Ribbons looks forward to home fixture

Ribbons's debut album is due out in March

Fledgling pop star Rosie Ribbons has told BBC News Online of her excitement about returning to perform in south Wales as part of her latest tour.

Ribbons, from Alltwen near Pontardawe in the Swansea Valley, will support Liberty X in their series of dates around the UK, including a visit to Cardiff on 11 March.

The Pop Idol tour did not come to Wales - me and Jessica (Garlick) were gutted about that

Rosie Ribbons, ex-Pop Idol

The 19-year-old singer has already released her two debut singles - Blink and A Little Bit - on Telstar, after signing up to the label six months after the Pop Idol finals.

Both singles have made the top 20, but neither have had the impact of releases from her fellow Pop Idol finalists Will Young, Gareth Gates or Darius.

The March tour coincides with the release of Ribbons' debut album Misbehaving, and she said the Cardiff date would be a great chance for friends and family to see her singing live.

"They will probably all be there," she said.

"I came back to Cardiff on the tour with Blue before, and my friends all came to that.

"The Pop Idol tour did not come to Wales - me and Jessica (Garlick) were gutted about that," she added.

Ribbons still keeps in close touch with some the Pop Idol veterans - she lives with Pop Rivals presenter Hayley Evetts, and Jessica Garlick lives up the road.

Ribbons and Jessica Garlick are good friends

But she said it was difficult for all of them to find space in their hectic schedules to meet up.

"Everyone seems to have gone their own way and are really busy," she said.

"They are all doing their own thing and have bounced off in their own way," she added.

But she hoped her individuality would differentiate her from the raft of reality TV stars attacking the charts.

"You can only sing like you want to sing - just be yourself and do what you feel is right," she said.

Writing credits

She also said she had been thrilled that some of her own songs were included on her debut album.

"When I was a kid I was always writing poems and stories.

I have learned a lot more about life and myself and I have got a lot more confidence

Rosie Ribbons, ex-Pop Idol

"And as I got into music, I go into writing more songs.

"When I went into the studio, I said to the producers that there were a few songs I would like them to listen to, and they have all made the album.

"I was really chuffed that they were good enough," she added.

She still returns to Wales when she gets the chance, but feels she has definitely changed since Pop Idol began.

"I think that just living in London and doing this would change everyone," she said.

"I have learned a lot more about life and myself and I have got a lot more confidence," she added.

Ribbons' debut single Blink topped at number 12 in October 2002, and A Little Bit reached number 19 in January.