Alesha
From Urapopstar
| Alesha | ||
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| A promotional image for 2008's The Second Coming | ||
| Background information | ||
| Born | 14 March, 1984 | |
| Origin | Manchester, England | |
| Genre | Alternative, pop | |
| Years active | 2003–2010 | |
| Label | breathemusic/Visionary.Music (2003–2005) Ensemble (2005–2010) |
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| Associated acts | ||
Alesha Kurdadze (born Alesha Grafton on 14 March, 1984) is a legendary English recording artist, actress, entrepreneur and world leader.
Born and raised just outside of Manchester in Trafford, England, Alesha moved to the city in 2001 to achieve her dreams of becoming a singer. After performing as the lead vocalist of underground dance group Soho Kills, Alesha signed a solo record deal with breathemusic in 2003. She released her debut album Look Out Below in 2003 and won Best Newcomer at the 8th Urapopstar Awards, despite her inferior sales.
A series of hit singles from her third studio album Buried Underneath (2005) transitioned her into global recognition, while Alesha Is the Queen (2007) (the ninth best-selling album of all-time) turned Alesha into a pop icon for pushing the boundaries of lyrical content in popular music and receiving widespread media coverage. Expanding on the use of religious imagery with The Second Coming (2008), Alesha's image as a popular yet controversial figure grew as she received praise for the diverse musical productions in her albums, while at the same time receiving backlash from religious conservatives and the Vatican. Alesha's 2009 album Bigger Than God became her fourth to debut at number one on the albums chart. "Good Mourning", a tribute to the late Shell Ruin, became the best-selling single of Alesha's career. In 2010, Alesha retired from the music industry with the release of her second greatest hits album Last Judgment and her final single "The Last Temptation".
Alesha has sold over sixteen million records in the United Kingdom alone and a further one hundred million worldwide. She was the best selling female artist in 2007 and 2008 and the third best selling overall. Forbes magazine ranked Alesha as the most powerful celebrity in the world for three consecutive years (2007-2009). Considered to be one of the most influential women in contemporary music, Alesha has been known for continually reinventing her music and image and for retaining a standard of autonomy within the recording industry.
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Biography
1984-2002: Childhood and discovery
Alesha Grafton was born on 14 March, 1984 in Trafford, England, just outside of Manchester. Alesha's biological mother, Lady Grafton III, walked out on her when she was still an infant. As a result, Alesha was raised in a middle-class family by her father Dennis Grafton and her stepmother Patricia Halliwell. "I didn't accept my stepmother when I was growing up," Alesha said, "in retrospect I think I was really hard on her." Alesha has a bioligical sister, Maria Grafton, one year her senior, and a stepsister, Phoebe Halliwell, who was a member of the all-female rock band Innocent. According to an official biography, Alesha first became interested in singing after she saw a Karlie Minogway music video on TV at the age of three. She started practicing in front of her mirror and has been singing ever since.
Alesha was singing at weddings, bah mitzvahs and other celebrations by the age of ten. Over the next several years, Alesha had already begun to involve herself in the Manchester club scene. Alesha has revealed that she first started doing drugs when she was only thirteen. In 2001, at the age of seventeen, Alesha moved to a bedsit in downtown Manchester and became the singer and face of underground dance-rock act Soho Kills. The band was approached by multiple major record labels in early 2003, but things fell apart when Alesha left the band to pursue a solo career.
2003-2004: Early success
Alesha had developed a small, low-key fanbase by the time she was approached by an breathemusic A&R representative. Alesha was offered and accepted a two-album deal in the summer of 2003. Alesha's first single "Predictable" became a surprise hit, charting at number six and being certified silver after seven weeks. The single was followed by the release of her debut album Look Out Below, mostly self-written with production from MC Labels and breathemusic's own record producers. The album faired moderately well in the charts, eventually receiving a platinum certification. Alesha released four more singles from the album to varying degrees of success, including duets with 4tune and Larynx Trasher. Alesha's private life started to receive tabloid attention for the first time. In January 2004, Alesha and Ben Parker announced their engagement after just a few months of dating and broke the news that they were expecting a child.
In August 2004, after the highly publicised marriage to Parker and giving birth to her first child Ana-Marie Roxanne Grafton-Parker, Alesha released her second studio album Hungry for More. Alesha's provocative new image made her a sex symbol Hungry for More was a success, nearly outselling her debut album in half the time. Its commercial performance was helped by the success of its lead single "Let Me Take You There", a disco-inspired number written by pop veteran Tasha. It became her best-selling single at the time, after charting at number two behind Sophie Ellis-Beckham. Despite this success, the album was suddenly shelved after the second single's disappointing reception. Alesha stayed in the public eye with her debut film Let Me Tell You How I Died, a second duet with 4tune, as well as the risqué "Midweek Sex" with Kandi and CeCe Winston. Alesha was also promoted to co-owner of breathemusic which merged with Andrea Twain's record label to form Baa.Music. Following a management dispute with Britney Aguilera, Alesha and Twain created Visionary.Music.
