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| birth_name =
| birth_name =
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1981|9|20}}
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1981|9|20}}
| origin = [[Larne]], Northern Ireland
| birth_place = [[Larne]], Northern Ireland
| instrument = Vocals, guitar, keyboard
| instrument = Vocals, guitar, keyboard
| genre = [[Pop music|Pop]], [[Rock music|rock]]
| genre = [[Pop music|Pop]], [[Rock music|rock]], [[Progressive rock]]
| occupation = Musician, singer, songwriter
| occupation = Musician, singer, songwriter
| years_active = 2001–present
| years_active = 2001–present
| current_member_of = {{hlist|SEMPLE|The Cyberiam}}
| associated_acts = [[One True Voice]]<br />Keith Semple Band<br />Alibi<br />[[7th Heaven (band)|7th Heaven]]<br />SEMPLE<br />[[Adam Levine]]<br />Manny Cabo<br />Dustin Christensen<br />[[Jordan Smith (musician)|Jordan Smith]]
| past_member_of = {{hlist|[[One True Voice]]|Keith Semple Band|Alibi|[[7th Heaven (band)|7th Heaven]]|[[Adam Levine]]|Manny Cabo|Dustin Christensen|[[Jordan Smith (musician)|Jordan Smith]]}}
| website = {{URL|keithsemple.net}}
| website = {{URL|keithsemple.net}}<br/>{{URL|thecyberiam.com}}
}}
}}
'''Keith Semple''' (born 20 September 1981) is a Northern Irish singer and musician. He originally had his own band Keith Semple Band. In 2002, he took part and was a winner in ''[[Popstars: The Rivals]]'', consequently becoming a member of the boyband [[One True Voice]] (OTV). After the split-up of the band, he had a solo career before joining the American Chicago-based rock band [[7th Heaven (band)|7th Heaven]] in 2006 as their lead singer. In 2010, he took a shot at the [[American Idol (season 9)|ninth season]] of ''[[American Idol]]'', but lost his "golden ticket" place due to his legal status and residency considerations. In October 2012, Keith announced he would be leaving 7th Heaven to pursue his original music and announced the formation of his new band, SEMPLE. In September 2015, Keith auditioned for [[The Voice (U.S. season 9)|Season 9]] of ''[[The Voice (U.S. TV series)|The Voice]]'' as part of [[Adam Levine|Team Adam]]. He was eliminated from competition after the Top 24 round.
'''Keith Semple''' (born 20 September 1981) is a Northern Irish singer and musician. He originally had his own band Keith Semple Band. In 2002, he took part and was a winner in ''[[Popstars: The Rivals]]'', consequently becoming a member of the boyband [[One True Voice]] (OTV). After the split-up of the band, Semple had a solo career before joining the Chicago-based rock band [[7th Heaven (band)|7th Heaven]] in 2006 as their lead singer. In 2010, he took a shot at the [[American Idol (season 9)|ninth season]] of ''[[American Idol]]'' but lost his "golden ticket" place due to his legal status and residency considerations. In October 2012, Semple announced he would be leaving 7th Heaven to pursue his original music and announced the formation of his new band, SEMPLE. In September 2015, he auditioned for [[The Voice (U.S. season 9)|season 9]] of ''[[The Voice (U.S. TV series)|The Voice]]'' as part of [[Adam Levine|Team Adam]]. He was eliminated from competition after the top 24 round. In 2016, he formed the [[progressive rock]] band, The Cyberiam, where he serves as lead singer and guitarist.


== 2002: ''Popstars: The Rivals'' ==
== Career ==
=== 2002: ''Popstars: The Rivals'' ===
{{Main|Popstars: The Rivals}}
{{Main|Popstars: The Rivals}}
Keith Semple took part in the [[ITV Network|ITV]] television series ''Popstars: The Rivals'', a British singing competition.
Semple took part in the [[ITV Network|ITV]] television series ''Popstars: The Rivals'', a British singing competition.


