Now, as he releases his greatest hits, Will sits down with www.nus.org.uk to talk about student politics, X Factor and his new album.
Enter the competition to win Will Young's new album.
Did you ever expect to be making a greatest hits album?
I always hoped to and am so pleased and proud to be here looking back on the last 8 years
What do you consider to be your greatest hit?
I think ‘Evergreen’ was massive and is still the biggest selling single of the decade whilst leave right now was a song that really boosted my career into another place but ‘Who am I’ is my favourite song, the lyrics still resonate largely with me and I never tire of singing it. I also love the video I did for it.
How did you approach your latest album? How much more flexibility do you have than, say, your first/second album?
I was as flexible on the last album ‘Let it go’ as I have been for the last three albums. On the last one I really embraced pop songs and set out to write singles.
Have you kept in contact with anyone from Pop Idol?
I am still in contact with people from time to time and ran into Gareth at V Festival which was great. We all had such a shared experience it is always a pleasure to see any of the guys.
What do you think of the current format of X Factor?
I think it has made it bigger than ever and great fun to watch on a Saturday night.
Do you have any regrets?
Not telling a teacher at school what I truly thought of him, otherwise I have no regrets…you learn from your mistakes, hopefully!
You studied politics at University, where you involved at all in student politics?
I wasn’t involved in student politics I am afraid. I was more of a footlights person so did the musicals and also got involved in university RAG.
How did you feel being invited and appearing on Question Time?
I was really chuffed and loved the challenge of it, I had to swot up a lot but I think it is a fantastic show and can’t wait to go on again.
You’ve had a brief foray into film and also been performed on the west end, is this an aspect of your career that you want to build upon?
I really enjoy the acting, I have just done a part in Skins and also Miss Marple so am enjoying the diversity of life at the moment there is no reason why you can’t have two careers on the go...well that is what I am striving for anyway!
Will Young's new single Hopes and Fears is released on 9 November with his new album The Hits out from 16 November 16. To win one of five copies of his new album, enter the competition here.
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