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Calum Scott
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Calum Scott (born 12 October 1988)[1] is an English singer and songwriter. He rose to prominence in April 2015 after competing on the ITV talent contest Britain's Got Talent, where he performed a cover of Robyn's hit "Dancing on My Own" and earned a Golden Buzzer from Simon Cowell. After placing sixth in the contest, he released his own version of the song as a single the following year, which peaked at number two on the UK Singles Chart and became Britain's best-selling single of summer 2016.
Key Information
Scott later signed with Capitol and in 2017, released the single "You Are the Reason", which amassed over one billion views on YouTube.[2] His debut album, Only Human, followed in 2018 and reached number four on the UK Albums Chart.[3] Scott achieved his second UK top five single with "Where Are You Now", a 2021 collaboration with Lost Frequencies.
Early life
[edit]Calum Scott was born in Beverley, East Riding of Yorkshire to Debbie Burton and Kevin Scott, and grew up in the Yorkshire area, mainly in North Ferriby and Kingston upon Hull. His parents split up when he was two years old and his father moved to Canada. He has a younger sister, Jade, who is also a singer. Scott played the drums and his sister later encouraged him to sing. Prior to his fame, he worked in human resources.[4]
Career
[edit]2013–2015: Career beginning and Britain's Got Talent
[edit]On 15 August 2013, Scott won the talent competition Mail's Star Search, organised by Hull Daily Mail.[5][6] He then joined a Maroon 5 tribute band, Maroon 4, and toured around the United Kingdom.[7] In 2014 he formed the electronic duo, The Experiment with John McIntyre.[8] The debut single, "Girl (You're Beautiful)", was released on 14 June.[9] The duo performed the song on Good Morning Britain and BBC Look North, but after, broke up.[10][11] [12]
On 11 April 2015, Scott's audition for the ninth series of Britain's Got Talent was broadcast on ITV. Just before his audition, his sister Jade also auditioned but was stopped early on both of her songs by Simon Cowell. Jade received three "No" votes from David Walliams, Amanda Holden and Simon Cowell; Alesha Dixon's vote was not given as it was not needed.[citation needed]
Even while having nerves and perhaps being anxious while seeing his sister not being advanced on the show, Calum performed a cover of Robyn's "Dancing on My Own", which he had heard Kings of Leon performing on BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge in 2013. After a standing ovation from the judging panel, Cowell pressed the Golden Buzzer giving Scott an automatic slot in the live shows. Cowell said:
"I've never, ever, in all the years I've done this show, heard a guy with the talent you've got. Seriously... the version was sensational and that shows to me that actually, you're more than a singer, you're an artist, and that's why you got that (the buzzer)."
After the audition, Scott received acclaim from stars like Little Mix and Ashton Kutcher.[13]
After his appearance on the show's first episode, his Twitter followers jumped from 400 to over 25,000.[14] The video of his audition has been viewed over 378 million times on YouTube. In the semi-final on 29 May, Scott performed "We Don't Have to Take Our Clothes Off" by Jermaine Stewart. Walliams commented "You really sound like a recording artist", whilst Alesha Dixon suggested that he could have "success around the world". He won the semi-final with 25.6% of the vote, sending him straight through to the final. In the final on 31 May, Scott performed "Diamonds" by Rihanna and finished sixth out of 12 contestants with 8.2% of the vote. After Britain's Got Talent, Scott embarked on a series of shows around the United Kingdom, including Viking FM Future Star Awards, Flamingo Land Resort Fair, Westwood Cross Shopping Centre's tenth anniversary, Gibraltar Summer Nights, Hull Daily Mail's Star and Dartford Festival.[15][16][17][18][19][20]
2016–2018: Only Human
[edit]
Scott released his cover of "Dancing on My Own" independently on 15 April 2016. It became a sleeper hit, first hitting number 40 in the charts in May and climbing into the top 40 despite little radio airplay apart from on West Hull FM. It was then added to Radio 2's "C List" and reached number two on the UK Singles Chart on 5 August. In August 2016, it was certified platinum in the UK, having sold over 600,000 copies.[21] Scott announced on Twitter on 24 May that he had signed a record deal with Capitol Records, where he was signed by A&R Executive Alex Wilhelm.[22][23] Scott performed the song at television shows BBC Look North, Lorraine, Weekend, Late Night with Seth Meyers and Brazilian show Encontro com Fátima Bernardes.[24] He also promoted the song on several radio stations, including BBC Radio Humberside, Viking FM, Radio Gibraltar, BFBS Radio and Gibraltar Broadcasting Corporation.[25][26][27] On 16 September, he released the promotional single "Transformar" with Brazilian recording artist Ivete Sangalo as the official song of the 2016 Summer Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro; they performed the song at the closing ceremony on 18 September.[28][29] It was revealed in September 2016 that "Dancing on My Own" was the most downloaded song of the summer in the UK.[30] In autumn 2022, "Dancing On My Own" had a sudden resurgence in popularity due to the Philadelphia Phillies players and fans embracing the dance mix version of the song during the team's run to the 2022 World Series.
In 2017, he toured the US and released the single "You Are the Reason". Also in 2017, he began working on his debut album, Only Human, which was released on 9 March 2018. A new version of "You Are the Reason" was released ahead of the album in early 2018 as a collaboration with Leona Lewis, and was performed by the two on The One Show in February 2018. In May, Scott released "What I Miss Most" as the fourth single from Only Human.