2005-2006: Rise to prominence
During the first half of 2005, Alesha began writing and recording her third album. She released her third studio album Buried Underneath on 3 July, prompting Rolling Stone to say that "it sounds as if it comes from the heart." The album marked a change in direction for Alesha, employing a new guitar-oriented singer-songwriter sound. Eventually peaking at number one, the album was certified triple platinum. The album's lead single, "Little Green High Heels", was penned by Delta Nu, while the second and third singles "Infernal Superstar" and the Neyssa duet "Close the Door"/"He's Done It Again", became Alesha's first number ones. Following months of tabloid coverage constantly hinting at affairs and marital problems, Ben Parker filed for divorce in July 2005. Shortly afterwards, Alesha became good friends with Neyssa, for they both had a daughter and were divorced. They soon fell in love and the pair came out as a couple. Alesha also abandoned Visionary.Music following a feud with Twain; the label later became Alias Records while Alesha joined Ensemble Entertainment.
Alesha released a duet with Sarah Summers, "Happy Slappers", which peaked at number two in February 2006. A growing riff between Summers and Alesha kept the pair in the press. Alesha was quickly growing tired of her career, in addition to expecting a second baby with her fiancee Neyssa. A retirement was announced, although quickly taken back as she settled for taking a break (which also never really materialised). Alesha and Neyssa had their first child, Maribba Nikia Kurdadze, in May of 2006, through a sperm donor (Neyssa's brother). Alesha also received thousands of complaints and an extremely large fine after her and Neyssa "accidentally" aired their sex tape on Saturday morning kid's TV. In 2006, the couple took over nearly half of Europe and have since taken over the whole world, excluding Russia. Their plan is to convert everybody to "Homosexualism". The pair also co-hosted the 12th Urapopstar Awards.
Alesha released a Naomi-written ballad "Gone", shortly afterwards. The single coincided with the release of Alesha's first greatest hits compilation, Chic/Freak. As well as being a greatest hits, there was a second disc of new material. Both releases fared well in the charts. Alesha also signed up to take part in the Tango Challenge, a new event in which collaborations between artists and groups are formed at random. A week is set aside for the releases and all ten of the collaborations release against each other, competing for the highest chart position. Alesha was paired with her ex-husband Ben Parker of all people, but they channeled their hatred into the song "Go Fuck Yourself". The duet became another top ten hit for Alesha.
2007: Commercial success
In 2007, Alesha redefined herself again with her fourth studio album Alesha Is the Queen. With a more commercial approach, Alesha explored electronic music, as well as experimental and mainstream hip-hop. Although mostly self-written and produced, the album contained songs written by Buffi, Kati and Othello, in addition to duets with Josie Matthews and Neyssa. The recording of the album and its launch was chronicled by MTV in a documentary of the same name. The album debuted at number one and was eventually certified diamond, becoming the sixth best-selling album of time. Alesha Is the Queen was awarded Best Album at the 14th Urapopstar Awards. The album's lead single "Fashion Kills", a Buffi-written electro pop track, became Alesha's third number one single after an extensive promotional campaign. It has been said that it "heralded a new era of success" for Alesha by The Guardian. Alesha's next two singles, the Matthews duet "Just for the Thrills" and "London Brat", were also top five. During promotion for the former, Alesha cheated on Neyssa in a drunken threesome with Alfie Outcast and Matthews. Alesha became infatuated with Alfie, despite her claims of being a lesbian. She fell out with her friend Matthews and declared Outcast for herself. With Alfie in the passenger seat, Alesha tried to kill both herself and him by driving her car into a lake. She then checked into The Priory and has made up with Neyssa, Alfie and Josie.
Alesha teamed up with her close friends and recurring collaborators Buffi, Shell Ruin and Taylor Brookes in July 2007 to release "Power Power", which they described as an "epic tour-de-force". The EP consisted of two brand new tracks, the titular song and "Cherry Bomb", plus eight rerecorded songs taken from their current studio albums. Adverts ran on Channel 4 throughout the campaign and both songs were A-listed by BBC Radio 1 within the first week of their initial release. The released experienced extreme setback during early stages of promotion when all four musicians were arrested on suspicion of murder. It emerged soon after that the police had unearthed plans to copycat the Moors murders of the 1960s. Early reports suggested that they had already killed some children. The girls adopted Myra Hindley's appearance — mirroring her eye makeup, hair style and sardonic attitude. However, their spell inside was short-lived and they were soon released and given a timely amount of community service, which included cleaning the doorstep of Jill Dando. The video, which showed the girls hellbent on world domination, also proved controversial. Despite the highly publicised promotional campaign and hype, the song failed to set the charts alight - it didn't even enter the top ten. "Power Power" has become famed as a trainwreck and one of the most shocking singles of Urapopstar. While fans and some fellow celebrities felt that the low charting was undeserved, a large number of people thought it was justified. Alesha, Buffi, Shell, and Taylor all received criticism for their controversial antics. The song was voted the Worst Single of the Year, Worst Collaboration, and Most Deserved Flop at the 2007 Shit Awards. Alesha, Shell and Taylor were reunited at Urapopstar Awards 14. All four of them have since made up, apart from Buffi and Taylor. It's Not Over Until The Fat Lady Sings released their own version of the song in 2008, performing much better than the original.
