Liberty X and Hear'Say, two groups formed on ITV's Popstars in 2001, have joined forces for a joint tour. The move, previously considered unlikely, will see both bands perform together for the first time. Myleene Klass, who found fame in Hear'Say, will not take part due to scheduling conflicts.
For the past six months, Liberty X's Michelle Heaton, Jessica Taylor, Tony Lundon, Kevin Simm and Kelli Young, along with Hear'Say's Danny Foster, Kym Marsh, Suzanne Shaw and Noel Sullivan, have kept the plans secret. Kelli said it feels "like Christmas Eve" ahead of the announcement. The bands are preparing for a 13-date arena tour across the UK and Ireland next year, promising a "party" atmosphere.
How the reunion came about
Suzanne said the process has been "nice" to navigate without public knowledge. "We're ready to tell everybody what's going on," she said. Kelli initiated the reunion by phoning each member of Hear'Say to gauge interest. After six months of talks, the collaboration was confirmed.
Myleene Klass was invited but declined due to prior commitments. Her bandmates remain hopeful she might appear in the future. "She was invited to do the show, and we completely understand the timing wasn't right for her," Suzanne said, adding that Klass will be "cheering from the sidelines."
Marking 25 years since Popstars
Noel explained the timing: "It's 25 years since Popstars aired this year, so it just absolutely makes sense to kind of mark the occasion." He added that both groups were "born from that process," making it an ideal moment to celebrate together.
Kelli said it was an "honour" that their music has endured. Suzanne noted that younger generations are now embracing Noughties music, which has seen a resurgence. "It's interesting to see the generation below us embracing the sound and the look," she said.
Legacy and future plans
The bands, the first formed on British reality TV, paved the way for acts like One Direction, Girls Aloud, Little Mix, RakSu and JLS. Kelli admitted they had no idea of their cultural impact at the time. Kevin said he knew the bands would "inspire someone."
The tour is titled Popstars: The Originals. Kevin, who also won The Voice UK in 2016, said he has few regrets. "I'm a believer that you shouldn't have too many regrets, especially when it kind of leads to a sort of point where we're at now."
Noel revealed that a Hear'Say reunion was discussed five years ago but never materialised. "All the pieces have to fall in place at the right time."
Liberty X, originally known as Liberty, faced a legal battle over their name with a funk R&B band. After a tabloid poll suggested X Liberty, they chose Liberty X. Kelli said the change "catapulted" the group. "Good things can come out of bad things."
The tour begins on April 17. The bands are already rehearsing together. Kelli said it "feels like something different and added than if we were doing it on our own."
Suzanne, whose theatre work includes the West End, said it taught her "a lot of discipline." She plans to bring that experience to the tour. Kelli described the collaboration as "natural," with Suzanne calling it a "super group."
Kevin said he would not encourage his sons to follow in his footsteps. Suzanne echoed that sentiment, noting her eldest son is training to be a stuntman. Kelli, married to singer Iain James of Triple 8, said her children can sing but don't want a career in music, which she finds "relieving."
There are no plans yet for new music. "The first thing is get the tour up and running and pour our creative ideas into the one pot and see where that lands," Noel said. Suzanne said they will "listen to the fans" when compiling set lists. Kelli added they have an opportunity to "experiment, have a little bit of fun with it."
Pre-sale tickets go on sale at 9am on Wednesday, October 14, with general sale at 9am on Friday, October 16.