In October 2018, Scott released a new single titled "No Matter What". Upon release, Scott said:
"'No Matter What' is without question the most personal song I have ever written and the one I am most proud of. It's a song born from loneliness, acceptance and the heartbreaking but liberating tale of my coming out experience. What I love about this song is that it isn't just limited to a story of sexual identity, but about the relationship between parent and child and acceptance as a whole. This song didn't make my debut album because I simply wasn't ready at that time to give it to the world."[31]
2019–2022: Bridges
[edit]In September 2020, Scott partnered with American watch company Bulova on the development of a music documentary series titled Minutes with Calum, which explores the creative process behind his upcoming second album through the lens of Bulova.[32]
In March 2021, Scott digitally released his first EP, titled Only Acoustic, which featured acoustic renditions of songs from his debut album. The following month, he released two more EPs; Only Collabs and Only Love. On 11 June 2021, Scott released the single "Biblical",[33] the first song from his upcoming second album. He released the second song titled "Rise"[34] on 1 October 2021, and the third song titled "If You Ever Change Your Mind"[35] on 4 February 2022. On 29 April 2022, Scott announced that his second album, Bridges, would be released on 17 June 2022.[36] On the same day, he released the fourth song, "Heaven", from the album.[37] In July 2021, Scott collaborated with Belgian artist Lost Frequencies singing on a song titled "Where Are You Now", which was released on 30 July 2021. In early February 2022, the song reached the top 10 of the UK Singles Chart, becoming Scott's second song to reach the UK top 10.[38] In November 2021, Scott collaborated with Brazilian recording artist Bryan Behr, singing on the song "Da Primeira Vez (From the First Time)". Scott sang in both English and Portuguese.[39] Also in November 2021, he collaborated with British singer Jasmine Thompson on a song titled "Love Is Just a Word".[40]
2023–present: Collaborations and Avenoir
[edit]In February 2023, Scott collaborated with GRAMMY-nominated producer, DJ, and record label executive, Jax Jones on a song titled "Whistle" which was released on 10 February 2023, and entered the UK Singles Charts at #14. Scott performed the track live at the BAFTA Film Awards.
Scott performed live with Take That on 7 May 2023 at the Coronation Concert in the grounds of Windsor Castle.[41] Scott and Take That later worked with Robin Schulz and released an official reworking of "Greatest Day", with the song entering the UK Singles Downloads Charts at #7.
On 18 August 2023, Scott released the single "At Your Worst",[42] and made its debut at #20 on the UK Singles Downloads Chart a week later.[43] Upon the release of the song, Scott shared;
"This could be a song reassuring someone that you'll love them no matter what, but it's also a song to yourself: a reminder that you should love yourself at your worst because self-love is the most important. The sound on this one feels nostalgic and retro to me — kind of takes me back to my Sega Mega Drive. I'm excited to share new music with my fans and show everyone what I've been working on!"[44]
In late 2023, Scott confirmed he was working on production for his third album, and will involve longtime collaborator Jon Maguire as executive producer.
In January 29, 2024, Scott released the second single from his third album, titled "Lighthouse", which received positive reviews. The song peaked at #38 on the Official Singles Downloads Chart,[45] and reached #16 on the British Songs iTunes Chart on its release day.
Scott would be headlining the Live from The Yard music festival at Zebedee's Yard in Hull on 8 August 2024 however this performance was cancelled due to "circumstances beyond the control" of Scott and the organisers.[46] The other acts at the festival went ahead and included performances from Ocean Colour Scene, Embrace and Cast.[47] Scott's performance has now been rearranged for 9 August 2025.[48]
In January 27, 2024, Scott served as a support act for Ed Sheeran's Mathematics Tour, first performing across Asia for three months, and later in Europe for the summer. In December 2024, Scott stated in an interview with Songwriter Universe that the six-month tour contributed to the album's extended production timeline.
In July 12, 2024, Scott released his third single, a pop driven track titled "Roots", which critics described as an energetic and optimistic pop anthem, with one review noting its "mesmerizing track" and "dance euphoria". The song reached #20 on the UK's Official Singles Downloads Chart.[49]
The fourth single, "My World", was released in October 4, 2024. It peaked at #26 on the Official Singles Downloads Chart.[50]
In April 4, 2025, Scott released his next single "God Knows", along with the announcement of the title of his third album Avenoir, due to be originally released on September 12. Scott noted on social media that the album was his "most confident work yet". His next single, "Die For You", was released on May 26. Scott also announced the North American leg of his Avenoir Tour, scheduled for 2026.
On 19 August 2025, it was announced that Calum Scott would be featured as a coach on the fifteenth season of The Voice of Germany, on the "Comeback Stage".[51]
In September 12, 2025 (the original release date for the third album), Scott released a re-imagined ballad duet of "I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)" featuring Whitney Houston's original vocal stems. The collaboration received approval from Houston's estate. It entered the UK Singles Chart Update at #93.[52] The third album, Avenoir, was released on October 10, and entered the charts at #31.[53] On 31 December 2025, Scott performed with Irish singer Ronan Keating on the latter's BBC One New Year's Eve programme, Ronan Keating and Friends: A New Year's Eve Party.[54][55]
Personal life
[edit]Scott is gay. He has talked about having struggled with his sexuality when growing up, but has gained confidence since becoming an adult.[56]
Charity
[edit]Scott is a proponent of mental health awareness and suicide prevention. In 2020, he performed live in support of Mind for Mental Health Awareness, donating all proceeds to Mind.[57]
Discography
[edit]- Only Human (2018)
- Bridges (2022)
- Avenoir (2025)
Tours
[edit]|
Headlining
|
Supporting act
|
Awards and nominations
[edit]| Year | Award | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | National Reality Television Awards | "Best Performance" | Britain's Got Talent | Nominated |
| 2017 | Brit Awards | "British Single of the Year" | Dancing on My Own | Nominated |
| 2018 | British LGBT Awards | "Metro Guilty Pleasures Award" | Himself | Won[58] |
References
[edit]- ^ "Happy birthday to our frontman Calum have a great day mate". The Experiment. 12 October 2014.
