James Fox

James Fox (born James Richard Mullett, 6 April 1976) is a Welsh singer-songwriter and stage performer. He is best known for representing the United Kingdom in the Eurovision Song Contest 2004 with the song “Hold Onto Our Love”. Since then, he has built a diverse career in music, theatre, and television. He is known not only for his Eurovision appearance but also for his roles on stage and his own songwriting.

Early Career and Fame Academy

James Fox grew up in Wales and started performing as a teenager, singing in pubs and clubs across South Wales. In 2000, he formed a pop band called Force 5 with his friend Kevin Simm (who later joined Liberty X).

His first big break came from television. In 2003, he entered the BBC talent show Fame Academy. Using the stage name “James Fox”, he finished in fifth place on the show. This achievement introduced him to a national audience and helped launch his music career.

Eurovision 2004 and Music Career

In 2004, James Fox represented the United Kingdom at the Eurovision Song Contest in Istanbul. He sang “Hold Onto Our Love”, which reached number 13 on the UK singles chart. At Eurovision, he finished 16th. Although he did not win, the contest gave him broad exposure across Europe. After the contest, he was invited to sing at high-profile events, including a special performance at the UK Parliament.

Fox continued to write and perform after Eurovision. He toured around the UK and performed in the United States. He also opened for artists such as Lulu and Tina Turner. In addition, Fox entertained British troops overseas and performed at a Royal Albert Hall concert attended by Queen Elizabeth II.

In 2007, he released a six-song EP titled Six String. The next year, his football anthem “Bluebirds Flying High” for Cardiff City reached No. 15 on the UK chart, and he released his debut album Rocking Chairs and Lemonade in 2008. He also released later singles like “Higher” (2008) and “Say What You Like” (2009), but these did not reach the Top 40.

Musical Theatre Career

James Fox expanded into musical theatre after his Eurovision stint. In late 2004, he took on the role of Judas Iscariot in a UK touring production of Jesus Christ Superstar. His portrayal impressed lyricist Sir Tim Rice, who recommended him for a lead role in the Billy Joel musical Movin’ Out. Fox made his Broadway debut in that show in April 2005.

In 2006, Fox returned to London’s West End, playing the “Piano Man” in Movin’ Out at the Apollo Victoria Theatre. A few years later, in 2010, he took on the role of Freddie “The American” Trumper in a UK tour of the musical Chess. In 2012, he joined the West End cast of Let It Be, a Beatles tribute show, portraying Paul McCartney. He later performed the same role when Let It Be moved to Broadway in 2013. Fox left the production in 2014 after about a year in the show.

Recent Work and Current Status

In the 2010s, James Fox continued to work in music and theatre. He released a charity single “Landlocked” in 2012 and another single “Hope” in 2018. In 2021, he independently released his second studio album All The Fours, featuring twelve new songs. This marked his return to recording after more than a decade.

Today, Fox mostly focuses on live performances rather than chart hits, and he remains active on stage at music events. In 2022, he was featured on a Eurovision-themed program called Let Me Be The One, where he performed alongside Lindsay Dracass. Fox’s achievements include two UK Top 20 hit singles and leading roles in four major musicals. He also received a Civilian Service Medal for entertaining the armed forces and had the honor of performing for Queen Elizabeth II three times.