Andy Abraham
Encyclopedia
Andrew Abraham is an English singer. He was the runner-up
in the second UK series of TV talent show The X Factor
in 2005 to Shayne Ward
, and also represented the United Kingdom
in the Eurovision Song Contest 2008
.
Before applying for The X Factor, Abraham was a refuse collector. Prior to this he worked as a bus driver for Arriva London North based at Palmers Green
bus garage. Abraham has two children by his wife Denise, a daughter called Tara and a son called Jacob. He is of Grenadian
descent.
Abraham was narrowly beaten to the top spot on The X Factor by Shayne Ward
by 1.2% of the national public vote. Abraham was mentored throughout the competition by Sharon Osbourne
although fellow judges Simon Cowell
and Louis Walsh
also praised the singer highly throughout the competition. Other performers who came to prominence in the same series of The X Factor were finalists Journey South
and quarter-finalist Chico Slimani
.
.
In 2006, Abraham's debut album was the twelfth highest selling album of the year with total sales of around 300,000.
Abraham's second album, Soul Man
, was not as popular yet it still managed to make the Top 20 in the UK Charts. The album included the Christmas song "December Brings Me Back To You", a duet with television presenter Michael Underwood
.
A Very Best Of album was released in May 2008.
His third studio album, Even If
, was released in June 2008 to positive reviews, and its title track reached number 67 in the UK Charts. Album sales were not helped by its distribution company Pinnacle Entertainment (UK) going into administration due to the downturn in the economy. The album was released digitally on iTunes
in March 2009.
Abraham released the Christmas single Oh Holy Night in December 2009.
On 3 August 2008, it was reported in The Daily Star Sunday newspaper that Abraham had told friends that he would not release any further material, and instead he would concentrate on becoming a property developer. However on 6 August 2008, Abraham announced on his website that this was not true.
In January 2010 Andy signed up with celebrity management agency Champions (UK) Plc who are working on new material with Andy as well as a number of exciting projects.
On 14 March 2010 Andy performed at Arsenal player Theo Walcott's 21st birthday party, alongside Beverley Knight. Andy is a huge Arsenal fan and will be playing in the Arsenal Celebrity football match later this year.
On 1 March 2008, Abraham won Eurovision – Your Decision 2008, the UK selection for the Eurovision Song Contest 2008
, held on 24 May 2008, with his song "Even If". He was selected as a wild card in Eurovision – Your Decision by Terry Wogan
and won the contest in a sing-off with favourite Michelle Gayle
through a public vote.
In the final, Abraham finished equal last of the 25 entries, sharing 14 points (obtained from San Marino and Ireland) alongside Germany
and Poland
. In addition to becoming only the second UK act ever to come last in Eurovision, Abraham also became the first since 1989 not to hit the top 40 singles chart, peaking at number 67. Of all the UK entries that have made the singles chart (only three did not), it is the second least successful ever.
Runner-up
Runner-up is a term used to denote a participant which finishes in second place in any of a variety of competitive endeavors, most notably sporting events and beauty pageants; in the latter instance, the term is applied to more than one of the highest-ranked non-winning contestants, the...
in the second UK series of TV talent show The X Factor
The X Factor (UK)
The X Factor is a British television music competition to find new singing talent. Created by Simon Cowell, it began in September 2004 and is contested by aspiring singers drawn from public auditions. It is the originator of the international X Factor franchise. The seven series of the show to date...
in 2005 to Shayne Ward
Shayne Ward
Shayne Thomas Ward is an English pop singer who rose to fame as the winner of second series of The X Factor. He has sold over 3 million records worldwide and has had number one albums and singles in 9 countries.During The X Factor competition, Ward was mentored by manager Louis Walsh...
, and also represented the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
in the Eurovision Song Contest 2008
Eurovision Song Contest 2008
The Eurovision Song Contest 2008 was the 53rd edition of the Contest. It was hosted in Belgrade, Serbia after Marija Šerifović won the 2007 Contest in Helsinki, Finland. This year was the first contest to have two semi-finals which were held on 20 and 22 May, and the final held on 24 May 2008...
.
Before applying for The X Factor, Abraham was a refuse collector. Prior to this he worked as a bus driver for Arriva London North based at Palmers Green
Palmers Green
Palmers Green is a place in the London Borough of Enfield. It is a suburban area situated 7.6 miles north of Charing Cross. Postally, it is in London N13...
bus garage. Abraham has two children by his wife Denise, a daughter called Tara and a son called Jacob. He is of Grenadian
Grenadian
The people of Grenada or simply Grenadians or Grenadian people are the inhabitants or citizens of Grenada.Grenadian may refer to:* Something of, from, or related to the country of Grenada...
descent.