The fifth single from Alesha Is the Queen was a double-A-side comprised of "The OH in Ohio" and "Candy Cigarettes". The single debuted at the Urapopstar Awards 14, as Alesha performed a mind-blowing performance with Twist which poked fun at Camilla Holmes, Dalisay, Ellen Fitzpatrick, Lady Lou, and Lavina. The song proved Alesha's career was still thriving when it peaked at number two in September 2007. The album's final single, the Neyssa duet "Those Who Love Me Can Take the Train", also peaked at number two. Alesha fathered London Star's son Bob, who was born in late 2007. She has also been linked to Jack Stevens and close friend Putanovska. Alesha and Neyssa are reportedly okay with such situations. Neyssa said of the arrangement, "I could never give up pussy, because I love women too much... but sometimes I just crave a man's touch!"
2008: Career development
While recording her fifth studio album, Alesha released The Good That Won't Come Out, a collection of demos, outtakes and rarities to celebrate Alesha's five years in the industry. The album was accompanied by "Diamonds & Dollar Bills", a joint EP with Putanovska. Both the single and the album entered the charts at number one, with the Putanovska collaboration becoming her best-selling single ever at the time. Alesha also performed a live acoustic Unplugged concert for MTV. Furthermore, Alesha and Neyssa finally married on 22 June, 2008 in Los Angeles, after same-sex marriage was legalised in California. They held a much larger and high-profile ceremony in London shortly afterwards.
Alesha released her fifth studio album The Second Coming on 2 June, 2008. Written and produced in collaboration with Shell Ruin, Rolling Stone hailed the album as "...as close to art as pop music gets." The album featured many religious references, with Alesha referring to herself as the Second Coming of Christ among other things, and was condemned by the Vatican. Ryan Dawson, Jon Farley, and Jack Stevens all feature on the album. The Second Coming, Alesha's third consecutive number one album and second to go diamond, was nominated for Best Album at the 16th Urapopstar Awards but lost. The Ruin-penned lead single "Tsunami of the Soul", nominated for Best Single and Best Video at the awards, was another success for Alesha when it peaked at number two and went platinum. Alesha and Ruin headlined Glastonbury 2008 with a set that spanned three hours with twenty six song, a precursor to Alesha's 2009 worldwide arena tour, the Jesus Christ Supertour. Alesha's next single, the Ryan Dawson duet "Original Sin", became her fifth number one single. "Disciplinary"/"Guerilla" also hit the top spot. It remans Alesha's best-selling single to date. The Second Coming's era was ended with the "Crucify" EP, which featured four album tracks and two exclusive songs. It continued Alesha's streak of singles to chart within the top two. Alesha also hosted the radio show Live Lounge for BBC Radio 1 while Jo Whiley was on leave.
Prior to the release of her sixth studio album, Alesha released "Filthy Preacher"/"Shoot to Kill" with Indigo Peak. The releae was met with a controversy similar to 2007's "Power Power", with Alesha and Indigo Peak embarking on a controversial campaign where they worked as Paedofinder Generals, targeting criminals such as Phoenix Rising's Alexei Monaghan and Mahlee Wohp. Alesha and the Cassenove brothers were eventually arrested in Los Angeles after an investigation into the government-funded movement determined that it was based on "speculation" and "falsified evidence". The trio were released on bail for an undisclosed sum reportedly in the hundreds of thousands. The trio came under fire for the controversial music videos and their "blasphempous" acts. The single, however, charted at number one.
