Pott of gold

Where did your love for opera begin?

Paul Potts: It began when I was a teenager. I had been listening to orchestral music and then bought a cheap Jose Carreras CD. I loved it so I wanted to hear more.

Who were (and are) your greatest inspirations in the genre?

PP: My inspiration is Jose Carreras's battle with leukaemia and his continued performance in spite of it. One of my other idols, Carlo Bergonzi, died only a few days ago - a sublime voice with great tenderness and control.

And at what point in your life did you decide that you wanted to be a singer?

PP: Really from the time I was able to sing. I never saw it as being a possibility, but it was always a dream.

Of course, your early attempts at a musical career didn't result in much success. What are some of the biggest setbacks or disappointments from your past?

PP: Early on as a tenor, I tried to walk before I could run and entered a big competition in Spain when my knowledge of Italian was non-existent. That left me initially very deflated.

How did you bounce back from this?

PP: I had to feel the disappointment in order to learn to take one step at a time.

And what did this experience teach you?

PP: Timing is everything; you have to be sure you are ready.

If you hadn't become a singer, what do you think you'd be doing with your life now?

PP: I'd be working in retail management now.

And what made you persist in following your dream despite the difficulties?

PP: I loved performing even though I didn't think it would lead anywhere. I gave up singing in 2003, but didn't give up dreaming.

When you entered Britain's Got Talent, what did you think your chances were?

PP: Absolutely zero. To my mind, I was too old, too fat and not good looking enough for TV, so I assumed failure.

And what was it like to actually win the show?

PP: It was life changing. I don't think I have ever been so blown away by a single event!

What's been the strangest or most memorable thing that's happened to you since you've been "discovered"?

PP: Singing in front of more than a million people in Berlin in 2011. Mind-blowing!

And what was it like to have your life story turned into the movie One Chance?

PP: In a word, surreal. Most surreal was watching James Corden's mouth move and my voice come out! I love the movie though. It's everything I wanted it to be: funny and moving. [Academy Award-winning director] David Frankel and the whole team did a fantastic job.

You've performed across the UK, New Zealand, and even South Korea. What do you love most about being on tour?

PP: I love exploring new places, taking in the culture (and the food!). I also love meeting new audiences, and taking lots of photographs ("happy snapping" in the words of my wife!).

And what can we look forward to seeing on stage when you perform in South Africa with Amira Willighagen and James Bhemgee?

PP: There will be a great mix of music from a tribute to Mario Lanza to some great classics.

Do you have any other plans for your time in the country?

PP: I am hoping to have some time to see more of the country. I have been twice before, once to Cape Town and most recently to Johannesburg. I am looking forward to seeing even more!

Any exciting current projects or goals for the future?

PP: I have my fourth studio album out later in the year. Other than that I'd love to keep coming back to South Africa!

Do you have any dream collaborations or people with whom you'd most like to work?

PP: I'd love to work with Celine Dion, a great voice with power and beauty.

And what's the one piece of advice you'd give to other undiscovered talents around the world?

PP: Never give up. You never know when it's your turn. And when it is your turn, don't take anything for granted.

Paul Potts, Amira Willighagen, and James Bhemgee perform at Montecasino's Teatro in Johannesburg on Friday, 15 August (8pm), Saturday, 16 August (8pm), and Sunday, 17 August (3pm). Book at Computicket.