G4

G4 is a British vocal group from London, active between 2004 and 2007. It is an operatic pop and pop act that appears on The X Factor and becomes known for singing operatic versions of contemporary songs.

Formation and members

The group forms as a busking act in London, where the members sing live in public to earn money and gain experience. Its core line-up includes Jonathan Ansell, Matthew Stiff, Mike Christie and Ben Thapa, and the wider membership also includes Nick Ashby, Lewis Raines and Duncan Sandilands. The singers are formally trained at the Guildhall School of Music.

Style and repertoire

G4’s performances combine operatic arrangements with popular material. Their repertoire includes versions of songs such as “Bohemian Rhapsody”, “Creep” and “Everybody Hurts”, alongside operatic pieces including “Nessun Dorma” and “La donna è mobile”.

Career highlights

The group gains wider recognition through The X Factor television programme. Its self-titled debut album reaches number one in the UK album chart, and is certified double platinum after selling more than 700,000 copies. The album also sells 245,000 copies in its first week.