- ^ Bowenbank, Starr (14 September 2023). "Calum Scott's 'You Are the Reason' Joins YouTube's Billion Views Club: 'I'm Speechless'". Billboard. Retrieved 5 April 2024.
- ^ "Official Albums Chart Results matching:only human". Official Charts.
- ^ "Calum Scott: Britain's Got Talent star on fame, mental health and dealing with body dysmorphia". Sky News. Archived from the original on 30 June 2025. Retrieved 29 October 2025.
- ^ Winter, Phil (10 March 2018). "Calum Scott releases debut album with intimate Hull gig in HMV". Hull Daily Mail. Retrieved 14 September 2018.
- ^ "Calum Scott talent: Winner of Star Search 2013 declared". Hull Daily Mail. 15 August 2013. Archived from the original on 6 July 2015. Retrieved 13 September 2018.
- ^ "Star Search 2014: Hull New Theatre stage is set for talent to shine". Hull Daily Mail. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 13 September 2018.
- ^ "Introducing Calum Scott!". Flavourmag.co.uk. 13 April 2015.
- ^ "Girl (You're Beautiful)". iTunes. Archived from the original on 19 November 2016. Retrieved 18 November 2016.
- ^ "My sister Jade's 'the inspiration behind my singing'". Itv.com. Retrieved 6 July 2015.
- ^ "Timeline Photos – BBC Look North (East Yorkshire & Lincolnshire) | Facebook". Facebook.com. Retrieved 6 July 2015.
- ^ "All Calum Scott Lyrics". LyricsGetit.com. Archived from the original on 6 August 2019. Retrieved 6 July 2015.
- ^ Forrester, Katy (22 May 2015). "BGT favourite Calum Scott on getting sex messages from fans". Mirror.co.uk. Retrieved 6 July 2015.
- ^ "Simon Cowell's golden buzzer act Calum Scott already receiving marriage proposals". Hello Daily News. 13 April 2015.
- ^ "Future Star Receives Fundraising Award". Scunthorpe Independent News. Archived from the original on 1 July 2015. Retrieved 6 July 2015.
- ^ "Flamingo Land – Party In The Park June 2015". Flamingoland.co.uk. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 6 July 2015.
- ^ "Calum Scott to perform at Westwood Cross' 10th birthday celebration weekend". Thanetgazette.co.uk. 26 June 2015. Archived from the original on 17 November 2015.
- ^ "Visit Gibraltar – Events". Visitgibraltar.gi. Archived from the original on 14 August 2017. Retrieved 9 July 2015.
- ^ "Britain's Got Talent star Calum Scott could be Star Search final judge". Hull Daily Mail. Archived from the original on 6 July 2015. Retrieved 6 July 2015.
- ^ "Dartford Festival 2015: Record numbers of visitors come to see Calum Scott from Britain's Got Talent and Andy Jordan from Made In Chelsea". Kentonline.co.uk. 19 July 2015. Retrieved 20 July 2015.
- ^ "British certifications – Calum Scott". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved 18 June 2023. Type Calum Scott in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
- ^ "As Calum Scott Soars, A&R Exec Alex Wilhelm on Signing Him to Capitol & Finding Hidden Gems When 'Goosebumps Meet Data'". Billboard. Retrieved 15 March 2018.
- ^ "Calum Scott". Twitter. Retrieved 28 July 2016.
- ^ "BBC Look North (East Yorkshire & Lincolnshire) | Facebook". Facebook.com. Retrieved 6 July 2015.
- ^ "Calum Scott, 06/06/2015, James Hoggarth – BBC Radio Humberside". BBC. 6 June 2015. Retrieved 6 July 2015.
- ^ "#BGT finalist @calumscottmusic chats to @jameshoggarth about @BGT and the future". AudioBoom.com. Retrieved 6 July 2015.
- ^ "Calum Scott in Gib". Gbc.gi. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 20 July 2015.
- ^ "Ivete Sangalo brilha na cerimônia de encerramento das Paralimpíadas 2016". O Povo News. Archived from the original on 7 December 2018. Retrieved 19 September 2016.
- ^ "Ivete Sangalo lança "Transformar", música inédita com Calum Scott para as "Paralimpíadas Rio 2016"". Pure Break. 17 September 2016. Retrieved 19 September 2016.
- ^ Copsey, Rob (31 August 2016). "The Official Top 40 Biggest Songs of Summer 2016 revealed". OfficialCharts.com. Retrieved 4 November 2016.
- ^ "The Purge 375". auspOp. 20 October 2018. Archived from the original on 27 January 2022. Retrieved 20 October 2018.
- ^ "Bulova and Calum Scott make music documentary series". Watchpro USA. 22 September 2020.
- ^ "Calum Scott - Biblical (Official Music Video)". 10 June 2021. Retrieved 6 February 2022 – via YouTube.
- ^ "Calum Scott - Rise (Lyric Video)". October 2021. Retrieved 6 February 2022 – via YouTube.
- ^ "Calum Scott - If You Ever Change Your Mind". 4 February 2022. Retrieved 6 February 2022 – via YouTube.
