British singer-songwriter Calum Scott poses for a photo ahead of his concert with Ed Sheeran at the SMDC Concert Grounds. Anna Cerezo, ABS-CBN News 

MANILA -- For someone who was comfortable drumming in the shadows, away from the spotlight, British singer-songwriter Calum Scott said touring the world as an opening act for an award-winning artist like Ed Sheeran, sounds like an impossible dream.

“If I could give back 10 years and tell young Calum what would happen, I would laugh,” Scott said in an interview ahead of Sheeran’s concert in Manila on Saturday, where he will also perform with OPM band Ben&Ben.

“I never used to want to be a singer. I  used to play drums, happy to be in the background. But now I'm accommodating the stage for 90 minutes. It was a real journey to get to the point,” he added.

While Scott’s standout rendition of “Dancing on my Own” on the stage of "Britain's Got Talent" during his audition was the pivotal moment that catapulted him into the global spotlight, his journey first unfolded in his bedroom, marking what could be deemed as his first true tryout, albeit unknowingly.

“It was my sister who was the singer in the family. She discovered I had a voice, she overheard me singing one day and pushed me to join karaoke and local competitions. Thats where it began. It was the beginning of a lifelong dream hopefully,” he recalled.

Since his unforgettable stint on the talent show, the then-HR employee has come a long way, building an impressive discography with multiple hit songs and a music video that has amassed over a billion views.

“It has just been unbelievable to gone from that moment. Ever since then, I had been working relentlessly. Being the artist I believe I am now, confident, having released two albums, toured the world, have three songs with over a billion streams, a video with a billion views, crazy,” the singer said.

“Honestly, when I first covered 'Dancing On My Own' I put a video and I remember getting 1,000 views I was celebrating, popping champagne. But a billion? That is crazy. Those numbers gave confidence I never had. It’s probably because people like it,” he added.

But Scott's path to the global stage in last 10 years was not without challenges. However, he believes it is those struggles that pushed him to keep chasing his goals.

“Ever since my audition and overnight success, it has been a struggle to be an artist. I didn’t get signed in 'Britain’s Got Talent.' I did not walk away with a record deal. I really had to fight for my position. But having doors closed in my face has made me more resilient and hungrier. Ever since I learned how to sing, I have been trying to push boundaries and knock on doors hoping people will answer. Ed Sheeran was one of them. Now I am just starting to see the fruits of my labor,” he said.

He continued: “You look at what I achieved, it is so dream territory. I am now in a position where I genuinely believe I deserve to be here. I worked hard. The journey has taken over 10 years and it was not easy.”

Scott admitted he hopes to one day be considered as a legacy singer with several timeless hits under his belt.

But more than making a name the music industry and bagging several personal achievements, his greatest goal to is leave an inedible mark in the lives of his listeners.

“I want to help people. I want to make songs that will stock around forever. I hope 10 to 50 years, people will listen to my songs,” he said.

Scott added that while his journey into the spotlight was unexpected, he believes his career is more than just a job but a calling.  

“I am overwhelmed by this magic from head to toe tingly feeling that I am doing something that has purpose. The biggest compliment I can receive is your music saved me, or I walked down the aisle to your song... I even received a message on the way here from a lady, she said she played 'You are the Reason' at her father’s funeral. You have those moments with people that are so important, that is the highest compliment,” he said,

“There is a lot of responsibility to be an artist.  It is a responsibility I personally wear like a badge of honor,”  he added,

Although Scott was first known for his emotionally charged pieces, he explained he aims to further diversify his musical repertoire.

“There was a time I was just a ballad guy. I like sad songs, making people cry in the best ways, I am an emotionally driven artist. I use a lot of personal experience so my music becomes emotional. But now I see myself as an artist that can do everything. I can do up tempo dance music and do songs I just stand in front of the mic and sing a song. In the future who knows in the future I can play my own music— play guitar or piano,” he enthused.

However, he highlighted regardless of the genre, he will keep his signature musical style that aims to leave a profound impact on listeners — like his track “No Matter What,” which captures his struggle with coming out.

As an artist, Scott said he believes he should use his influence to push for positive change.

“I make song about my experiences. I saw people saying that song is my story or people relate to that, that was super important to me. It was after that I decided to start speaking about my sexuality,” he said.

According to the singer, knowing the title empowered countless individuals, prompted him to delve deeper into discussions about his sexuality, with the hopes of empowering even more people.

"I think both the young and older generations are scared. Personally, I've never felt happier talking about it. It's important. Only do it when it's right for you, but remember, there will be a lot of love from people,” he said.

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