Britain's Got Talent winner Tokio Myers gets to perform for the Royal Family at the Royal Variety Performance next week. Here, he talks nerves and life after BGT...
BGT-winning pianist Tokio Myers says he's not nervous about performing for royalty… yet!
What’s life been like since winning Britain’s Got Talent earlier this year?
"It's been amazing and I'm thrilled to already have an album of my music out there for people to listen to. For me, going on Britain's Got Talent was just about doing something that was very much new and challenging – I love doing things where I'm not quite sure what I'm getting into. I never at any point thought I'd actually win it. Everyone saw my reaction at the final, I was genuinely floored!"
Tokio Myers impressed the BGT judges at his first audition
So how are you feeling ahead of your Royal Variety performance?
"I'm honoured to be a part of this year's Royal Variety and I'm really excited. I don't get nervous; it's more adrenaline than nerves. I've got a fire burning in my belly where I'm keen to just get onto that stage at The London Palladium and perform. I've planned something really special for everyone to see – as well as the music, it'll be a completely visual experience that I hope will resonate with people in a spectacular and powerful way."
The show is hosted by Miranda Hart and you’re on the bill with, among others, US rock band The Killers, singers Seal and Paloma Faith and West End legends Michael Ball and Alfie Boe. Who are you most looking forward to seeing?
"I haven't looked too closely at the line-up because I want to be surprised on the night. Once I've done my own set, I'm looking forward to watching the show and enjoying it like a punter. I saw The Killers perform at Glastonbury years ago and they totally blew me away, so I can’t wait to see those guys. A collaboration with them would be a lot of fun – can you make it happen?"
How are you feeling about performing for the Royal Family? Have you thought about what you might say to them after the show?
"My family are very, very excited at the thought of me meeting the Royal Family. It's such a big deal and, to be honest, that part hasn't really hit me yet! So maybe there IS something I'm nervous about after all. I might just stand there and freeze!"
What's next for you? And do you like being famous?
"Next year is going to be a big year. I’m doing a UK tour in April and then I might be going over to the States. I’m not here to be famous, I’m just here to make good music and hopefully inspire people. As entertainers, we have a responsibility to really influence people and, through music, I hope to try and make the world a happy and peaceful place."
The Royal Variety Performance is on Tuesday December 19 at 7.30pm on ITV.
