X Factor runner-up Nicholas McDonald is aiming to hit the ground running in a bid to cash in on his success.
The Motherwell lad is doubling up with his first single and album and is then planning to get another record released before the end of the year.
“I wanted to get the album out nice and early,” 17-year-old Nicholas told The Sunday Post.
“I’m really happy with the mix of stuff on the album and there will hopefully be another one out in 2014.”
The single, Answerphone, is out today with the album, In The Arms Of An Angel, released tomorrow.
It features a collection of contemporary covers, including Adele’s Someone Like You, Bruno Mars Just The Way You Are and Westlife’s Flying Without Wings.
There are also three original songs.
“I’m excited because they are the type of thing I never really got to do on the show,” reveals Nicholas.
“It’s really happy, upbeat stuff whereas, on the show, it was mainly ballads.”
The album is out on the famous RCA label and Nicholas admits landing the record deal after losing out to Sam Bailey was a real shock.
“I didn’t have a clue I was going to get a deal after X Factor,” confides Nicholas.
“I thought that was it, to be honest. The show finished on the Sunday and then I was told the record company wanted to see me on the Tuesday.
“I went along and they said they’d like to sign me I just said ‘thank you!’”
Nicholas admits he’s still coming to terms with the fame that’s come on the back of ITV’s blockbuster talent show.
“I find it really weird and I don’t think I’ll ever get used to it. You kind of forget that so many millions of people watch it every week. Everywhere I go people spot me and ask for pictures, which is very strange.”
Nicholas got home for a brief break at Christmas a welcome chance to sleep in his own bed but he’s since been recording and on the road with the X Factor tour.
“It’s been great being on tour and playing places like the Hydro, which was a huge thrill.
“I’m hoping to get a chance for a holiday with my family after it finishes to relax a bit.”
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