Reuters
July 4, 2008 - 12:00 a.m. EST

LONDON (Reuters) - An opera-loving dentist is ready to swap his drill for a microphone after winning a four-album recording contract worth about $2 million.

Andrew Bain, 35, who has worked as a dentist in London for more than 10 years, was signed by record company SonyBMG after chasing a deal for years.

His debut album, to be released in September, will feature operatic versions of pop hits such as the Smiths' "How Soon Is Now?," Abba's "The Winner Takes It All" and Prince's "Purple Rain."

"This is the ultimate dream come true," he said in a statement. "Not only have I finally got a record deal, but they understand my eclectic taste in music. Who needs yet another version of 'Nessun Dorma?'"

Richard Hinkley, a senior executive at SonyBMG, said Bain's modern operatic style was "refreshingly different" and would appeal to pop fans.

Bain sang in a church choir from the age of 8 and went on to perform in amateur opera.

He qualified as a dentist when he was 24 and used his holidays and spare time to indulge his passion for singing.

He has performed in productions of the musicals "Les Miserables" and "Whistle Down the Wind." His influences include Placido Domingo and Led Zeppelin.

After years of juggling two careers, Bain said he was looking forward to singing full-time.

"I'll miss the patients, but I won't miss the drill," he told Britain's Daily Telegraph.

Reuters/Nielsen