Lancaster singer and X Factor star Paul Akister has spoken to Beyond Radio about his comeback gig at Morecambe Music Festival after problems that affected his voice for years.
Paul will be performing this Saturday night at Johnny's Warehouse Bar on Marine Road Central as part of the festival.
The Lancaster singer shot to fame in 2013 and 2014 when he appeared on hit ITV talent show The X Factor.
He wowed the judges with his powerful soulful voice and reached the live finals in 2014 when he was mentored by Mel B from The Spice Girls.
But aside from a short performance at the Lancaster Grand earlier this year, Paul hasn't performed in the local area for a long time.
He explained this was due to the condition esophageal dysmotility, which affected his voice and stopped him from singing.
LISTEN to our exclusive interview with Paul Akister:
"I'm so excited to be coming back," said Paul.
"I had some issues with my voice, it was really bad. I have something called esophageal dysmotility which kept burning my throat.
"But I've been blessed, and it's pretty much 100 per cent now. And I'm back, and I'm just happy to be performing at the festival."
Paul also spoke about life on The X Factor and how he coped with the sudden fame in the aftermath of the show.
He will also perform in a solo gig at the Lancaster Grand on Friday September 9. Tickets are available here.
Paul was speaking live on our Tuesday night show The Resident, joined in our studio by Morecambe Music Festival organiser Stuart Michaels and Andy Cruxton from local band Sold to the Sky (below).
Morecambe Music Festival runs from Friday July 8 to Sunday July 10 at 31 Morecambe venues, and is completely free.
The launch night will be held tonight (July 6) from 7pm at Harry's Bar on Marine Road Central.
More information on Morecambe Music Festival can be found here.
Beyond Radio is the official media partner for Morecambe Music Festival. Keep an eye on our social media over the weekend for festival updates!
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