0:00:02 > 0:00:03Tim Rhys-Evans is running late.
0:00:03 > 0:00:07He's the musical director of Wales' most talked about teen boy choir.
0:00:07 > 0:00:08Only Boys Aloud.
0:00:08 > 0:00:12They're 200 young singers from right across South Wales
0:00:12 > 0:00:14who wowed the crowds last summer
0:00:14 > 0:00:17at the National Eisteddfod in Ebbw Vale.
0:00:17 > 0:00:19Tim, now, has a new vision.
0:00:19 > 0:00:21He wants to hand-pick 32 of these boys
0:00:21 > 0:00:23and offer them a place in a top choral Academy,
0:00:23 > 0:00:26working with the very best.
0:00:26 > 0:00:27Connie Fisher!
0:00:27 > 0:00:29CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:00:29 > 0:00:31There'll be a tough audition and the ultimate test -
0:00:31 > 0:00:36a showcase at one of the UK's leading music schools, Eton College.
0:00:38 > 0:00:42The overriding success I want to see from the Academy
0:00:42 > 0:00:45is that every single one of those boys has pushed themselves
0:00:45 > 0:00:50or done something better than they have ever done before.
0:00:50 > 0:00:52The Academy could open doors,
0:00:52 > 0:00:54but only if the boys show total commitment.
0:00:54 > 0:00:56If a snail could sing, it would sound like that.
0:00:56 > 0:00:59The ultimate prize will be a musical boot camp
0:00:59 > 0:01:02and an ambitious concert at this leading private school.
0:01:02 > 0:01:07They'll face 13-hour days of six am starts, music theory tests
0:01:07 > 0:01:08and note learning in Latin.
0:01:08 > 0:01:12Why, why, why aren't you watching me?
0:01:12 > 0:01:13Come on, boys!
0:01:13 > 0:01:16Can they cut it?
0:01:16 > 0:01:19To become the first ever Only Boys Aloud Academy choir?
0:01:25 > 0:01:27For Tim there's no going back.
0:01:27 > 0:01:30He's at BBC Wales to announce the launch of the Academy,
0:01:30 > 0:01:33live to the listening nation.
0:01:33 > 0:01:36This is obviously an important announcement that we're making
0:01:36 > 0:01:39and you have to seize these opportunities.
0:01:39 > 0:01:42Really aids the profile of the group and recruitment.
0:01:42 > 0:01:44'We're very lucky to get all the attention we get
0:01:44 > 0:01:47'and we've got to make the most of every opportunity.'
0:01:47 > 0:01:51Tim turned the male voice choir tradition on its head
0:01:51 > 0:01:55when he set up the Only Men Aloud choir 11 years ago.
0:01:55 > 0:01:58He's worked with some of the biggest names in show business
0:01:58 > 0:01:59and has won a Classical BRIT Award
0:01:59 > 0:02:03by putting the COOL back into choral singing.
0:02:04 > 0:02:07'How amazing would it be if in ten years' time one of these boys
0:02:07 > 0:02:09'is playing a lead in the West End
0:02:09 > 0:02:12'or is representing Wales in Cardiff Singer of the World?
0:02:12 > 0:02:13'That is completely possible'
0:02:13 > 0:02:16and we have to make them realise that that is possible,
0:02:16 > 0:02:19it's not some pipe dream, it's actually a reality.
0:02:20 > 0:02:22Funding for Only Boys Aloud and the Academy
0:02:22 > 0:02:25has been secured for the next three years
0:02:25 > 0:02:28to the tune of a quarter of a million pounds.
0:02:28 > 0:02:30That means Tim can afford to be ambitious,
0:02:30 > 0:02:32but he'll have to account for every penny.
0:02:32 > 0:02:35- Nice to see you too. - Extraordinary jacket!
0:02:35 > 0:02:36Thank you. I'll take that as a compliment!
0:02:36 > 0:02:38I'm not sure it was intended as one!
0:02:41 > 0:02:44So this is a nine-day intensive course
0:02:44 > 0:02:46at Atlantic College in St Donats,
0:02:46 > 0:02:49which will enable them to have detailed and intensive training
0:02:49 > 0:02:50all week long.
0:02:50 > 0:02:54- And you've teamed up with Eton? - We have, erm...
0:02:54 > 0:02:57but that's all a big secret, so, thanks, Jamie!
0:02:57 > 0:03:01- We know about it.- Oh, right, OK.
0:03:01 > 0:03:04The cat's out of the bag! Erm, yes.
0:03:04 > 0:03:07Probably the most famous public school in the world,
0:03:07 > 0:03:10former school of Prince William and Prince Harry.
0:03:10 > 0:03:13Our boys will hang out with the Eton lads
0:03:13 > 0:03:16and the Eton college chapel choir will sing for our boys
0:03:16 > 0:03:17and we will sing for them.
0:03:17 > 0:03:19So, nobody was supposed to know that
0:03:19 > 0:03:22until the day when we got on the bus! LAUGHS
0:03:22 > 0:03:24You can rely on us!
0:03:24 > 0:03:27He just talks about the stuff, though, I don't want to talk about!
0:03:27 > 0:03:30'The thing is about doing these things publicly
0:03:30 > 0:03:33'is you make a rod for your own back if you're not careful,
0:03:33 > 0:03:35'we've GOT to make sure that this is a success.'
