Russell Watson online

Find out what singing sensation Russell Watson has to say in his live webchat

Kiwi: My highlight was meeting you at Blenheim airport and the concert at the vineyards. What has been your top highlight so far?

Russell: There have been a few but the concert at the Vatican with John Paul II was my highlight. Singing for 300,000 at the White House for George Bush was pretty cool. I also sang with Sir Paul McCartney at the Nobel Peace prize awards in Oslo.

Leach: Are you still in touch with Sian Reeves from Just the Two of Us and did you enjoy it?

Russell: We call each other now and then. I enjoyed it very much.

Anita: Hiya Russell. Who else would you like to duet with and which song?

Russell: Hi Anita. I'd like to sing with Nellie Fertado - she's pretty 'vibey'. Nat King Cole was a big hero as was Frank Sinatra.

Maggie: Which song do you enjoy singing most of all and why?

Russell: I enjoy them all because I just like to sing and perform. I don't have any particular favourite. Every song has its own relevance.

Jessica: How do you cope with opera snobs?

Russell: I've not really bumped into too many so I don't really need to cope.

Avril: Are you doing any more singing only tours this year? Me and my sister are dying to see you!

Russell: I am. We're announcing some dates soon. Go to www.russell-watson.com for more details.

Allie and Ann: We listen to you, who do you listen to?

Russell: It depends on my time. I buy records then listen to them and go off them. I'm listening to Oasis, Scissor Sisters and Paul Anka.

Teresa: Do you have to learn the language in order to understand the emotions of the songs you sing?

Russell: Yes, I know what I'm singing about. It would be interesting singing 'Vesdila Guibba', which means someone is having an affair with someone, if I didn't get the meaning. I speak a little Spanish, Italian and a bit of French.

Sarah: Hiya - I am in Seoul, South Korea - would you ever do a concert here?

Russell: It just so happens that I'm thinking about branching out there.  Keep an eye on my website. I'm doing a tour in Japan in May and may stop in South Korea on the way back.

Monica: What do you do to relax outside your world of singing? Is there a favourite football team?

Russell: I'm a bit of a techo - I've just bought a new X-Box so that's a lot of fun. I have a 72" plasma screen TV which just adds to the fun!

Sean: Would you ever like to play the lead role in an opera like La Boheme?

Russell: I'm not sure an opera would be a good move for me at the moment. I'd maybe consider it in the future. It requires a lot of time to be tied into a production.

Sammy: Hi Russell. Have you ever thought of doing an autobiography? I'm sure there are loads of Russell fans that would love to hear how it all started for you.

Russell: I really hate people who release an autobiography when they have only been in the industry for a short time. I'll probably wait a little longer.

Sam: Hello Russell. How do you cope with all the stardom? It must be great pressure sometimes.

Russell: You're a star when you want to be. It's easy to hide yourself when you want to. My profile has certainly risen since being on Just The Two of Us. I don't really look for the attention to be honest. I was in a local shop and a chap chased me the full length of the shop asking me to say hello to his mum. I went over and said hello and she said, "Oh hello Nigel, I love your stuff!!" My kids were just bemused!

Cat: Who are your greatest inspirations?

Russell: I don't know really. Someone like Mario Lanza perhaps?

Teresa: Do you prefer the 'pop' songs, classic love songs or the opera arias to sing?

Russell: I like singing generally. I don't have a preference.

Tricia: Hi Russell. How much of a challenge is it going to be to have to act in The War of The Worlds as opposed to singing in front of a microphone?

Russell: I don't know until I get to rehearsals. I'm really looking forward to it. I've always been a natural mimic so it should be good.

Mommo: Do either of your children want to pursue the same career path as dad?

Russell: They're a bit too young at the moment. I think you should let children develop at their own pace. I was forced to learn the piano when I wanted to play football. It really upset me.

Paula: Many congratulations on reaching No 2 in the mainstream album chart. You've achieved so much over the last few years. Is there one achievement that stands out for you?

Russell: Thank you! I've got four Brit awards so I enjoy recognition for my work. The first Brit was a great pleasure for me. It was cool winning Just The Two of us.

Russell: Thanks very much for all your support all over the world. I'll hopefully see you at one of my gigs - maybe even in South Korea. Bye all!