The 2013 X Factor winner and prison officer, was at the New Theatre Oxford on Saturday 4 March, on the third date of her Sing My Heart Out tour, and was thrilled to share some top tips with the local singers – such as the perfect photo pose and to sing ‘watermelons’ if you forget the lyrics to a song.
During the chat to the choir, who call themselves Thames Valley Police Vocals, Sam revealed how she had applied to be a police officer and had been waiting on a start date when she auditioned for the X Factor.
“I had been accepted, but I had to lower my BMI before I could start. I had hit my target and was waiting on a start date when I got through on the X Factor. I had to ring up Leicestershire Constabulary and say I was really sorry, but I couldn’t take the job anymore.”
Thames Valley Police Vocals has been running for two years, and has 20 members from various departments across the three forces.
Ruth Wilkinson, choir leader, said it had been wonderful for members to get the chance to meet Sam ahead of her Oxford performance.
“There is no denying that our line of work can sometimes be difficult. Music has proven to be a great stress reliever and an incredibly cathartic experience that we can all come together to share. It has been refreshing for us to give something back to the community.
“Sam comes from a similar background, so it’s wonderful to meet someone who has achieved such great things and understands how important music can be. She is an outstanding vocalist and it has been such an amazing opportunity to meet her.
“We had no idea that she had been successful in applying to be a police officer. Who knows, she could even have been a member of the force choir.”