University News Last updated 17 February 2011
Rhydian Roberts, the classically trained 2007 X Factor finalist, is to receive an Alumni of the Year award from Birmingham City University.
The University has named five Alumni of the Year 2010 with Rhydian being honoured in the Excellence in Sport or the Arts category. Rhydian graduated from Birmingham Conservatoire, which is part of Birmingham City University, with BMus (Hons) in 2007. After just missing out on winning ITV1's X Factor he went on to sell over 500,000 copies of his debut album, Rhydian. He released a second successful album, O Fortuna, in 2009 and his third is scheduled for release this year.
The Welsh singer has performed live at a number of prestigious events including the Classical BRIT Awards and the Classical Response at the Royal Albert Hall. Television and radio appearances include Classic FM Live, Friday Night is Music Night performance on BBC Radio 2, guest on Susan Boyle's ITV1 Special and live on GMTV.
He has recently been touring the UK and Europe in Jeff Wayne's 'War of the Worlds' starring alongside Jason Donovan. Later this year he will be playing the character Khashoggi in the jukebox musical of Queen songs, 'We Will Rock You'.
Nominations for Alumni of the Year are received from staff, students and other graduates for those who have made an important contribution to the local, national or international community in the course of their career or through voluntary or charitable work. Rhydian will be receiving his award at the University graduation ceremony on Monday 21 February at 3.45pm at Symphony Hall, Birmingham.
Alongside Rhydian, four other outstanding graduates have been selected as Alumni of the Year including Mark Persard (BSc Hons Management, 2005), Kerry Thomas (BA Hons Media and Communication, 1997, MA Media and Creative Enterprise, 2009) Fei Liu (BA Hons Jewellery and Silversmithing, 2001) and Justo Casal (LLM International Human Rights, 2006).
Birmingham City University Vice Chancellor, David Tidmarsh, said: “Justo, Kerry, Mark, Fei and Rhydian are all exceptional ambassadors for the University; their stories are inspiring and their achievements outstanding. I very much look forward to meeting them when they collect their certificates at the Awards Ceremonies.”