More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
Strictly Come Dancing finalist and Kent-based pop star HRVY is set to perform a one-off gig at one of the world's most illustrious music venues.
The singer from Hartley, who became a YouTube sensation while still studying at The Leigh Academy in Dartford, will grace the Royal Albert Hall this Sunday.
The 22-year-old – whose real name is Harvey Cantwell – is set to perform as part of a special "Behind closed Doors" digital show to mark the concert hall's 150th anniversary celebrations.
It will see the pop star, who electrified viewers with his dazzling Strictly performances, broadcast his show via a ticketed live stream.
HRVY said: “I can’t wait to play my first show in over a year, it’s going to be so good getting all the band and dancers back together again and play at such an incredible venue as the Royal Albert Hall for my first digital live show.”
Discussing the gig on his Instagram last month, he added: "I’ve been waiting for the day to perform on a stage for a long time and I know you guys can’t be there in person but knowing you’re watching behind a screen is just as good.
"This will probably be the first and last ever live-streamed concert I do so it’s gonna be a special one.
"As you know the music industry has been hit pretty hard by the pandemic so buying a ticket helps support not just me but my incredible dancers, band, tech team, management and so many others behind the scenes, love you guys and can’t wait to see you live at the royal Albert hall."
The former CBBC presenter had planned to release his debut album 'Can anybody hear me?' back in November.
But the tracks – many of which had been compiled over a two to three year window – were later pulled and live shows cancelled amid the ongoing impact of the pandemic.
Despite this set-back and contracting Covid-19 himself, HRVY went on to propel himself to Strictly fame after winning over viewers with his often flamboyant and high energy routines alongside professional dancer Janette Manrara.
They eventually finished as runners up, just pipped to the post by comedian Bill Bailey and his dance partner Oti Mabuse who scooped the glitter ball trophy.
Speaking to KentOnline last year HRVY revealed how nerves nearly got the better of him ahead of his debut.
"I think the live shows took me by surprise," he said. "I've done live things before, but for some reason when you see the red light on the camera and you're dancing it just feels completely different.
"It almost throws you a little bit because you know behind that camera there are millions of people watching at home – it is very scary."
HRVY will release new music later this year after signing a deal with global record company BMG.
In 2019 the YouTube star's loyal followers turned out in huge numbers while he was appearing at Bluewater forcing the event to be stopped by security after just a few minutes.
But last week he told ITV's Lorraine how he had expanded his fan base to include a slightly different demographic.
Talking to Ranvir Singh, who was covering for Lorraine Kelly, he said: "I haven't really been out a lot since lockdown but when I have been out to go to the supermarket I have had nans recognise me which I think is really really cool."
More information on the Royal Albert Hall show and tickets can be found here.
