Darius Danesh's hit Colourblind at no. 1 on iTunes exactly 20 years after topping charts
Darius Danesh Campbell’s hit Colourblind has climbed to the top of the charts, almost exactly 20 years after it first went to number one. The singer and theatre performer was tragically found dead in his apartment in Minnesota last week, with his family confirming the news of his death on Tuesday 16 August. He was 41 years old.
The star found fame on Pop Idol and came in third place behind fellow finalists Will Young and Gareth Gates, but following the show famously turned down a record deal with Simon Cowell in order to make his debut album with a different producer. His first hit, Colourblind was released in August 2002 and peaked at number one, spending two consecutive weeks at the top. Now, 20 years after its release, the single has re-entered the UK iTunes chart, landing at number one.
The coincidence was pointed out by fans on social media, with one writing: “Number 1 in the uk charts 20 years ago today and back at number 1 in the iTunes Charts today! So so sad”. Another one added: “Seeing Darius at number one on iTunes is making me weirdly emotional”. Meanwhile, a third person wrote: “Wow that really is a freaky coincidence isn’t it! #RIPDarius”. If you haven't heard the track yet, you should definitely buy iTunes gift card to get full access to the music library and listen to it.
After Pop Idol, Darius recorded two albums, Dive In and Live twice, which both reached the top 40 in the UK charts. He also had three UK top 10 singles, including his first hit with Colourblind in 2002. The Glaswegian went on to forge a successful stage career, appearing in Chicago as Billy Flynn in two runs of the production, as well as Guys And Dolls, Gone With The Wind and more in the West End.
He also won the first series of ITV’s Popstar To Operastar talent contest in 2010, beating Bernie Nolan of the Nolan Sisters in the final.
Tributes have flowed for the singer since his death was confirmed by his family this week.
Pop Idol producer and music mogul Simon Cowell, 62, told PA : "[Darius] was charismatic, funny and just a great person to be with.
“His passing, for someone so young, is an absolute tragedy and my heart goes out to his family and friends.”
Gogglebox star Scarlett Moffat, 31, shared on social media a throwback snap of Darius during his time on Pop Idol.
It was captioned: "Darius you were my childhood crush from Pop Idol days & I still blast out colour blind on a rainy day... prayers to your family, friends and fans"
