G4 (group)
| Company type | Vocal ensemble |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2004 |
| Headquarters | United Kingdom |
| Products | Albums, singles, live performances |
G4 is a British vocal ensemble consisting of four members, who gained prominence as the runners-up in the inaugural season of The X Factor in 2004. They became well-known for their unique operatic interpretations of contemporary pop music. Initially formed as a barbershop quartet, the group’s members connected while studying at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Their name, G4, is derived from "Guildhall 4."
The quartet parted ways in 2007 due to internal conflicts but reunited in 2014 to celebrate their tenth anniversary. This reunion sparked a series of nationwide performances and culminated in the release of a new album during the 2015 holiday season.
The current lineup features original tenor Jonathan Ansell and baritone Mike Christie. After Lewis Raines left in 2023, Jai McDowall joined the group. Duncan Sandilands took over bass duties in 2019, succeeding Nick Ashby, who had replaced original bass Matt Stiff in 2014.
2004: The X Factor
Following the replacement of original bass Tom Lowe with Matt Stiff, G4 entered The X Factor competition in 2004 to promote their forthcoming concerts. Before this, they had been performing as street musicians to gain experience and earn income. Initially, the group shared lead vocal responsibilities, but Simon Cowell recommended positioning Jonathan Ansell as the primary frontman. Under the guidance of mentor Louis Walsh, G4 advanced to the final stage and remain one of only two classical-influenced acts to have performed live on the show, ultimately outselling the winning act. Simon Cowell later admitted that G4 were the real winners of that series.
Despite their achievements, G4 publicly criticized The X Factor for its contrived judge rivalries that detracted from contestants' performances. Bass vocalist Matt Stiff highlighted the contrast between Simon Cowell’s supportive behavior behind the scenes and his lack of visible encouragement on camera, implying manipulation of viewer perceptions. Notably, none of G4’s singles appeared on the 2013 compilation The X Factor – Greatest Hits, despite their strong sales figures.
X Factor performances
| Round | Song Performed | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Audition | "Bohemian Rhapsody" | – |
| Bootcamp | Original track "Right Now", "I Swear", and "Danny Boy" | – |
| Judges' houses | "Creep" | – |
| Week 1 | "Everybody Hurts" | Safe |
| Week 2 | "Don't Look Back in Anger" | Safe |
| Week 3 | "...Baby One More Time" | Safe |
| Week 4 | "Circle of Life" | Bottom Two |
| Week 5 | "My Way" | Safe |
| Quarter-Final | "You'll Never Walk Alone" and "Somebody to Love" | Safe |
| Semi-Final | "O Holy Night" and "Bohemian Rhapsody" | Safe |
| Final | "Nessun Dorma", "Bohemian Rhapsody", and "Creep" | Runners-up |
2005: G4 and G4 and Friends
Following their journey on The X Factor, G4 secured a £1.5 million recording contract with Sony BMG. Sony A&R executive Nick Raphael remarked that the label pursued the group because they considered them "the best act on the show." Competing against Universal and EMI, Sony ultimately won the signing by presenting a clear developmental strategy, including scheduled release dates and structured production plans.[1] During this time, member Ansell turned down an opportunity to appear in Kenneth Branagh's film adaptation of The Magic Flute in order to continue with the band.
Their self-titled debut album, G4, was launched on 28 February 2005. It comprised classical renditions of popular songs performed during their televised appearances, such as "Everybody Hurts", alongside operatic pieces like "Nessun Dorma". The album was predominantly produced by Graham Stack and Brian Rawling, debuting at number one on the UK Albums Chart. It sold 244,671 copies within its initial week, becoming the fastest-selling album of that year. By December 2012, total sales had reached 611,000 units.[2]
Released on 28 November 2005, G4 & Friends followed a similar concept but featured collaborations with artists including Lesley Garrett, Robin Gibb, and Cliff Richard. Although it peaked at number six on the UK charts and earned platinum certification, it did not replicate the commercial success of their debut. Their version of "When a Child is Born" was initially considered for the 2005 Christmas number one spot but was disqualified due to promotional stickers found inside the CD packaging.
Beyond recording activities, G4 initiated the Wonder Mum competition, participated in promotional photoshoots with their mothers, and lent their name to the G Force attraction at Drayton Manor Theme Park. Additionally, they hosted a program on Classic FM, featuring selections of classical music alongside their own recordings.
2006: Act Three
The group's third studio album, Act Three, was released on 27 November 2006. Coinciding with another similar band's third release that same week, it reached number twenty-one on the UK charts with first-week sales totaling 37,487 copies. This album included a duet with Stephen Gately on "No Matter What" as well as an orchestral arrangement of Gnarls Barkley's "Crazy". Notably, Act Three marked the final record featuring Stiff's bass vocals.