*Week 1, he sang "[[Reach Out I'll Be There]]" from [[The Four Tops]]. He was safe.
*Week 1, he sang "[[Reach Out I'll Be There]]" from [[The Four Tops]]. He was safe.
*Week 3, he sang "[[Over My Shoulder (Mike + The Mechanics song)|Over My Shoulder]]" from [[Mike + The Mechanics]]. He was safe.
*Week 3, he sang "[[Over My Shoulder (Mike + The Mechanics song)|Over My Shoulder]]" from [[Mike + The Mechanics]]. He was safe.
*Week 5, he sang "[[Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word]]" from [[Elton John]] and [[Bernie Taupin]]. He was safe.
*Week 5, he sang "[[Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word]]" from [[Elton John]] and [[Bernie Taupin]]. He was safe.
*Week 7, in the boys' final, he sang "[[You Are So Beautiful]]" from [[Joe Cocker]].
*Week 7, in the boys' final, he sang "[[You Are So Beautiful]]" from [[Joe Cocker]].


Host [[Davina McCall]] announced the names of the five contestants who had qualified for the boy band. Keith Semple was the first member to be announced followed by Matt Johnson. Third was [[Daniel Pearce]] and fourth Anton Gordon. The last available place went to Jamie Shaw whereas Chris Park was eliminated from the boys competition.
Host [[Davina McCall]] announced the names of the five contestants who had qualified for the boy band. Semple was the first member to be announced followed by Matt Johnson. Third was [[Daniel Pearce (musician, born 1978)|Daniel Pearce]] and fourth Anton Gordon. The last available place went to Jamie Shaw whereas Chris Park was eliminated from the boys competition.


Semple and the four other contestant winners (Anton Gordon, Matthew Johnson, Daniel Pearce and Jamie Shaw) went on to form the group [[One True Voice]].
Semple and the four other contestant winners (Anton Gordon, Matthew Johnson, Daniel Pearce and Jamie Shaw) went on to form the group [[One True Voice]].


The same show had also produced the [[girl group]] [[Girls Aloud]] also won the competition.
The same show had also produced the girl group [[Girls Aloud]] also won the competition.


== 2002–2003: One True Voice ==
=== 2002–2003: One True Voice ===
{{Main|One True Voice}}
{{Main|One True Voice}}


Keith Semple became a band member of the [[boyband]] '''[[One True Voice]]''' created as a results of the competition. The line up of the band was decided by public vote, who voted for their favourite male hopefuls each week to form the boyband. The name of the band was later shortened to '''OTV'''.
Semple became a band member of the boyband [[One True Voice]] created as a results of the competition. The line up of the band was decided by public vote, who voted for their favourite male hopefuls each week to form the boyband. The name of the band was later shortened to OTV.


One True Voice was made up of:
One True Voice was made up of:
* Anton Gordon (from London, England)
* Anton Gordon (from London, England)
* Matt Johnson (from [[Deeside]], Wales)
* Matt Johnson (from [[Deeside]], Wales)
* [[Daniel Pearce]] (from [[Kent]], England)
* [[Daniel Pearce (musician, born 1978)|Daniel Pearce]] (from [[Kent]], England)
* Keith Semple (from [[Larne]], [[Northern Ireland]])
* Keith Semple (from [[Larne]], [[Northern Ireland]])
* Jamie Shaw (from [[Cardiff]], Wales)
* Jamie Shaw (from [[Cardiff]], Wales)
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Their debut single, a double A side hit single "[[Sacred Trust/After You're Gone]]"<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDpQqkY2hR0 Music video for "Sacred Trust" featuring Keith Semple as member of One True Voice]</ref> went head-to-head with [[Girls Aloud]] on 16 December 2002, for the Christmas number one spot. One True Voice lost out to the girls and had to settle for the UK Christmas No. 2 position. The group's manager, [[Pete Waterman]], has speculated that the show was fixed against OTV, but has not said how.[http://www.popjustice.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=359&Itemid=37]. In any case, the single "Sacred Trust/After You're Gone" reached gold record status.
Their debut single, a double A side hit single "[[Sacred Trust/After You're Gone]]"<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDpQqkY2hR0 Music video for "Sacred Trust" featuring Keith Semple as member of One True Voice]</ref> went head-to-head with [[Girls Aloud]] on 16 December 2002, for the Christmas number one spot. One True Voice lost out to the girls and had to settle for the UK Christmas No. 2 position. The group's manager, [[Pete Waterman]], has speculated that the show was fixed against OTV, but has not said how.[http://www.popjustice.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=359&Itemid=37]. In any case, the single "Sacred Trust/After You're Gone" reached gold record status.