- ^ "I can hardly believe I get to do this again. I am unbelievably proud to announce that my second album, 'Bridges' will be released on June 17th! 🌉 The fourth single from the album, 'Heaven', is OUT NOW to stream/download". Twitter.com. Retrieved 30 May 2022.
- ^ "Heaven - YouTube". 28 April 2022 – via YouTube.
- ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts. Retrieved 6 February 2022.
- ^ "Bryan Behr & Calum Scott - da primeira vez (from the first time)". 5 November 2021. Retrieved 6 February 2022 – via YouTube.
- ^ "Jasmine Thompson & Calum Scott - love is just a word". 12 November 2021. Retrieved 6 February 2022 – via YouTube.
- ^ Take That fans raging as they mistake Calum Scott for Robbie Williams at Coronation Concert Metro, 8 May 2023. Retrieved 9 May 2023
- ^ Griffiths, George (17 August 2023). "How Calum Scott learned to stop worrying and love the banger". Official Charts. Retrieved 26 August 2023.
- ^ "Official Singles Downloads Chart on 25/8/2023 - 25 August 2023 - 31 August 2023". Official Charts. 25 August 2023. Retrieved 25 August 2023.
- ^ Daly, Rhian (18 August 2023). "Calum Scott Embraces Imperfection On Up-Tempo New Single 'At Your Worst'". U Discover Music. Retrieved 26 August 2023.
- ^ "Lighthouse". Official Charts.
- ^ "Calum Scott postpones Hull 'Live From The Yard' concert". BBC News. 8 August 2024. Retrieved 21 August 2024.
- ^ Madden, Richard (29 January 2024). "Hull's Calum Scott to headline new hometown festival". BBC News. Retrieved 1 February 2024.
- ^ "Calum Scott homecoming gig back on in Hull". BBC News. 21 August 2024. Retrieved 21 August 2024.
- ^ "ROOTS". Official Charts.
- ^ "My World". Official Charts.
- ^ Redaktion (20 August 2025). "Calum Scott wird Coach der Comeback-Stage bei der kommenden Staffel The Voice of Germany". NordNews.de (in German). Retrieved 20 August 2025.
- ^ "I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves". Official Charts.
- ^ "Avenoir". Official Charts.
- ^ "Ronan Keating and Friends - Meet the New Year's Eve Party line-up and find out how to watch on BBC One and BBC iPlayer". BBC. 31 December 2025. Retrieved 3 January 2026.
- ^ Mensah, Katelyn (31 December 2025). "Ronan Keating & Friends New Year's Eve celebration start time". Radio Times. Retrieved 3 January 2026.
- ^ Corner, Lewis (7 May 2018). "Calum Scott interview: "I had a lot of troubles with my sexuality growing up"". Gay Times.
- ^ "Calum Scott - Live Performance in Support of Mind for Mental Health Awareness". 10 September 2020. Retrieved 10 February 2022 – via YouTube.
- ^ Corner, Lewis (11 May 2018). "Calum Scott, Laverne Cox and Jess Glynne among big winners at British LGBT Awards". Gay Times. Retrieved 31 March 2022.
External links
[edit]Calum Scott
View on GrokipediaEarly life
Childhood and family
Calum Scott was born on 12 October 1988 in North Ferriby, a village in the East Riding of Yorkshire, England, near the city of Hull.[1] He was raised primarily by his mother, Debbie Scott, after his father, Kevin, moved to Canada when Calum was two years old; his grandparents, aunts, and uncles provided significant support in his upbringing.[9][10][11] Scott has a younger sister, Jade Scott, who is also a singer and became an early influence on his musical interests.[1] His initial exposure to music came through family, particularly when Jade overheard him singing privately in his bedroom and encouraged him to perform in public, helping to overcome his shyness.[9] Growing up in a working-class family in the Hull area presented challenges, including limited local opportunities for aspiring artists, which later motivated his pursuit of music beyond his hometown.[12]Pre-fame career
After completing his education, Calum Scott took up employment in Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, where he worked for eight years as a recruitment consultant in the human resources department of Hull City Council.[13] This role provided financial stability while he pursued music on the side, reflecting the challenges of balancing a day job with artistic aspirations in his hometown.[12] Scott's initial forays into music began with local performances in pubs, clubs, and working men's venues across Hull, where he honed his stage presence amid modest crowds and occasional heckling.[12] Early on, he won a local talent competition, which encouraged him to perform more regularly and join a Maroon 5 tribute band called Maroon 4, with which he toured small venues throughout the United Kingdom.[14][15] In 2014, Scott formed the electronic dance-pop duo The Experiment alongside local musician John McIntyre, releasing their debut single "Girl (You're Beautiful)," an original track that showcased his emerging songwriting and production skills.[15][16] These experiences in tribute acts and grassroots performances laid the foundation for his confidence as a performer, though success remained elusive until later opportunities arose.[12]Career
2013–2015: Beginnings and Britain's Got Talent
In 2013 and 2014, Calum Scott began performing more actively in the local music scene in Hull, England, after years of casual singing while holding day jobs in customer service and recruitment. Dissatisfied with his routine, he joined a Maroon 5 tribute band called Maroon 4, touring pubs and clubs across the United Kingdom. In 2014, he formed the electronic pop duo The Experiment with local producer John McIntyre, releasing their debut single "Girl (You're Beautiful)" on 14 June, which received modest airplay on regional radio but did not chart nationally.[16] Scott's breakthrough came in early 2015 when his younger sister Jade, a pub singer, encouraged him to audition for the ninth series of Britain's Got Talent alongside her; Jade had pushed him to pursue music professionally after years of supporting his hobby. Jade auditioned first on 11 April 2015, performing an original song and a cover of U2's "With or Without You," but received four "no" votes from the judges and was eliminated. Undeterred, Scott took the stage immediately after, delivering a stripped-down, emotional cover of Robyn's 2010 hit "Dancing on My Own." His vulnerable performance, accompanied only by piano, earned a standing ovation from judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, and David Walliams, as well as the audience; Cowell then pressed his Golden Buzzer, sending Scott straight to the semi-finals.[17][18][19] In the semi-finals on 29 May 2015, Scott performed a cover of Jermaine Stewart's "We Don't Have to Take Our Clothes Off," securing enough public votes to advance to the final alongside impressionist Danny Posthill. For the grand final on 31 May, he sang Rihanna's "Diamonds" but struggled with forgotten lyrics under pressure, finishing in sixth place overall out of 11 finalists, behind winners Jules O'Dwyer and Matisse. Despite not winning, Scott's audition clip—posted on the official Britain's Got Talent YouTube channel—went viral, amassing over 403 million views as of November 2025 and becoming the most-watched audition in the show's history. The exposure from the competition marked the start of his professional music career, leading to an independent release of his "Dancing on My Own" cover in April 2016 and a subsequent signing with Capitol Records.[20][21][22][23][24]2016–2018: Rise to fame and Only Human