0:03:35 > 0:03:39And there is an element of people who are maybe expecting you to fail
0:03:39 > 0:03:43or just maybe WANTING you to fail in some cases, so that can't happen.
0:03:43 > 0:03:45It's not an option!
0:03:46 > 0:03:48The Academy choir will be made up
0:03:48 > 0:03:51of boys from right across the South Wales valleys.
0:03:51 > 0:03:53Three lads from Only Boys Aloud
0:03:53 > 0:03:56have set their hearts on an Academy place.
0:03:56 > 0:03:59With only 32 on offer, competition will be tough.
0:03:59 > 0:04:0117-year-old Ben Bateman is from Neath
0:04:01 > 0:04:04and studying musical theatre at college.
0:04:04 > 0:04:07'Yeah, I think the Academy could be a launching pad
0:04:07 > 0:04:09'to further education or a career.'
0:04:09 > 0:04:12Cos if I, maybe, I said I was in Only Boys Aloud
0:04:12 > 0:04:15and I was in the Academy and I was in musical theatre,
0:04:15 > 0:04:18maybe they'd think, "He's got a good background,"
0:04:18 > 0:04:20so maybe they'll take me on.
0:04:20 > 0:04:23Russell Jones, who's 19, lives in Cwmbran
0:04:23 > 0:04:27and realises how valuable a place in the Academy would be.
0:04:27 > 0:04:30'Getting into the Academy would be a brilliant experience.'
0:04:30 > 0:04:33Meeting new people and learning new things
0:04:33 > 0:04:36and learning different styles of songs.
0:04:36 > 0:04:38Niall Hunt, who is just 16,
0:04:38 > 0:04:41is already into drama and music at school
0:04:41 > 0:04:44and knows the course would offer him so much more.
0:04:44 > 0:04:48'It would be so fantastic that it will really help my voice
0:04:48 > 0:04:51'and my singing and everything else.'
0:04:51 > 0:04:52If I was successful
0:04:52 > 0:04:54I would be...
0:04:54 > 0:04:57I don't know, I'd be... I'd be gobsmacked, really!
0:05:00 > 0:05:02Only Boys Aloud is made up of ten individual choirs
0:05:02 > 0:05:04from Cross Hands to Caerphilly.
0:05:04 > 0:05:07Weekly rehearsals are conducted by members of Only Men Aloud,
0:05:07 > 0:05:13and they know how much the Academy could mean to the boys.
0:05:13 > 0:05:17# I know that it's you I need... #
0:05:17 > 0:05:19How do you say it...
0:05:19 > 0:05:22'When we announced the Academy was happening
0:05:22 > 0:05:23'everybody was pretty excited,
0:05:23 > 0:05:26'but then we had to drop the bombshell that
0:05:26 > 0:05:27'it was for over 16 year olds.'
0:05:27 > 0:05:31And in Only Boys Aloud we have a high percentage of boys under 16,
0:05:31 > 0:05:34so in some cases that didn't go down that well.
0:05:34 > 0:05:37'But we don't know at the moment how many are going to apply,
0:05:37 > 0:05:41'who's going to apply, but luckily, in Cwmbran,
0:05:41 > 0:05:42'we've got boys who are over 16
0:05:42 > 0:05:45'and guys who are really quite talented.
0:05:45 > 0:05:48'So, hopefully, they will apply and they'll get onto the course
0:05:48 > 0:05:53'and it'll be great for me to see them develop in that more intensive environment.'
0:05:53 > 0:05:56'I just love being surrounded by music,
0:05:56 > 0:06:00'the vocal training is great and I go to every rehearsal.'
0:06:00 > 0:06:05Not every day you can say you've been on the same stage as Tim Rhys Evans
0:06:05 > 0:06:09and Only Men Aloud and Katherine Jenkins and Shirley Bassey.
0:06:11 > 0:06:16'I think the choir does provide a safe bubble for a lot of the boys.
0:06:16 > 0:06:18'They feel safe in their surroundings,
0:06:18 > 0:06:20'but all we can do as an organisation,
0:06:20 > 0:06:22'is just provide them with an environment that'
0:06:22 > 0:06:27makes them feel comfortable and they can be who they want to be really.
0:06:27 > 0:06:31There's only one of me, really. There's only one Niall, I think.
0:06:31 > 0:06:34'I think my friends would say that I'm quite funny and quite witty.
0:06:34 > 0:06:37'As long as I've made someone laugh I've had a good day.'
0:06:37 > 0:06:39So, yeah, that's kind of me, kind of.
0:06:40 > 0:06:43One off, out of the box and fabulous!
0:06:43 > 0:06:45- Yee-ha!- Hoe-down!
0:06:46 > 0:06:48In these serene surroundings,
0:06:48 > 0:06:51the Academy choir boys will face long days of singing lessons,
0:06:51 > 0:06:53performance skills and dance classes.
0:06:53 > 0:06:56There'll be surprise celebrity guests,
0:06:56 > 0:06:57and a 6am fitness session.
0:06:57 > 0:07:02The boys don't know anything yet and Tim wants no distractions.
