The choir parted and he quietly appeared in the centre to cheers and a round of enthusiatic applause and then he launched into a dramatic rendition of O Fortuna which was compelling and very focused. Showman Rhyd was back in full force, immaculate as ever in a silver grey shiny suit and crisp open necked white shirt. As a complete contrast he then chose Bridge Over Troubled Water which had a strong but calming effect and I remember thinking how the young X factor hopeful had moved on and been replaced by the confident sophisticated performer we know and love today.

He then sang ‘You know better than I’ which he sung very sensitively and with obvious sadness in memory of our lovely Redkite. It was a very touching moment which everyone present from RR shared in complete empathy. What a wonderful tribute to a beautiful lady.

His next song was ‘If I loved you’ from Carousel which he again performed so expertly and so sensitively that everyone presnt was in the moment with him and totally charmed. I was then fascinated to see him change styles from anything I had seen him perform before to give a very charismatic,energetic and polished performance of the Soliliquy from Carousel known as ‘My Boy Bill’ where he adopted the flamboyant American character with ease.
John Denver’s Annies song has always been one of my favourites but I have never heard it sung better than on Friday evening by Rhydian. He finished his set by taking part in a rousing and emotive version of Pan Fyddo’r Nos Hir which brought back memories of a similar excellent performance he gave at the Eisteddfod at Bala last summer. When thanks had been given to all for coming and to the performers for the part which they had played it was really lovely that Rhydians birthday was announced and after he had been searched for and brought back on to the stage, he was presented with a present and the audience began to sing ‘Happy Birthday to you’. He looked slightly embarassed but very happy as he stood there listening.

Fay