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The idea behind Reborn in the USA was simple: take a set of singing stars and send them from City to City in the USA to sing locally appropriate songs in front of a live audience. The Stars would be voted for by the audience and the winner of the Vote would get to perform first the next week. Meanwhile the two least popular would be placed up for 'eviction' from the show with only their UK fans votes able to save them. Reborn in the USA marked a hugely significant moment for Peter Cox and Go West fans in the UK. After a period working and writing in the USA Pete was drafted into the show at the 11th hour after Mark Shaw self destructed and left. The result was a chance for Pete to appear on a prime time UK television show and for Eight weeks he reminded his home country and the audiences in the UK just what an incredible vocalist he is. Following possibly the worst voting decision in TV History Pete left at New York but it didnt matter: the public knew where the real talent in the show lay and the next year Pete, Rick and fellow Reborn contestant Tony Hadley launched into a sell out 42 Date, 3 month UK Tour. So to commemorate the show that helped so many people reconnect with Pete's talent heres a bit more on Reborn in the USA.........and Pete you were robbed!!!!
REBORN IN THE USA
SCREENED ON ITV FROM 8th MARCH 2003 to MAY 2003
Peter Cox with his fellow contestants shortly after his arrival for the first show in New Orleans
THE SHOWS
SHOW ONE: NEW ORLEANS
Pete having joined the show late was forced to sing Mark Shaw's choice of song: House of The Rising Sun. Despite this huge disadvantage Pete gave a storming performance and did well in the audience vote. It was clear from that moment on that he was too good a vocalist to be threatened with eviction
Pete sang: House of the Rising Sun
Audience Vote: Gina G won and Sonia and Dollar up for eviction
SHOW TWO: PHILADELPHIA
Pete has a storming show in Philadelphia and free of another artists choice of songs we see for the first time just what a serious competitor he will be. Despite staying in Hotel from hell complete with Bugs Pete maintains his dignity and lets his voice speak for him. Dollar leave after last weeks UK phone vote
Pete sang: Me & Mrs Jones
Audience Vote: Peter Cox wins
Elkie Brooks and Gina G up for eviction
Winning Smile...Peter Cox in Philadelphia after winning the audience vote with a gorgeous cover of Me and Mrs Jones
SHOW THREE: DETROIT
A show where more attention then perhaps he liked focused on the quiet Peter Cox. The competitors go Bowling and after they have split into teams discover that Pete is a little bit of an expert: Tony Hadley as the other team captain looks chuffed to learn Pete even has his own Bowling Ball!. Pete's Team wins and he handles the camera following him around brilliantly while preparing for the show
Pete sang: I Heard It Through The Grapevine
Audience Vote: Haydon wins
Tony Hadley and Elkie (who survived the last phone vote) are up for eviction
SHOW FOUR: MEMPHIS
Home of Elvis the contestants get to tour Gracelands to take the pressure off while preparing their songs. Pete is seen practising his choice: being Memphis he will sing the gorgeous Always On My Mind, a song that will be a hit in the huge national Tour that he undertakes the year after the show. Theres a bit of fun at a Karaoke where Tone sings True and a local states 'gee that guy really thinks he's Tony Hadley huh'!
Pete sang: Always on My Mind
Audience Vote: Tony wins
Leee John and Sonia are up for eviction, Elkie leaves the show following the UK phone vote.
Pete and Leee John relax on the Reborn Bus inbetween their performances.
SHOW FIVE: NASHVILLE
It was inevitable in the Home of Country music that the contestants would try their hand at Line Dancing: Pete took to it like a duck to water while poor Tone decided he really wasnt born to dance!. Despite their friendship Pete and Tone have a healthy competetiveness between them and that shines through in a $30 bet between the guys in a game of Frisbee Golf. Pete wins and his method of celebrating will live in the mind for quite some time!
Pete Sang: Still The One
Audience Vote: Pete Wins
Michelle and Leee up for eviction, Sonia leaves after the UK telephone vote
SHOW SIX: CLEVELAND
This was a horrible week for Pete who after suffering chest pains was taken to Hospital. Thankfully he was fine but the ribbing from his fellow contestants was enough to make anybody feel a bit off!. He behaved like a real trooper and even allowed footage of him in the Hospital to be used in the Show so well done Pete!
Thankfully the show was a huge success for him as once again he won the audience vote; that happiness was tainted by the loss of Leee John from the Tour after being voted out.
Pete Sang: Every Breath You Take
Audience Vote: Pete Wins (AGAIN!)
Michelle and Haydon up for eviction, Leee leaves after the UK telephone vote
Pete looking amazing as ever following the Reborn final
SHOW SEVEN: NEW YORK
Its impossible to comment on this Show as a Peter Cox fan without seething with rage at his departure. For the first and only time an artist was voted out without UK fans getting to vote and have their say. Given how hugely popular Pete was it is almost certain that that decision to not let us all vote robbed him of his rightful place in the final. Suffice to say New York has much to answer for as do the Producers!. Pete behaved with the grace and professionalism we expect of him and bowed out of the show with his honour and reputation enhanced.
Pete Sang: I Drove All Night and Don't Know Why
Audience Vote: Pete leaves! (Sob/Rage!)
SHOW EIGHT: THE FINAL
The final between Tony Hadley and Michelle Gayle took place in London. Before the singing Pete was interviewed by Davina McCall and thehuge reception he got from the London crowd: easily the biggest of the night, told its own story. Pete made his support for his mate Tone clear and he had no reason to worry. The vote saw a comprehansive win for Tony over Michelle but one can only ponder how much more of a contest it would have been with a Tony/Pete Final. A year later Tony and Pete were to launch a national tour together, so whatever else a big thanks to Reborn for bringing the guys together!
Tony Hadley wins Reborn in the USA
THE PETER COX INTERVIEW
To read an exclusive interview Leee John conducted with Pete during the Reborn Tour Click HERE!
