Rebecca Ferguson (singer)

Rebecca Ferguson

Ferguson performing in Milan, Italy in 2012
Background information
Birth name Rebecca Caroline Ferguson
Born (1986-07-21) 21 July 1986
Liverpool, England
Genres
Occupation(s)
Instruments Vocals
Years active 2010–present
Labels
Associated acts The X Factor finalists 2010
Website www.rebeccaofficial.com

Rebecca Caroline Ferguson (born 21 July 1986)[1] is a British singer and songwriter. She came to prominence in 2010 when she became the runner-up of the seventh series of The X Factor, losing to the winner that year, Matt Cardle. She subsequently signed a joint record deal with Syco Music and Epic Records in the UK. She later signed in the United States to Columbia Records.

Ferguson's debut album, Heaven, was released in December 2011 to commercial and critical success, peaking at number 3 in the United Kingdom. Co-written by Ferguson, it was certified two times platinum in the UK and platinum in Ireland. The album yielded six singles including lead single "Nothing's Real but Love", which enjoyed commercial success throughout much of Europe and Oceania, entering the UK Singles Chart at number 10. A deluxe version of the album included the single "Backtrack", which entered the charts in October 2012 at number 15, giving Ferguson her second Top 20 hit.

Ferguson's second studio album, Freedom, was released in December 2013, being met with positive reviews from critics and commercial success in the United Kingdom where it charted at number 6 and has since been certified Gold by the BPI. The album's lead single, "I Hope", peaked at number 15 in the UK; whilst "Light On" was released as the lead single in mainland Europe.[2]

She cites Aretha Franklin, Kings of Leon, Christina Aguilera and Amy Winehouse among her influences. She has endorsements with Nescafé and Walkers. In 2012, she was nominated for two MOBO Awards and one MTV Europe Music Award.

Early life

Hugh Baird College where Ferguson studied

Rebecca Ferguson was born on 21 July 1986, at Mill Road Hospital, Liverpool, to Jamaican immigrants. She spent the first two years of her life in Huyton. She has a younger brother, Sam. The family then moved to a house on an estate in Woolton Village when her parents separated. Rebecca Ferguson received her primary education at Woolton Primary School and her secondary education at secondary school and sixth form college Gateacre Community Comprehensive School. As a teenager she later moved to Anfield. That was when she became pregnant with her first child Lillie May. Two years later she had her son, Karl. Ferguson has said her family supported her ambition to become a professional singer and helped her through two previous X Factor auditions. She also revealed that she was "bullied as a kid because my family was poor and I never had the right clothes or toys." Despite having a difficult start in life, the hopeful insisted she wanted people to focus solely on her talent.[3] Ferguson also revealed that as a child she always wanted to be a pop star.

Ferguson is a qualified legal secretary, having studied at Hugh Baird College, Bootle. She later commented, "when you have kids, you become a mum and forget about you as a person so I put my dreams of singing aside. There is only so long you can chase the dream when you are a mum. I wanted the kids to see me do well and be a better role model. They were always seeing their mummy fail. That was why I started college."[4]

Career

2009–11: Beginnings and The X Factor

Ferguson was mentored by Cheryl Cole during her time on The X Factor.

Ferguson had previously unsuccessfully auditioned for The X Factor and for P. Diddy's Starmaker in New York. She later commented "I went to other auditions, I was invited to New York to audition for P Diddy’s Starmaker and I was told ‘no’. It was really upsetting because I spent money to get there. I also tried out for The X Factor but it did not turn out too well, maybe because I did not have the confidence. I thought I would try Britain's Got Talent or The X Factor again and if that did not work out, I would have to think about what I was going to do."[3]

Ferguson sang "A Change Is Gonna Come" during her initial audition.[3] At her bootcamp audition, she sang "Like a Star" to which Cowell said "That is a recording voice!" and Nicole Scherzinger said, "I told you first time I saw her, she is our generation’s songbird."[5] She sang "Fireflies" at judges' houses and made it through to the live shows.[6] For the first live show she sang "Teardrops" and in the second live show she sang "Feeling Good". In the third live show she sang "Why Don't You Do Right?" and in the fourth live show she sang "Wicked Game". In the fifth live show, Rebecca received a standing ovation from Simon and Cheryl following her performance of "Make You Feel My Love". In the following episode, Rebecca received another standing ovation from Dannii and Cheryl after singing "Candle in the Wind". In the final, she performed a duet with Christina Aguilera, performing Aguilera's hit single "Beautiful". Ferguson's winner's song was a cover of Duffy's "Distant Dreamer", but she finished as the runner-up to Matt Cardle, making her the first female runner-up on The X Factor.

