Darius Danesh's life after Pop Idol from West End stardom to Hollywood
16.08.2022 - 21:17
/ ok.co.uk
Darius Campbell Danesh first found fame on our screens in Pop Idol in 2001, where he made it to the final of the live singing competition against Will Young and Gareth Gates in a contest that gripped the country. But although the star finished the series in third place, it was the beginning of a successful performance career Darius, who went on to release successful albums, appear in the West End, write a book and travel the world with his music.
The Scottish singer-songwriter and actor, whose family confirmed his sad death at the age of 41 on Tuesday 16 August, made his first bid for fame in ITV show Popstars in 2001, and then the following year made it to the final of the first Pop Idol, which was won by Will Young. After his stint on the show, he turned down a record deal from music mogul Simon Cowell, instead opting for a deal with producer Steve Lillywhite.
It proved to be a good choice for the star - his first single, Colourblind, entered the UK charts at no. 1 and his debut album Dive In, released that same year, was later certified platinum.
Looking back at how he got his start on reality TV, Darius said in 2017: “I look back at it all with fond memories, and with deep appreciation of the support of the British public at a time when I first went through Popstars – I made mistakes and I was too cocky and I didn't have humility. "Those were hard lessons to learn and I suppose Pop Idol offered me the opportunity to come back with humility and a greater understanding of the music industry, and a deep respect for the producers and directors.
"I came back with a willingness to learn from my mistakes and to simply share my voice and love of music. I have deep respect for anyone who puts themselves in the position of
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