One Chance: A Memoir

by Paul Potts

The inspirational memoir by international classical music star Paul Potts, winner of Britain’s GotTalent—soon to be a major motion picture from The Weinstein CompanyOne Chance is the remarkable true story of Paul Potts, cell phone salesman by day, amateur singer by night, who stepped onto the stage in the premiere season of Britain’s Got Talent, and changed his life. When he opened his mouth to sing Puccini’s “Nessun Dorma,” judge Simon Cowell and millions of viewers were stunned. Paul went on to win the show’s competition and become a YouTube sensation and multiplatinum artist virtually overnight. Filled with personal recollections not featured in the film, this is the wonderful story of the shy, bullied Welsh store manager who seized his biggest dreams and won audiences around the world. The film One Chance, starring James Corden, Tony-winning star of One Man, Two Guvnors, and Julie Walters, star of Mamma Mia! and Billy Elliot, was directed by David Frankel (The Devil WearsPrada) and written by Justin Zackham (The Bucket List), and will be released in fall 2013. 

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction, Biography, Autobiography, Music

282 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2013

Reviews

[Phil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very honest account of the struggle to find an identity and the transformation that recognition of both talent and hard work brought.

[Linda Smatzny · Rating 3 out of 5]

This covers the life and career of the first winner of Britain's Got Talent tv show. He writes about his childhood including the bullying he endured at school. He writes about his singing opera to truly feel like he belonged. He writes about he tv show, his winning and how his life changed after the win. There are photos included. It was an easy read.

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable, but not what I was hoping for. I was hoping for more of a memoir of his experience on the talent show, but it took almost 2/3 of the book to actually get to his winning audition and what came after it. For my taste, this book was a little to heavily focussed on his childhood years. I understand that bullying is a huge part of what made Paul who he was, and influenced his behavior and life path but I think that this could have been relayed in a more concise manner.

However, after I skimmed through the first two thirds of the book, I really enjoyed learning what went on behind the scenes of his big win, and how it has impacted his life since then.

[Geri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I discovered Paul Potts shortly after watching Susan Boyle on YouTube.
What a great singer!
I watch and enjoy his videos quite often.
Reading his memoir I was stunned at the things he divulged about his life.
How could so many awful things happen to one person.
Makes me happy that good things are finally happening to a really nice guy.
He deserves all of it and more.

Now I want to see the movie.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

SPOILERS
I cried during part of this. Paul Potts had a tragic childhood of bullying and abuse. Much of it I could relate to, if not sympathize with. I am so happy that he was able to fulfill his dream and become a success.

[Eileen · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was somewhat disturbing to hear of the bullying that he endured during his childhood, and that he received no support form any of the adults including his teachers and other adults who should have done more. I am happy that he achieved the success that he has had.

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had to read this after seeing the movie based on his life. He’s the ultimate underdog! A quick read.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a totally delightful book! Most people know about Paul's catapult from phone salesman to stardom as the first winner of the TV show Britain's Got Talent. What many people don't know is the depth of the adversity Paul had to overcome to reach that momentous event, or how much he still struggles to heal the scars from his past. What is most special about this book though, is that Paul tells his story complete with all the bumps, warts and scars, but he never actually blames anyone for his previous misfortune and misery. Instead, Paul uses this book to encourage others who struggle with similar situations and to praise anyone who had a positive impact on his life. I found Paul's kind and humble words incredibly endearing and uplifting. At one point when Paul suffers yet another unfortunate physical mishap I really felt myself wondering just how much this poor man could endure, but time and again Paul manages to get up, brush himself off and carry on. Paul is a very special person who just happens to have an amazingly gifted voice. In a world where Divas and superstars are often in the headlines for being difficult, foolish or obnoxious, Paul stays focused on being humble and staying true to himself. After finishing this book I couldn't wait to buy some of his music! Needless to say, I wish Paul and his lovely wife Julz a lifetime of happiness, good health and great success.

[amaya the cactus · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars (goodreads should really add a half-star option!)

What wonderfully uplifting book! I recall seeing Paul's stunning BGT audition, and I'm so glad he'd won the competition!

I found this book at a local Dollar Tree and am very glad to have picked it up. Paul has certainly endured so much more hardship than most could even imagine, and he's absolutely deserving of the good fortune he's since had. There were times my heart broke for him, though he consistently managed to overcome the odds, reflecting upon the events of his life to publication of this memoir (2013) with a very mature and thoughtful perspective. He has a clearly indomitable spirit, and he illustrates the importance of perseverance and gratitude. He seems a delightful, immensely kind, and genuine individual.

I've not yet seen the film this book inspired, but it's next on my search list!

This is definitely a book I'm going to hang onto in the event I feel discouraged in the future. It reads almost conversationally, which allows the reader to feel more invested in the story. Despite a few things overlooked by the editors, it was a great read overall and easy to get through (though no less worthwhile).

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before I read this book, the extent of my knowledge of Paul Potts was that he had won a season of Britain's Got Talent, and that he was an opera singer. When the film was released, I wanted to see it, but unfortunately it has yet to be released in the US, and I was very excited when I found a copy of this book at a local store. I'm really glad I gave it a chance despite not knowing much about Paul himself, because it's a great read, both from a personal standpoint and a professional one. It gives great insight into the life of someone catapulted into fame, as well leaving the reader feeling like they've gotten to know him personally throughout the process.

[K De · Rating 4 out of 5]

Paul Potts writes a clear account of his life. He gives a harrowing account of his days when he was a child being bullied as well as his sexual molestation as a teen.

The fact that music was his life saver is present throughout his life because he wanted to sing. His salvation was his drive to sing both as a boy and as a man.

I am glad that he became successful at what he really wanted to do in his life.

[Monica Tilley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of shy man who experienced a lot of bullying and abuse as a child. Singing was his escape and he worked hard to develop his talent. He made a coin-toss decision to enter Britain's Got Talent which got him a singing career.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a inspiring book. It must have taken him alot of courage to share so intimate details about his childhood. I have his first cd, and have yet to hear his second and third, but I love closing my eyes and just listening to the words. Always remember there is always One Chance!

[MsEleanorMae · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a lovely unaffected read. I really like Mr Potts. He seems like a genuinely nice bloke. I wish all the best. A great listen as an audiobook - Matt Addis does a fine job (so does Paul with the introduction).

[Jeanne Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a follower of Paul Potts from the first Britain's Got Talent Youtube, I enjoyed reading this charming and expressive account of his life.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just pre-ordered this one. Looking forward to reading it very much :)

[Sherry · Rating 3 out of 5]

No, he is not a professional writer, but who cares with that amazing voice!

[Jodie Portugal · Rating 4 out of 5]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SU9P0...

My honest review

[Deity World · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful read if you haven’t seen the movie I highly recommend you watch.