2009: Artistic growth and personal troubles
Alesha began working on a sixth studio album with Shell Ruin in the final months of 2008. By spring, the album was ready for release. The very week that the Indigo Peak collaboration charted, Alesha announced her the album's title, Bigger Than God, which became Alesha's most critically acclaimed album. A more introspective release, Pitchfork Media said that "it feels like one of the landmark pop albums of the century so far." The album garnered Alesha her highest first-week sales for an album to date and the Best Album title at the 17th Urapopstar Awards. Its lead single "Apocalypse City", which charted at number one upon their release, was awarded Best Single. The release was soon followed by "Brooklyn to Brixton" and her first stadium tour, Apocalypse City Live. Alesha also confirmed her pregnancy. After "Brooklyn to Brixton" became Alesha's first single to sell less than 300,000 copies in almost two years, Alesha reportedly held her daughter Ana-Marie hostage in her own home and refused to relinquish custody to ex-husband Ben Parker. Reportedly "intoxicated", Parker's assistant called the police. Alesha was taken to the hospital where she had her stomach pumped, having either accidentally or purposefully overdosed on pills. Alesha was placed under suicide watch. She later miscarried. Some media outlets said that it was Alesha's own fault, having been photographed smoking and drinking in addition to the prescription drug abuse.
The album's third single, "Bear Dance", was released on 17 August. Paired with a cover of the late Michael Jackson's "Earth Song", recorded for The King of Pop: A Tribute to HIStory, the single was another disappointment for Alesha when it controversially enterered the chart at number six. Not only did it miss the top five, but it Alesha's first single to miss the top two since September 2007. In a live television interview called "Being Alesha" (as a part of ITV's Tonight series) that occured the following night, Alesha broke down and exhibited strange behaviour, such as being interviewed in her bikini. She was also involved in a hit-and-run incident as she crashed her car into a house and casually drove off while on her way to a Los Angeles airport. Various tabloid reports of Alesha's bizarre antics came out following the underperformance of "Brooklyn to Brixton", "Bear Dance" and Alesha's personal troubles. However, "Bear Dance" miraculously rose to number one the following week. Alesha also released Wanderlust, a collection of covers of artists who have inspired Alesha's more recent work. Despite being released in the middle of its campaign, Bigger Than God was not abandoned. Alesha said, "This is just me wanting to give a gift to my fans while honouring the artists that have inspired me so much. It's not a proper album, but I've still poured my heart and soul into it." Wanderlust includes duets with Ruin and Putanovska. The album charted at number one. "The Pretty Ones", named an album highlight by critics, was released on 21 September and reached number two. The song features vocals from Romo, China, and Emily Henning.
Following the miscarriage and her career troubles, Alesha was portrayed as a "victim" by the tabloids, cementing her comeback. Alesha's public persona was held to an even higher esteem when she spearheaded the revival of Romo's SAVE URAPS organization. Working closely with Ruin, the pair wrote and produced "Hold Fire" and organized the foundation's second telethon. Alesha and Ruin also collaborated on their first "proper" duet, "Delusions of Grandeur". Self-hyped as one of their best singles yet, the song received universal acclaim from music critics. The song's video was filmed at Chile's Cape Horn and portrays Alesha and Ruin as immortal warriors. The girls performed on The X Factor and the 17th Urapopstar Awards, which they hosted and produced.
| "It is with my deepest regret to stand before you today. Shell was more than just a colleague of mine. She was my best friend. I can't imagine life without her. Shell was at her happiest today. It's my only condolence during such a horrible time." |
| — Alesha |
After the awards ceremony, Ruin was involved in a serious car accident outside of London's Earls Court. Kurdadze had been by Ruin's side in the helicopter as she was airlifted to the The Royal London Hospital's A&E, where Ruin was treated for head wounds. Ruin died tragically later at 22:19 GMT. Alesha delivered a eulogy at Ruin's public funeral, which took place at Westminster Abbey, and was also present at the private burial at Ruin's estate. In the absence of a will, Alesha and Ryan Dawson successfully lobbied for shared custody of the child, after a lack of interest on behalf of Ruin's family. Alesha organized and performed at a concert in Ruin's memory, All That Glitters: A Tribute to Shell Ruin. She also joined Romo on the opening night of her Usurp the Throne tour in a special tribute to Ruin.
"Delusions of Grandeur" topped the singles chart upon its release; "Good Mourning", a tribute to Shell Ruin, was the first number one of 2010. The singles are among Alesha's best-selling; "Good Mourning" became Alesha's first single to sell at least 400,000 copies. Proceeds were donated to the Shell Ruin Foundation.
2010: Last Judgment and retirement
In spring 2010, Alesha released her second greatest hits collection Last Judgment. The album's first disc chronicled the last three years of Alesha's career, while the second disc served as her final studio album. The release was met with critical acclaim, with Rolling Stone declaring Alesha "the finest single artist Britain has produced this decade". Last Judgment became Alesha's seventh number one album; the lead single, "Heavens Above Me", also reached the pole position. Alesha embarked on The Reckoning, a worldwide farewell tour with Putanovska. The tour reached a number of stadiums across the globe, causing a media frenzy and a worldwide phenomenon. The tour was met with widespread acclaim.
