The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Sam Bailey: Sing My Heart Out Tour
Caird Hall, Dundee, April 5; Alhambra Theatre, Dunfermline, April 7
In the four years since former prison guard Sam Bailey won X Factor, she’s never been afraid to admit that the push the show gave her was the key to everything she’s gone on to do.
And she has a unique way of saying thank you.
Through a competition on her website, Sam often hand picks a musician to join her on tour so they can enjoy the potentially life-changing opportunity of performing as her support act for a night.
For her Dunfermline date she has chosen East Lothian musician Caitlyn Vanbeck, who appeared on The X Factor last year and went on to become a YouTube sensation.
“It’s important to me that I’m able to help others in the same way, so I’m thrilled to have the chance to help someone else achieve their dream,” explains Sam.
“We have four nights in Scotland and it will be so exciting driving through all the spectacular scenery.”
For Sam, nothing is more rewarding than getting the chance to share her music with her fans on a live stage.
“There’ll be something for everyone at the show, from ballads to dance tracks and poppy numbers,” she says.
Sam admits she is worn out by the end of each show but adds: “It’s pretty intense and I give it my all but that’s what it’s all about.
“I sing a lot of songs that people know and if they don’t, then I tell them the story behind the song and that helps the audience get to know me better.
“It’s been called ‘the honest tour’ and that’s lovely – I really want to come over as down to Earth and to leave the audience feeling all warm and refreshed.”
Local rock choirs will be playing at the local dates and at one point during the show almost 40 people will be on stage.
“I didn’t want it to be too much about me, it’s about talented artists and backing singers who are all amazing in their own right,” adds Sam.
And she has discovered a new side to her character on tour. “People seem to think I’m quite funny, even though I don’t mean to be,” she says.
“They come up to me and say ‘Oh my gosh, you should be a comedian.’ I don’t mean to though, it’s just the way I come out with things.
“It makes the performance a bit like a variety show.”
Although she often gets recognised by fans when she’s out and about, she’s down to earth about her new status.
“I still do the school run, go to the same shops as everyone else and I’m always delighted to chat to anyone who recognises me – after all, they might have voted for me on X Factor,” she says.
“It was life-changing to win but it hasn’t changed who I am.”