Rowetta's still living the dream

“When I’m on stage with that amazing choir there’s nowhere else I’d rather be,” she beams. “It’s a joyful, uplifting show. I’m loving it.”

She’s referring to The Songs Of Sister Act – a celebration of music from the 1992 Whoopi Goldberg movie – which rolls into Bradford next month. It features Rowetta dressed as a nun – something that’s inspiring audiences to raid their dressing-up boxes.

“We get people coming along dressed as nuns, it’s hilarious,” she says. “Everyone looks good in a habit, it hides a multitude of sins. We get lots of kids along, it’s a great way to introduce them to live performance.”

The songs include Oh Happy Day, Ain’t No Mountain High Enough and Joyful Joyful.

“I’m a massive fan of the film. I can’t believe I’m up there conducting a choir, like Whoopi,” says Rowetta. “There’s comedy, great choreography and a few surprises.

“It’s not overly religious, it’s just full of happiness and great music. I’m part-Jewish, but that doesn’t stop me enjoying the spirit of the show. These songs have real feeling; I wanted to sing this kind of music on X Factor but I wasn’t allowed.”

Rowetta was 38 when she came third on the first series of X Factor in 2004. She’s enjoyed great success, but nearly a lifetime in the business took its toll.

The day we talked, Rowetta was featured on Living TV’s Rehab programme, following celebrities being treated for addictions. “The programme really helped me,” she says. “I was drinking to socialise – it goes hand-in-hand with this business – and I was a happy drunk, so I hid it well. But I had to do something about it. I had a lot of therapy on Rehab and lots of support from others on the show; Victoria Sellers and (former Bay City Rollers frontman) Les McKeown are now good friends – we’re there for each other.

“I couldn’t have done a 28-date tour if I was still drinking and smoking like I was. My life has completely changed.”

She credits the London Community Gospel Choir with helping her recovery. “They’re the kindest, sweetest people,” says Rowetta. “I’m so lucky to sing with a gospel choir, I get a natural high on stage. Goosebumps on top of goosebumps.”

Manchester-born Rowetta played the club circuit as a teenage professional singer. After marrying young and having two children, her music career went on hold until 1987 when she was a backing vocalist on Simply Red’s Stars album. She forged a career as a session singer, working with the likes of PJ Proby, Billy Ocean, KLF and Stereo MCs.

In 1989, Rowetta’s life changed when she saw the Happy Mondays on TV. “I was hooked. From that moment I knew I’d end up singing with them,” she says.

After contacting the Mondays’ Nathan McGough, she was invited to sing on breakthrough single Step On. Within weeks she was performing with the band on Top Of The Pops, playing arena gigs and enjoying a Top 5 single. She sang on the band’s Pills ’n’ Thrills And Bellyaches album and toured Europe and America.

“It was a fantastic time; there was a massive buzz in Manchester in the early Nineties, it was great for bands,” says Rowetta. “Everything revolved around the Hacienda, it was an exciting, creative time. We were at the centre of something big that was having a major influence on music. I’m proud to have been part of that.

“The music industry has completely changed; artists starting up now face loads of obstacles. Even if you manage to get a deal you’re dropped if you don’t reach No.1. There’s a ridiculous pressure on young artists.”

Singing with the Mondays meant Rowetta put her dream of a solo career on hold. Following the band’s split in 1992 she started writing songs.

Art imitated life when she played herself in 24 Hour Party People, Michael Winterbottom’s homage to Manchester’s music scene, and she did session work with artists including Groove Armada and Paul Ryder from the Mondays.

Her break came, of course, with X Factor. “I was 38, it was my last chance to try for a solo career,” she says. Rowetta won viewers over with her powerful voice and passion for music and she became the last female finalist.

“I’ve not stopped working since, so I have absolutely no regrets,” says Rowetta. “I got Simon Cowell’s approval which was what I really wanted. It was very pressurised; I was building up a following so I felt a massive responsibility. Once you’re on a show like that, everyone roots for you. I’d see family and friends in the audience wearing Rowetta T-shirts cheering me on. I was terrified of letting them down.

“I think there was more scope for older artists in the first series,” she adds. “It’s become a very young competition since, I wouldn’t stand a chance if I went for it now. Some big talent comes out of X Factor – Leona Lewis is amazing – but so many kids on the show know nothing about the industry. They just want the fame.”

Frank, friendly and chatty, Rowetta has an endearing vulnerability which viewers warmed to. Part of her appeal was also that she’d earned her dues. “I’d grafted in pubs and clubs. When I was 16 I was singing in workingmen’s clubs. I’ve played venues with National Front slogans spray-painted outside,” she says. “I’d worked hard and gained experience. I didn’t turn up to auditions expecting to be an overnight sensation.”

Since X Factor, Rowetta has released a self-titled album and toured the UK. She’s a regular on TV chat and pop shows and in 2006 she took part in the BBC’s Celebrity Scissorhands, for Children In Need. She even had a guest role in Footballers’ Wives.

She’s currently writing and recording new material, presents radio shows in Manchester, and recently returned from a tour of Japan, promoting her track House 69 which is on Sugiurumn’s album What Time Is Summer Of Love?

“I’m happy in Manchester, I’ve no desire to move to London,” she says. “I’m 43 and things are really taking off for me, I’m living proof that it’s never too late to chase your dream.”

The Songs Of Sister Act is at St George’s Hall on Friday, April 24. For tickets ring (01274) 432000.