Alesha soon announced the release of her final single, "The Last Temptation". The single spent two weeks at number one, selling over 100,000 copies in its first week. The single was quickly certified platinum and has become one of the best-selling singles of Alesha's career. A box set edition of Last Judgment was released alongside the remix album Ghost Dance and the video collection Theology. She performed her final show, Judgment Day, at London's Wembley Stadium on 12 June, joined by a number of close friends and fellow musicians.
On 27 November 2010, Alesha and Neyssa welcomed twin sons into the world, their first male children. The babies were conceived through in vitro fertilisation. The sons were named Prince David and Prince Dylan Kurdadze after legendary singers David Bowie, Bob Dylan, and Prince.
Production
Main article: Alesha production discography
Alesha has become a Urapopstar Award-nominated and sought-after songwriter and producer. Working both alone since the beginning of her career and with Shell Ruin since 2007, Alesha has become renowned for her compositions. In 2005, Alesha penned Neyssa's "Cat & Mouse" which was held off the top spot by her own single "Infernal Superstar". Alesha also penned songs for Malena's No Swallowing Allowed and Jake's Run For Your Life. Stacy Hart's "Drop Dead Gorgeous", also crafted by Alesha, was a massive success on the singles chart upon its release.
Alesha wrote and produced Josie Matthews's entire second album, Resurrection, which was released in late summer, as well as a number of tracks for Ryan Dawson's debut album and Sandi York's The Butterfly Effect. Alesha also penned songs for both of Shell Ruin's 2007 albums, Kill Pop and The Dirty Is Done, the first in many collaborations with Ruin. She has since co-written songs for Charm Offensive and Never Stop, including the singles "Love, Inc." and "Politics of Love". Alesha often works with Putanovska. Her fifth album The Glitterati features Alesha's productions, such as the lead single "Worship Me (Song 4 Putanovska)".
Emily Henning's third studio album, Only Human, was entirely written and produced by Alesha and Ruin. Henning, who was inspired by Alesha's "darker" compositions for Matthews' 2007 album Resurrection, hoped to move away from what she described as a "commercial sound", in favour of more creativity and a darker edge to her music. The lead single "Folie de l'Amour" became one of Henning's best-sellers. In 2009, Alesha also penned number one singles for Rouge ("Hungry Like Lions (Get You Off)"), Ana Simpson ("Love Is A Game"), and Jack Stevens ("The Siren's Call"). Alesha was featured on Amy Marshall's comeback single "Bang!", which Alesha co-wrote with Marshall and Romo, and Damned's "Hard to Find Something Nice to Say".
Other artists to perform works by Alesha include Arwyn Knight, China, Damned, Helena Rossi, Izzy, Latavia, London, Loretta Lambert, the Sleazy Sisters, and Tiara Coles, among others.
Artistry
Alesha's music takes roots in a variety of genres. Her first two albums, Look Out Below and Hungry for More, took roots in contemporary R&B and mainstream pop music. Her work had a naive nature to it, talking about love, romance, passion and relationships. For the release of her third album, Buried Underneath, Alesha opted for a more singer-songwriter feel to her music. She was inspired by female musicians such as Alanis Morissette, Fiona Apple, and Tori Amos, who gained popularity in the 1990s with their feminist themes. This theme was further explored on 2006's Chic/Freak.
In 2007, Alesha reinvented herself once more. Alesha Is the Queen is a pop album with elements of electronica, experimental hip-hop, and indie-rock. Alesha described the album as "a hybrid of styles and sounds." Q magazine felt the album was "everything everybody else is doing, done ten times better." The lyrics refer to Alesha as royalty, focusing on fashion, wealth, and the lavish celebrity lifestyle. The Guardian noted that the album "holds a distinctly ambiguous mirror up to noughties celebrity." Alesha elaborated on the experimental undertones with the album's 2008 follow-up The Second Coming. Alesha said: "It's bold, it's really diverse. It's like hip-hop, electro, indie, pop, everything all coming together." She cited a number of influences, including genreless recording artists M.I.A. and Santigold, producers Switch and Xenomania, and Shell Ruin's third studio album The Dirty Is Done. The album was praised as a lyrical progression for Alesha. A number of songs played on religious ideas in a tongue-in-cheek manner, while others were darker. 2009's Bigger Than God expanded on the electronic and indie styles present in her work. Alesha cited various film scores, and the New Wave movement of the 1980s as influences for the album. The album sampled David Bowie, Siouxsie and the Banshees, and Thom Yorke. The lyrics were inspired by religion in a more agnostic manner, such as the Buddhist ideas of reincarnation, impermanence, and non-self. Apocalyptic theories and doomsday ideas also inspired the album, in addition to George Orwell's classic dystopian novel 1984. For her final works, taken from 2009's Last Judgment, Alesha was inspired by mythological themes. The songs make use of industrial beats and synths, as well as distorted orchestras.
