Paul Potts is a British classical/operatic singer who became famous when he won the first season of “Britain’s Got Talent” in 2007. He first began singing opera in 1999, and that same year he won £8,000 on the British game show “My Kind of Music.” With his winnings, Potts traveled to Italy for a masterclass with Pavarotti. Over the next several years, Potts performed in several amateur opera productions, until a bicycle accident in 2003 prevented him from continuing.

In 2007, financial troubles spurred Potts to audition for “Britain’s Got Talent,” despite the fact that he had not performed for several years. Since winning the competition, he has made several guest radio and television appearances and performed in various commercials. In the summer of 2009, Potts booked a short (10-city) North American tour, although he canceled dates in Washington, D.C., and Mexico citing logistical issues.