Will Young recalls 'awful' Julia Roberts encounter: 'I'm sweating telling this story'

The singer, 45, admitted he was left ‘tongue-tied’ when he was introduced to the actress
Lisa McLoughlin 25 April 2024
The Weekender

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Will Young recounted an "awful" encounter with Hollywood actress Julia Roberts, admitting he still breaks out in a sweat thinking about it.

The British singer, 45, recalled meeting the Oscar-winning actress after finding fame on Pop Idol and admitted Roberts was less than impressed when his joke failed to land.

Appearing on Wednesday’s The One Show, Young was asked by hosts Alex Jones and Jermaine Jenas what stories he’ll be sharing on his upcoming UK tour.

He recalled one mortifying moment with Roberts.

He shared: “I was singing at the LA BAFTAs. She was in the dressing room and I get a bit tongue-tied and I just was looking at her and thinking ‘oh god, that’s Julia Roberts’.

“All I had in my head was [the Pretty Woman theme tune].”

“Then she said: ‘You’re the guy from American Idol’ and I said: ‘No Pop Idol’.

Young on Wednesday’s The One Show with Imelda Staunton
BBC

“Then I said: ‘Wouldn’t it be funny if it was called Pup Idol and everyone brought their puppies’.

“She just looked at me. I know. It’s really odd. Her assistant just moved her away. I’m actually sweating telling this story.”

He added: “I started sweating and the make-up artist was like ‘God, you’re sweating quite a lot’. And I said: ‘Yeah I know, I’m fine. It’s just so hot’.”

“It was just awful. But I think people need to hear these stories.”

Young’s candour comes as he recalled the moment he stood up to Simon Cowell after the talent show judge described his performance as “average” while competing on Pop Idol.

The Leave Right Now singer famously clashed with acid-tongued Cowell, 64, before going on to win the ITV show, along with a recording contract back in 2002.

Young is currently gearing up to release his ninth studio album, Light It Up, and is set to embark on an intimate UK tour this September featuring acoustic performances, stories and conversation.