0:07:02 > 0:07:06We have had some news that during the week of the Academy course
0:07:06 > 0:07:09there are some teenage Argentinean GIRLS
0:07:09 > 0:07:12who are on a course here as well.
0:07:12 > 0:07:14Erm, so, I don't know how I feel about that.
0:07:14 > 0:07:17I think I'm a little bit scared to be honest with you
0:07:17 > 0:07:19cos there's these 32 Valleys Boys...
0:07:19 > 0:07:23and really it'll be great in the spirit of the international community
0:07:23 > 0:07:28that they can talk and get to know a little bit about each other
0:07:28 > 0:07:30and they'd better not do any more than that!
0:07:32 > 0:07:34At the Only Boys Aloud weekly rehearsal in Neath,
0:07:34 > 0:07:37the boys know that a place on the Academy course
0:07:37 > 0:07:40is only on offer with an 80% attendance record.
0:07:40 > 0:07:43It's down to each conductor to make sure the boys keep turning up.
0:07:45 > 0:07:48Let's try again. So, it's the hardest, actually, for you guys...
0:07:48 > 0:07:51'I suppose there is a lot of pressure on us
0:07:51 > 0:07:53'for this to be successful and, you know,'
0:07:53 > 0:07:55the name of Only Boys Aloud is at stake, really,
0:07:55 > 0:07:57because if it is a disaster
0:07:57 > 0:07:59then people will be, sort of, rethinking the whole scheme.
0:07:59 > 0:08:03'Because a lot of these boys, they don't have musical background,
0:08:03 > 0:08:05'so if we can find a middle ground
0:08:05 > 0:08:08'where we can really teach them some complexities of music theory
0:08:08 > 0:08:11'and some more complicated vocal technique, but keep it fun,
0:08:11 > 0:08:14'then hopefully we'll have done our job.'
0:08:14 > 0:08:18# She said love, love, love
0:08:18 > 0:08:20# She said love, love, love
0:08:20 > 0:08:22# She said... #
0:08:22 > 0:08:25Ben's been coming to Only Boys Aloud rehearsals since the very beginning.
0:08:25 > 0:08:30He makes time for music in a very busy schedule.
0:08:33 > 0:08:35'I've been boxing since I was nine
0:08:35 > 0:08:38'and I have won the Welsh Championships three times'
0:08:38 > 0:08:41and I've won a Bronze in the British Championships.
0:08:41 > 0:08:44So, yeah, I really enjoy everything, but I'm so busy.
0:08:44 > 0:08:46Keeps me off the street corners, doesn't it?
0:08:46 > 0:08:51I always hoped that we would not only engage with those boys
0:08:51 > 0:08:54that already have an interest in music and singing,
0:08:54 > 0:08:56but those who might just think, "Oh, well,
0:08:56 > 0:08:59"I'll let my guard down enough to at least give it a go."
0:08:59 > 0:09:04'And it's great to see rugby lads and boys who love boxing
0:09:04 > 0:09:08'just sitting side by side with guys who are doing A level music.
0:09:08 > 0:09:10'I think that's what makes the rehearsal so much fun.'
0:09:14 > 0:09:16Back in the office,
0:09:16 > 0:09:20the deadline for the applications to the Academy choir has just expired.
0:09:20 > 0:09:24Some of the names they were hoping to see aren't on the list.
0:09:24 > 0:09:27'There's reasons people haven't applied. A lot have things on.
0:09:27 > 0:09:30'Quite a few have booked a holiday which is a pain for us.'
0:09:30 > 0:09:32Other people are a bit scared to do it.
0:09:32 > 0:09:35That's a big thing we've found, which surprises us
0:09:35 > 0:09:37cos we work with these guys every week
0:09:37 > 0:09:39and they're like, " I don't want to do an audition."
0:09:39 > 0:09:41They're just out of their comfort zone.
0:09:42 > 0:09:44# I've given you sunshine
0:09:44 > 0:09:46# And water to sip... #
0:09:46 > 0:09:48The boys' first challenge is to find a song
0:09:48 > 0:09:51which will show off their vocal ability.
0:09:51 > 0:09:54Niall's friend Emily has been roped in to listen.
0:09:54 > 0:09:58# Oh please grow for me... #
0:09:58 > 0:10:03'I'm thinking of singing a song from Little Shop of Horrors
0:10:03 > 0:10:06'because I was Seymour when we did it in our school
0:10:06 > 0:10:08'and I know the words to that and I know the song
0:10:08 > 0:10:10'because I didn't really want to do a pop song,'
0:10:10 > 0:10:12if you did one by Beyonce
0:10:12 > 0:10:14you might have to sound like Beyonce
0:10:14 > 0:10:15and I don't sound like Beyonce.
0:10:15 > 0:10:18- Are you going to do an American accent...- I don't know.
0:10:18 > 0:10:20..as if you're being Seymour?
0:10:20 > 0:10:21I might do.
0:10:21 > 0:10:25It depends, like, if I'm in the American mood when I get there.
0:10:25 > 0:10:28'Obviously Niall will go away for a week in July
0:10:28 > 0:10:30'if he is accepted for the Academy.'
0:10:30 > 0:10:33He's been away before, I'm sure he'll settle down,
0:10:33 > 0:10:36he'll meet with the boys, some of them, hopefully, he'll know.
