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Boyband bloke finds a Voice

Evening Standard Last updated at 00:00am on 13.08.03

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One True Voice singer Matt Johnson has landed a solo deal following the band's split, his record label announced today.

The 17-year-old will stay with record company Jive which signed the act before they were even assembled on ITV1's talent hunt Popstars: The Rivals last year.

The band fizzled out in the last few days following poor sales of their second single.

They did not even manage to get an album out before calling it a day.

A statement posted on the band's website said: "A band split has been confirmed. However, Matt, signed to Jive ... is to start on a solo project and is hoping to release a single in the near future.

The group's downfall began when they failed in their race for the Christmas number one with debut single Sacred Trust.

They were criticised for a poor choice of single and image against their sassy rivals Girls Aloud, who shot to the top of the charts.

The quintet were unhappy about their direction and Daniel Pearce quit in June, leaving them as a four-piece.

Earlier this week the band's Jamie Shaw was critical of pop mogul Pete Waterman who was initially looked after the band's career.

He said: "We would have stood a chance if Pete had been interested in us.

"But he did not support us and gave us a horrible Eighties look and sound. He was a great producer ten years ago but he had no idea how to make us work."