December 1, 2004 - Will hopes to work with the Scissor Sisters on his next album, a source tells Ann Montini of Sky News. “I just love their style and craftsmanship - it’s really very now,” Young told the mole.

Britain’s Shoppers Buy More Albums Than Ever In ’04

November 27, 2004 - The Sun reports album sales in England were the highest ever, with 237 million CD albums sold in the past year. The massive gains revealed by the British Phonographic Industry have countered fears of illegal internet downloading killing off the market. Dido topped the list with ‘Life For Rent’, followed by ‘Pop Idol’ champ Will Young with ‘Friday’s Child’, Black Eyed Peas’ ‘Elephunk’, Katie Melua’s ‘Call Off The Search’, and Michael Jackson’s ‘Number Ones’.

Dame Judi Dench Praises Rookie Co-Star Will Young

The Sun reports Dame Judi Dench is praising her ‘Mrs Henderson Presents’ co-star Will Young in the ‘Pop Idol’ champ’s debut big-screen role. “Will Young is ace,” she said. “He’s wonderful. He’s perfect for the part and he can act too. And he’s the most amazing singer.”

Will Young Signs On For Band Aid 20

November 7, 2004 - The Mirror reports Will is the latest star to sign up for the Band Aid 20 single. Young joins the likes of Paul McCartney and Robbie Williams on the updated version of the 1984 classic ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas?’. “Will’s absolutely thrilled to be involved,” a source close to the singer revealed. “He thinks it’s a fantastic cause.”

Will Young’s Home Robbed

November 4, 2004 - The Evening Standard reports Will’s Holland Park home was robbed, and amongst the items taken was a laptop containing lyrics for unpublished songs. “Some of the stuff was of a very personal and sensitive nature,” a friend revealed. “Will doesn’t want that sort of thing being bandied about in public. The laptop contains songs from a forthcoming album. The big fear is they will end up on the internet if they fall into the wrong hands.”

Will Young’s ‘Non Date’ With Matthew Williamson

October 20, 2004 - The Mirror reports that Will and fashion designer Matthew Williamson were on another “non date” at the Royal Albert Hall Scissor Sisters gig on Sunday night. “Will and Matthew were extremely close all night,” a source revealed. “They were loving the show but there was definitely a strong chemistry between them.” Young’s spokesman insisted, “They are just good friends and they enjoying hanging out together. But there’s nothing romantic going on.”

Mariah, Will, Rachel Offer Support For Russian Victims

Contributed by SJ:

The Sun reports that with the help of music stars Mariah Carey, ‘Pop Idol’ champ Will Young, and former S Club star Rachel Stevens, The Sun was able to raise £127,000 in just one day, for the kids of Beslan. “It is great what The Sun is doing.” said Carey. Others who supported the cause include David Beckham and Sir Paul McCartney.

Will Young Eyes ‘American Idol’ Judging Guest Slot

September 13, 2004 - Will is considering a chance to appear as a guest judge on the new season of ‘American Idol’ in a bid to crack the US market. “Will is keen on the idea and his experience at winning ‘Pop Idol’ will help others,” a source said. “He likes the fact that he also gets to sing to a world wide audience at the end of the show so I’m sure he will agree to such an exposure.”

Rachel Stevens At Oxford

September 11, 2004 - Former S Club star Rachel was photographed at Poo Na Na’s nightclub Oxford after her performance on Thursday (September 9), during her attempt to break the Guinness World Record for most public appearances in one day.

Will Young Upset At George Michael’s ‘Cheap Shot’

Sky News reports that ‘Pop Idol’ has expressed his displeasure with George Michael after he remarked that Will’s lisp is affecting his singing style. “It was really a cheap shot. I used to be a fan, but at this stage I am finding it hard to forgive,” Will complained.

Will Young’s Quite Pleased With His Package

The Daily Post asked ‘Pop Idol’ champ Will Young if he used a body double for the video shoot to his new single ‘Friday’s Child’, where he appears in a Speedo. “No, I didn’t need a double, even though it was bloody cold, because I’ve got quite a large penis,” Young responded with a laugh. “I’m quite pleased about that and I’m not worried. Otherwise, why do you think I’d do a Speedo video?”

Will Young Lands Movie Role

July 29, 2004 - Will has landed his first movie role – in a raunchy nude musical called ‘Mrs. Henderson Presents’, featuring Dame Judi Dench and Bob Hoskins. “Will really impressed the production company. He isn’t just a brilliant singer, he is also a capable actor,” a movie insider revealed to The Sun. “It would be a dream for Will to star alongside stars like Judi Dench and he is really keen to finalize the negotiations.”