0:10:36 > 0:10:37It'll be good for him.
0:10:37 > 0:10:39We'll have a bit of peace and quiet
0:10:39 > 0:10:41and he can sing to his heart's content
0:10:41 > 0:10:42from early morning till late at night!
0:10:42 > 0:10:45Russell can't decide.
0:10:45 > 0:10:48His favourites are songs from the swing era,
0:10:48 > 0:10:50but he wants to make sure he chooses the right one.
0:10:50 > 0:10:53# Fly me to the moon
0:10:53 > 0:10:57# Let me play among the stars... #
0:10:57 > 0:11:01'I'm really excited, excited but nervous.
0:11:01 > 0:11:04'Just trying to work on a really good song that'll shine.
0:11:04 > 0:11:06'Hopefully they'll like it.'
0:11:06 > 0:11:08# In other words
0:11:08 > 0:11:10# Hold my hand
0:11:13 > 0:11:14# In other words
0:11:16 > 0:11:19# Baby, kiss me... #
0:11:19 > 0:11:22But with just over a week to go before the audition,
0:11:22 > 0:11:24Ben can't decide either.
0:11:24 > 0:11:25What songs are you singing?
0:11:25 > 0:11:28We only need to sing one song, but I haven't made up my mind yet.
0:11:28 > 0:11:31There's two songs, there's Anthem from Chess
0:11:31 > 0:11:33and Stranger In This World from Taboo.
0:11:33 > 0:11:35'The judges will be looking for confidence
0:11:35 > 0:11:37'and how you hold harmonies'
0:11:37 > 0:11:39and keep them and stage presence
0:11:39 > 0:11:42and hopefully I've got what it takes to get into the Academy
0:11:42 > 0:11:44cos it's one thing I really want to do.
0:11:44 > 0:11:46Everyone who applies will get an audition.
0:11:46 > 0:11:47What have we got?
0:11:47 > 0:11:50- How many applications so far? - We have 46 applications.- Right, OK.
0:11:50 > 0:11:52I think that's all, I think that's final.
0:11:52 > 0:11:54You might have two more coming in.
0:11:54 > 0:11:57I'm still waiting on two. They said they'd send them to me last night,
0:11:57 > 0:12:01- but I haven't received them...- The total will be whittled down to 32.
0:12:01 > 0:12:03It's a great spread of voices
0:12:03 > 0:12:06and it's a great spread of people from where they're from.
0:12:06 > 0:12:08We've got a good cross section of everywhere.
0:12:08 > 0:12:11Tim and the team are looking for the most motivated,
0:12:11 > 0:12:13committed boys to make up the choir.
0:12:14 > 0:12:17'We're giving everyone the same opportunity.'
0:12:17 > 0:12:19And then of course it's, it IS down to talent,
0:12:19 > 0:12:21but it's also down to hard work.
0:12:21 > 0:12:23No matter how talented you are,
0:12:23 > 0:12:26if you haven't got determination, it's not going to happen.
0:12:26 > 0:12:28The boys have had to write a personal statement
0:12:28 > 0:12:32explaining why they're after a coveted place among the 32.
0:12:32 > 0:12:35When you read the section why they want to be a member...
0:12:35 > 0:12:37"I have enjoyed every second of Only Boys Aloud
0:12:37 > 0:12:41"and the experience is at the best and biggest venues in the country.
0:12:41 > 0:12:43"I would work hard, listen to information
0:12:43 > 0:12:45"and deliver my best efforts
0:12:45 > 0:12:48"as well as setting an example. Many thanks." That's a lovely form.
0:12:48 > 0:12:5132 boys away from home, it'll be...
0:12:51 > 0:12:53HE LAUGHS
0:12:53 > 0:12:56I can imagine it being a bit messy...
0:12:56 > 0:12:58"And this academy could really open my eyes as to what
0:12:58 > 0:13:01"it's like to study and train as a professional musician."
0:13:01 > 0:13:05I think that's what we've got to get across, is the intensity.
0:13:05 > 0:13:07..a bit chaotic...
0:13:07 > 0:13:08"I will work so hard
0:13:08 > 0:13:13"and be grateful for every chance to improve my existing ability."
0:13:13 > 0:13:16I'm going to be in tears in a minute, reading these.
0:13:16 > 0:13:17'I don't know how Tim will cope.'
0:13:17 > 0:13:22Shocked at how wild everyone is, but I'm sure he'll get through.
0:13:23 > 0:13:26Russell lives at home with his mum and three sisters
0:13:26 > 0:13:28and they're a very close-knit family.
0:13:28 > 0:13:34On Boxing Day 2009, Russell's dad died of cancer, aged just 53.
0:13:34 > 0:13:37'Being the only boy is quite special, being the only one,'
0:13:37 > 0:13:39especially having the same name as my dad.
0:13:39 > 0:13:42That was quite special to be named after my dad.
0:13:42 > 0:13:45'I think my dad influenced me at a young age.
0:13:45 > 0:13:50'He taught me how to sing and he taught me all the basics.'
0:13:50 > 0:13:53It's Russell's love of swing music that comes from his dad.
0:13:53 > 0:13:57the Rat Pack era of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Nat King Cole.