One more Top 10 hit followed, in the form of "[[Shakespeare's (Way with) Words|Shakespeare's (Way With) Words]]", which reached No. 10 in the UK, in June 2003. A few weeks later it was announced that Daniel Pearce, who as arranger and co-writer of some of their songs had quit the group to pursue a solo career. The next day the group disbanded.
One more Top 10 hit followed, in the form of "[[Shakespeare's (Way with) Words]]", which reached No. 10 in the UK, in June 2003. A few weeks later it was announced that Daniel Pearce, who as arranger and co-writer of some of their songs had quit the group to pursue a solo career. The next day the group disbanded.


The group appeared at number 32 in ''[[Chantelle Houghton|Chantelle]]'s Top 50 Reality TV Stars'', ahead of both [[Phixx]] and [[Clea (band)|Clea]] who also appeared in ''Popstars: The Rivals''.
The group appeared at number 32 in ''[[Chantelle Houghton|Chantelle]]'s Top 50 Reality TV Stars'', ahead of both [[Phixx]] and [[Clea (band)|Clea]] who also appeared in ''Popstars: The Rivals''.


== 2003–2008: Solo career ==
=== 2003–2008: Solo career ===
{{Expand section|more details|date=September 2015}}
{{Expand section|more details|date=September 2015}}
After the split Keith Semple continued his musical career reforming his pre-OTV band, the '''Keith Semple Band''', then fronted the band '''Alibi'''.
After the split, Semple continued his musical career reforming his pre-OTV band, the Keith Semple Band, then fronted the band Alibi.


== 2006–2012: 7th Heaven ==
=== 2006–2012: 7th Heaven ===
{{Main|7th Heaven (band)}}
{{Main|7th Heaven (band)}}
In 2008, Keith Semple moved to the United States and joined Chicago-based rock band named '''[[7th Heaven (band)|7th Heaven]]''' as their lead singer. This resulted in a critically acclaimed album ''USA-UK'' alluding to the co-operation of this UK act in an American band.
In 2006, Semple moved to the United States and joined Chicago-based rock band [[7th Heaven (band)|7th Heaven]] as their lead singer. This resulted in a critically acclaimed album ''USA-UK'' alluding to the co-operation of this UK act in an American band.


During Keith Semple's membership, the band consisted of members:
During Semple's membership, the band consisted of members:
*Keith Semple – Guitars, Vocals (lead singer), Keyboards
*Keith Semple – guitars, vocals (lead singer), keyboard
*Richard Hofherr – Guitars, Vocals, Keyboards
*Richard Hofherr – guitars, vocals, keyboard
*Mike Mooshey – Drums
*Mike Mooshey – drums
*Mark Kennetz – Bass, Vocals
*Mark Kennetz – bass, vocals
*Nick Cox – Guitar, Vocals
*Nick Cox – guitar, vocals
*Tamara Mooshey- Vocals
*Tamara Mooshey – vocals


With Semple the band released a number of studio and live albums: ''Medley CD'' (2007), ''U.S.A – U.K.'' (2008), ''[[Unplugged (7th Heaven album)|Unplugged]]'' (2009), ''Pop Medley 2'' (2009), ''Medley CD/DVD'' (2010), ''Jukebox'' (2010), ''Merry Christmas in Chicago'' (2010) and ''Pop Media'' (2011). He left the band in 2012.
With Semple the band released a number of studio and live albums: ''Medley CD'' (2007), ''U.S.A – U.K.'' (2008), ''[[Unplugged (7th Heaven album)|Unplugged]]'' (2009), ''Pop Medley 2'' (2009), ''Medley CD/DVD'' (2010), ''Jukebox'' (2010), ''Merry Christmas in Chicago'' (2010) and ''Pop Media'' (2011). He left the band in 2012.


In 2012, Keith Semple left the band and was replaced by [[Anthony Fedorov]], a contestant finalist on the [[American Idol (season 4)|fourth season]] of ''[[American Idol]]''.
In 2012, Semple left the band and was replaced by [[Anthony Fedorov]], a contestant finalist on the [[American Idol (season 4)|fourth season]] of ''[[American Idol]]''.


