Gareth Gates Reflects on Simon Cowell Mentorship and Boyband Legacy
Pop Idol sensation Gareth Gates has candidly discussed his complex relationship with former mentor Simon Cowell, revealing the one characteristic that both frustrates and impresses him about the music mogul. The Bradford-born singer, who rose to fame as the 2002 Pop Idol runner-up, acknowledges Cowell's uncanny ability to be "always right" in his business decisions.
The Enduring Appeal of Boyband Music
Gates points to the remarkable success of Cowell's latest creation, seven-member boyband December 10, as evidence that the public's appetite for harmonising male groups remains undiminished. The Netflix-formed ensemble has already amassed over a million views for their cover of NSYNC's classic track 'Bye Bye Bye', with Cowell boldly declaring them the potential "next One Direction".
"It just goes to show people still love that music," Gates observed. "I was very fortunate to be on Simon Cowell's label. He's a great mentor - annoyingly, always right."
Wisdom for the Next Generation
As December 10 prepare to launch their five-date 'Introducing!' tour across the UK and Ireland next month, Gates offers the young performers some hard-earned advice from his two decades in the spotlight.
"My advice is to work hard, enjoy it, take it in, because it can pass you by in the blink of an eye," he shared. "Keep family close. I still have the same friends I've had since I was a boy."
The 34-year-old singer credits Cowell with launching his entire career, recalling how the music executive identified him as "our Pop Idol" immediately after his first audition. "I owe everything to Simon Cowell," Gates emphasised. "From the very start, he championed me. I wouldn't be here without Simon Cowell."
A Provocative New Chapter
Gates is currently preparing for his upcoming theatre production 'Boyband In the Buff', which begins its UK tour on February 6th. Describing the show as "the singing version of Magic Mike", he explains how he's tapping into the current resurgence of 1990s and noughties nostalgia.
"It's sexy, but it's classy," Gates insisted about the production, which features him alongside four talented performers from major West End shows. "There's no full frontal - although we might flash a bit of bum in Speedos. The title sounds a lot scarier than it is."
The singer revealed that security measures have already been increased at the more than seventy venues hosting the show, commenting wryly: "I dread to think what women are going to be like at this show!"
Navigating Industry Challenges
Gates also reflected on the darker aspects of the music business, citing the tragic 2022 death of fellow Pop Idol alumnus Darius Danesh as a "huge blow". The Scottish singer's passing at just 41 highlighted the importance of maintaining strong support networks within the industry.
"That's why it's so important to keep the right people around you," Gates advised. "The industry is hard. I partied hard when I was young, but from about 30, I focused on health, the gym, and business."
Personal Boundaries and Past Relationships
The singer addressed his much-publicised teenage relationship with media personality Katie Price, who recently announced her ninth engagement. Gates, who was just 17 when they dated, maintains a respectful distance from discussing their past.
"At the time, I was only 17 - and it was the worst thing," he recalled. "I don't seek publicity. I would never talk about intimate details out of respect. Katie's made a career out of talking about relationships - that's her thing. I just roll my eyes and go, 'That's Katie.'"
Now in a three-year relationship with partner Alana, Gates appears content with his current personal and professional trajectory, balancing his theatrical ventures with reflections on an eventful career that continues to evolve two decades after his Pop Idol breakthrough.