0:13:57 > 0:14:00He gets regular gigs singing all the old favourites
0:14:00 > 0:14:03at his local old people's home.
0:14:03 > 0:14:05# She was a picture
0:14:06 > 0:14:08# In old Spanish lace... #
0:14:08 > 0:14:12'Me and my dad, we used to go to the workmen's clubs and halls
0:14:12 > 0:14:15'and stuff like that and watch singers that were not too good'
0:14:15 > 0:14:19and we used to laugh and stuff and say, "Oh, God, they're terrible!"
0:14:19 > 0:14:20We used to come from there
0:14:20 > 0:14:24and my dad was always, "I can do better than that."
0:14:24 > 0:14:26# You tell me the time you work with
0:14:26 > 0:14:28# With minstrel shows... #
0:14:28 > 0:14:31'When my Dad died I wanted to really make him proud
0:14:31 > 0:14:35'and keep the music flowing, keep the music alive, keep him alive.'
0:14:35 > 0:14:39And every time I'm doing a show I always think he's watching me
0:14:39 > 0:14:40and watching over me.
0:14:42 > 0:14:45# They would travel about... #
0:14:45 > 0:14:50Music has got some ability to speak at the very deepest level.
0:14:50 > 0:14:52I think it speaks directly to the soul.
0:14:52 > 0:14:56'It's got an unbelievable ability to unlock parts of you
0:14:56 > 0:14:59'that you didn't know were there.'
0:14:59 > 0:15:03'With music, it's the thing that gets me through good times
0:15:03 > 0:15:06'and bad times, and it's the thing that helps me.'
0:15:06 > 0:15:09When I sing I get such a good feeling all in my body
0:15:09 > 0:15:11and I just want to get out there and make people happy!
0:15:11 > 0:15:14'As long as they've got a smile on their face I don't care.
0:15:14 > 0:15:18'I just think of music and good times.'
0:15:18 > 0:15:20# Baby, kiss me... #
0:15:22 > 0:15:2550 miles west in Neath,
0:15:25 > 0:15:28Ben's chilling out with family and friends.
0:15:28 > 0:15:31# So please don't, please don't Please don't
0:15:31 > 0:15:33# There's no need to comfort me... #
0:15:33 > 0:15:36But he won't be distracted from the drive he needs to succeed.
0:15:36 > 0:15:39Boxing, and now music have become his life.
0:15:39 > 0:15:41# I'm yours. #
0:15:41 > 0:15:44'There's nothing much for teenagers around here
0:15:44 > 0:15:46'and I think that being in Only Boys Aloud has stopped me
0:15:46 > 0:15:49'from going down the road like other people I've seen.'
0:15:49 > 0:15:52They maybe started alcohol and drugs when they were my age
0:15:52 > 0:15:54and now they're growing up it's getting worse
0:15:54 > 0:15:57and some people are dying. That's not a road I want to go down.
0:15:57 > 0:16:00'So I think music takes me away from that
0:16:00 > 0:16:02'and keeps me on the straight and narrow.'
0:16:02 > 0:16:05# Well, open up your mind and see like me... #
0:16:05 > 0:16:09'He sees those boys hanging around on the streets, doing nothing
0:16:09 > 0:16:10'and getting up to mischief.'
0:16:10 > 0:16:14While he's enjoying himself, doing what he likes,
0:16:14 > 0:16:16in a choir that he likes.
0:16:16 > 0:16:19They haven't got a life have they, really?
0:16:19 > 0:16:21So, who's the winner out of them?
0:16:21 > 0:16:24The chance to try for a place in the Academy choir
0:16:24 > 0:16:26means everything to Ben.
0:16:26 > 0:16:29Two years ago, he travelled to Cardiff with his dad
0:16:29 > 0:16:31to audition for a major TV talent show.
0:16:31 > 0:16:34But Ben's dad, who suffers from claustrophobia,
0:16:34 > 0:16:36got into a lift with him and collapsed.
0:16:36 > 0:16:37The audition was abandoned.
0:16:37 > 0:16:41'I didn't care about anything as long as my father was OK.'
0:16:41 > 0:16:44He felt that he was disappointed I didn't go for my audition
0:16:44 > 0:16:47and he felt that it was his fault, but it's not his fault at all.
0:16:48 > 0:16:51It's the morning of the auditions.
0:16:51 > 0:16:54Russell's arrived and there's an entourage.
0:16:57 > 0:17:00'Today they'll have to sing one song
0:17:00 > 0:17:02'and I really don't care if it's Happy Birthday.'
0:17:02 > 0:17:06It's got to be something that they feel shows them off.
0:17:08 > 0:17:11Russell's already had an early morning ear bashing.
0:17:11 > 0:17:14'They're all nagging me, "Oh, you've got to wear this,'
0:17:14 > 0:17:17"you've got to wear this, colours and co-ordination,
0:17:17 > 0:17:22"you've got to look the part," but that's what families are like.
0:17:22 > 0:17:24Each boy will face a panel of judges,
0:17:24 > 0:17:27for a 20-minute vocal grilling.
0:17:27 > 0:17:30'The voice is such a subjective animal.'
0:17:30 > 0:17:34I might absolutely love one voice and somebody else could detest it.
0:17:34 > 0:17:37'Doesn't mean that that person is a less good singer.