Ferguson performing on the X Factor Live Tour, April 2011. The tour saw Ferguson performing for 500,000 people throughout the UK

After the final, it was announced that Ferguson had been signed by Syco Music.[7] In January 2011, it was reported that Ferguson had signed a joint record deal between Syco Records and Epic Records.[7][8] Ferguson and nine other contestants from the series participated in the X Factor Live Tour from February to April 2011. The tour saw Ferguson performing for 500,000 people throughout the UK.[9]

2011–12: Heaven

Ferguson released her debut single "Nothing's Real but Love" on 20 November 2011, which was written by Ferguson and Eg White. The single peaked at number ten on the UK Singles Chart.[10] Her debut album Heaven followed and was released 5 December 2011 in the UK. The album features Ferguson collaborating with Eg White, Steve Booker, Fraser T Smith, Xenomania, Paul Barry, Mark Taylor and Brian Higgins. Ferguson later revealed that she would be co-writing the whole of her album in order for her to "connect" with the songs. The album would feature genres like Soul, pop and Blues. The album came to critical acclaim with critics lauding Ferguson for being the first credible artist to come from reality television format. Cowell also praised the album tweeting on 21 November how proud he was of Ferguson, "I am absolutely blown away by Rebecca Ferguson, her album and by her performance. Congratulations!".[11] The album was certified platinum for shipments of 300,000 units by the British Phonographic Industry in its first two weeks of release.

On 18 November 2011, Ferguson announced her debut headlining UK and Ireland Tour, spanning 14 dates from 20 February to 13 March 2012. Due to high demand, Ferguson had to add more dates to her tour, all of which have sold out. Ferguson confirmed on her official website that the second single to be released from the album will be "Too Good to Lose".[12] The single was originally meant to be released on 26 February but later pushed back to 4 March. The official video premiered on Ferguson's website on 2 February. The single release has been edited and shortened to make the track more radio friendly. Ferguson dueted with Lionel Richie on an ITV1 special entitled This Is Lionel Richie, in which she performed "Endless Love". Starting in February 2012, an excerpt from Ferguson's "Nothing's Real but Love" was used in a television advertisement campaign for Nescafé Gold Blend coffee. "Glitter & Gold" was confirmed via Ferguson's official website to be the third single taken from the album which was released on 29 April 2012. In April 2012, Ferguson broke her left leg during a night out, which kept her wearing a cast for several weeks. During performances on Britain's Got Talent and Alan Carr: Chatty Man, she performed while sitting on a stool.

On 29 May 2012, Ferguson made her American television debut when she sang "Nothing's Real but Love" on The Today Show. She also performed the song on The View. On 13 July, Ferguson revealed via Twitter that she would be taking her management team to court, after they made her work until she collapsed.[13] The relationship deteriorated further in September 2012 with the former management company filing a High Court writ, asking for a declaration that the star unlawfully ended her contract and seeking 20% of her future earnings.[14]

In an interview in March 2012, Ferguson stated that she expected to release her second studio album in 2014, that she would start writing the album in 2013 once promotion for Heaven had finished, and that she expected to take a more up-beat approach to the album.[15] On 23 August 2012, Ferguson announced she would release a deluxe version of Heaven on 15 October 2012, and she would also release her fourth single "Backtrack" the day before.[16] Ferguson performed Backtrack on the second The X Factor results show on 14 October. On 16 September, Ferguson released an EP of live tracks from the 2012 iTunes Festival, which featured five tracks including "Nothing's Real but Love".[17] During an interview with Chart Show TV, Ferguson confirmed that "Shoulder to Shoulder" would be released on 9 December 2012 as the final single from Heaven before starting work on her second studio album. Ferguson performed the single on Chatty Man on 14 December. However, "Teach Me How to Be Loved" was released as the album's final single in Germany. Ferguson features on the charity record He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother including other singers such as Paloma Faith, Paul McCartney and Robbie Williams. The single is to raise money for various charities associated with the Hillsborough disaster.[18] The song achieved Christmas Number 1 in the United Kingdom.[19]

2012–15: Freedom and Lady Sings the Blues

In October 2012, Ferguson stated she would embark on a US tour in January 2013 and that she had already begun writing new material for her second album.[20] On 29 November 2012, Ferguson confirmed her plans to tour in the US and said she would release her second album late next year, stating, "I'm going back to touring the US more early in the new year and then I am getting stuck into writing the new album which should be out later in 2013 or 2014."[21]

She began work on her second studio album on 18 February 2013 after a month hiatus[22] and completed the album in mid-August. In July 2013, Ferguson revealed she was in the stages of finishing up her second album, also saying that it "has been hard to make" and that she was writing about her babies.[23] On 22 August 2013 she revealed on Facebook that her new album would be called Freedom and would be released on 2 December 2013 along with putting up pre-order links to the album.[24]

The lead single, "I Hope", was uploaded to Ferguson's YouTube channel on 12 October 2013 and was released on 1 December 2013, entering the UK singles chart at number 15; in mainland Europe "Light On" was released as the lead single from the album. Freedom was released the following day and entered the charts at number 6 and has since been certified Gold by the BPI. Freedom was met with generally positive reviews from critics. The album includes a duet with US soul star John Legend and production/songwriting from Jarrad Rogers, Toby Gad and Eg White.

