During the inaugural season of ITV’s blockbuster singing competition, which took place in 2004, Thapa and his previous band, G4, successfully competed and made it all the way to the final round.
“Hugely talented” X Factor contestant (runner-up) G4, Ben Thapa’s previous band, has reported that he has passed away at the age of 42.
G4 made the announcement of the passing of their former band member on Instagram, stating, “Words cannot express how we all feel right now.” G4 rose to stardom in 2004 when they made it to the final of the first series of X Factor, which was broadcast on ITV.
The vocal group that finished in second place in the X Factor competition in 2004 was one of the initial members of the group. However, in 2018, Thapa decided to leave the group in order to pursue his own music career.
In their memorial, G4 said, “It is with profound sorrow that we announce the unexpected passing of our brother and a wonderful friend, Ben Thapa.”
As we all remember the incredible man and the memories that he has left behind, we want you to know that we are sending our love and support to you. We are aware that this will be a devastating piece of news for a great number of other people as well.
“Ben has been such a significant contributor to the singing community on a global scale, and he was an essential component of our personal and collective experience.
In this trying moment, I want to express my gratitude for your love. Rest in peace, Ben xxxx.”
Chris Glynn, a pianist, paid tribute to the tenor by noting on X that Thapa was “hugely talented, generous, big-hearted, and taken far too soon.” Several other musicians have also given their condolences. So long, Ben.
In response to the post made by G4, a fan offered the following response: “I can hardly believe this he was far too young.”
While competing on The X Factor, Thapa was a contestant alongside Jonathan Ansell, Michael Christie, and Matthew Stiff, who were the original members of G4. On the other hand, Stiff, along with Thapa, has left the band in order to pursue other endeavours. Ansell and Christie are still members of the band’s lineup at the present time.
Throughout their time on the show, the trio performed renditions of iconic songs such as “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen, “My Way” by Frank Sinatra, and “Nessun Dorma.” These performances left the judges feeling impressed.
They published their debut album, which was titled after themselves, the following year. The album was primarily comprised of cover versions of popular songs, including a song that they performed on The X Factor.
Among the operatic roles that Thapa has performed, he has played Tito in La Clemenza di Tito for Teatru Manoel, The President in Mittwoch aus Licht for the Birmingham Opera, and Siegfried in The Quest for the Ring at the Royal Festival Hall in partnership with Opera North.
He made his debut on the main stage as a part of the English National Opera’s Carmen education initiative in the year 2020.