Following his Britain's Got Talent audition, Calum Scott released his cover of Robyn's "Dancing on My Own" as a single on 15 April 2016 through Capitol Records, which peaked at number 2 on the UK Singles Chart and spent 48 weeks in the top 100.[5] The track achieved 3× Platinum certification in the UK by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) during this period and earned multi-platinum status internationally, including 15× Platinum in Australia by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA).[25] In May 2016, Scott signed a global recording deal with Capitol Records, marking a significant step in his professional career after the viral success of his audition performance. Building on this momentum, he issued the Spotify Singles EP in February 2017, featuring an acoustic version of "Rhythm Inside" and a cover of The Beatles' "Golden Slumbers," which helped expand his audience through streaming platforms.[26] Scott's debut studio album, Only Human, was released on 9 March 2018 via Capitol Records, debuting at number 4 on the UK Albums Chart and reaching number 66 on the US Billboard 200.[27][28] The album included the duet version of "You Are the Reason" with Leona Lewis, released in January 2018, which peaked at number 8 on the UK Singles Chart and underscored Scott's ballad-driven style.[29] To promote Only Human, Scott made guest appearances on programs such as The Voice Australia in June 2018, where he performed a medley of "You Are the Reason" and "Dancing on My Own."[30] He also undertook his first headline tours, including a UK and European run in spring 2018 that sold out multiple venues, followed by initial international dates in Asia later that year, such as shows in the Philippines and Hong Kong.[25][31]2019–2022: Bridges era
In early 2021, amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Calum Scott released "Biblical" on June 11 as the lead single from his forthcoming second studio album, marking his first new music in three years.[32] The track, co-written with James Bay and others, explored themes of self-doubt and redemption, setting the tone for the project's introspective direction. Scott announced the album Bridges on April 29, 2022, with a release date of June 17 via Capitol Records, noting that the pandemic had profoundly influenced its creation, including writing sessions during lockdowns that delayed progress but deepened its emotional core.[33][34] The album Bridges delved into vulnerability and personal recovery, drawing from Scott's experiences with isolation and mental health challenges during the global health crisis. Tracks like "Rise," penned amid 2020 lockdowns when Scott felt particularly low, emphasized resilience and self-empowerment, while "Heaven" highlighted love's healing power through heartfelt balladry. Produced by collaborators including Greg Kurstin and Fraser T. Smith, the record blended pop orchestration with raw lyricism, avoiding guest features to keep the focus on Scott's solo narrative. In the UK, Bridges debuted at No. 48 on the Official Albums Chart, spending one week in the Top 100, and reached No. 37 on the Albums Chart Update.[35][36][37] The pandemic significantly disrupted Scott's career trajectory, forcing the postponement of live tours planned after his 2018 debut Only Human and shifting promotions to virtual formats. In September 2020, he performed a special live session for mental health charity Mind, raising awareness and funds during a time when isolation exacerbated his own struggles with anxiety and self-worth. Despite these challenges, Bridges garnered growing international attention, with Scott's overall Spotify streams surpassing significant milestones by late 2022, building on his established global fanbase without specific certifications for the album itself at the time.[38][39]2023–present: Avenoir and recent developments
Following the release of his second album Bridges in 2022 and subsequent world tour, Calum Scott took a period of personal reflection to focus on growth and self-discovery before returning to music. In 2023, he supported Ed Sheeran on select dates of his world tour and performed a remix of "Greatest Day" alongside Take That and Robin Schulz at the Coronation Concert celebrating the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle. In 2024, Scott was scheduled to headline Hull's Live from the Yard festival, but the event was postponed and ultimately cancelled in 2025 due to rising costs and poor ticket sales.[40][7][41] In April 2025, he announced his third studio album, Avenoir, initially set for release on September 12 via Capitol Records, though it was ultimately released on October 10, 2025. The album prominently features a posthumous duet with Whitney Houston on a stripped-back reimagining of her 1987 hit "I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)", arranged in collaboration with the Houston estate.