On 7 August 2014 Ferguson tweeted that she was back in the studio confirming the work of a third studio album stating "amazing day at the studio working with the same musicians that frank Sinatra used and so many other greats feeling very blessed".[25] On 13 January 2015 Ferguson revealed the album title, artwork and release date via her Vevo channel. Lady Sings the Blues was released on 9 March 2015 via RCA Records.[26][27] The album charted at number 7 on the UK Albums Chart.

2015–: Fourth studio album

On 9 May 2015 Ferguson performed at VE Day 70: A Party to Remember in Horse Guards Parade, London. On 4 October 2015 Ferguson confirmed the creation of a new studio album by posting on Twitter that she is "busy recording" and "the next album sounds good already".

Personal life

Rebecca met the father to her children, Karl, on holiday in Tenerife, but had previously met and known each other for some years. Rebecca and Karl dated for four years and had two children named Lillie May and Karl.[28][29] Ferguson previously dated fellow The X Factor contestant and One Direction member Zayn Malik, which caused controversy due to the six-year age difference. The relationship ended after four months together. In November 2011, Ferguson addressed the media interest, saying: "When I was in a relationship with Zayn it was quite hard, but it comes with it. Me and Zayn just grew apart. I wish him all the best."[30] In 2011, Malik also commented, "Even though it was a mutual decision, when you have a proper heartache like that, I don't think you fully get over it. We're still friends and talk all the time."[31]

Musical style and influences

Kings of Leon (left) and Aretha Franklin (right) are two of the musical acts Ferguson draws inspiration from.

Ferguson's first album is of the soul, pop, blues and R&B genres, with lyrics describing heartbreak and relationships. Her debut album's music was compared to work by Aretha Franklin and Macy Gray. On describing her own sound she said, "quite soulful, I don’t know what you compare it to. I’m just me."[32]

Ferguson cites Aretha Franklin as one of the artists who had the biggest influence on her. She says she draws inspiration from Franklin, whom she calls the "Queen of Soul". In an interview with MTV UK, when asked about being compared to Franklin she stated, "Aretha Franklin to me is like the queen of soul, so on one hand, I like being compared to her, but on the other hand, I don’t think I’ve achieved anything yet to be compared to someone who, to me, is an absolute legend. I’m literally just starting out and it's lovely and I feel really blessed that people are comparing me to her, but to me she’s in a totally different league... she’s Aretha, she’s like a soul diva. So hopefully God willing in the future when I’ve come to her age I will have earned that, but I don’t feel I have yet." She also revealed how she wished to have collaborated with Franklin on her debut album.[32] She cites band Kings of Leon as an inspiration. On the question of collaborating with Kings of Leon she said, "I’d like to see what happened. I just think it would be cool, I love them as musicians and they play really well so I’d love to just write with them maybe...I’m dreaming here but you never know, I could rock out with the Kings of Leon."[32] Ferguson also cites the late soul singer Amy Winehouse as one of her biggest influences, stating that she respected Winehouse as "she was real and wasn't in it for the fame, she was artistic and her music is lovely." She also cites Sam Cooke, Otis Redding and Nina Simone among her influences.

Other ventures

Ferguson became the new face of Walkers crisps Sunbites as of June 2011. She starred in an ad that features her visiting her hometown. Created by AMV BBDO, the ad was launched across press, online, social media and TV. It became Ferguson's first ad as part of the campaign. Ferguson also opened her Beauty Boudoir in 2012 on Priory Road, Liverpool. The store is a reflection of the 1960s and is thought to be inspired by the beauty of the likes of Marilyn Monroe.[33]

Discography

Albums

Tours

Awards and nominations

Year Association Category Nominated work Result
2012 Glamour Women of the Year Awards UK Musician/Solo Artist Herself Nominated
MOBO Awards Best Female Herself Nominated
Best R&B/Soul Act Herself Nominated
MTV Europe Music Awards Best Push Herself Nominated
Soul Train Music Awards Best International Performance "Nothing's Real but Love" Nominated