Alesha has cited legendary and revolutionary artists such as Björk, David Bowie, Grace Jones, Kate Bush, and Madonna as influences. Canadian singer-songwriter Emily Haines has had a profound influence on Alesha's later work.
Legacy
According to Rolling Stone, Alesha "remains one of the greatest pop acts of all time." Alesha has been "the world's highest earning female singer" and was the best selling female singer of 2007 and 2008. Apocalypse City Live became the highest grossing concert tour by a solo artist. Alesha has amassed thirteen number one singles in the United Kingdom, second only to Lucreacia and Emily Henning (see artists with multiple number one singles). She holds the record for the most top forty releases, with 33 of the 36 charting within the top ten and 22 inside the top two. In 2007, Alesha was listed by VH1 as third in the Greatest Women of Rock & Roll. Alesha was inducted onto the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2007 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2008. Alesha was also an inductee of the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2008. She has won nine Urapopstar Awards throughout her career and has also broken multiple Guinness World Records. Alesha has been named in the Top 5 Most Searched Celebrities by search engine Google yearly since 2004. She is considered a gay icon.
Alesha's work is universally acclaimed and she is considered to be one of the most influential and original female artists in the history of music. In 2008, TIME magazine placed Alesha in their list of the world's most influential people for having "influence across many genres." It was argued by a 2008 piece in Vanity Fair that Alesha "transformed the art of modern pop music". Alesha is renowned for her work for other artists, both individually and with long-time collaborator Shell Ruin. The pair have collaborated on all of their studio albums since 2007, as well as producing for many other artists. They have made humanitarian contributions in their careers, spurring the revival of the SAVE URAPS organization and the charity single "Hold Fire".
She was characterized as "an unstoppable juggernaut, possessed of all the tools to dominate the charts seemingly at will: an instantly identifiable voice, eye-popping dance moves, stunning musical versatility and loads of sheer star power." In 2008, Billboard described Alesha as "the hottest single phenomenon since Lucreacia". Daily Telegraph writer Tom Utley called her an "extremely important figure in the history of popular culture" and a "genius". Her total lifetime earnings from royalties on her solo recordings and music videos, revenue from concerts and endorsements, and work for other artists have been estimated at $250 million. As one of the world's most famous figures, Alesha's highly publicized personal life, coupled with her successful career, have made her a staple of popular culture.
Discography
For a detailed list of releases, see: Alesha discography and List of Alesha songs
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Other endeavours
Books
An autobiography entitled Líf was released on 31 May 2010, coinciding with Alesha's retirement from the music industry. The title, meaning "life", comes from Norse mythology. It ties in with the documentary film Ragnarök and the live recording Lífþrasir. The book documents Alesha's childhood, her involvement in the Manchester club scene as the lead singer and face of underground dance-rock act Soho Kills, teenage drug use, her rise to fame, and her eventual superstardom. Alesha's relationships with Ben Parker and Neyssa, motherhood, and the death of close friend Shell Ruin are also discussed. The book topped the New York Times Bestseller list for three weeks in a row. It was the best-selling non-fiction book of 2010 in the United Kingdom and the United States. The novel sold five million copies worldwide within the first year of its release. Before the publishing of the book, OK! magazine and News of the World joined to buy the rights to preview and serialise the book before its release. The figure paid was thought to be near £1 million.
Fashion
Alesha has become recognized as an international style icon. She has been closely linked with the fashion industry since the release of her 2007 number one single "Fashion Kills". Alesha has appeared in numerous fashion editorials for magazines across the world, such as Elle, Harper's Bazaar, Vogue, and W magazines. Media coverage of her appearance on British Vogue's February 2008 cover boosted the magazine's circulation to 240,000 – its best ever February figure. She has also modeled for Chloé, H&M, and Just Cavalli. In a 2009 poll by the Style Network, Cole was voted best dressed woman of the year and style icon of the decade.
Alesha designed a limited-edition fashion line for British high street chain River Island in 2007. The collection, entitled "SHUT UP HO!", consisted mostly of basics. Bernard Lewis, the founder of River Island, commented that Alesha "not only understands fashion and trends but has been a trend-setter and fashion icon for years." In 2010, Alesha launched her own fashion line, Grandeur by Alesha. The brand is sold exclusively at Barneys New York and Saks Fifth Avenue in the United States and at Selfridge's in the United Kingdom. Alesha will continue designing for the line during her retirement.
Films
Alesha had a leading role in the independent thriller Let Me Tell You How I Died (2005), based on a novel of the same name by Sinclair Smith. The film was slated by critics and its gross revenue failed to meet its budget. Alesha starred in Heartbreakers 2 (2007) opposite Josie Matthews, another box office failure. She made a cameo appearance in The Devil Wears Prada 2: The Devil Unleashed, starring Sandi York. Alesha was in talks to appear in a remake of the 1960s novel and film The Valley of the Dolls, but the project never came into being.