‘Friday’s Child’ To Be Cleaned For Will Young’s U.S. Debut

July 18, 2004 - Sky News reports that as Will prepares to invade the U.S. market with ‘Friday’s Child’, record bosses want to remove risque scenes as not to offend the Michael Powell controlled FCC. “After the infamous Janet Jackson boob, we have to be so careful about what we show,” an insider explained. “While we love the video and will be playing it, some scenes may well be cut.”

Will Young Announces UK Tour Dates

July 12, 2004 - Will has announced details of his first solo arena tour - nine dates in the UK which will kick off November 29th at London Wembley Arena. “I’m really fortunate to be getting back on the road, and I’m hoping the fans who didn’t get tickets to the recent tour will get a chance to come along,” the ‘Pop Idol’ champ said.

Will Young ‘Friday’s Child’ Video

June 18, 2004 - Will is out with the music video to his new single ‘Friday’s Child’. Watch it online via Vevo below.

Grandfather Inspires Will Young’s New Video

The Sun reports Will Young’s ‘Friday’s Child’ video was inspired by his grandad - who swam in the Olympics. “My dad’s father was an Olympic swimmer for Australia in the 1930s,” the ‘Pop Idol’ champ explained. “Although he died before I was born, I thought the video would be a nice mark of respect. Once it was finished it felt like fate.”

Matthew Williamson Wants To Team With Will Young

June 8, 2004 - A spokesman for designer Matthew Williamson tells The Mirror he believes ‘Pop Idol’ champ Will Young would be a great model for his clothes. “Matthew would love to work with Will,” the spokesman said. “He has always been really impressed with Will’s sense of style and thinks he looks great. Nothing has come of it so far but who knows what will happen in the future?” Young and Williamson were spotted deep in conversation at a post-show party following 25-year-old Will’s Royal Albert Hall gig on Friday (June 4).

Will Young Shapes Up For Shirtless Video

‘Pop Idol’ winner Will Young has been working out tirelessly to get in shape to film the video for his latest single ‘Friday’s Child’, which is out in July. Will shot a scene where he has swum across the Channel and is given a medal by the mayor of a French town, even though he actually shot it in Brighton, swimming only five yards. Check out photos from TheSun.

Will Young Losing Hair, But Isn’t Worried

May 8, 2004 - ‘Pop Idol’ champ Will Young revealed that he’s starting to lose his hair. But he tells Metro: “It’s not a problem for pop stars to be bald. Look at Right Said Fred.”
http://popdirt.com/will-young-losing-hair-but-isnt-worried/28797/

Will Young Performs At Beckham’s Birthday Bash

May 4, 2004 - The Sun reports former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham organized a birthday bash for her 29-year-old hubby David in the grounds of Beckingham Palace over the weekend and asked ‘Pop Idol’ champ Will Young to perform. He is Becks’ favorite singer. A source said, “David loves Will’s voice and was touched Victoria got him to sing. Will performed without a band - just him and a microphone.”
http://popdirt.com/will-young-performs-at-beckhams-birthday-bash/28667/

Will Young To Duet With Baby Spice

May 1, 2004 - Sky News reports ‘Pop Idol’ winner Will Young recently teamed up with former Spice Girl Emma Bunton to do a duet of ‘Let’s Call The Whole Thing Off’, which was met with a standing ovation. Now Young plans to write and record a song with Baby Spice for his next album. “She is charismatic and is an untapped talent,” Young said. “I think we’ll work well together.”
http://popdirt.com/will-young-to-duet-with-baby-spice/28586/

Will Young Says His New Book Is ‘Boring’

March 28, 2004 - The Glasgow Daily Record reports ‘Pop Idol’ champ Will Young has branded himself “boring” discussing his new book, ‘Will Young: On Camera, Off Duty’. The singer, who apparently isn’t well versed in book marketing, remarked, “The book is mainly pictures and Polaroids. But do feel in that book I’m really pretty boring. I really don’t have too much to say. It’s totally true.”
http://popdirt.com/will-young-says-his-new-book-is-boring/27378/

Will Young Sets Dates For First Solo Tour

March 24, 2004 - The Sun reports ‘Pop Idol’ champ Will Young is headed out on a 22 theater tour around the country beginning May 22nd in Cardiff. He said, “I have been looking forward to this all year - getting back on stage and singing. To be able to perform in theaters should make every night unique.” And he joked: “Obviously any hecklers will be thrown out.”
http://popdirt.com/will-young-sets-dates-for-first-solo-tour/27275/

George Michael’s Backhanded Compliment To Will Young

The Glasgow Daily Record reports George Michael has taken a slap at ‘Pop Idol’ champ Will Young for his lisp. “I wish Will Young all the best,” the former Wham! singer said. “You get the impression he loves music and that song he had out at Christmas was lovely. But I can’t get over the fact he has a lisp. I know it’s not his fault, but it doesn’t help the listening experience.”