== 2010: ''American Idol'' ==
=== 2010: ''American Idol'' ===
In January 2010, Keith Semple successfully auditioned for the [[American Idol (season 9)|ninth season]] of ''[[American Idol]]''. He was put in the intro to the Chicago episode of the ''American Idol''.
In January 2010, Semple successfully auditioned for the [[American Idol (season 9)|ninth season]] of ''[[American Idol]]''. He was put in the intro to the Chicago episode of the ''American Idol''.


Keith Semple says [[Simon Cowell]] was reportedly "unhappy" he did not tell his band members 7th Heaven in advance about his audition. But [[Fox Broadcasting Company|Fox]] Chicago affiliate offered to film Semple telling his band 7th Heaven<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGs_tQKg5Vg Fox news item by Bill Zwecker entitled "Idol" Heartbreak]</ref> and allowed them to perform together on Fox, thus giving him a fresh chance.
Semple said [[Simon Cowell]] was reportedly "unhappy" he did not tell his band members 7th Heaven in advance about his audition. But [[Fox Broadcasting Company|Fox]] Chicago affiliate offered to film Semple telling his band 7th Heaven<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGs_tQKg5Vg Fox news item by Bill Zwecker entitled "Idol" Heartbreak]</ref> and allowed them to perform together on Fox, thus giving him a fresh chance.


At the actual Chicago auditions, he sang the [[Bryan Adams]]' song "[[Heaven (Bryan Adams song)|Heaven]]". Simon Cowell said "I'm going to pass", but the three other judges [[Kara DioGuardi]], [[Randy Jackson]] and guest judge [[Shania Twain]] approved him going to the next round on a golden ticket.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TjOSeO9KsIA Audition of Keith Semple on ninth season of ''American Idol'']</ref>
At the actual Chicago auditions, he sang the [[Bryan Adams]]' song "[[Heaven (Bryan Adams song)|Heaven]]". Simon Cowell said "I'm going to pass", but the three other judges [[Kara DioGuardi]], [[Randy Jackson]] and guest judge [[Shania Twain]] approved him going to the next round on a golden ticket.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TjOSeO9KsIA Audition of Keith Semple on ninth season of ''American Idol'']</ref>
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But after the broadcast, it was revealed there was an immigration snafu about Semple's residency status, and that he being in the United States on a work visa and not as a permanent resident would disqualify him from applying to ''American Idol'' that stipulates that non-Americans applying to the show should at least have a permanent residency status, not a temporary working visa permit. The ''American Idol'' producers pulled the plug on Semple continuing with the competition and disqualified him.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.suntimes.com/entertainment/television/2000493,CST-FTR-idol20.article |title=Singer's 'golden ticket' yanked |last=Bill Zwecker |date=20 January 2010 |work=[[Chicago Sun-Times]] |access-date=22 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100123135626/http://www.suntimes.com/entertainment/television/2000493%2CCST-FTR-idol20.article |archive-date=23 January 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
But after the broadcast, it was revealed there was an immigration snafu about Semple's residency status, and that he being in the United States on a work visa and not as a permanent resident would disqualify him from applying to ''American Idol'' that stipulates that non-Americans applying to the show should at least have a permanent residency status, not a temporary working visa permit. The ''American Idol'' producers pulled the plug on Semple continuing with the competition and disqualified him.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.suntimes.com/entertainment/television/2000493,CST-FTR-idol20.article |title=Singer's 'golden ticket' yanked |last=Bill Zwecker |date=20 January 2010 |work=[[Chicago Sun-Times]] |access-date=22 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100123135626/http://www.suntimes.com/entertainment/television/2000493%2CCST-FTR-idol20.article |archive-date=23 January 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


Another former [[One True Voice]] band member [[Daniel Pearce]] had attempted a comeback less than a year earlier in 2009 on the [[The X Factor (UK series 6)|sixth season]]<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-FOBOAfjLc Audition of Daniel Pearce, a former band mate on the UK ''The X Factor'']</ref> of the UK ''[[The X Factor (UK)|The X Factor]]''. Pearce was picked for the Final 24 but failed to make it to the Final 12.
Another former [[One True Voice]] band member [[Daniel Pearce (musician, born 1978)|Daniel Pearce]] had attempted a comeback less than a year earlier in 2009 on the [[The X Factor (UK series 6)|sixth season]]<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-FOBOAfjLc Audition of Daniel Pearce, a former band mate on the UK ''The X Factor'']</ref> of the UK ''[[The X Factor (UK)|The X Factor]]''. Pearce was picked for the Final 24 but failed to make it to the Final 12.