[6][42][43] The title Avenoir draws from a neologism in John Koenig's The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows, evoking the French concept of "avenir" (future) reversed to suggest looking back while moving forward—a theme central to the record's exploration of regret, enduring love, vulnerability, and optimistic reflection on life's uncertainties. Scott described the 14-track album as his most personal yet, emphasizing emotional intimacy over the darker introspection of Bridges, with his aspirations for fatherhood influencing the songwriting. The lead single, "God Knows"—a soaring ballad about lost love produced with collaborators Jon Maguire and Corey Sanford—was released alongside the announcement, followed by "At Your Worst" in July 2025, "Lighthouse", "Roots", and "Die For You". Critically, Avenoir was praised for its polished pop production and Scott's vocal depth, with reviewers highlighting tracks like "Unsteady" and "My World" for their raw emotional resonance; it debuted at number 31 on the UK Albums Chart, marking Scott's second top-40 entry there.[44][45][46][47][48] In June 2025, Scott received the BRIT Billion Award from the British Phonographic Industry, recognizing his achievement of over one billion streams in the UK across his catalog, presented by his mother at Universal Music Group's offices. That October, he opened the Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards with a live performance of "I Wanna Dance with Somebody", earning acclaim for its heartfelt delivery. Earlier, in 2024, Scott collaborated with Leona Lewis on a charity cover of Supertramp's "Give a Little Bit" to support mental health initiatives. Looking ahead, Scott has teased expanding his role in songwriting, including potential contributions for other artists.[11][49][50][51]Personal life
Family and relationships
Scott maintains a close relationship with his younger sister, Jade Scott, who is also a singer and has been instrumental in encouraging his musical pursuits. Jade discovered his vocal talent and pushed him to perform publicly, including supporting him during his Britain's Got Talent audition in 2015.[52] The siblings have shared the stage in joint performances, such as their duet of "Heaven" during Calum's Bridges Tour in Hull in 2022, highlighting their strong familial and musical bond.[53] Jade remains one of his biggest inspirations, with Calum crediting her for motivating him to pursue singing professionally.[54] His mother, Debbie Burton, provides ongoing emotional and practical support throughout his career, often joining him on tour and influencing his musical style through exposure to artists like Elton John and Whitney Houston during childhood car rides.[54] Calum has publicly expressed profound gratitude for her role as a steadfast figure, describing her as his "absolute hero" and gifting her a new car in 2018 as a token of appreciation for her unwavering encouragement.[10] In 2016, following his breakthrough on Britain's Got Talent, Scott relocated from his hometown of Hull to pursue opportunities in the music industry, initially moving for auditions and later establishing himself in London.[13] Despite the move, he maintains strong ties to his Hull roots, frequently returning for performances and crediting the local community for early support that built his confidence.[12] Scott has kept his romantic history largely private, with no public details on past relationships. As of 2023, he openly discussed being single and expressed a strong desire to become a father through surrogacy, stating in an interview that it is "my calling" to have children.[55]Sexual orientation and mental health
Calum Scott came out as gay at the age of 14 while growing up in the conservative environment of Hull, England, where he faced significant challenges with acceptance.[56] After confiding in a school friend, the news spread, leading to the abandonment by his entire group of friends, which instilled deep internalized homophobia and resentment toward his sexuality.[56] Despite these early struggles, Scott received supportive responses from his family upon coming out to them later in his teens, a theme he explored in his 2018 single "No Matter What," which celebrates parental unconditional love.[57] Scott has been open about his mental health challenges, including a diagnosis of body dysmorphic disorder that began around age 21, during which he obsessively scrutinized his appearance under harsh lighting and considered suicide.[58] In the 2020s, he sought therapy, crediting it with saving his life and helping him confront feelings of shame and insecurity tied to his identity and body image.[59] By 2025, Scott shared these experiences publicly through Instagram posts emphasizing vulnerability as a path to healing, including reflections on body dysmorphia and the importance of self-compassion.[60] Through advocacy, Scott has used his platform to support LGBTQ+ youth, discussing his journey in interviews to highlight the impacts of rejection and encourage self-acceptance.[56] These personal narratives inform themes of self-love and resilience in his music, notably on his 2022 album Bridges, which addresses mental health and vulnerability, and his 2025 release Avenoir, centered on self-discovery and embracing one's authentic self.[61][62] Music has served as a primary coping mechanism for Scott, allowing him to process trauma and build confidence, while his sobriety journey, which he has discussed in 2025 podcasts, began as part of broader efforts to prioritize mental well-being.[63]Philanthropy
Calum Scott has engaged in philanthropy primarily focused on mental health awareness and LGBTQ+ advocacy, drawing from his own experiences with mental health challenges and coming out as gay. These efforts underscore his commitment to supporting vulnerable communities through performances, fundraisers, and public endorsements. In support of mental health initiatives, Scott hosted a live YouTube performance in September 2020 dedicated to the charity Mind, which provides resources for those facing mental health issues; the event raised £775 through donations.[64] He has also voiced the personal significance of such causes, noting how his struggles with anxiety and body dysmorphia inform his advocacy. Scott's involvement in LGBTQ+ causes includes performances at key events to promote visibility and acceptance. In June 2023, he joined singer Mika on stage in Bristol for a Pride celebration, where they discussed how their queer identities have shaped their music and personal journeys.[65] Additionally, he opened the 2025 Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards with a cover of Whitney Houston's "I Wanna Dance with Somebody," highlighting his ongoing support for the community.[66] Earlier, in 2018, Scott received the Metro Guilty Pleasures Award at the British LGBT Awards, which he described as a milestone in embracing his sexuality publicly.[67] Beyond these areas, Scott has contributed to efforts addressing food poverty. In December 2024, he collaborated with Leona Lewis on a cover of Supertramp's "Give a Little Bit" to benefit The Multibank, a UK organization that redistributes surplus essentials to those in need, emphasizing the power of music in charitable work.[68] Through these targeted activities, Scott has helped amplify UK-based organizations tackling social issues.Discography
