Exclusive
ROYAL DILEMMA
BGT winner Sydnie Christmas has ‘no idea’ what she’ll perform at the Royal Variety – and fears rule-break with the King
Watch Sydnie's interview with The Sun in the video above
SHE'S set to light up the Royal Variety stage in November after winning Britain's Got Talent.
But vocal powerhouse Sydnie Christmas, 29, admits she still has no idea what she's going to sing.
4
4
The talented theatre performer's debut album, My Way, is released on October 4 and features the Frank Sinatra classic of the same name as its lead single.
But no decision has been made as to whether that will be that track that's belted out before the King during the televised entertainment spectacle.
In an exclusive interview with The Sun, Sydnie says: "It completely is a surprise, because I don't know yet.
"I have a meeting coming up. What I'm going to do, I'm trying to think what songs would probably go well for the Royal Variety off my album.
READ MORE ON SYDNIE CHRISTMAS
"I also want to see what does well on the album, because you think one thing's going to do well, and then the total opposite happens, and it's one that you didn't expect, so I don't actually know yet."
Seasoned performer Sydnie is remarkably calm about the upcoming gig, but is a little more shaky when it comes to the customary meet and greet with the royals after the show.
"I'm sure they're going to have to tell me to behave," she laughs. "Because I'd want to hug him [King Charles]. I'd want to hug them all, but then you've just got to stand there and bow, and do the curtsy and stuff.
"I usually just never think about those situations until they happen, because I'm just going to... basically, I'll speak when spoken to."
Most read in Music
Though she could just be in luck as last week the King grinned from ear to ear as he was hugged by female New Zealand rugby players in an endearing break from protocol.
Sydnie is hopeful a positive response to her album of classic covers will enable her to release a collection of original material in the future.
BGT winner Sydnie Christmas still working at her local gym ahead of UK tour
While she's put her stamp on her debut record, she's keen to release material that truly reflects who she is.
She says: “I would love to do the originals.
“But on my new album, we just simply didn’t have time. I had three weeks to do it, and I had an extension to make this album. It was a crazy time.
“I hope I get another opportunity to get creative in my song writing again, because I haven’t written a song in about three years.
"There's so many different sides to me and my voice. I love old school funk, obviously musical theatre, I love bands the list is endless.
"I just love music in general."
4
4
One thing the Kent girl isn't afraid of is hard work.
Since triumphing on the ITV show in June, she's been busy establishing herself as a bona fide recording artist.
She says: "The word grafting is in full mode here. Everything you're doing is leading to something.
"And that's all I wanted. When I was working at the gym, it was very just stagnant, if that's the word. It was just existing.
"But now, every single day is a step forward to something. So I'm so happy. Very different life.
"The stresses are the best stresses that I could have asked for."
STAGE DREAMS
Sydnie previously starred in the ensemble for a production of Starlight Express in Germany and her record label, Westway Music, is entrenched in London's West End.
It's a place she would love to get the chance to shine, though BGT success doesn't guarantee a leading role in a major show.
"The West End is really hard to get into because there's not so many shows compared to how many people are wanting to get in them," Sydnie explains. "And every year, when there's a cast change, not everyone leaves.
"You might have one year in a show where no one leaves. And then we're all in line like, 'can we have a go now?' That sort of thing. So, I haven't had many auditions.
"But what BGT has done for me, which is what I'm really grateful for, is put me on a stall and said, 'Hi, I'm Sydnie, now you can all see me'. And all the cast and directors go, 'oh. we know you Sydnie. Yes, come in for an audition'. Which is really good.
"Because sometimes it was impossible to get into a room. I couldn't be seen for the likes of Wicked and stuff like that. So, yeah. Hopefully one day. I'm, you know, crossing my fingers still."
Before any of that though there is the not so small matter of a 10-date UK tour in February, where audiences might just see a star being born.
Tickets are on sale now.
For more details visit
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Topics