Gareth Gates

Gareth Gates is a British pop singer and singer-songwriter from Bradford, England. Born Gareth Paul Gates in 1984, he first appears on television talent shows before becoming widely known in 2002 after finishing second on Pop Idol. He also appears the previous year on Steps to the Stars, presented by Claire Richards and Ian Watkins of Steps.

Early success

After Pop Idol, he signs to BMG, Simon Cowell’s record label, alongside the winner, Will Young. His first single, a cover of “Unchained Melody,” goes straight to number one in the UK singles chart and displaces Young’s debut single from the top spot. Gates also records versions of “Evergreen” and “Anything Is Possible,” which appear as B-sides. “Unchained Melody” is later voted ITV viewers’ Record of the Year for 2002.

Charity work and television

In 2003, Gates sings on the Comic Relief charity single “Spirit In The Sky” with The Kumars. The recording also reaches number one in the UK and remains there for two weeks. He also appears in Comic Relief’s Celebrity Driving School.

Later releases

Gates releases his third album, Pictures of the Other Side, in 2007. The album includes the singles “Changes” and “Angel on My Shoulder,” both of which enter the UK Top 40 for one week, reaching numbers 14 and 22 respectively.

Stammer advocacy

Gates has a stammer and works with the McGuire programme, using his experience to help other people with stammers.

Public profile

In 2002, Smash Hits dedicates 7 November to fans as International Gareth Day.