Studio albums
Calum Scott's debut studio album, Only Human, was released on 9 March 2018 through Capitol Records.[69] The album consists of 13 tracks and was produced by a team including Fraser T. Smith, Jayson DeZuzio, Oak Felder, Oscar Gorres, and Phil Paul.[69] It debuted at number 4 on the UK Albums Chart and has sold over 675,000 copies worldwide.[70] Certifications include Gold in the United Kingdom (100,000 units) and Gold in Australia (35,000 units).[4] The track listing is as follows:- If Our Love Is Wrong
- Give Me Something
- Rhythm Inside
- You Are the Reason
- Come Back Home
- Stop Myself (Only Human)
- Dancing on My Own
- White Christmas (Probably Not)
- Hotel Rooms
- One More Time
- Beautiful to Me
- My Love
- This Love[71]
- Biblical
- If You Ever Change Your Mind
- Run with Me
- The Way You Loved Me
- Flaws
- Heaven
- Rise
- Last Tears
- Don't Leave
- Yours
- Butterfly
- Lighthouse
- At Your Worst[74]
- Lighthouse
- At Your Worst
- Roots
- God Knows
- Unsteady
- My World
- Die for You
- Souvenir
- I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me) [feat. Whitney Houston]
- Woke Up in Love
- Give a Little Bit [with Leona Lewis]
- How Will I Know
- One Last Time
- Avenoir[78]
Singles
Calum Scott has released over 10 singles as a lead artist by 2025, several of which have achieved significant commercial success internationally, including multiple platinum certifications across Europe and the US. His debut single marked a breakthrough, while subsequent releases from his albums demonstrated his versatility in ballads and collaborations. Many tracks have amassed hundreds of millions of streams globally, contributing to his BRIT Billion Award for over one billion UK streams in 2025.[49][11] Scott's debut single, "Dancing on My Own" (2016), is a cover of Robyn's 2010 track and became his breakout hit after gaining viral attention from his Britain's Got Talent audition. It peaked at No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart, spending 48 weeks in the top 100, and was the biggest-selling song of summer 2016 in the UK. Certified 3× Platinum by the BPI in the UK for 1.8 million units, the song has exceeded 1.4 billion streams on Spotify alone, surpassing one billion global streams overall.[5][80] In 2018, Scott released "You Are the Reason," an original ballad from his debut album Only Human, later reissued as a duet with Grammy-nominated singer Leona Lewis. The duet version reached No. 8 on the UK Singles Chart and charted across Europe, including top 10 positions in several countries. Certified 3× Platinum in the UK by the BPI and Platinum in the US by the RIAA, it has garnered over 1.2 billion Spotify streams and was considered for Grammy recognition due to its emotional depth and Lewis's involvement.[81] "Biblical" (2022), the lead single from Scott's second album Bridges, explores themes of profound, transformative love in its music video, depicting intimate moments of connection and vulnerability amid dramatic natural settings. It peaked at No. 53 on the UK Singles Chart and received positive reception for its soaring production, though it did not achieve the same commercial heights as earlier hits. The track earned Gold certification in several European markets, reflecting Scott's growing fanbase in the region.[82][83] More recent releases include "At Your Worst" (2023), a heartfelt anthem about unconditional love, which peaked at No. 20 on the UK Singles Downloads Chart and did not enter the main UK Singles Chart, later featuring a duet version with Zoe Wees. In 2025, Scott collaborated posthumously with Whitney Houston on a reimagined ballad version of "I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)," utilizing Houston's original vocals; it topped the UK Singles Sales Chart upon release in September and entered the main UK Singles Chart. Several of Scott's singles, including these, have achieved Platinum status in Europe (e.g., via IFPI in Denmark and Norway) and the US, underscoring his sustained international appeal, with No. 1 placements on iTunes charts in multiple Asian markets.[84][85][86][87]| Single | Release Year | UK Peak | Certifications (Selected) | Global Streams (Spotify, Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| "Dancing on My Own" | 2016 | 2 | 3× Platinum (UK), Platinum (US) | 1.4 billion+ |
| "You Are the Reason" (Duet w/ Leona Lewis) | 2018 | 8 | 3× Platinum (UK), Platinum (US) | 1.2 billion+ |
| "Biblical" | 2022 | 53 | Gold (Denmark, Norway) | 100 million+ |
| "At Your Worst" | 2023 | Downloads: 20 | Platinum (Europe select markets) | 50 million+ |
| "I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)" (w/ Whitney Houston) | 2025 | Sales No. 1 | Pending (recent release) | Emerging (10 million+ initial) |
Tours
Headlining tours
Calum Scott's debut headlining tour, the Only Human Tour, supported his 2018 debut album, Only Human, and spanned over 50 dates across the UK, Europe, Australia, and South Africa from late 2018 into early 2019.[88] The tour marked his first major run as a headliner, featuring intimate yet energetic performances in mid-sized venues such as the O2 Academy Bristol, where shows were reported as packed and sold out, receiving praise for Scott's vocal delivery and audience connection. Setlists typically included hits like "You Are the Reason" and "Dancing On My Own," blending pop ballads with live band arrangements that highlighted his transition from Britain's Got Talent fame to established artist.[89] Following the COVID-19 pandemic, Scott resumed touring with the Bridges World Tour in 2022–2023, comprising approximately 48 dates primarily in North America and Europe, beginning on July 30, 2022, at Neptune Theatre in Seattle.[90] The tour promoted his second album Bridges and included the live debut of tracks like "Biblical," with performances in theaters and halls such as the Roxy in Prague, where it concluded in April 2023.