Sea shanty star Nathan Evans has told how Simon Cowell was left gobsmacked after discovering the Scots singer had auditioned for The X Factor years ago – only to be rejected.
The award-winning artist, who has topped the charts, headlined festivals and played to sold-out stadiums, said the music mogul was taken aback by the revelation when he bumped into him in LA earlier this month.
The former postman from Airdrie, who became an overnight TikTok sensation in 2020 and has been riding a wave of global success ever since, revealed Simon Cowell had no idea he had auditioned for the ITV talent show 14 years ago.
View 7 ImagesNathan Evans.(Image: Tony Nicoletti/Daily Record)
Nathan, 31, who has amassed a legion of fans all over the world, said: “I was in LA performing at a massive business expo and happened to bump into Simon Cowell.
“I told him I had auditioned for the X-Factor back when I was 17, but the producers didn’t put me through to sing for the judges.
“He was totally taken aback and said, ‘How on earth did that happen?’
“I said I didn’t hold it against him and one of his best pals had ended up signing me, so it was all good. We had a right laugh about it.”
Nathan, whose breakout hit Wellerman was remixed by music legends Brian May and Andrew Lloyd Webber, said the past six years have been a whirlwind. He added: “I never imagined this life.
“I keep waiting for someone like Ashton Kutcher to come to my door and say they have been punking me and that I’ve been starring in a Trueman-style TV show this entire time.
“The last six years have been crazy and I often have to pinch myself to check I am not dreaming. You could not make up my life and it looks like it is set to get a whole lot crazier.”
But before Nathan and his best mates Saint PHNX head off to perform special World Cup gigs in the US, they have another star-studded engagement to fulfil – the Pride of Scotland Awards.
And the dad-of-two has hinted guests might be treated to a rendition of their World Cup anthem.
View 7 ImagesNathan is a big supporter of the Daily Record Pride of Scotland Awards with P&O Cruises, having acted as a judge and attended as a guest.
He said performing at the awards, which honour the nation’s unsung heroes, will be an honour and privilege.
He said: “I love the Pride of Scotland Awards. I attended the second ever event at Hopetoun House, South Queensferry, in 2021, and I was so blown away by the winners I have been delighted to be involved ever since.
“I have been a judge twice and this year I am chuffed to be performing with Saint PHNX’s Stevie and Alan. We want to help give the winner the best night of their lives as they are so deserving.
“I have had the privilege of meeting so many incredible winners over the years. I can’t single one out as they are all such courageous, selfless and incredible human beings.”
Nathan and the Saint PHNX Jukes brothers, who live just up the road from him in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, began working together in 2021.
View 7 ImagesAirdrie postman Nathan Evans went viral(Image: Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser)
In 2023 their hit Heather on the Hill got more than 63million plays on Spotify and earlier this year they released their first album together – Angels’ Share.
Nathan, who has been touring Europe and the US with Saint PHNX, said: “Stevie and Alan are like my brothers. They took me under their wing right back at the start when everything was kicking off and we have become the best of friends.
“We are so like-minded. We know who we are and where we want to be. We are all family men on the same path in life. All three of us are grounded and will never forget where we’ve come from.”
View 7 ImagesNathan Evans.(Image: Tony Nicoletti/Daily Record)
One of their plans is a festival at the Royal Highland Centre, near Edinburgh, named after their biggest hit Heather on the Hill.
Nathan said: “We are playing at festivals throughout summer including Latitude and the Isle of Wight, but we are also running our own family-friendly festival in August which will be another pinch-me moment. It’s nearly sold out and if it is a success we are hoping to make it an annual event.”
View 7 Images(Image: Daily Record)
He may have topped the charts, but Nathan said becoming a dad twice over trumps his other successes. The former Caldervale High School pupil, who is dad to Hunter Alexander, three, welcomed son Archie Beau on April 10.
Nathan, who has been with wife Holly, 30, for 14 years, said: “Our sons have rocked my world. I still can’t believe I’m now a dad to two little boys. It’s madness.
“I can’t wait to watch them grow up side by side – best mates, partners in crime, and everything in between. Life really is a wild and beautiful thing.
“If you had told me six years ago I would be a dad to two wonderful little boys and travelling the world making music with my best friends I would have thought you were having a laugh. I have been blessed, and I intend to treasure every exhausting yet rewarding moment.”
View 7 ImagesScottish entertainment legends Sanjeev Kholi and Elaine C. Smith will host the 2026 Pride of Scotland Awards
Nathan is one of a host of stars who will celebrate Scotland’s incredible unsung heroes. The Pride of Scotland Awards, in their seventh year, will take place at the Glasgow Hilton on June 8 and will be hosted by Elaine C Smith and Still Game star Sanjeev Kohli.
From acts of kindness and selfless bravery to raising millions for charity, it’s no wonder the Pride of Scotland is the People’s Oscars.
Sanjeev said: “Every year it is an utter privilege to meet these wonderful humans and help shine a light on their achievements.”
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Elaine added: “Pride of Scotland is one of my favourite nights of the year and I feel privileged to be back as host.”
Carnival UK and P&O Cruises president Paul Ludlow said: “P&O Cruises is proud to once again support Pride of Scotland.
It is a real honour to recognise and celebrate individuals whose achievements and contributions are truly exceptional.”