Abraham was narrowly beaten to the top spot on The X Factor by Shayne Ward
Shayne Ward
Shayne Thomas Ward is an English pop singer who rose to fame as the winner of second series of The X Factor. He has sold over 3 million records worldwide and has had number one albums and singles in 9 countries.During The X Factor competition, Ward was mentored by manager Louis Walsh...
by 1.2% of the national public vote. Abraham was mentored throughout the competition by Sharon Osbourne
Sharon Osbourne
Sharon Rachel Osbourne is an English television host, author, music manager, businesswoman and promoter as well as the wife of heavy metal singer-songwriter Ozzy Osbourne....
although fellow judges Simon Cowell
Simon Cowell
Simon Phillip Cowell is an English A&R executive, television producer, entrepreneur, and television personality. He is known in the United Kingdom and United States for his role as a talent judge on TV shows such as Pop Idol, The X Factor, Britain's Got Talent and American Idol...
and Louis Walsh
Louis Walsh
Louis Walsh is an Irish music manager and judge on the British television talent show The X Factor.-Band manager:...
also praised the singer highly throughout the competition. Other performers who came to prominence in the same series of The X Factor were finalists Journey South
Journey South
Journey South are an English singing duo, consisting of brothers Andy and Carl Pemberton. They are originally from Middlesbrough, Teesside, and performed in pubs and clubs throughout the United Kingdom for over eight years, prior to achieving third place on the second UK series of television talent...
and quarter-finalist Chico Slimani
Chico Slimani
Yousseph "Chico" Slimani is a Welsh born singer of Moroccan descent who rose to prominence in the United Kingdom after reaching the quarter-finals of the 2005 series of the talent show The X Factor. In 2006, he had a number 1 hit on the British charts entitled "It's Chico Time"...
.
After The X Factor
On 26 March 2006, Abraham's debut album entered the UK album chart at number two, selling 176,000 copies in its first week and being beaten to the top spot by Journey SouthJourney South
Journey South are an English singing duo, consisting of brothers Andy and Carl Pemberton. They are originally from Middlesbrough, Teesside, and performed in pubs and clubs throughout the United Kingdom for over eight years, prior to achieving third place on the second UK series of television talent...
.
In 2006, Abraham's debut album was the twelfth highest selling album of the year with total sales of around 300,000.
Abraham's second album, Soul Man
Soul Man (album)
Soul Man is the second album from The X Factor UK series 2 runner-up Andy Abraham. It was released 13 November 2006 and peaked in the UK Album Chart at number 19 with first week sales of 23,505.-Track listing:#"Still"...
, was not as popular yet it still managed to make the Top 20 in the UK Charts. The album included the Christmas song "December Brings Me Back To You", a duet with television presenter Michael Underwood
Michael Underwood
Michael Paul Underwood is a British television presenter. He famously won a six week CBBC presenting contract on Gaby Roslin's BBC television show Whatever You Want.-Career:...
.
A Very Best Of album was released in May 2008.
His third studio album, Even If
Even If
"Even If" sung by Andy Abraham, was the United Kingdom's entry for the Eurovision Song Contest 2008, Belgrade, Serbia. It was released on 19 May 2008, stated by his official website....
, was released in June 2008 to positive reviews, and its title track reached number 67 in the UK Charts. Album sales were not helped by its distribution company Pinnacle Entertainment (UK) going into administration due to the downturn in the economy. The album was released digitally on iTunes
ITunes
iTunes is a media player computer program, used for playing, downloading, and organizing digital music and video files on desktop computers. It can also manage contents on iPod, iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad....
in March 2009.
Abraham released the Christmas single Oh Holy Night in December 2009.
On 3 August 2008, it was reported in The Daily Star Sunday newspaper that Abraham had told friends that he would not release any further material, and instead he would concentrate on becoming a property developer. However on 6 August 2008, Abraham announced on his website that this was not true.
In January 2010 Andy signed up with celebrity management agency Champions (UK) Plc who are working on new material with Andy as well as a number of exciting projects.
On 14 March 2010 Andy performed at Arsenal player Theo Walcott's 21st birthday party, alongside Beverley Knight. Andy is a huge Arsenal fan and will be playing in the Arsenal Celebrity football match later this year.
Eurovision 2008
Eurovision Song Contest 2008
The Eurovision Song Contest 2008 was the 53rd edition of the Contest. It was hosted in Belgrade, Serbia after Marija Šerifović won the 2007 Contest in Helsinki, Finland. This year was the first contest to have two semi-finals which were held on 20 and 22 May, and the final held on 24 May 2008...
, held on 24 May 2008, with his song "Even If". He was selected as a wild card in Eurovision – Your Decision by Terry Wogan
Terry Wogan
Sir Michael Terence Wogan, KBE, DL , or also known as Terry Wogan, is a veteran Irish radio and television broadcaster who holds dual Irish and British citizenship. Wogan has worked for the BBC in the United Kingdom for most of his career...
and won the contest in a sing-off with favourite Michelle Gayle
Michelle Gayle
Michelle Patricia Gayle is a British recording artist, actress and author. Gayle had success as a Soul and R&B singer in the 1990s. She achieved seven Top 40 singles in the UK Singles Chart, her two biggest hits to date being "Sweetness" and "Do You Know"...
through a public vote.