== 2013 – present: SEMPLE ==
=== 2013–present: SEMPLE and The Cyberiam ===
{{Infobox musical artist
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = SEMPLE
| name = SEMPLE
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| past_members = Amy Jay<br />Charley Bredrup<br />Paulie Felice<br />Stevie Craig<br />Drew Johnson
| past_members = Amy Jay<br />Charley Bredrup<br />Paulie Felice<br />Stevie Craig<br />Drew Johnson
}}
}}
⚫
After announcing his resignation as the lead singer of 7th Heaven in October 2012, Keith introduced his new band, SEMPLE. With members Johnny Jannotti (formerly of Chasing the Day), Drew Jonhson (formerly of Ordinary Outcasts), Amy Jay (formerly of Cat Fight) and Charley Bredrup (Fletcher Rockwell and The JR Miller Project).


{{Infobox musical artist
⚫
At the end of 2013, Amy announced she would be leaving the band to pursue her post grad education. One year later, the band, functioning as a 4-piece, mutually parted ways with Charley Bredrup. Following interim guitarists Paulie Felice (of Lexington, KY) and Stevie Craig, the position was permanently filled by Valentine Bennett (of McHenry, IL).
| name = The Cyberiam
| image =
| caption =
| background = group_or_band
| origin = United States
| genre = [[Progressive rock]]
| years_active = 2016–present
| label =
| associated_acts =
| website =
| current_members = Keith Semple <br />Frank Lucas<br />Tommy Murray<br />Brian Kovacs
}}

⚫
After announcing his resignation as the lead singer of 7th Heaven in October 2012, Semple introduced his new band, SEMPLE. With members Johnny Jannotti (formerly of Chasing the Day), Drew Johnson (formerly of Ordinary Outcasts), Amy Jay (formerly of Cat Fight) and Charley Bredrup (Fletcher Rockwell and The JR Miller Project).

⚫
At the end of 2013, Amy announced she would be leaving the band to pursue her post grad education. One year later, the band, functioning as a four-piece, mutually parted ways with Charley Bredrup. Following interim guitarists Paulie Felice (of [[Lexington, Kentucky|Lexington, KY]]) and Stevie Craig, the position was permanently filled by Valentine Bennett (of [[McHenry, Illinois|McHenry, IL]]).

⚫
SEMPLE focuses on the original music Keith Semple has been writing and recording for years, as well as new material the band is working on together.


In 2016, Semple founded the [[progressive rock]] band The Cyberiam with keyboardist, Frank Lucas, and Lateralus drummer Tommy Murray.<ref name="bio">[https://thecyberiam.com/bio The Cyberiam Bio Page]</ref> Along with bassist Brian Kovacs, they have released two studio albums, one EP, and two live albums to date. The Cyberiam have played at several progressive rock festivals, Progtoberfest IV in 2018, ProgStock in 2019, Marillion Couch Convention in 2020, and [[ProgPower USA]] in 2022 receiving a host of accolades.<ref name="bio"/> Keith and Brian toured as The Cyberiam Duo opening for [[Riverside_(band)|Riverside]] in 2022.<ref>[https://progreport.com/riverside-reveal-north-american-tour-dates-for-2023-supporting-new-album-id-entity Cyberiam/Riverside Tour Announcement]</ref>
⚫
SEMPLE focuses on the original music Keith has been writing and recording for years, as well as new material the band is working on together.
{{clear}}


== U.S. ''The Voice'' ==
=== U.S. ''The Voice'' ===
In 2015, he auditioned for [[The Voice (U.S. season 9)|season 9]] of the American series ''[[The Voice (U.S. TV series)|The Voice]]''. In the debut episode of the season broadcast on 21 September 2015, he sang "[[I'll Be There for You (Bon Jovi song)|I'll Be There For You]]" with two of the four judges, [[Adam Levine]] and [[Gwen Stefani]] turning their chairs. Semple chose to be part of Team Adam.
In 2015, he auditioned for [[The Voice (U.S. season 9)|season 9]] of the American series ''[[The Voice (U.S. TV series)|The Voice]]''. In the debut episode of the season broadcast on 21 September 2015, he sang "[[I'll Be There for You (Bon Jovi song)|I'll Be There For You]]" with two of the four judges, [[Adam Levine]] and [[Gwen Stefani]] turning their chairs. Semple chose to be part of Team Adam.


