Rebecca Ferguson MBE won the hearts of the nation on The X Factor, when she appeared on the show as a single-mum working as a legal secretary, and ended up battling against One Direction and Matt Cardle in the 2010 final.
Now, the Scouse singer is hoping to win over the hearts of Swindon, with her first performance at the Wyvern Theatre.
It’s part of Rebecca’s new ’15 Years Stripped Back’ tour, which will see her ditch the big name stages for nine ‘intimate’ acoustic shows in lesser-known locations.
Sitting down with the Swindon Advertiser, Rebecca revealed that the tour has already taken her to the unlikely locations of Poole Theatre and Derby Cathedral, and now she “can’t wait” to “properly” explore Swindon.
Rebecca Ferguson is bringing her show to new audiences in lesser-known venues (Image: Big Retreat Festival)
“I’m so lucky to be singing in venues that are a little bit quirky,” Rebecca told the Adver.
“It’s been quite nice so far actually, singing in like a totally new type of setting and so far everywhere has been really lovely.
“I’ve passed through Swindon before but I’ve not actually ‘experienced’ Swindon.
“So it’ll be nice to try and see some of the town and enjoy it properly, if that makes sense.”
She added: “I love doing these stripped back shows because it’s very intimate, you know? It’s a bit like part Q&A as well as a concert.
“It’s just me speaking about everything that’s happened really and also talking about the stories from the albums, how I created them, who I wrote them about, all things like that.”
Ferguson will perform hits such as ‘Nothing’s Real But Love’ and ‘Glitter & Gold’ (Image: Rebecca Ferguson)
According to Rebecca, her switch to more relaxed acoustic shows was actually inspired by American rapper and singer Lauryn Hill, and a move back towards Rebecca’s original jazz background.
“She [Lauryn] did a stripped back tour and I remember finding and watching it online and I really loved how open and honest she was,” said the X Factor star.
“I’ve tried to do the same really with these shows.
The tour was originally supposed to be just four shows, but Swindon was added on as a late addition (Image: Rebecca Ferguson)
“We talk a lot about the industry, about my experience over the past 15 years and we sing some of the songs from my albums as well as some fun covers.
“The audiences have even been getting involved and shouting out some songs for me to sing, and then me and Tom on the piano will just do it.”
Teasing her next upcoming project to the Adver, Rebecca revealed: “I have got some secret music projects that I can’t speak about. There will be some music.
“I’m also working on other business ventures in social housing and more social impact stuff as well as juggling the family and kids, so it’s always busy.”
Rebecca Ferguson will perform at Swindon’s Wyvern Theatre for one night only on Wednesday, February 25, and tickets are already available on the Trafalgar Tickets website.