James Blunt feels ‘stupid’ for letting public give him new name after vote results-Brooke Ivey Johnson-Entertainment – Metro

Following a public vote, James Blunt has officially revealed his new name and said he feels stupid for allowing the public to choose it. 

The 50-year-old You’re Beautiful singer, known for his self-deprecating humor on social media, previously promised to change his name if his debut album Back to Bedlam hit number one again on its 20th anniversary. 

Blunt told ITV’s Good Morning Britain that people in their ‘great wisdom and kindness’ chose Blunty McBluntface as his new moniker – play on the infamous Boaty McBoatface phenomenon of 2016.

‘The people I pity more is my family,’ he said. ‘I feel it was stupid of me, really, to offer to change my name if you got to number one because of the consequences.’

He continued: ‘I feel though that the British public, they would have to live with the shame of… going out and buying and owning a James Blunt CD, (it) might be a deterrent enough.’

He continued to joke that he is praying the album will reenter the charts at number 2, allowing him to keep his current name.

Blunt joked about the new name on Good Morning Britain this morning (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)

He added: ‘I explained to my wife she would be Sofia McBluntface and she’s seized on the opportunity to say she would change her name back to her maiden name (Wellesley).’

In a video shared on Friday, October 11, Blunt plays along with the outcome of the vote as he heads to a meeting and informs the receptionist of his name.

After being told that James Blunt isn’t on the list, the singer tries several alternatives before revealing the winning name.

With a sigh, he announces himself as Blunty McBluntface, before wryly commenting, ‘People have no imagination.’

In a hilarious video, Blunt previously revealed that he would change his name if fans could get the album back to number one (Picture: YouTube)

The name is, of course, a nod to the viral ‘Boaty McBoatface’ saga of 2016, where the public was invited to name a new British research vessel.

In a highly entertaining turn of events, Boaty McBoatface was the overwhelming favourite, but the ship’s operators eventually named it the RRS Sir David Attenborough instead, with Boaty McBoatface reserved for a smaller research submersible.

On October 1, Blunt first announced his plans to change his name.

In celebration of Back To Bedlam’s 20th anniversary, the singer is re-releasing the album and going on tour, and in preparation released a video.

In the advert, the singer announced: ‘My name is James Blunt and you have the power to absolutely f**k my life.

‘I know you’ve heard the rumours, and they are true, I’m rereleasing my debut album Back To Bedlam on October 11. Something that has kept me consistently rich for the past 20 years.

‘So as a way to give back to you, my adoring public, if Back To Bedlam re-enters the charts at number one, I will legally change my name. What will I change it to? Well, it’s entirely up to you.

‘I’ve been called many things in my life, “the most hated man in pop,” “annoying,” “James Beige,” I’ll let the people decide.’

He then explained his only condition: ‘But if it doesn’t go to number one, I’m not changing my name, it’s safe to say this is the most important democratic moment of the year.’

James Blunt is no stranger to clever online antics. The singer, who skyrocketed to fame in 2004 with his debut album, has carved out a niche for himself not only with his music but also his hilarious social media presence.

His debut album, featuring hits like You’re Beautiful and Goodbye My Lover, became one of the best-selling albums of the 2000s, propelling him to global stardom.

The Old Harrovian and ex-member of the Household Cavalry’s first album received five Grammy nominations, including song of the year for You’re Beautiful and best new artist for Blunt, and two Ivor Novello Awards, including international hit of the year for the same song.

In the years since, Blunt has released six studio albums and maintained a loyal fanbase – who will now undoubtedly adopt Blunt’s new name with glee.

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