Line 179: Line 198:
*2002: "[[Sacred Trust / After You're Gone]]" [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pJbk-dZvC0], [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVPtoAHfZeA] (reached No. 2 in the British Singles Chart)
*2002: "[[Sacred Trust / After You're Gone]]" [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pJbk-dZvC0], [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVPtoAHfZeA] (reached No. 2 in the British Singles Chart)
*2003: "[[Shakespeare's (Way with) Words]]" [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MqtW0flac0] (reached No. 10 in the British Singles Chart)
*2003: "[[Shakespeare's (Way with) Words]]" [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MqtW0flac0] (reached No. 10 in the British Singles Chart)

=== Albums with SEMPLE ===
*2013: ''Not for Radio''
*2013: ''Live At H.O.M.E.''
*2015: ''Learn How to Fly''
*2016: ''Anytime Anywhere''
*2017: ''For One Night Only''
*2018: ''5 O'clock''

=== Albums with The Cyberiam ===
*2018: ''The Cyberiam''
*2019: ''The Butterfly Effect''
*2019: ''Live in the Cyberiam''
*2020: ''Forging Nations Live!''
*2021: ''Connected''
*2024: ''Unobtainium''


== References ==
== References ==
Line 186: Line 221:
*[https://www.keithsemple.net/ Official website]
*[https://www.keithsemple.net/ Official website]
*[https://www.facebook.com/keithsemple Facebook]
*[https://www.facebook.com/keithsemple Facebook]
*[https://thecyberiam.com/home Cyberiam official website]
*[https://www.facebook.com/TheCyberiam Cyberiam Facebook]


{{Popstars}}
{{Popstars}}

Latest revision as of 23:29, 22 May 2024

For the West Indian cricket player, see Keith Semple (cricketer).

Keith Semple
Semple in 2015
Semple in 2015
Background information
Born (1981-09-20) 20 September 1981 (age 43)
Larne, Northern Ireland
GenresPop, rock, Progressive rock
Occupation(s)Musician, singer, songwriter
Instrument(s)Vocals, guitar, keyboard
Years active2001–present
Member of
  • SEMPLE
  • The Cyberiam
Formerly of
Websitekeithsemple.net
thecyberiam.com

Keith Semple (born 20 September 1981) is a Northern Irish singer and musician. He originally had his own band Keith Semple Band. In 2002, he took part and was a winner in Popstars: The Rivals, consequently becoming a member of the boyband One True Voice (OTV). After the split-up of the band, Semple had a solo career before joining the Chicago-based rock band 7th Heaven in 2006 as their lead singer. In 2010, he took a shot at the ninth season of American Idol but lost his "golden ticket" place due to his legal status and residency considerations. In October 2012, Semple announced he would be leaving 7th Heaven to pursue his original music and announced the formation of his new band, SEMPLE. In September 2015, he auditioned for season 9 of The Voice as part of Team Adam. He was eliminated from competition after the top 24 round. In 2016, he formed the progressive rock band, The Cyberiam, where he serves as lead singer and guitarist.

Career

[edit]

2002: Popstars: The Rivals

[edit]
Main article: Popstars: The Rivals

Semple took part in the ITV television series Popstars: The Rivals, a British singing competition.

Host Davina McCall announced the names of the five contestants who had qualified for the boy band. Semple was the first member to be announced followed by Matt Johnson. Third was Daniel Pearce and fourth Anton Gordon. The last available place went to Jamie Shaw whereas Chris Park was eliminated from the boys competition.

Semple and the four other contestant winners (Anton Gordon, Matthew Johnson, Daniel Pearce and Jamie Shaw) went on to form the group One True Voice.

The same show had also produced the girl group Girls Aloud also won the competition.

2002–2003: One True Voice

[edit]
Main article: One True Voice

Semple became a band member of the boyband One True Voice created as a results of the competition. The line up of the band was decided by public vote, who voted for their favourite male hopefuls each week to form the boyband. The name of the band was later shortened to OTV.