See also

References

  1. ↑ "EXCLUSIVE: X Factor finalist Rebecca Ferguson’s family on the childhood that encouraged her to become a star". ECHO. 25 November 2010. Retrieved 16 December 2011.
  2. ↑ "Rebecca Ferguson unveils new song 'Light On' - video - Music News". Digital Spy. 2014-01-06. Retrieved 2014-08-10.
  3. 1 2 3 Tina Miles (23 September 2010). "Liverpool's X Factor hopeful Rebecca Ferguson on her singing ambitions". Liverpool Echo. Retrieved 3 October 2010.
  4. ↑ Tina Miles (7 October 2010). "X Factor favourite Rebecca Ferguson’s teacher from Hugh Baird College talks about her star potential". Liverpool Echo.
  5. ↑ Tina Miles (27 September 2010). "X Factor: Liverpool's Rebecca Ferguson reaches judges’ houses stage". Liverpool Echo.
  6. ↑ "The X Factor 2010: the 12 acts who made it to the Live Shows". STV. 3 October 2010.
  7. 1 2 Lee, Cara (15 December 2010). "Father Xmas Si's three special gifts". The Sun (London: News Group Newspapers). Retrieved 3 January 2011.
  8. ↑ Copsey, Robert (21 January 2011). "Rebecca Ferguson secures record deal". Digital Spy (London: Hachette Filipacchi UK). Retrieved 21 January 2011.
  9. ↑ Freeman, Sophie (19 November 2010). "X Factor Tour 2010". Daily Mail (UK).
  10. ↑ "Rebecca Ferguson". Rebecca Ferguson – New Album Out Soon. www.HMV.com. Retrieved 10 September 2011.
  11. ↑ "Cowell praise for Rebecca's return". Tv.uk.msn.com. 2011-11-25. Retrieved 2014-08-10.
  12. ↑ "Rebecca Ferguson announces new single 'Too Good To Lose' - Music News". Digital Spy. 2012-01-10. Retrieved 2014-08-10.
  13. ↑ Rebecca Ferguson hits out at "vile" management team, Music News - Digital Spy
  14. ↑ Rebecca Ferguson sued by former managers, BBC News, 12 September 2012
  15. ↑ Archived 21 July 2013 at the Wayback Machine.
  16. ↑ Rebecca Ferguson announces debut album 'Heaven' deluxe version, Digital Spy, 23 August 2012
  17. ↑ "iTunes Festival: London 2012 - EP". The Huffington Post.
  18. ↑ Michaels, Sean (23 November 2012). "Paul McCartney guests on Hillsborough charity single with Robbie Williams". Guardian UK (London). Retrieved 23 November 2012.
  19. ↑ "Hillsborough charity single featuring Paul McCartney and Robbie Williams is tipped for Christmas No 1". Daily Telegraph UK (London). 23 November 2012. Retrieved 23 November 2012.
  20. ↑ "Rebecca Ferguson: 'I can't wait to record new album'". Digital Spy. 22 October 2012. Retrieved 18 December 2012.
  21. ↑ "Rebecca Ferguson plans 2013 US tour, new album". Digital Spy. 29 November 2012. Retrieved 18 December 2012.
  22. ↑ "Work on the new album starts tomorrow i... - Rebecca Ferguson". Facebook. Retrieved 2014-08-10.
  23. ↑ "Rebecca Ferguson proud of new album - RTÉ Ten". Rte.ie. Retrieved 2014-08-10.
  24. ↑ "Timeline Photos - Rebecca Ferguson". Facebook. Retrieved 2014-08-10.
  25. ↑ "Rebecca Ferguson: Soul Catcher". Bluesandsoul.com. Retrieved 2014-08-10.
  26. ↑ "The Making of Lady Sings the Blues". VEVO. 13 January 2015.
  27. ↑ "Ultimate Music - Rebecca Ferguson "Lady Sings The Blues" (iTunes+)". Ultimate Music.
  28. ↑ "Rebecca Ferguson on the troubled upbringing that made her a star - 3am & Mirror Online". Mirror.co.uk. 2011-12-02. Retrieved 2014-08-10.
  29. ↑ "Rebecca Ferguson Biography, Picture Gallery & Video". heatworld.com. Retrieved 2014-08-10.
  30. ↑ "Rebecca Ferguson: "Zayn and I Just Grew Apart, I wish him all the best." | Rebecca Ferguson | News | MTV UK". Mtv.co.uk. 24 November 2011. Retrieved 14 January 2012.
  31. ↑ Nadia Mendoza (15 November 2011). "'I gave Peaches the wrong phone number!' Cheeky One Direction singer Harry Styles reveals he tricked Geldof'". Daily Mail UK (London). Retrieved 2012-05-01.
  32. 1 2 3 "Rebecca Ferguson: "I Just Wanted My Album To Be Me" | MTV UK". Mtv.co.uk. Retrieved 2014-08-10.
  33. ↑ "Rebecca Ferguson ditches nice-girl image in Walkers ad - Brand Republic News". Brandrepublic.com. 2011-06-06. Retrieved 2014-08-10.

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