Melanie McCabe is arguably the finest voice to emerge in Irish popular music in the last 30 years. No-one can really explain why she didn’t win X-Factor. The X Factor has been an excellent platform for 20 year old Melanie and she is relishing her time since finishing the series. The last couple of months have been a whirlwind, to say the very least. With concert dates all over Ireland and the UK, switching on the lights in Dublin’s Grafton Street and O Connell Street. Shooting television commercials for Mrs Brown’s Boys DVD for Universal Studios, featuring at awards shows and appearing on The Late Late Show and Melanie is now ready for the next stage.
We had a quick chat with Melanie in advance of her gig at The Civic on Sunday 29th November!
Could you tell us a little about your journey into singing, and how it all happened for you?
From the time I was 5, I always wanted to sing. Always had my party piece ready. Singing is my passion, whether its live on stage or at a family christening!
Are you still in touch with the past contestants or judges from the Xfactor?
X Factor was a great experience but life moves on. I still see Louis Walsh occasionally. He is very supportive.
What singer or performer do you most admire or are influenced by?
I love Taylor Swift. I saw her concert in Dublin recently. A real inspiration.
What do you wish someone had told you when you were starting out?
I’m still just starting out but one thing I’ve learned already is there is no easy route to become a star.
If you hadn’t been a singer, what would you have done?
I just got my degree in Personal Fitness training so I am keeping my options open.
What can audiences expect from your concert at The Civic?
The Diva’s show is a look back at some of the great female singers and hits from the 70s till today. I have the big 8 piece band with MD Eugene McCarthy and I sing Dusty Springfield, Diana Ross, Aretha Franklin plus Beyonce, Faith Hill and Adele.
After this tour, do you have plans to release an album?
I have just started recording, but to date I don’t have a record company so fingers crossed.
And finally, what was the last TV show you binge-watched? How many episodes did you see in a sitting?
I just love watching all the repeat episodes of Friends! Never gets old!
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Melanie McCabe comes to at The Civic from 3 – 5 December 2016. Tickets are €20 & €18 conc and are on sale from our box office – 01 4627477 or online here.
