Gareth Gates

Also in 2003, Gates came sixth in the Channel 4 poll of the 100 Worst Britons. The big difference with the common singer-songwriters, however, is the fact that he uses a lot of computer generated music to accompany his voice and guitar play. This was also a new entry at number one, and stayed there for two weeks. David Gray's music can best be described as singer-songwriter. He sings while playing guitar. With the The Kumars, Gates sang the 2003 Comic Relief charity single, "Spirit in the Sky", another cover of an old song. After a few marginally-successful releases through the 1990s, Gray's breakthrough came with the worldwide release in 1999 of the album White Ladder; this album was a critical and commercial success and included his most famous songs: "This Years Love" and "Babylon". The single was voted 2002's Record of the Year by ITV viewers. His musical career got early support from a dedicated Irish fan base. At an early gig in Ireland where at his first gig Gray was introduced by comic playwright Pat Ingoldsby.

(Cowell had been one of the Pop Idol judges, and had been notorious for his harsh criticisms of many of the contestants.) His first single, a cover of "Unchained Melody", entered the UK Top 40 at number one, knocking Will Young's first single - the double A-sided "Evergreen"/"Anything is Possible" - off the top of the chart (as Young's single was intended for the winner of Pop Idol Gates also recorded versions of both songs, which were used as B-sides for "Unchained Melody"). Gray was born 13th June 1970 in Manchester, England and grew up in Wales; he later attended the University of Liverpool. Despite not winning the competition, he was soon signed up with Simon Cowell's record label BMG, alongside the Pop Idol winner, Will Young. David Gray is a British singer-songwriter. Gareth Paul Gates (born July 12, 1984, Bradford) is a British pop singer who shot to fame in 2002 when he came second in the television talent show Pop Idol. Be Mine (2003). The Other Side (2002).

Say Hello Wave Goodbye (2001). Sail Away (2001). This Year's Love (re-issue) (2001). Please Forgive Me (re-issue) (2000).

Babylon (re-issue) (2000). Please Forgive Me (1999). Babylon (1999). This Year's Love (1999).

Wisdom (1993). Shine (1993). Birds Without Wings (1992). A New Day At Midnight (2002); eastwest (UK)/RCA (USA).

The EP's 1992-1994 (2001); Hut. Lost Songs 95-98 (2000); Iht (UK)/ATO Records (USA). White Ladder (1999); Iht (UK)/ATO Records (USA). Sell Sell Sell (1996); EMI.

Flesh (1994); Hut. A Century Ends (1993); Hut(UK)/Caroline (USA).