Jedward: 'We'll be the next Bill Gates!'
Thursday 19 August 2010
Twin brothers John and Edward Grimes shot to fame as contestants on The X Factor last year. Initially criticised for their singing ability, the entertaining pair managed to win over the public and fascinate Mr Simon Cowell, while having the support of Louis Walsh throughout the series. They have amassed a huge following and earned the affectionate nickname ‘Jedward’.
Closer Online experienced Jedward mania first-hand when we ventured to X Factor sponsor Talk Talk’s headquarters the other day. The folks over at Talk Talk were giving people the opportunity to sing with Jedward and star in ad breaks during the forthcoming series of The X Factor.
After Jedward had finished performing with their adoring fans, they descended upon this Closer staffer for a natter suited, booted and quiffed. Naturally.
Full of beans, John bounds into the room. Equally bean-filled, Edward emerges two minutes later. The three of us then take a trip to Planet Jedward to talk all things John and Edward, X Factor and Cheryl Cole.
You’ve been singing and prancing around with members of the public all morning! How are you guys so energetic?
John: Nobody has seen us at our full energy levels because to be fully energetic you’ve got to sleep. We’re so busy but we’ve learned how to pace ourselves. We eat fruit and vegetables and drink lots of water. You’ve got to treat yourself like an engine. Also, me and Edward used to run like 15 miles a week so we’re used to being really energetic.
What’s been the highlight of your career so far?
John: The highlight has been having fans and making people happy.
Edward: Meeting Paul McCartney.
Any low points?
Edward: Our teeth not being as white as Simon Cowell’s.
Are you in touch with any of the other X Factor contestants?
Edward: It’s so hard to keep in touch with them – we don’t even get to talk to our families or close friends very much! Mum’s like, 'Call your granny and granddad.'
Which X Factor contestant last year do you think was the most talented and which were you closest to?
John: I think Edward was the most talented.
Edward: I think John was the most talented and the one I was closest to.
Ha! Surprise, surprise. And which X Factor lady judge did you prefer, Dannii or Cheryl?
Edward: I think Cheryl Cole because everyone is like obsessed with Cheryl Cole. Like Cheryl Cole has that smile…
John: Simon Cowell.
Edward: I do like Dannii Minogue’s Australian accent though. It’s like at the wedding, she’d be like, *puts on Australian(ish) accent* ‘Do you Dannii take Edward..?’
Talking of Chezza, how much do you know about her love life? Are she and Derek Hough together?
John: He’s smaller than us.
Edward: He’s too small.
John: I think they are together…
Intriguing… are there any must see acts on this year’s X Factor?
Edward: They’ve changed something in the last two days, like remember last year they changed the whole layout. Louis won’t tell us what it is because he’s scared we’ll tell someone.
What are the differences between your personalities?
John: One moment I could be funny, the next Edward could be funny – it varies.
Edward: John’s like the leader, he keeps me focussed. The other night I had like seven chocolate bars and John was like, ‘What are you doing Edward? Pull yourself together!’
Who are your role models?
Edward: Our role models are our granny and granddad.
John: And Michael Jackson.
Who’s your ideal lady?
Edward: I think Ke$ha is because she’s a bad ass and I’m really good and then we could come together and be neutral.
John: Britney Spears or Lindsay Lohan or Miley Cyrus.
Ooh American stars… would you try your luck in the USA?
Edward: Disney are interested.
John: We’d be like JedMontana!
Do you think Joe McElderry was brave to come out?
Edward: He’s like Tarzan. He did his thing. It’s really cool.
John: Yeah, it’s really cool – loads of people are gay so it’s no big deal.
You became style icons with your big quiffs. What are your style must haves?
Edward: Me and John have bought our Michael Jackson Thriller red jackets from the internet.
John: It’s about being different.
Edward: We love a slick jacket and a cool pair of runners. And when you’re on holiday, you need ….
John: suncream so you don’t get sunburnt…
Edward: … a nice pair of shorts and a nice pair of underwear underneath in case the shorts fall off.
Where do you see yourselves in five years?
John: Me and Edward will hopefully have done so many things…
Edward: Hopefully we’ll be up there with Bill Gates. We can do it!
Do you have any crazy fans?
John: Our fans communicate with us on Twitter and know where we are at all times. *whispers* Our Twitter is Planet Jedward. Please follow.
Edward: A lot of our fans are full on – we’ve signed arms and they’ve been tattooed over the signature.
John: It’s like Jedward mania! Seriously.
By Anisa Kadri
Jedward launched the TalkTalk Bright Star Studio in central London to announce that the brighter broadband provider will be sponsoring this year’s The X Factor, which starts this Saturday. You can create your own Bright Star music clip at www.talktalk.co.uk/xfactor