Simon Cowell’s entire career is grounded in finding “the next big thing” in pop music. From American Idol to The X Factor, the music-mogul-turned-reality-star helped jump-start the careers of artists like Kelly Clarkson, Leona Lewis, Carrie Underwood, and Chris Daughtry.
But that’s not what he really wants you to listen to. According to the King of the brutal one-liner, his pride and joy is a classical crossover quartette: Il Divo.
In case you haven’t heard, Il Divo (literally “divine male performers”) is a group of four really good-looking guys who use opera and musical-theater techniques to perform pop songs. We know, we know—but you can’t argue with their success. Since 2004, they’ve sold more than 25 million albums, had 150 platinum and gold records, and just performed at the Queen’s Jubilee in London.
Cowell spent two years auditioning men around the world for the group, eventually settling on four guys who are as all over the map as their musical style—a Frenchman, a Spaniard, an American, and a Swiss.
Comparing Idol and the search for the multinational foursome, Cowell said, “It was rather like eating bread and water for three or four years and then suddenly somebody serves you the best food in the world.”
Obviously, Simon likes his food pretty cheesy. But he’s right! Whatever the men of Il Divo are serving up, it’s pretty darn good. And we’re offering you a chance to give it a try…FOR FREE!
Interested? Comment below with a song you’d like to hear Il Divo remake for a chance to win two free tickets to their August Minneapolis concert. Entries will be accepted until this Thursday, June 7, at 10 a.m., so don’t wait.
Hey, four attractive men singing their hearts out in Armani suits? We can think of worse ways to spend a Thursday night. Even if you don’t win, you still have plenty of time to purchase a ticket.
Il Divo Tour 2012
Thursday, August 2
8 p.m.
U.S. Bank Theater at Target Center, 600 First Ave. N., Mpls., 612-673-0900