In the final, Abraham finished equal last of the 25 entries, sharing 14 points (obtained from San Marino and Ireland) alongside Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
and Poland
Poland
Poland , officially the Republic of Poland , is a country in Central Europe bordered by Germany to the west; the Czech Republic and Slovakia to the south; Ukraine, Belarus and Lithuania to the east; and the Baltic Sea and Kaliningrad Oblast, a Russian exclave, to the north...
. In addition to becoming only the second UK act ever to come last in Eurovision, Abraham also became the first since 1989 not to hit the top 40 singles chart, peaking at number 67. Of all the UK entries that have made the singles chart (only three did not), it is the second least successful ever.
Albums
| Year | Album details | Chart peak positions | Certifications | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK UK Albums Chart The UK Albums Chart is a list of albums ranked by physical and digital sales in the United Kingdom. It is compiled every week by The Official Charts Company and broadcast on a Sunday on BBC Radio 1 , and published in Music Week magazine and on the OCC website .To qualify for the UK albums chart... |
IRE Irish Albums Chart The Irish Albums Chart is the Irish music industry standard albums popularity chart issued weekly by the Irish Recorded Music Association and compiled on its behalf by Chart-Track. Chart rankings are based on sales, which are compiled through over-the-counter retail data captured electronically... |
|||
| 2006 | The Impossible Dream
|
2 | 1 |
United Kingdom The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages... : Platinum |
| 2006 | Soul Man Soul Man (album) Soul Man is the second album from The X Factor UK series 2 runner-up Andy Abraham. It was released 13 November 2006 and peaked in the UK Album Chart at number 19 with first week sales of 23,505.-Track listing:#"Still"... Compact Disc The Compact Disc is an optical disc used to store digital data. It was originally developed to store and playback sound recordings exclusively, but later expanded to encompass data storage , write-once audio and data storage , rewritable media , Video Compact Discs , Super Video Compact Discs ,... , digital download Music download A music download is the transferral of music from an Internet-facing computer or website to a user's local computer. This term encompasses both legal downloads and downloads of copyright material without permission or payment... |
19 | 22 | |
| 2008 | Very Best Of
Compact Disc The Compact Disc is an optical disc used to store digital data. It was originally developed to store and playback sound recordings exclusively, but later expanded to encompass data storage , write-once audio and data storage , rewritable media , Video Compact Discs , Super Video Compact Discs ,... , digital download Music download A music download is the transferral of music from an Internet-facing computer or website to a user's local computer. This term encompasses both legal downloads and downloads of copyright material without permission or payment... |
- | - | |
| 2008 | Even If
Compact Disc The Compact Disc is an optical disc used to store digital data. It was originally developed to store and playback sound recordings exclusively, but later expanded to encompass data storage , write-once audio and data storage , rewritable media , Video Compact Discs , Super Video Compact Discs ,... , digital download Music download A music download is the transferral of music from an Internet-facing computer or website to a user's local computer. This term encompasses both legal downloads and downloads of copyright material without permission or payment... |
- | - | |
Singles
| Year | Song | Chart positions | Album | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK UK Singles Chart The UK Singles Chart is compiled by The Official Charts Company on behalf of the British record-industry. The full chart contains the top selling 200 singles in the United Kingdom based upon combined record sales and download numbers, though some media outlets only list the Top 40 or the Top 75 ... |
IRE Irish Singles Chart The Irish Singles Chart is Ireland's music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by the Irish Recorded Music Association and compiled on behalf of the IRMA by Chart-Track. Chart rankings are based on sales, which are compiled through over-the-counter retail data captured... |
|||
| 2006 | "Hang Up Hang Up "Hang Up" is the debut single from Andy Abraham. It was released in the UK on 27 March 2006. It is a new original track from his debut album, The Impossible Dream. It failed to make a major impact in the charts after charting at a disappointing #63 in the UK. In Ireland however it charted at... " |
63 | 14 | The Impossible Dream |
| "December Brings Me Back to You December Brings Me Back to You "December Brings Me Back to You" is the second single from Andy Abraham. It also featured Michael Underwood. It was released in the UK on 11 December 2006. It is a new original track from his second album, Soul Man. It charted at #18 in the UK Singles Chart.-Charts:... " |
18 | - | Soul Man Soul Man (album) Soul Man is the second album from The X Factor UK series 2 runner-up Andy Abraham. It was released 13 November 2006 and peaked in the UK Album Chart at number 19 with first week sales of 23,505.-Track listing:#"Still"... |
|
| 2008 | "Even If Even If "Even If" sung by Andy Abraham, was the United Kingdom's entry for the Eurovision Song Contest 2008, Belgrade, Serbia. It was released on 19 May 2008, stated by his official website.... " |
67 | - | Even If Even If "Even If" sung by Andy Abraham, was the United Kingdom's entry for the Eurovision Song Contest 2008, Belgrade, Serbia. It was released on 19 May 2008, stated by his official website.... |