One True Voice was made up of:

Their debut single, a double A side hit single "Sacred Trust/After You're Gone"[1] went head-to-head with Girls Aloud on 16 December 2002, for the Christmas number one spot. One True Voice lost out to the girls and had to settle for the UK Christmas No. 2 position. The group's manager, Pete Waterman, has speculated that the show was fixed against OTV, but has not said how.[1]. In any case, the single "Sacred Trust/After You're Gone" reached gold record status.

One more Top 10 hit followed, in the form of "Shakespeare's (Way with) Words", which reached No. 10 in the UK, in June 2003. A few weeks later it was announced that Daniel Pearce, who as arranger and co-writer of some of their songs had quit the group to pursue a solo career. The next day the group disbanded.

The group appeared at number 32 in Chantelle's Top 50 Reality TV Stars, ahead of both Phixx and Clea who also appeared in Popstars: The Rivals.

2003–2008: Solo career

[edit]

After the split, Semple continued his musical career reforming his pre-OTV band, the Keith Semple Band, then fronted the band Alibi.

2006–2012: 7th Heaven

[edit]
Main article: 7th Heaven (band)

In 2006, Semple moved to the United States and joined Chicago-based rock band 7th Heaven as their lead singer. This resulted in a critically acclaimed album USA-UK alluding to the co-operation of this UK act in an American band.

During Semple's membership, the band consisted of members:

  • Keith Semple – guitars, vocals (lead singer), keyboard
  • Richard Hofherr – guitars, vocals, keyboard
  • Mike Mooshey – drums
  • Mark Kennetz – bass, vocals
  • Nick Cox – guitar, vocals
  • Tamara Mooshey – vocals

With Semple the band released a number of studio and live albums: Medley CD (2007), U.S.A – U.K. (2008), Unplugged (2009), Pop Medley 2 (2009), Medley CD/DVD (2010), Jukebox (2010), Merry Christmas in Chicago (2010) and Pop Media (2011). He left the band in 2012.

In 2012, Semple left the band and was replaced by Anthony Fedorov, a contestant finalist on the fourth season of American Idol.

2010: American Idol

[edit]

In January 2010, Semple successfully auditioned for the ninth season of American Idol. He was put in the intro to the Chicago episode of the American Idol.

Semple said Simon Cowell was reportedly "unhappy" he did not tell his band members 7th Heaven in advance about his audition. But Fox Chicago affiliate offered to film Semple telling his band 7th Heaven[2] and allowed them to perform together on Fox, thus giving him a fresh chance.

At the actual Chicago auditions, he sang the Bryan Adams' song "Heaven". Simon Cowell said "I'm going to pass", but the three other judges Kara DioGuardi, Randy Jackson and guest judge Shania Twain approved him going to the next round on a golden ticket.[3]

But after the broadcast, it was revealed there was an immigration snafu about Semple's residency status, and that he being in the United States on a work visa and not as a permanent resident would disqualify him from applying to American Idol that stipulates that non-Americans applying to the show should at least have a permanent residency status, not a temporary working visa permit. The American Idol producers pulled the plug on Semple continuing with the competition and disqualified him.[4]

Another former One True Voice band member Daniel Pearce had attempted a comeback less than a year earlier in 2009 on the sixth season[5] of the UK The X Factor. Pearce was picked for the Final 24 but failed to make it to the Final 12.

2013–present: SEMPLE and The Cyberiam

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SEMPLE
OriginUnited States
GenresRock
Years active2013–present
MembersKeith Semple
Johnny Jannotti
Joshua Patterson
Valentine Bennett
Past membersAmy Jay
Charley Bredrup
Paulie Felice
Stevie Craig
Drew Johnson
The Cyberiam
OriginUnited States
GenresProgressive rock
Years active2016–present
MembersKeith Semple
Frank Lucas
Tommy Murray
Brian Kovacs

After announcing his resignation as the lead singer of 7th Heaven in October 2012, Semple introduced his new band, SEMPLE. With members Johnny Jannotti (formerly of Chasing the Day), Drew Johnson (formerly of Ordinary Outcasts), Amy Jay (formerly of Cat Fight) and Charley Bredrup (Fletcher Rockwell and The JR Miller Project).

