Shayne Ward leaves his local fansbreathless
It's not an everyday opportunity that you get to perform for your idol. Especially if he is an international star. But fans of Shayne Ward grabbed this unique chance and went wild as they danced on stage for the British up-and-coming star.
The singer was in town last week for his mini concert, The Breathless Night, which saw more than 1,600 fans turn up. Ward didn't disappoint them and put on his best show for over an hour with songs from both his albums.
In appreciation of his fans' support, the vocalist also performed an acoustic medley of his singles No Promises and That's My Goal with guitarist Joe Tang.
'I really enjoyed the show. As soon as I hear my fans while I walk onto the stage, I know it would be a good night,' Ward said.
'And I really enjoyed the dance that my fans put up for me. I know them very well; they are my fans from the very start. They got on stage and danced If That's OK With You. I was really surprised and they really put their heart into it. I could see that each and every one of them was enjoying themselves.'
On the stage, Ward did his best to satisfy his fans. Apart from dancing and singing, he also jumped off the stage to shake their hands and even showed off his tattoos.
'[On my right arm], I have [a pattern which looks like] a tripod which is nothing. As you know, I come from an Irish background and my last name is Ward. The one on my left arm sort of represent Ireland.'
Though this was fourth time that he has been to Hong Kong, Ward admitted that he's still struggling with the local language. 'I've tried to learn as much as I can, but the problem with me is I mix it up with different languages. I say something and they say 'Oh, it's not from here'. So I need to sit down and really learn it.'
Lunar New Year is approaching; this gave the Manchester-born singer a chance to show off his Chinese calligraphy skills. '[Chinese calligraphy] is pretty cool. I've done it before, but I'm still pretty bad. Yet I could see the improvement, as I now have a swifter hand movement.'
While he was in Hong Kong, he had the chance to collaborate with local artists Eason Chan Yik-shun and Karen Mok Man-wai. The British star recalled it as a nice experience.
'It was great to have a chance to work with them. Eason's a great guy, and very clever as well. I really enjoyed his company. I welcome any invitation to have collaborations with local artists in the future.'
In a space of just 18 months, Ward has released two albums with the debut album selling more than 800,000 copies worldwide while the second album has already crossed half a million mark. While the first one was 'more emotional and ballad heavy', the 2005 X-Factor champ describes the new one as 'more funky, younger and a lot sexier'.
Earlier this year, there was a rumour that Ward was going to audition for Hollywood movies.
The star admits that he met Oliver Stone on the set of the video for his single If That's OK With You, and that he'd jump at the chance if he was offered a part.
'To me, working with these amazing directors is a great thing. The way that I look at it is that I live once, and I should enjoy myself while I'm here,' the 23-year-old said.
But Ward assures his fans he won't give up on music.
'I'm now very focused on [my music]. It's my fourth time here; it just shows how much I want to focus here and enjoy coming to Hong Kong. I want to expand it even more in Asia.
'I want to say a word of thanks to my Hong Kong fans. They're great and very supportive . . . I'm grateful to be backed the way I am now.'