0:17:37 > 0:17:40'So, just having three opinions is good.'
0:17:40 > 0:17:43I get the casting vote, of course!
0:17:43 > 0:17:46'Tim's probably the Simon Cowell character of the panel
0:17:46 > 0:17:50'although he does encourage them, he will just be honest with them.'
0:17:50 > 0:17:53If they need to improve, he'll go up and help them do that.
0:17:53 > 0:17:56It's more of a quite a productive session from Tim,
0:17:56 > 0:17:58but he's the one they've got to impress.
0:17:58 > 0:17:59# A flash of light
0:17:59 > 0:18:01# A crash of drums
0:18:01 > 0:18:04# Tonight, tonight
0:18:04 > 0:18:08# You fall in flames
0:18:08 > 0:18:13# But you hold every card
0:18:13 > 0:18:17# The very words that they had sung... #
0:18:17 > 0:18:19Good deep breath now.
0:18:19 > 0:18:20- # Make h... # - HE SQUEAKS
0:18:20 > 0:18:22There you are, you've cracked!
0:18:22 > 0:18:24There has been some negativity
0:18:24 > 0:18:27to the fact that we have auditioned boys for the Academy,
0:18:27 > 0:18:31'but I really stand by our decision to audition
0:18:31 > 0:18:34'because I think it's life, actually.
0:18:34 > 0:18:38'Everything you do, whether it's a job interview, whether it's an exam,
0:18:38 > 0:18:39'there is a bar you have to meet.'
0:18:39 > 0:18:43I think we would be dishonest to the boys
0:18:43 > 0:18:48if we just made out that it was always as easy as just turn up.
0:18:48 > 0:18:51Russell's audition is just minutes away,
0:18:51 > 0:18:55but the advice from the entourage just keeps on coming.
0:18:55 > 0:18:57BOY SINGS SCALES
0:18:57 > 0:19:00Next door, Tim's pushing the boys hard.
0:19:00 > 0:19:01VOICE CRACKS
0:19:01 > 0:19:03OK, OK, stop.
0:19:06 > 0:19:08- VOICE CRACKS - No, no.- Don't worry!
0:19:08 > 0:19:10And nerves are getting to some of them.
0:19:10 > 0:19:14# Always been there... # Uh.
0:19:14 > 0:19:16# He is young! #
0:19:16 > 0:19:18- Ohh!- All right, son?
0:19:18 > 0:19:20'You are willing everybody to succeed'
0:19:20 > 0:19:23and you are willing boys to do so well
0:19:23 > 0:19:27and you can see that they're feeling uncomfortable, or...
0:19:27 > 0:19:33Oh, my heart really goes out to them because I was...that person.
0:19:33 > 0:19:35I hated auditions.
0:19:35 > 0:19:37I was very nervous, really,
0:19:37 > 0:19:39I just thought it was a bit of a disaster
0:19:39 > 0:19:44that I'd forgotten my lines, but, er, yeah!
0:19:44 > 0:19:46Russell's moment has arrived
0:19:46 > 0:19:49and he's hoping the swing song he's chosen will impress.
0:19:49 > 0:19:51Right, OK.
0:19:52 > 0:19:55Outside, his biggest fan is willing him on.
0:19:55 > 0:19:58# Don't you know you fool
0:19:58 > 0:20:01# You never can win... #
0:20:01 > 0:20:05Russell's showpiece is one of his and his dad's favourites.
0:20:05 > 0:20:08# Wake up to yelling
0:20:08 > 0:20:12# And each time I do
0:20:12 > 0:20:14# Just the thought of you
0:20:14 > 0:20:17# Makes me stop before I begin
0:20:17 > 0:20:20# Cos I've got you
0:20:20 > 0:20:22# Under my skin... #
0:20:24 > 0:20:27Tim gets straight to work changing Russell's posture
0:20:27 > 0:20:29to improve his vocal technique.
0:20:29 > 0:20:31That's very American songbook.
0:20:31 > 0:20:35You know that, sort of, very cool, probably a cigarette in one hand
0:20:35 > 0:20:37and a double bourbon in the other...
0:20:37 > 0:20:40'It's weird when somebody walks into a room
0:20:40 > 0:20:43'or you have an idea of what you imagine they sound like'
0:20:43 > 0:20:45and there've been several times today
0:20:45 > 0:20:48when the voice doesn't really match the body.
0:20:48 > 0:20:51'So, that's been interesting.'
0:20:51 > 0:20:54The longest 20 minutes of Russell's life is now over.
0:20:54 > 0:20:56- All right?- That was gorgeous. How did it go?
0:20:56 > 0:20:59Yeah, it went really well, yeah.
0:20:59 > 0:21:01- It was quite good.- Proud of you.
0:21:01 > 0:21:03Ben hasn't had a great start to his day, either.
0:21:03 > 0:21:05'I didn't think I'd get here'
0:21:05 > 0:21:08because there were police and riot vans in my street.
0:21:08 > 0:21:12Blocking the street because there was armed response, dogs everywhere
0:21:12 > 0:21:15because someone was pointing a shotgun at a policeman.
