Rhydian James Roberts (born 14 February 1983), also known mononymously as Rhydian, is a Welsh former baritone singer, television presenter and musical theatre actor. He rose to fame in series 4 of The X Factor (2007), and subsequently became less widely known. Rhydian Roberts retired from performing in February 2023 with a farewell album. He is currently an artist manager at Neil O'Brien Entertainment.

Early years

Born in Sennybridge, Rhydian attended the Pontsenni Cylch Meithrin in Brecon and then Ysgol y Bannau Welsh medium school. He played rugby union for the Gwernyfed rugby football club as a junior and later for his school, as well as cricket for Powys County Junior teams. Following a gap year teaching in a small school in South Africa, Rhydian won a bursary to the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire at the University of Central England.

Career

The X Factor

Rhydian has said: "I'm very proud of what I achieved on X Factor. I'm a showman and it gave me the chance to put on a show". Amongst other songs, he sang: During the live stages of competition, eventually his "trademark white hair and flamboyant dress sense made him an audience favourite." His version of "The Impossible Dream" became the keynote track on his first album.

Recordings

Concerts, galas and solo tours

Stage

Television

Final record album

In February 2023, Rhydian Roberts announced his retirement from singing and released a final album: "'I’ve enjoyed my career. It's been 15 years since The X Factor, I’ve released eight albums already, and I just wanted to sign off my singing career with a couple of releases. One classical album and then later on in the year I'm doing a Best Of which has all my favourite songs from the pop world, musical theatre, and classical. That’ll be it then – I'm hanging up my recording voice.'"

Retirement and career change

Rhydian currently works as an artist manager at Neil O'Brien Entertainment.

Discography