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Dear John

Perplexing Promotional Problems

First published 29th January 2004

Question:
I've had my Stars in Their Eyes performance - I was Roberta Flack - aired recently. I really enjoyed doing the show and even though I didn't win, I have had several approaches to represent me. But I really want to develop my career in my own right. I'm already getting jazz gigs and residencies. How can I use the TV appearance to build my own career?

Answer:
Max Clifford famously said that he gets more work keeping people out of the papers than he does getting them in. Congratulations on getting your Stars gig - while some people may look down their noses at its "dressing up element", if you made it to the show you have made it through the ranks of some very talented vocalists. Put similar hard work into the rest of your promotion and getting publicity or attention won't be all that difficult - but I agree with you that it is getting the right kind of publicity that's the trick.

Sadly, even the real Roberta might struggle to get on primetime in the Pop Idol era, so if you want to continue building your own name, the live circuit is where you have to hone your skills. But the "as seen on TV" element will certainly give you an advantage with bookers and will do no harm when you try for other TV shows with live music slots - yes, they do still exist.

You are right to hold out for an agent who will take the time to build your career based on your own strengths but in the meantime check out all the useful info for working singers on this site.

Good luck with your career on and off screen - hopefully it won't be too long before a Stars contestant tells Matthew that tonight she's going to be you.