Will Young Loves Filming ‘Game’ Video

March 8, 2004 - Will tells Radio 1 he loved every minute of making his latest video for ‘Game’. “It was to be honest the best three days work I’ve ever had,” Young said. “It was so relaxed and so much fun that you didn’t mind doing long hours. It was my idea to do it in a theatre, and we referenced ‘Moulin Rouge’ and ‘Chicago’, because it’s such a big tune it needed something that opulent, and it needed a real performance - every time we did a take, people would applaud at the end because you were in a theater and you were on a stage and they were using the real theater lights rather than being in a dead studio, and I think it’s really paid off.”

Will Young Falls For Hunky Dancer’s Charms

February 24, 2004 - The Mirror reports Will has asked out dancer Steve Brown after meeting him last week’s Brit Awards. “Will is such a nice guy and very private. But he’s also quite forward,” Steve told a pal. “He said that he’d like us to go out on a date and then asked what I’d rather do - go to a club or a restaurant. I’m more of a homebody so I told him I’d rather stay in and order a take-away. He seemed pleased with that and had a huge grin on his face.”

The Brit Hot Favorites

Victoria Newton of The Sun claims to have received a copy of the list of nominations for this year’s Brit Awards. Included for Best Male are Will Young, Daniel Bedingfield, and Lamar, while Dido, Jamelia, and Rachel Stevens are amongst the Best Female nominees. Others on the nomination list include Christina Aguilera, Kylie Minogue, Destiny’s Child star Beyonce Knowles, Delta Goodrem, and Missy Elliott. Meanwhile, Britney Spears and Madonna look to be snubbed this time around. A Brit insider said, “Will Young has got to be the favorite for Best Male and Dido looks a dead cert for Best Female.”

‘World Idol’ Champ Blasts Sore Loser Will Young

January 1, 2004 - The Sun reports that after winning the ‘World Idol’ competition, Norway’s Kurt Nilsen told a newspaper from his hometown of Bergen: “Will Young is an asshole. He didn’t want to shake my hand and say hello.”

Rachel Stevens’ Holiday Wishes

December 28, 2003 - Former S Club star Rachel posted a holiday greeting for fans on her official website. She writes, “I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I’ve had a fantastic 2003, which wouldn’t have been possible without you guys, so many, many thanks. There have been so many highlights, but I have to say the ongoing success of ‘Sweet Dreams My LA Ex’ has made me very happy. I’m going to be spending time with Jeremy and my family this Christmas and I’m really looking forward to the break, but also to 2004 – there are lots I’ve got planned. See you then! Love Rachel x”

Will Young Doesn’t Want To Duet With Kelly Clarkson

Sky News reports ‘Pop Idol’ champ Will Young has ruled out a duet with ‘American Idol’ winner Kelly Clarkson. Will said: “I would hate the idea as I think it would be too cheesy for words.”

Kelly Clarkson Against The World

December 20, 2003 - TV Guide Online spoke with Kelly about the upcoming ‘World Idol’ competition. Given that Clarkson has already been on a world tour, the singer was asked if she had an advantage going in. “There’s actually a few of us that have gone to other countries, so everybody has that benefit,” she said. “I have been around in the U.K. and other countries in Europe for quite some time, but in Australia, Spain and Italy, I’m just now starting. And if people do know me, they don’t know me, the person. They know my song, ‘Miss Independent’.”

As for the ‘Idol’ first season runner-up Justin Guarini, she was asked about his troubles selling his album, which hasn’t come close to the levels of Clarkson’s ‘Thankful’. “I don’t have any clue, because I’m actually a big fan of his CD,” Clarkson said. “Maybe it was just a weird time when the CD came out. There are a lot of great people that came out at the same time. He’s phenomenal. He can play the piano, the guitar, he can write, he can sing… I mean, he’s a great guy. I’m sure this isn’t the last we’ve heard of him.”

Kelly Clarkson Reveals Holiday Plans

December 20, 2003 - Us Weekly asked several celebrities including Kelly how they’d be spending the Holidays. “I’m going to North Carolina with my family,” she said. “I got my mom a house there. I haven’t had a Christmas with my whole family since I was six because we’ve been spread out all over the states.”

popdirt.com