In 2010, Jonas Åkerlund directed Ragnarök, a documentary chronicling Alesha's life as she prepares to retire from the music industry. The film follows Alesha from the release of "Delusions of Grandeur" to the opening night of her joint tour with The Reckoning. It was premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in May, just weeks after filming is finished, and then received a wide release in June. The film was generally well-received by critics and was successful at the box office, with a worldwide gross of $120 million.
| Year | Title | Role | Gross revenue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Let Me Tell You How I Died | Delia | $17 million |
| 2007 | Heartbreakers 2 | Amber | $60 million |
| The Devil Wears Prada 2: The Devil Unleashed | Herself (cameo) | 3p and Walker's crisps | |
| 2010 | Ragnarök | Herself | $120 million |
Television
Alesha was considered for the lead role in a Disney television series in 2005, but it was decided she would not connect with the target audience. In 2007, Alesha was the star of a three-part documentary aired by MTV, Alesha Is the Queen. Critical reaction to the documentary was mostly negative. Los Angeles Times called Alesha "a disgusting, vain, vapid sell-out", labelling the star and her friends "dismal excuses for popstars". According to polls by MTV, the public's reaction was mixed.
Alesha received her own talk show The Alesha Show in 2007, which was a ratings hit on ITV1. After a twelve-week run, Alesha decided to end the show due to touring conflicts and other factors. Alesha later reunited with ITV1 for a Christmas special, Bigger Than Baby Jesus. Alesha has also become notable for her involvement in reality television, first starring in Celebrity Big Brother in 2006. She hosted Uraps: Unsigned the following year. In 2009, Alesha served as one of three judges for URAPS Idol 10. The show dedicated its first week of the finals to Alesha, making songs from her back catalogue the theme.
Alesha also famously hosted the 12th and 17th Urapopstar Awards in 2006 and 2009 respectively.
| Year | Title | Role | Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Celebrity Big Brother | Herself | Channel 4 |
| 2007 | The Alesha Show | Host | ITV 1 |
| Alesha Is the Queen | Herself | MTV | |
| Uraps: Unsigned | Host | ITV 1 | |
| 2009 | URAPS Idol 10 | Judge | |
| Bigger Than Baby Jesus | Host |
Tours
Alesha has embarked on seven concert tours, four of which have been world tours. Her first three tours were limited to the United Kingdom. Her 2004 debut, Riot Girls Tour, was co-headlined with all-female rock band Innocent. The following year, Alesha was joined by members of the "London Brat Pack" - Kati, Moya, Sasha Riley, and Taylor Brookes - for the Pussywhipped Tour. She promoted her 2006 greatest hits Chic/Freak with the critically panned Chic/Freak Tour.
In 2007 she embarked on the worldwide The Queen Tour, which visited Europe, Asia, and North America. It was critically appreciated for Alesha's showmanship and exquisite dresses. Supported by URAPS Idol 8 alumnus Alfie Outcast and Venom member Lola Elle, the tour was called "the best tour of 2007" by Rolling Stone magazine. 2008's Jesus Christ Supertour grossed around US$250 million worldwide. Alesha was lauded by many music critics for the show's "consistent delivery" and "excellent set list", although Alesha received a lot of negative attention for the biblical undertones in the show. The winners of Uraps: Unsigned, Vinyl Dolls, supported Alesha, who was host and co-producer of the show.
Alesha's next two tours would break world records. The 2009 Apocalypse City Live tour consisted of eighty shows. The tour garnered a total of US$408 million, making it also the highest grossing tour of all time. Alesha was joined by a prestigious selection of opening acts for certain legs - Elice Claire, Helena Rossi, Rouge, Ryan Dawson, and Venus Vegas. A number of South American shows were cancelled due to health concerns. 2010's The Reckoning, a joint tour with Putanovska, reached every continent excluding Antarctica, including Alesha's first (and last) shows in Africa. It was reported that the entire show cost an estimated US$40million to stage, making it the pair's most expensive tour to date. The tour garnered a total of US$251 million after just 45 shows. Butterscotch and Just Ginger were support acts.