0:21:15 > 0:21:17I don't know what happened altogether
0:21:17 > 0:21:20'but I started getting stressed and I got upset as well
0:21:20 > 0:21:22'because this is something I really wanted to do
0:21:22 > 0:21:24'and I've been working on it for ages.'
0:21:24 > 0:21:28But he gets right into his audition and impresses the judges.
0:21:30 > 0:21:41# My heart. #
0:21:41 > 0:21:44- Bravo, Ben.- Cheers, Ben. - Really, really lovely.
0:21:44 > 0:21:45It's not an easy song
0:21:45 > 0:21:47because of you're boxing you work out a lot and stuff.
0:21:47 > 0:21:50So, I have to battle with this,
0:21:50 > 0:21:54with my ripped washboard stomach all the time, as you can clearly see!
0:21:54 > 0:21:58Tim's relaxed, but Niall isn't!
0:21:58 > 0:22:01'My worst nightmare would be if either I forgot the lyrics
0:22:01 > 0:22:04'to the song that I was going to sing'
0:22:04 > 0:22:07or my voice just suddenly went pear-shaped,
0:22:07 > 0:22:10like if I was trying to get that high note
0:22:10 > 0:22:13and it just went all shaky and I'd be like, "Oh, no!"
0:22:14 > 0:22:17The biggest block to a successful audition
0:22:17 > 0:22:18is the dreaded sight-singing.
0:22:18 > 0:22:21The boys have to sing a piece they've never seen before,
0:22:21 > 0:22:23in tune and in tempo.
0:22:23 > 0:22:25# La la la la la. #
0:22:25 > 0:22:26From the top.
0:22:26 > 0:22:27Just do this part again.
0:22:27 > 0:22:30- You're not doing badly at all, though.- I can't do it!
0:22:30 > 0:22:32- You can do it, you're doing it. - I'm not!
0:22:32 > 0:22:36My mother always used to say to me, "There's no such word as can't."
0:22:36 > 0:22:39'The sight-singing is messing with some of their heads,'
0:22:39 > 0:22:43but if only they stopped telling themselves they can't sight-sing
0:22:43 > 0:22:45and just have a go.
0:22:45 > 0:22:47The best sight-singing auditions this morning
0:22:47 > 0:22:50have been people that have just had a go at it.
0:22:50 > 0:22:53'I don't actually think anyone taught me to sight-sing,
0:22:53 > 0:22:56'but I never told myself I couldn't.'
0:22:56 > 0:22:58# La la la la la. #
0:22:58 > 0:23:01OK, now I feel that you can do the whole thing.
0:23:01 > 0:23:03- Ah! - THEY LAUGH
0:23:03 > 0:23:06Niall's moment has arrived,
0:23:06 > 0:23:08but right at the start of the audition
0:23:08 > 0:23:10Tim tells him he's got an extra challenge -
0:23:10 > 0:23:13he'll have to sing his entire song in character,
0:23:13 > 0:23:15as Seymour from the Little Shop Of Horrors.
0:23:15 > 0:23:19The poker faced Wyn will pretend to be a plant that won't grow.
0:23:21 > 0:23:24# I've given you sunshine
0:23:24 > 0:23:26# I've given you dirt
0:23:26 > 0:23:29# You've given me nothing
0:23:29 > 0:23:32# But heartache and hurt
0:23:32 > 0:23:34# I'm begging you sweetly
0:23:34 > 0:23:37# I'm down on my knees
0:23:37 > 0:23:42# Oh, please grow for me... #
0:23:42 > 0:23:46'The rehearsal room is, for me, the most exciting place on earth.'
0:23:46 > 0:23:48It's where the magic happens,
0:23:48 > 0:23:54that's where you can try things out and when those ideas become reality.
0:23:54 > 0:23:55That's very exciting.
0:23:55 > 0:23:59# Oh, Pod, how you tease
0:23:59 > 0:24:05# Now please grow for me! #
0:24:05 > 0:24:09And there's an extra surprise for the very talkative Niall.
0:24:09 > 0:24:11Good, good. Erm...
0:24:11 > 0:24:14- You've got quite a big tongue.- Oh-ha!
0:24:14 > 0:24:15THEY LAUGH
0:24:15 > 0:24:18It's quite far back in your throat.
0:24:18 > 0:24:21So, if you've got your throat and if you've got your tongue
0:24:21 > 0:24:24and it's back, it's getting in the way of the sound.
0:24:24 > 0:24:27Can you make sure the tip of it is in contact with your bottom teeth?
0:24:27 > 0:24:29OK, yeah.
0:24:29 > 0:24:30HE SINGS SCALES
0:24:33 > 0:24:34Good, next one.
0:24:36 > 0:24:39I've never really noticed that I had a big tongue.
0:24:39 > 0:24:42I've got a big mouth, I can talk a lot,
0:24:42 > 0:24:44but I didn't think I had a massive tongue.
0:24:44 > 0:24:47I mean, I can't touch my nose with it, so it can't be that big!
0:24:47 > 0:24:50# All round our nest
0:24:50 > 0:24:52# Far as the eye can pass... #
0:24:52 > 0:24:57'I believe that there are some of the boys that have real potential.
0:24:57 > 0:24:59'There are some lads there
0:24:59 > 0:25:02'who are some of the most talented boys I've come across'
0:25:02 > 0:25:05and in some cases it's an untapped, natural talent,
0:25:05 > 0:25:10that God has just put this voice in there, or this innate musicianship.
