BRITAIN'S GOT TALENT WINNER PAUL POTTS IN TORONTO

Paul Potts & Mr. Will-W.

Today was my lucky day as I bumped into Britain's Got Talent winner and now-Opera Star, Paul Potts outside his Hotel.  Potts is in-town promoting his third album Cinema Paradiso, released just last Tuesday.  

Sales have been slow to start for the remarkably gifted Singer who reached number one in nine countries with 2007 debut One Chance, but he is now in full promotional gear for his latest effort.  Having been here for a few days already, he has made appearances on programs like popular George Stroumboulopoulous Tonight and tomorrow night he will be appearing at Crush Wine Bar in the trendy King St. West area, performing selections from his new album.  Just the other night, he had the chance to visit his favourite Barberians Steak House, posting a Tweet on his Twitter page about the meal.

After flashing a bright smile at his amazing Publicist who was with him in his Escalade, their Driver immediately slammed the breaks.  Now get this - she got out, came over and fetched me to his vehicle asking, "Did you want a picture with Paul?", to which I responded with a resounding "Yes.".  Dressed in a Suit and Tie, he came out to greet me and before long, the Paparazzi came out in full force and started snapping away.  Fame!

INTERVIEW: SHAHEEN

Shaheen

13 year-old Actor/Singer Shaheen is onto something special.  Since stunning the world virally with his jaw-dropping audition on Britain's Got Talent before a skeptical and then impressed Simon Cowell, the spotlight has been on the brilliant boy from Wales.  Appearances on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Oprah Winfrey and even a spot on the late Michael Jackson's ill-fated This Is It Tour have solidified the fact that the world is ready to embrace its next big international teen sensation. 

Now ready to unleash his eagerly-awaited debut album When I Come of Age from Island Records/Universal Music on November 22, 2010, the adorable Shaheen took a few moments out of his busy schedule to chat with Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven readers.

Mr. Will-W.: Hi Shaheen, thanks for dropping by to chat with us as we're honoured to be one of the first outlets  in Canada (and first Canadian Blog) to feature you!  Now we're all excited to hear what's on When I Come of Age. What can you tell us about this first album and why have you decided to release two singles at the same time?

Shaheen: My album is important to me; it’s not like all the other albums that are coming out, its not very poppy and sounding the same as a lot of other tracks out there. It’s got kind of a Motown/contemporary feel to it. We decided to release Last Train Home/Hip Teens as a Double A-side because they show how versatile I can be. Last Train Home is a great ballad and Hip Teens is faster and a lot of fun. I hope everyone will get involved in my new competition to star in my video for Hip Teens. It’s for anyone who loves to dance. Check out my website for more details.

Mr. Will-W.: Many people don’t know that in addition to being a very talented singer, you also act. Both are very different. Describe how they are different for you. Do you prefer one over the other?

Shaheen: I prefer singing more but acting is something I’ve done and I wouldn’t mind doing again but right now I’ll concentrate on the album and what’s happening now and then possibly one day go into acting or something. I’d like to be in movies maybe. My favourite actors are Eddie Murphy and Jim Carrey.