Will Young is an English singer, actor, and songwriter who first rose to fame as the winner of the UK’s first season of Pop Idol in 2002. Since then, he has released several successful albums, appeared in stage productions and television shows, and has become a prominent LGBTQ+ activist.

Born on January 20, 1979, in Wokingham, Berkshire, England, Will Young was the second child of Robin Young and Annabel Young. He attended the prestigious Wellington College and later studied politics and history at the University of Exeter.

In 2001, Young auditioned for the first season of Pop Idol, a UK reality TV show that searched for the next big pop star. His smooth, soulful voice and charming personality won over the judges and the public, and he was eventually crowned the winner of the competition. His debut single, “Anything is Possible,” was released in March 2002 and went on to become the fastest-selling debut single in UK history.

Young’s first album, “From Now On,” was released later that year and went straight to the top of the UK charts. The album was a huge success and earned Young several awards, including two BRIT Awards. He went on to release several more successful albums, including “Friday’s Child,” “Keep On,” and “Echoes.”

In addition to his music career, Will Young has also appeared in several stage productions, including “Cabaret,” “The Vortex,” and “Strictly Ballroom the Musical.” He has also acted in several TV shows, including “Skins,” “Mrs. Henderson Presents,” and “Shakespeare & Hathaway: Private Investigators.”

Young has been an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and mental health awareness. He has opened up about his own struggles with anxiety and depression and has worked to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues. He is also a patron of several LGBTQ+ organizations, including the Albert Kennedy Trust and the Terrence Higgins Trust.

In 2012, Young came out as gay in an interview with the UK’s “Radio Times.” He has been in a long-term relationship with his partner, director and producer Henry Conlon, since 2016.

Overall, Will Young has had a successful and varied career, both as a musician and an actor. He has used his platform to advocate for important causes and has become a respected figure in the UK’s LGBTQ+ community.