‘I’m much less confident as a singer than as a person’: 10 Questions for star vocal coach Yvie Burnett

BORN in Aberdeenshire, Yvie Burnett was an opera singer before developing a unique vocal method for coaching artists.

She has worked with Gary Barlow, Nicole Scherzinger and Sam Smith among others. Yvie was coach on Britain’s Got Talent, The Voice and X Factor.

She has just presented a TV dating show. Her book, Yes You Can Sing, is out now.

Are you a confident singer yourself?

No. I’m much less confident as a singer than as a person. I was brought up not to show off, and some of that Aberdeenshire reticence is still there.

What’s your karaoke song?

Accompanied by a glass or two I’ve been known to do Celine Dion’s version of All By Myself. My easier option is Hopelessly Devoted To You by Olivia Newton-John.

What’s the most unusual assignment you’ve had?

On America’s Got Talent I was asked to give lessons to two feathered birds who I was told could sing musical scales.

How do you describe what you do?

Half of it is psychology. I’ll get flown out to help on big tours where I’m basically the singer’s shrink. Some acts worry I’m going to turn them into Julie Andrews, but I just make them better at what they do naturally themselves.

How did you get to be the stars’ first choice?

Luck. Louis Walsh asked my husband, who he calls Fatty, if he knew of a vocal coach he could use on X Factor. When he mentioned me, Louis looked horrified. “Please tell me she doesn’t look like you.”

Are you expensive?

A lesson might cost the same as a night out, but if you’re serious about being a singer, it’s worth it. It’s about priorities.

What’s the purpose of the book?

To give everyone the chance to sing if they work at it. Very few are tone deaf, but you have to think like an athlete. Andy Murray wouldn’t neglect training, and nor should singers.

Do you get close to the stars you coach?

Susan Boyle is a close friend. We have loads in common and we’ve spent a lot of time together. She got to know my family, and I asked her to sing at mum’s funeral. I felt grateful and proud.

Do you have any odd talent or party piece?

Well I do have an obsession about shoes, so I reckon I could probably run a mile in high heels easily. Will that do?

You have 24 hours left to live. How do you spend it?

I’d ask Holly Willoughby to take the day off and I’d present This Morning. Then I’d fly to Vegas and gamble my money away, apart from enough to buy loads of shoes with red soles. I’d see the day out changing footwear every half hour.