Tony Cowell
‘The record business is tough and to now have my foot in musical theatre as well is amazing. I’m in a good place at last’
Singer Matt Cardle found fame in 2010 as the winner of TheXFactor’s most popular series, watched by more than 17 million people. His first single went straight to number one. Nine years on, while still making his own music, he’s receiving rave reviews for his portrayal of Pontius Pilate in a new production of Jesus ChristSuperstar. Here, he opens up about his recent recovery from addiction, why he owes everything to girlfriend Amber Hernaman and how he feels about that Meghan Markle story…
Were you a fan of Jesus
Christ Superstar before getting the role of Pilate? Yes, I’m a massive fan of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s work. I went to see the show in Regent’s Park a few years ago. I was watching it as a fan and if someone had said to me then that I’d soon be part of the cast, I’d have laughed at them. This is such an iconic show, and I feel honoured to be a part of it. It still has the capacity to shock because the crucifixion scene really gets to you – and let’s not forget, in some countries they still do this. It’s horrific.
Do you still get nervous performing?
Absolutely terrified! But I don’t see it as suffering from stage fright, as such. I genuinely believe it’s just because I want to do it well – so I put so much pressure on myself. I believe if you don’t have nerves, there’s something wrong with you. But I’ve had such good reviews for Jesus Christ Superstar, I’m over the moon.
Are you finding a balance between musical theatre and your singing career?
I am. Theatre has opened a door for me that I never thought was possible. It has completely changed my life. The level of respect people show me is incredible – particularly for someone who came from a TV talent show. The record business is a tough business, and to now have my foot in musical theatre as well is amazing. I’m in a good place, at last.
Do you ever think back to the day you won The X Factor all those years ago?
Yes, I’m very proud of the fact I won. I went on there not knowing what the hell was going to happen to me – and I won! I won the show when it was at its peak. So yes, it’s still a fairy tale. But you have to move on, keep evolving.
Will we see you on this year’s X Factor: All Stars show?
Well, my manager is talking to producers, so I can’t say yes or no at the moment. I’d be happy to do it, of course. There is nothing wrong in me going back to what is a fantastic show. Simon [Cowell] wants to celebrate everything that has
happened over the years, and then perhaps close the book on the show for a while. So it’s probably the right time for me to go back. I’m still in the middle of recording a new album – I still want another number one song!
Last year, you came out publicly about your issues with drink and drugs. Is
that still a daily battle? I think, when you come out of rehab that is just one day. I’m doing well now, but I can’t say what will happen to me tomorrow or the day after. It all depends on how I handle the things that happen to me. In the past, I didn’t handle the stress too well – and I took the wrong exit. So I’m much more aware of the pressures nowadays and what I need to do on a daily basis.
You credit your girlfriend, Amber, as helping you get sober. Without her, would it have got worse?
In this industry, there are far too many temptations, and you need someone solid by your side. You need stability. Amber was the one. She was the one who was there for me. I just got very lucky when I met her because without her, I may not have come through it all. I owe her everything.
Do you see a day when you may settle down and get married?
Yes, I see a day in the not too distant future when that may just happen. I’ve never really been into the whole getting married thing, but we’ve been together for more than four years and I think it’s something we both would want to do.
Was the recent story about you and Meghan Markle ‘messaging’ each other blown out of proportion?
Oh my God, totally. I’m still laughing about it now because it was proof that some people really can make something out of nothing. I just have to laugh at it. It seems to me, Meghan has a storm coming her way every other day. They should
leave her alone.
Jesus Christ Superstar is at The Barbican, London until 24 August, see barbican.org.uk. Matt Cardle’s fourth album, Time To Be Alive, is out now (Sony Music).