Gareth Gates: You Ask the Questions

Gareth Gates, 18, was born in Bradford. He started singing when he was eight, and went on to become the head chorister of the Bradford Cathedral choir. At 17, he beat over 10,000 wannabes to reach the final of ITV's Pop Idol. His debut single, "Unchained Melody", stayed at No 1 in the singles chart for four weeks. Since then, he has had two more No 1 singles, and his debut album, What My Heart Wants To Say, reached No 2 in the album chart. He has recently moved out of his family home in Bradford, and lives alone in London.

Have you succumbed to a rock'n'roll lifestyle yet? Drink? Drugs? Fast cars? Bizarre pets?
Debbie Sanderson, by e-mail

Of course, my life has changed massively this year, but I don't think I live a rock'n'roll lifestyle! I come from a very down-to-earth family, and I can't see them letting me wreck hotel rooms and all that. I do like a drink, I am an 18-year-old lad, but the whole drugs thing just doesn't interest me at all – I don't get it. I'm only just learning to drive now, but my dream car is a Ferrari or a Lexus, so the fast-car bit will hopefully come about pretty soon. And no, no strange pets so far.

Who is your pop idol?
Victoria Nelson, Harrogate

Will Young, of course. It's the way he does his own thing and the fact that he has such a unique voice – he's an inspiration. Also, George Michael is a real idol of mine – the way he has kept reinventing himself over the years to keep his sound and image fresh. I'd love to follow in his footsteps.

Do you write any songs yourself?
Robin Smith, London

Yes, I do write some of my own material, I've been working with some great writers and I co-wrote one of the tracks – "Sentimental" – on my album. It's definitely something I want to do more of. I play the piano, electric guitar and acoustic guitar, and understanding the musical side of things – like how to put together a song – has been a great advantage. Not many people have seen that side of my musical ability, but it is there and it's something I want to develop.

So what do you really think of Will? When's the last time you went out for a drink together? And have you bought his album?
Cat Moloney, Dunstall

Will and I are great mates. We went out to a party together last night actually. I'm very proud of him, he has really shone this last year, and his music is fantastic. I love the album and I did buy a copy – although I gave it to my mum for Christmas (just kidding, Will!).

What are your beauty secrets? How long does that hairstyle take to perfect in the morning?
Holly Palmer, Basingstoke

Sorry, no beauty secrets at all, my hair takes five to 10 minutes max. Everyone thinks that I must spend ages spiking it all up, but now I've lost the spikes, so I just shove some gel in and wear it a bit messy.

How's treatment for the stutter going? Do you have any plans to become a rap artist?
Matt Baker, by e-mail

My speech therapy is going slowly as I have not had much time recently. However, when I do have the time, I try to work hard at it. My confidence has really improved in the past year, which has helped a lot, and although I still don't do any live TV or radio interviews, I hope this will change. All the print journalists who interview me are always really understanding of my speech difficulties, so it's not a huge problem.

Er, me a rapper? You are joking!

Do you like fame? What do you enjoy most about it?
Fiona Drew, Goring-by-Sea

Yes, I love it. It sounds corny, but it really is everything I dreamt it would be. Being able to do this is a privilege and I never take it for granted. The fact that I can use my position to help others is really important to me. I get loads of letters saying how the fact that I have made it, despite my stammer, has been a real inspiration to people and proves that you can overcome obstacles. Also, being involved with the Prince's Trust was a real experience and definitely the sort of thing I want to do more of. Oh, and all the female attention's not bad either.

Is it true that your management force you to say you don't have a girlfriend?
Rachel Hindle, London

Yeah, right! No, not true. My personal life is my business, and if I want to take someone out for a drink, then I do – it's not something that I have to ask permission for! Everyone thinks that when you are in the public eye, everything changes, but I'm just me, and if I fancy someone and want to see them, then it's no different to anyone else.

Aren't you really just a glorified karaoke singer?
Liza McGinty, Aberdeen

Of course, people are entitled to their own opinion, but that's not how I see myself. A career in music is something that I have been training for and wanting for as long as I can remember, and I have worked very hard to get here. If I hadn't got into pop music, I had a place at opera school, so I always intended to take the musical route. I take writing and performing very seriously, and the fact that people appreciate my music is an amazing feeling.

Is it true you're a Christian? Has God helped you through the last year?
Jules Quinn, Garforth

Yes, I am a Christian, and God has definitely helped me through this amazing year.

What are your honest feelings towards Simon Cowell? And Darius?
Louisa Bashford, by e-mail

Simon Cowell is a great man and very good at his job, even if he does wear his trousers too high and can be a bit harsh sometimes. Darius and I got on very well when we did Pop Idol together, although we don't see each other that much now, so we're not really close mates. But I do watch his progress and I'm pleased that he has done so well.

Have you actually read your contract and had each clause explained to you?
Phil Jones, Macclesfield

Yes, I have read my contract, although, to be honest, I didn't understand much of it. When I signed to 19 Management I was advised to take on an independent legal adviser. Plus, I trust my Dad massively, and he looks after all that side of things.

Did you look at Mark Owen in Celebrity Big Brother and think that that could be you in a few years?
Owen Anderton, London

Obviously, Mark was part of a band and I am a soloist, so that makes a big difference – when Take That split up, each of them had to go off to try to find their own niche. But I do really think that if you want a long career in music, then you accept that you will have ups and downs in terms of fame and recognition. I am on a high right now but I don't expect it to last continuously for my whole career. Maybe Big Brother will give Mark's career a boost and he could be on the way up again.

Gareth Gates's single, 'What My Heart Wants to Say', is out now