What is Shayne Ward’s X-Factor?

Hong Kong – The bright new day that dawned after Typhoon Prapiroon stormed this former Crown Colony turned even brighter when Shayne Ward, UK’s newest pop-rock sensation, performed before an impressed audience at the Ozone of Langham Place Mall to promote his self-titled album under Sony-BMG.

Shayne, 21, is an Irish singer from Manchester. He gained instant prominence when he won in last year’s edition of UK’s The X-Factor where Simon Cowell was one of the judges. Oozing with charm and armed with an enchanting voice, Shayne reached the top of the charts with his debut single That’s My Goal. In less than three months, he entered the Guinness Book of World Records for the most downloaded track in a day. He was also nominated in the Brit Awards.

"It’s absolutely fantastic and I really enjoy what I’m doing," says Shayne.

Success is extra sweeter, since it is hard-earned. Shayne went through a series of difficulties to be where he is now.

Born on Oct. 16, 1984, Shayne worked in the shoe section of a shopping center in Manchester before trying his luck on X-Factor. He grew up in a large, close-knit family where singing is every member’s passion. Money was so tight Shayne could only afford a copy of Daniel Bedingfield’s If You’re Not the One CD. He tuned in to pop and R ’n B songs on the radio with Elton John and George Michael as Shayne’s musical influences.

"Although my family is not in the best financial situation, like we cannot afford to spend holidays abroad, my mom would make up for that by taking us for walks in the park and for picnics. She always tries to give whatever we want," Shayne describes his younger years.

The sixth in a brood of seven with a twin sister, Shayne failed to pursue a college degree since he was deadset on helping his mom earn a living. He worked in every job there is, from computer shops to factories and clothes shops.

As singing is really his passion, he tried performing on stage like his uncles who are singers in Liverpool and London doing classic and soul. At 16, he joined a band called Destiny. His group played in weddings, parties and clubs even though he was nervous as hell performing before a crowd.

Things started to change when Shayne auditioned and eventually won in The X-Factor. His life began making a 180-degree turn and Shayne started winning the hearts of millions in the UK with his debut single That’s My Goal selling like hotcakes.

For a chronic worrier, Shayne still could not believe what is happening to him right now is for real.

"It’s amazing that millions of people bought my single and it overwhelms me. That is why my goal is to be the best I can be so I can entertain people well," says Shayne, humility written all over him.

Shayne’s hard work has paid off. He is now laughing his way to the bank and buying not just one CD but lots of it, including Pink in his CD player.

Shayne always thinks about his family, which serves as an inspiration particularly his mom Philomena Ward who brought them up alone. He bought her a house so she can now live comfortably with the family.

"My mom has been great and coped so well," says Shayne. With his busy schedule nowadays, he communicates with her and the rest of the family only through the mobile phone.

Aside from singing, Shayne loves playing football. "If I have my way, I would play football 24/7 and I really admire the team Manchester United," he says about his other love.

After making a mark in UK, Shayne is set to invade the local music scene with his eponymous ballad album recorded in Stockholm, Copenhagen and London with producers and songwriters Steve Mac, Per and David, Cutfather and Joe and Quiz/Larossi. It displays Shayne’s emotional and powerful voice that will easily captivate the hearts of listeners as he delivers the songs in a manner endearing to Filipinos.

The album includes the single That’s My Goal and its carrier single No Promises. Other tracks are Stand By Me, You’re Not Alone, I Cry, What About Me, Someone to Love, Something Worth Living For, A Better Man and Next to Me. Remakes like KC and Jojo’s All My Life and Brian McKnight’s Back at One are also in the album. He also would like to collaborate with American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson someday.

The humble Shayne promises to behave and not change a bit. He wants to be an example to others so that they should not lose hope just because of poverty.

Here’s another living proof that with talent and perseverance, nothing is impossible.