RHYDIAN IS STILL MY NUMBER ONE!

0 - 0 • Published 20 Dec 2007 09:30

Share this

THE SALTCOATS singing tutor who sent X Factor runner up Rhydian on the road to stardom says he is still her a star in her eyes.

Christine Cairns taught Rhydian classical singing at the Birmingham Conservatoire for three years until he left to pursue his dreams of stardom.

And despite his narrow defeat in the TV talent competition Christine says her star pupil"s career is just beginning.

Christine, who was in the studio for the live final with Rhydian"s family said: 'It was a brilliant night on Saturday, when all the singers in the final were winners. It was a great achievement for them all.

'Rhydian has lost absolutely nothing - he has had a phenomenal experience and is going to have a great career.

'He was disappointed but is completely delighted for Leon.

'There were four incredibly talented young people in the final who dealt with enormous pressure to pull off great performances.'

Christine, whose sister Irene runs A&E Coachworks in Stevenston with husband Hugo said it had been her 'privilege' to teach Rhydian and to follow his X Factor adventure.

She said: 'He had a great love of music and won lots of competitions when he was studying.

'I was very anxious for him when he was going on the show because it was such a big move for someone who is classically trained.'

Christine, 48, who has lived near Oxford for 17 years, said; 'When he sang Somewhere and all four judges gave him a standing ovation I was in floods of tears. I was so proud.

'I was thrilled by Simon Cowell"s reaction - he clearly really believes in him.'

Rhydian has sung at concerts supporting Christine and conductor husband John Lubbock"s charity Music for Autism.

Christine and 62-year-old John set up the charity when their youngest son Alexander, 14, was diagnosed with autism.

Christine said: 'He has been a friend of the family. He has supported the charity. He has played rugby with my oldest son Adam.'

Adam, 16, missed the final because he appeared in his school production of Grease the Musical.

'Rhydian has been a real inspiration to Adam who is a massive fan,' said Christine.

'It"s so exciting for all of us because we all know him and we are friends with his parents.

'When you teach someone on a one to one basis for a long time you develop a very close relationship."