T in the Park: Will Young review

Published on Saturday 5 July 2008 22:13

AM I in the right place? I've checked my programme at least a dozen times and it tells me that, yes, Will Young, former Pop Idol winner and housewife's choice of the nation, is about to walk on stage. So, what's with the warm-up tune that sounds like it's more fit for the terraces than for this soft soul crooner?

There is no mistaking him when he does arrive, however, mostly because of the deafening high pitched screams filling the tent. He's in defiant mode, too, which suits him. Dressed down in an untucked shirt, sleeves rolled up nonchalantly, Young is here to prove his detractors wrong. Last week people complained that he isn't credible enough to be on the bill but he's having none of it. Young is canny and knows how to win over the crowd. By singing Loch Lomond. Twice. It works a treat, and if there was room this bunch would lie down like obedient seal pups on the bonnie, bonnie banks and have him tickle their tummies.

The songs are inoffensive and his voice is clear and soulful. But it's his chat that makes people go crazy. "Thank you so much for turning up," he purrs. "You're the best crowd. It's my first festival in Scotland and I want to do lots more because you're great." Flattery - works every time.