At the end of 2013, Amy announced she would be leaving the band to pursue her post grad education. One year later, the band, functioning as a four-piece, mutually parted ways with Charley Bredrup. Following interim guitarists Paulie Felice (of Lexington, KY) and Stevie Craig, the position was permanently filled by Valentine Bennett (of McHenry, IL).

SEMPLE focuses on the original music Keith Semple has been writing and recording for years, as well as new material the band is working on together.

In 2016, Semple founded the progressive rock band The Cyberiam with keyboardist, Frank Lucas, and Lateralus drummer Tommy Murray.[6] Along with bassist Brian Kovacs, they have released two studio albums, one EP, and two live albums to date. The Cyberiam have played at several progressive rock festivals, Progtoberfest IV in 2018, ProgStock in 2019, Marillion Couch Convention in 2020, and ProgPower USA in 2022 receiving a host of accolades.[6] Keith and Brian toured as The Cyberiam Duo opening for Riverside in 2022.[7]

U.S. The Voice

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In 2015, he auditioned for season 9 of the American series The Voice. In the debut episode of the season broadcast on 21 September 2015, he sang "I'll Be There For You" with two of the four judges, Adam Levine and Gwen Stefani turning their chairs. Semple chose to be part of Team Adam.

Semple was paired against Manny Cabo in the Battle Rounds. They both sang The Who's "Baba O'Riley". Semple was declared the winner of the battle, thus advancing to the knockout rounds, where he was paired against Team Adam's Dustin Christensen, with Semple singing Foreigner's "I Want to Know What Love Is" while Christensen opted the song "Free" from Zac Brown Band, with Adam Levine choosing Semple as winner of the Knockout and moving forward to the Live Shows.

On 9 November 2015, in the first round of live shows broadcast, he sang "To Be with You", but failed to attract the top 2 votes of Team Adam finalists, and failed to be saved by Levine and was eliminated from competition on 11 November 2015.

Stage Song Original Artist Date Order Result
Blind Audition "I'll Be There For You" Bon Jovi 21 September 2015 1.3 Adam Levine and Gwen Stefani turned
Joined Team Adam
Battle Rounds (Top 48) "Baba O'Riley" (vs. Manny Cabo) The Who 13 October 2015 8.1 Saved by Coach
The Knockouts (Top 32) "I Want to Know What Love Is" (vs. Dustin Christensen) Foreigner 27 October 2015 12.2
Live Playoffs (Top 24) "To Be with You" Mr. Big 9 November 2015 15.3 Eliminated

Non Competition Performances:

Order Friend Song
1.75 Amy Vachal, Chance Peña, Blaine Mitchell,
Shelby Brown, Jordan Smith 		"Diamonds"

Discography

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Albums with 7th Heaven

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  • 2007: Medley CD
  • 2008: U.S.A – U.K.
  • 2009: Unplugged
  • 2010: Pop Medley 2 (2009)
  • 2010: Medley CD/DVD
  • 2010: Jukebox
  • 2010: Merry Christmas in Chicago
  • 2011: Pop Media

Singles with One True Voice

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Albums with SEMPLE

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  • 2013: Not for Radio
  • 2013: Live At H.O.M.E.
  • 2015: Learn How to Fly
  • 2016: Anytime Anywhere
  • 2017: For One Night Only
  • 2018: 5 O'clock

Albums with The Cyberiam

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  • 2018: The Cyberiam
  • 2019: The Butterfly Effect
  • 2019: Live in the Cyberiam
  • 2020: Forging Nations Live!
  • 2021: Connected
  • 2024: Unobtainium

References

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  1. ^ Music video for "Sacred Trust" featuring Keith Semple as member of One True Voice
  2. ^ Fox news item by Bill Zwecker entitled "Idol" Heartbreak
  3. ^ Audition of Keith Semple on ninth season of American Idol
  4. ^ Bill Zwecker (20 January 2010). "Singer's 'golden ticket' yanked". Chicago Sun-Times. Archived from the original on 23 January 2010. Retrieved 22 September 2015.
  5. ^ Audition of Daniel Pearce, a former band mate on the UK The X Factor
  6. ^ a b The Cyberiam Bio Page
  7. ^ Cyberiam/Riverside Tour Announcement
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