'Everybody in love' with Oritsé

In the summer of 2007, Oritsé Williams, an Events Management student at London Met Uni was sat in the library dreaming of creating a supergroup.

Vision firmly in mind, Oritsé put up signs around London Met’s North campus and in guitar shops on Charing Cross Road, and he trawled through countless MySpace pages to scout people he believed could turn his dream into reality.

The group he went on to set up is JLS who last night scooped two Brit Awards capping off a fantastic year as Britain's top boyband. The group beat competition from Florence And The Machine, Friendly Fires, La Roux and Pixie Lott to take the title of British Breakthrough Act.  They also won Best British Single for their debut single ‘Beat Again’, beating entries by X Factor winner Joe McElderry, previous winner Alexandra Burke and show judge Cheryl Cole.

Speaking about the band’s beginnings, Oritsé said: ‘I was at London Metropolitan University, running around like a mad kid. I was trying to look for band members, going down to central London advertising, putting my posters on top of other people's posters. I found the boys through a combination of phone calls and MySpace. I just knew when the combination was right.’

When they applied for hit show The X Factor in 2008, the band was already starting to get a few gigs and their decision to apply for the TV show wasn't taken lightly. Oritsé explained: ‘The reality of X Factor is that it's a major risk; you could go on the show, audition and the judges might totally slate you. Thankfully it worked out for us.’

“Worked out for us” might be a bit on an understatement, in fact, JLS are the most successful group of all time to enter The X Factor. Record company Epic, spotted them on the show and a contract followed soon after.

It is JLS’s work ethic and sensational performance dexterity that has defined their success. ‘We work hard,’ says Jonathon ‘JB’ Benjamin. ‘That’s our ethos. It’s important to do things properly. JLS is all about excellence.’

Oritsé says: ‘It gives me goose bumps when I think about the last year. I just can't believe it. We try not to focus too much on how well we're doing or our success; we just do what we're doing and hope we're giving our fans more of what they want. Most of all it is about sharing the most incredible journey of your life with three other guys that share this ambition and love for what you do .‘

‘My highlight so far is definitely when the album went to number one. I actually cried; I cried down the phone to my mum.’

Despite achieving so much at such a young age, Oritsé seems to have kept his feet on the ground. Having cared for his mum, who has a severe form of Multiple Sclerosis, throughout his time as a student, Oritsé announced this month that he has become an ambassador for the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

17 February 2010