0:25:10 > 0:25:13'So I really hope that the training they get in Only Boys Aloud,
0:25:13 > 0:25:16'the experience they get and then the more advanced training
0:25:16 > 0:25:20'they'll get in the Academy is going to be something they really value.'
0:25:20 > 0:25:31# This I swear by the stars. #
0:25:33 > 0:25:36Not sure we're going to be able to...
0:25:36 > 0:25:38Auditions are over...
0:25:38 > 0:25:39Erm...
0:25:39 > 0:25:42..the 48 now have to become 32.
0:25:42 > 0:25:45- Let's start with the basses. - Yeah, OK, right.
0:25:45 > 0:25:48- So, definite.- Yeah.- Definite.- Yeah.
0:25:48 > 0:25:50It's a very good voice.
0:25:50 > 0:25:52- Yes.- This one was good, no, it's lovely.
0:25:52 > 0:25:55There's a good voice, if you can strip it back.
0:25:55 > 0:25:57Once the selections have been made,
0:25:57 > 0:26:00each boy will sent an individual letter from Tim and the team,
0:26:00 > 0:26:02with good or bad news.
0:26:02 > 0:26:08- Got our 32. - We have, well done. Cheers.
0:26:08 > 0:26:11'Ni, you better come down,'
0:26:11 > 0:26:15- there's a bit of post for you by the look of it.- Oh, OK.
0:26:17 > 0:26:19All right?
0:26:19 > 0:26:22Well, it's addressed to you, so it must be yours.
0:26:22 > 0:26:24Ooh, ooh.
0:26:24 > 0:26:27Morning. Let's have a look.
0:26:32 > 0:26:35At last, eh? You've been waiting a while for this!
0:26:38 > 0:26:42- "Dear Niall, congratulations."- Ah!
0:26:42 > 0:26:44- "We are happy to inform you..." - Yes!
0:26:44 > 0:26:48"..you have been successful in your audition
0:26:48 > 0:26:50- "at the Only Boys Aloud Academy." - Ha-ha-ha!
0:26:52 > 0:26:54Russell's letter has arrived too.
0:26:54 > 0:26:57"The panel feel you have a charming personality
0:26:57 > 0:26:59"and an obvious passion for music.
0:26:59 > 0:27:02"However, we still felt we didn't hear the real Russell.
0:27:02 > 0:27:04"It is more important that we each
0:27:04 > 0:27:06"find and sing with our own true voice
0:27:06 > 0:27:08"and this is the reason why we feel,
0:27:08 > 0:27:11"at present, you're not ready for such an intensive course."
0:27:11 > 0:27:13Yeah, I was a bit disappointed,
0:27:13 > 0:27:18I worked hard on it, but I think down to it, it was the song, really.
0:27:18 > 0:27:19I think I done the wrong song.
0:27:19 > 0:27:22'I'm going to still carry on with my music and my shows,
0:27:22 > 0:27:24'keep the music alive, yeah.'
0:27:24 > 0:27:28'Some homes are going to be filled with the sound of cheering and congratulations
0:27:28 > 0:27:30'and in others some tears
0:27:30 > 0:27:32'and it's what's like in the real world, full stop.'
0:27:32 > 0:27:35There are always yeses and noes
0:27:35 > 0:27:39and it's how we deal with those noes that makes us who we are.
0:27:41 > 0:27:42Next time...
0:27:42 > 0:27:45the Only Boys Aloud Academy Choir meets for the first time
0:27:45 > 0:27:47and Tim's expectations are sky high.
0:27:47 > 0:27:49Spread out a little bit, boys.
0:27:49 > 0:27:52'Just as long as they're fantastic singers, great musicians,
0:27:52 > 0:27:56'loads of energy and with 150% commitment,'
0:27:56 > 0:27:57that's all I'm asking.
0:27:58 > 0:28:03But the boys struggle with the ambitious repertoire.
0:28:03 > 0:28:05- HE SINGS - Oh, no that sounds awful!
0:28:05 > 0:28:08'It's like eating prunes, or whatever.'
0:28:08 > 0:28:13- It's good for us, but we might not want to do it! - Home truths at a crucial rehearsal.
0:28:13 > 0:28:14We just all need to make sure that
0:28:14 > 0:28:17if you've written something on your score, you do it
0:28:17 > 0:28:19and if you haven't, why not?
0:28:19 > 0:28:23A journey to Eton College is an eye-opener
0:28:23 > 0:28:25for 32 boys from the South Wales Valleys.
0:28:25 > 0:28:26'When I go there,'
0:28:26 > 0:28:29I want them all to be as if they've just come out of an Enid Blyton book
0:28:29 > 0:28:32and all they're all like, "Oh, spiffing, tally-ho!"
0:28:32 > 0:28:36And a week-long musical boot camp kicks off,
0:28:36 > 0:28:39but the boys have no idea what's in store.
0:28:40 > 0:28:44'Whether they're ready to be working what is nearly 13 hours a day'
0:28:44 > 0:28:49I don't know, but it's a tough world this music business!
0:28:57 > 0:29:01Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:29:01 > 0:29:05E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk