After his success and enhanced exposure on the latest series of The X Factor, where he got through to the Bootcamp stages under Sharon Osborne, twenty-eight-year-old Ryan Wilkins was invited back to perform at the live final in Wembley Arena and will now be presenting his first headline gig in his hometown.
Wythenshawe-born Ryan was described as having a 'magic tongue' by Simon Cowell, after his audition, for which he sang Rihanna's 'We Found Love', leading Simon to "like the idea of a male diva doing the big club songs". Nicole Scherzinger also loved his eye brows and 'frilly ending'.
He has been singing for as long as he can remember and now, after the festivities of Christmas and New Year, will be performing to fans in 'A Night of Ryan Wilkins and friends' with fellow X Factor hopefuls, father and daughter duo Kayleigh and Stefan Meyer from Germany and Manchester-based Stacy Southward.
Locally, Ryan has performed at various pubs and functions, as well as twice as part of Wythenshawe's Got Talent. He also performed at Wythenshawe Christmas Light Switch On back in 2008, he also performed at the first Wythenshawe Pride last August.
Of his experiences and success, Ryan says "It's been an amazing journey so far and it's all down to my fans and family who have believed in and supported me through the step closer to my dreams". A call centre worker by day, Ryan is working with local music agent Artist & Business Consultancy and hopes to perform at forthcoming Light Switch On events, Pride events and other festivals.
To book for his event at Wythenshawe Forum on Saturday 21st January, visit www.ticketsource.co.uk/event/EJFLEE or find him on Facebook.