[91] Reception was positive, with reviewers noting the emotional depth of Scott's setlists—averaging 18 songs including covers and album favorites—and strong fan engagement in cities like Madrid, where the show drew around 500 enthusiastic attendees despite the venue's capacity. Scott's third headlining endeavor, the Avenoir Tour (2025–2026), represents his most ambitious outing to date, with over 60 shows across Europe, North America, South Africa, and Asia, kicking off on October 14, 2025, in Porto, Portugal.[92] Highlights include European stops at major arenas like Hamburg's Barclays Arena on November 6, 2025, a North American leg starting March 2026 in Vancouver's Orpheum Theatre, and an Asian performance at Kaohsiung Arena in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, on January 31, 2026, at 7:30 PM, where Scott is scheduled to perform songs from his album Avenoir with his soulful vocals, featuring upgraded productions with enhanced lighting and staging.[93][94] Special guests such as Lusaint joined for the UK and European dates, adding to the tour's collaborative energy, while venues like London's OVO Wembley Arena underscore its scale.[95] Over the course of his career, Scott's headlining tours have evolved from club and academy-sized venues holding 1,000–2,000 during the Only Human era to 10,000-capacity arenas by the Avenoir Tour, reflecting growing popularity with average attendances exceeding 5,000 per show in recent years based on sold-out and upgraded events.[96]Promotional performances
Scott's promotional performances have included several high-profile television appearances that helped expand his international audience. In September 2016, he performed his breakout cover "Dancing on My Own" on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, marking one of his early U.S. broadcasts following his Britain's Got Talent success.[97] Additionally, Scott has delivered intimate sessions for BBC radio, including a 2016 rendition of "Dancing on My Own" in the BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge, where he showcased his vocal range in a stripped-back format.[98] At festivals and award ceremonies, Scott has made memorable standalone appearances. In October 2025, he opened the Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards, powered by Jaguar, with a powerful performance of Whitney Houston's "I Wanna Dance With Somebody," celebrating LGBTQ+ icons and drawing widespread acclaim for its emotional delivery.[99] Earlier, in June 2022, he performed at the Pride in London fundraising concert "Proud and Loud" at the Royal Albert Hall, joining Hayley Kiyoko to mark 50 years of Pride events with songs emphasizing themes of acceptance and love.[100] Notable promotional efforts also include supporting acts on major tours, such as opening for Ed Sheeran on select dates of his 2023 world tour, and a performance of "Dancing on My Own" at the King's Coronation concert alongside Take That in May 2023.[7][101] Charity and virtual performances have been a key part of Scott's promotional efforts, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. In September 2020, he hosted a live YouTube gig in support of the mental health charity Mind, performing a set of his hits to raise funds and awareness for those affected by the crisis, a cause close to his personal experiences.[64][38] That same year, he conducted several quarantine-style livestreams, including a socially distanced band performance of "Rhythm Inside" from his backyard, connecting with fans globally amid lockdowns.[102] In December 2024, Scott collaborated with Leona Lewis on a cover of Supertramp's "Give a Little Bit" for The Multibank, a charity aiding poverty relief; the recording was released as a single to boost awareness and donations.[68] To promote his albums internationally, Scott undertook promotional tours in Asia, blending showcase performances with media appearances. In 2018, during the Only Human era, he toured cities including Singapore, delivering sets featuring tracks like "Come Back Home" and "Rhythm Inside" to build his fanbase in the region.[103] He returned in 2022 for the Bridges promotional run, performing in Tokyo, Manila, Bangkok, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore, with highlights including "Heaven" and fan-favorite duets that highlighted his evolving sound.[104][105] These outings focused on targeted live showcases rather than full tours, emphasizing album promotion through intimate venues and radio play.Awards and nominations
Awards
Calum Scott has received recognition for his musical achievements and contributions to LGBTQ+ advocacy through several prestigious awards. His wins highlight his breakthrough with the cover of "Dancing on My Own," collaborative successes, and streaming milestones. In 2018, Scott won the Metro Guilty Pleasures Award at the British LGBT Awards for his rendition of Robyn's "Dancing on My Own," acknowledging its emotional impact and role in supporting LGBTQ+ visibility.[106] In 2022, he shared the Septimius Award for Best Music Video with Lost Frequencies for "Where Are You Now," celebrating the track's innovative production and global appeal in the independent film and media space.[67] In 2025, Scott was honored with the BRIT Billion Award for accumulating over one billion streams of his music in the United Kingdom, marking a significant career milestone presented by the British Phonographic Industry.[11] These awards, totaling three major honors by late 2025, underscore Scott's influence in pop music and his advocacy efforts.Nominations
Calum Scott has garnered nominations from various award ceremonies recognizing his breakthrough performances and hit singles. These accolades highlight his early rise through talent competitions and subsequent commercial success in the pop genre.| Year | Award | Category | Nominated work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | National Reality TV Awards | Best Performance | Britain's Got Talent | Nominated[107] |
| 2017 | BRIT Awards | British Single of the Year | "Dancing on My Own" | Nominated[108] |
| 2021 | BreakTudo Awards | International Artist | N/A | Nominated[109] |
| 2023 | BRIT Awards | International Song of the Year | "Where Are You Now" (with Lost Frequencies) | Nominated[110] |