During this period, G4 supported Classic Response by visiting SOS Children's Villages in Ghana, completed the London Marathon, performed at the 4th of July celebration held at Winfield House, and undertook a nationwide tour performing in cathedrals.
2007: Group Dissolution
On 5 April 2007, G4 revealed on GMTV their decision to part ways following the conclusion of their nationwide tour, attributing the split to internal conflicts, with Ansell opting to embark on a solo path. Tenor Thapa mentioned that the disbandment was motivated by a desire to prevent escalating tensions within the group. Ansell also highlighted the difficulties they faced managing fame and emphasized that their intention was never to sustain long-term careers as pop artists. Their concluding show took place in Romsey on 28 July 2007. The group briefly reunited for a performance at Ansell's wedding in 2009.
2014–2015: Reunion and Release of G4 Christmas
In November 2014, G4 announced their comeback via Twitter, performing at the Barbican Hall with support from Charlotte Jaconelli. Stiff chose not to rejoin, prioritizing his opera career, and Nick Ashby stepped in as the third bass. Originally planned as a single concert event, G4 later confirmed a full UK tour for 2015 during an appearance on The Alan Titchmarsh Show. Their first official live show after reuniting was at the Leeds Christmas Lights Switch-On, where they performed alongside former X Factor winner Sam Bailey.
By June 2015, G4 had declared their fourth studio album, G4 Christmas, which was released through PledgeMusic. This album was promoted through the "Christmas by Candlelight" Tour, comprising eight performances held in various UK cathedrals and churches.
2016–2017: Back for Good Tour and New Releases
On 6 September 2016, G4 initiated a PledgeMusic campaign to finance their fifth album, G4 Love Songs, featuring collaborations with Merrill Osmond and Lesley Garrett, alongside orchestral arrangements by the City Of Prague Symphony Orchestra.
The album G4 Love Songs was officially released on 3 February 2017, with a launch event hosted at The Century Club in Soho, London, including guest artist Merrill Osmond. During promotional activities in Birmingham, Ansell and Christie were victims of a mugging incident.
2018 Developments
On 19 July 2018, tenor Thapa declared his immediate exit from the group to concentrate on his opera career. After conducting a nationwide search for his replacement, Lewis Raines was selected. Subsequently, it was announced that Nick Ashby would join the King's Singers starting in 2019.
Individual Endeavors
During G4’s hiatus, Ansell’s solo album Tenor at the Movies achieved number one on the classical charts, making him the youngest tenor to reach this milestone. In 2012, he encountered criticism for auditioning for Superstar (UK TV series) while simultaneously rehearsing another musical production. Thapa collaborated with the National Chamber Choir in Dublin and appeared in Scottish Opera’s staging of Kátya Kabanová. Christie shifted focus toward classical composition and premiered his opera The Miller's Wife at the Arcola Theatre in 2013. Stiff resumed his role as a presenter on Classic FM and has performed in multiple operatic productions while expressing an interest in pursuing lecturing opportunities.
Current
- Jonathan Ansell (2004–present) – lead/high tenor
- Mike Christie (2004–present) – baritone
- Duncan Sandilands (2019–present) – bass
Former
- Matthew Stiff (2004–2007) – bass
- Ben Thapa (2004–2018, died 2024) – low tenor
- Nick Ashby (2014–2019) – bass
- Lewis Raines (2018–2023) – low tenor
- Jai McDowall (2023–2025) – low tenor
Albums
| Year | Album information | Highest chart rankings | Awards and certifications | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK | IRE | |||
| 2005 | G4 | 1 | 4 |
|
G4 & Friends
|
6 | — |
| |
| 2006 | Act Three
|
21 | 50 |
|
| 2015 | G4 Christmas
|
— | — | |
| 2017 | G4 Love Songs
|
56 | — | |
Singles
| Year | Single title | Peak chart positions | Associated album | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK | IRE | |||
| 2005 | "Bohemian Rhapsody" | 9 | 11 | G4 |
| "Life on Mars?" | — | — | ||
| "First of May"/"When a Child Is Born" | — | — | G4 & Friends | |
| 2015 | "One Day More" (featuring Charlotte Jaconelli & Rock Choir) | — | — | Non-album release |
| 2017 | "All I Ask of You" (featuring Lesley Garrett) | — | — | Non-album release |
| "Silent Night" | — | — | Non-album release | |
| "When a Child is Born" | — | — | Non-album release | |
EPs
| Year | Title of EP |
|---|---|
| 2005 |
Happy Mother's Day (The Mother's Day EP) |
DVDs
- Live at the Royal Albert Hall (2005)
- The Reunion – Live in Concert (2015)
- Live in London – Union Chapel (2017)