| Year | Tour | Notes | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Riot Girls Tour | headlined with Innocent | UK |
| 2005 | Pussywhipped Tour | headlined with Kati, Moya, Sasha Riley & Taylor Brookes | UK |
| 2006 | Chic/Freak Tour | supported by Alex Washington | UK |
| 2007 | The Queen Tour | supported by Lola Elle & Alfie Outcast | World |
| 2008 | Jesus Christ Supertour | supported by Vinyl Dolls | World |
| 2009 | Apocalypse City Live | supported by Ryan Dawson, Rouge, Venus Vegas, Helena Rossi & Elice Claire | World |
| 2010 | The Reckoning | headlined with Putanovska; supported by Butterscotch & Just Ginger | World |
Awards and honors
Urapopstar Awards
| Ceremony | Nominated work | Award | Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Urapopstar Awards 8 | Best Newcomer | Won | |
| Urapopstar Awards 10 | "Midweek Sex" | Best Collaboration | Nominated |
| Urapopstar Awards 11 | "Close the Door" | Best Collaboration | Nominated |
| Best Female | Nominated | ||
| Urapopstar Awards 12 | "Happy Slappers" | Best Collaboration | Nominated |
| Urapopstar Awards 13 | Best PR | Nominated | |
| Urapopstar Awards 14 | Alesha Is the Queen | Best Album | Won |
| Best Collaboration | Nominated | ||
| "Just for the Thrills" | Best Female | Nominated | |
| The Queen Tour | Best Live | Nominated | |
| "The OH in Ohio" | Best Single/Album Art | Nominated | |
| Best Songwriter | Nominated | ||
| Urapopstar Awards 15 | "Those Who Love Me..." | Best Collaboration | Nominated |
| Best Female | Won | ||
| Best Promotion | Nominated | ||
| Urapopstar Awards 16 | The Second Coming | Best Album | Nominated |
| Best Alternative/Rock | Won | ||
| "Diamonds & Dollar Bills" | Best Banner | Won | |
| "Diamonds & Dollar Bills" | Best Collaboration | Nominated | |
| Best Female | Nominated | ||
| Jesus Christ Supertour | Best Live | Nominated | |
| "Tsunami of the Soul" | Best Single | Nominated | |
| Best Songwriter | Nominated | ||
| "Disciplinary"/"Guerilla" | Best Single/Album Art | Nominated | |
| "Tsunami of the Soul" | Best Video | Nominated | |
| Urapopstar Awards 17 | Bigger Than God | Best Album | Won |
| Best Alternative/Rock | Won | ||
| Best Female | Nominated | ||
| Apocalypse City Live | Best Live | Nominated | |
| Brooklyn to Brixton Promo Tour | Best Miscellaneous Art | Nominated | |
| Best Promotion | Nominated | ||
| "Apocalypse City" | Best Single | Won | |
| Best Songwriter | Won | ||
| "Apocalypse City" | Best Single/Album Art | Nominated | |
| "Apocalypse City" | Best Video | Nominated | |
| Urapopstar Awards 18 | Artist of the Decade | Pending | |
| Best Alternative/Rock | Pending | ||
| "The Pretty Ones" | Best Banner | Nominated | |
| "Delusions of Grandeur" | Best Collaboration | Pending | |
| Best Female | Pending | ||
| The Reckoning | Best Live | Pending | |
| Apocalypse City Live DVD | Best Miscellaneous Art | Pending | |
| Best Overall Artist | Nominated | ||
| Best Promotion | Pending | ||
| "Good Mourning" | Best Single | Pending | |
| Best Songwriter | Pending | ||
| "Good Mourning" | Best Video | Nominated |
Other
| Year | Ceremony | Nominated work | Award | Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Popjustice £20 Music Prize | "Midweek Sex" | Pop Single of the Year | Nominated |
| 2007 | "Fashion Kills" | Nominated | ||
| Shit Awards | "Power Power" | Worst Single | Won | |
| Most Deserved Flop | Won | |||
| Worst Collaboration | Won | |||
| Most Overrated | Won | |||
| Most Annoying | Won | |||
| Act You'd Like to See Leave | 2nd | |||
| Worst Model Change | 3rd | |||
| 2008 | Popjustice £20 Music Prize | "Diamonds & Dollars" | Pop Single of the Year | Nominated |
| 2009 | "Apocalypse City" | Nominated | ||
| Uraps Choice Awards | Sexiest Female | Nominated | ||
| Outspoken | Nominated | |||
| Biggest Diva | Won | |||
| Best Dressed | Nominated | |||
| 2009 Video Music Awards | "Apocalypse City" | Breakthrough Video | Nominated | |
| Best Female Video | Won | |||
| Best Alternative/Rock Video | Nominated | |||
| Viewers' Choice | Nominated | |||
| Video of the Year | Nominated | |||
| 2010 | 52nd Grammy Awards | "Apocalypse City" | Record of the Year | Nominated |
| Song of the Year | Won | |||
| Best Female Pop Vocal Performance | Won | |||
| Bigger Than God | Album of the Year | Won | ||
| Best Pop Vocal Album | Won | |||
| "The Pretty Ones" | Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals | Won | ||
| Producer of the Year | Won | |||
| 2010 BRIT Awards | British Female | Won | ||
| Bigger Than God | Mastercard British Album | Won |
