Shayne Ward: "Simon Was Adamant About First Single"

The former XF winner talks to us about SiCo, his music & love for Labrinth...

Shayne Ward has exclusively told MTV UK why he decided to release Nickelback cover, Gotta Be Somebody, as his comeback single after taking a three year break from music.

The X Factor winner, who was crowned champ back in 2005, and has since sold an impressive 1.7 million singles in the UK after winning the talent show five years ago.

His latest offering, Gotta Be Somebody, is already heading for top ten success in this week's mid-week chart, proving to be another hit after Shayne performed the track back on the XF stage last weekend.

Speaking of his new single, Ward told us: "I was in a great position, obviously with the whole two and a half years of recording so much material, that we had at least six or seven possible first singles, so I felt quite happy with that."

"But when this song came about, it wasn’t even in the mix until Simon Cowell threw it in there and it was exciting to go and record it because I didn’t know how it was going to sound from rock to pop."

He continued: "Then we sent it back to Simon and he was just adamant that this had to be the first single. The more that I listen to it and live with it, I totally agree because it is such a great song so, very pleased with it."

When asked about Cowell's input when it comes to his new material, Shayne revealed: "Oh absolutely, he makes every decision that's made,"

He added: "On the album, we did a cover of Nobody Knows It But Me, which is a great song and shows Simon’s influence with Reggae. He loves Reggae."

As well as cover versions, the 26-year old also confessed to us that there any many other surprises on his new LP, Obsession, including samples of nineties dance tracks, Wamdue Project's King Of My Castle and Two Princes by Spin Doctors.

Speaking of the choice to use such recognisable tracks, Ward claimed: "If I didn’t do it, I suppose someone else would because they are great songs, you know so I’m very pleased."

He continued: "It’s so different from my old material, I’ve matured a hell of a lot in my sound, you know and I don’t like playing it safe. I like taking a step out of the box and trying something that’s different."

While on the subject of trying something different, the No Promises singer also confessed that there are a bunch of artists out there that he would love to work with.

Shayne stated: "Yeah there’s loads of people. Obviously, sticking to the legends like Tom Jones, I would love to do something with him. Also, Tinie Tempah and Labrinth, I love their stuff as well."

Seeing as Labrinth has recently become one of Ward's label mates at SyCo, we just had to ask him whether there will be any chance of a collaboration?

Shayne replied: "We could do now actually! Now that Labrinth is part of the label, it would be fantastic because I've got quite a few good ideas…"

Come on Simon, sort it out…

By Joanne Dorken

Watch MTV News on the hour every hour on MTV - Sky Channel 126 and Virgin Channel 311