Nicola Roberts
Nicola Roberts | |
---|---|
Polydor | |
Website | nicolarobertsmusic |
Nicola Maria Roberts (born 5 October 1985) is an English singer and songwriter. In 2002, Roberts was selected as a member of
In 2011, Roberts released her debut solo studio album, ", both gained equally positive critical responses.
In February 2020, Roberts won the first series of ITV's
Early life
Roberts was born on 5 October 1985 in
She attended
Music career
2002: Popstars: The Rivals
Still a teenager, Roberts auditioned for the reality television series Popstars: The Rivals. Participants checked into a hotel in Kensington, London, before performing to a panel of celebrity judges; Roberts found that, up to that point, she "didn't really have much life experience".[6] During the auditions she coincidentally sat next to Kimberley Walsh, who was to complete the competition to become one of five in the final line-up of the girl group; the two spent time rehearsing before their solo audition.[6] Roberts felt confident before the audition, but during the actual audition she was "terrified" and was unable to smile until celebrity judge Geri Halliwell complimented her performance stating "I think you're great, you're an individual, you really stand out".[7] Roberts found her clothing and personality were different from those of the other participants in Popstars: The Rivals; most were well-trained vocalists and were well-dressed, while her clothing was less fashionable, due to lack of funds, and she was not as vocally well-trained as the others.[7]
Having progressed in the competition, Roberts was left as one of 15 remaining participants but found that the reality show was becoming increasingly based on personality instead of vocals.
Roberts described her time on the show Popstars: The Rivals and her successes within the show:[12] "Every week before I went on stage I used to go to the toilet, to the same cubicle, and pray, just ask God to please let me have this. Even though I was confident in my singing ability, and I knew I had a stronger voice than most at the time same time I still had a little bit of insecurity because I'd been told Louis didn't want me. I was never in the bottom two, though, and the producers told me I always came in the top two or three in terms of votes each week, which was great."
2002–2009: Girls Aloud
"The people we knew, that I'd grown up with and had relationships with, just didn't see me as Nicola anymore; it was like I was this famous person and they didn't know how to speak to me. Even the boy I liked – all that had gone. I'd had such happy times there, having parties loads of us sleeping on the beach, and it just wasn't the same. People treated me differently."
Roberts describing her return to her childhood holiday home in Cornwall.[13]
After their formation on Popstars: The Rivals, the group
Girls Aloud as a group enjoyed many successes, including two entries into the
2010–2013: Cinderella's Eyes, Girls Aloud reunion and other ventures
"I've been looking at my album reviews today and, honestly, I could cry. It's a bit of a shocker. Someone tweeted me all of the mark-ups – the stars that the various papers had given it – and when you see them all collected like that, 4 out of 5 and 5 out of 5, it was just like: 'Oh my fucking god! That's incredible.' I could cry. It's quite amazing. And now the album's out there and I just have to hope that people like it. That's all I can ask for."
—Roberts discussing the acclaimed reviews for Cinderella's Eyes.[24]
In the Girls Aloud 2008 biography Roberts expressed an interest in writing and recording her own material, wanting to experiment in the studio for better understanding of the process.
In January 2012, singer Rihanna chose Roberts to co-host Styled To Rock for Sky Living HD. Roberts was to act as an executive-producer and will search "for the next generation of undiscovered designer talent".[46]
Nadine Coyle confirmed that Girls Aloud will perform shows around the country at the beginning of 2013 to celebrate their tenth anniversary.[47] On 11 March, Kimberley Walsh announced that Girls Aloud had started work on a new album.[48] Roberts was at the time a judge and mentor on Sky Living series Styled To Rock alongside fashion designer Henry Holland and Rihanna. Roberts co-penned "Going Nowhere" for girl group Little Mix's debut album DNA. In December 2013 she received disc award for her help with writing the album. The award was presented to Roberts for her contribution to Little Mix's first album DNA, as it has sold more than 700,000 copies worldwide.[49][non-primary source needed]
After months of speculation, Girls Aloud's reunion would occur in November 2012. At the conclusion of the tour, they announced their disbandment.
2013–present: Upcoming second studio album, The Masked Singer and City of Angels
In October 2011, Roberts stated that she had started work on a second album.
In January 2014, producer Fred Ball confirmed he was working with Roberts on a new album.[60] She also confirmed that she had written for Cheryl's album Only Human, which was released later that year.[61] In 2018, Roberts worked with Cheryl again, co-writing the songs "Love Made Me Do It" and "Let You".[62]
It was announced in December 2019 that Roberts would join the
On 4 June 2022, Roberts performed "Climb Ev'ry Mountain" with Mica Paris and Ruby Turner at the Platinum Party at the Palace concert to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II.[66]
Personal life
Despite a large amount of success as part of Girls Aloud, Roberts found time away from her family increasingly difficult. After her parents divorced and she experienced conflicts with her boyfriend, she found herself in a depressed state.
Throughout her music career, Roberts was coping with hypoglycemia which is most likely caused by restricting what foods she would eat[clarify]; whilst spending time on the road touring, she found it difficult not to eat convenience food.[68] Her illness[clarify] was diagnosed after extensive touring in which time Roberts complained of weakness and sickness which made it difficult to perform live concerts. Whilst she performed on Girls Aloud's Tangled Up Tour, Roberts' dog Elvis died just months after he was given as a gift to her. She found his death very upsetting and struggled to cope as she was on tour at the time.
Stalker
A former partner sent Roberts 3,000 messages between 2012 and 2017 over Twitter and Instagram, some of which were described as "violent and threatening" when the case came to court. In May 2017, he admitted to one count of stalking and another to causing annoyance or inconvenience and was given a 15-month suspended sentence and a life-time restraining order not to contact Roberts or members of her family.[69] However, he broke the restraining order within a few months. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) apologised to Roberts in 2018 for failing to prosecute this individual.[70]
Business
In 2007, Roberts started a limited production of a make-up range called Dainty Doll aimed at the pale-skinned market.[71]
Activism
Anti-tanning
At the start of her music career Roberts began to note that other girls were dressing more "glamorous" than she did, and at the age of 16 during her auditions for Popstars: The Rivals, she wished to look like them.
Anti-bullying
"The internet has really highlighted this issue. It shows us how easy it is for people to pass judgement on others and it also shows us that people now have a place for expression. Whether it be twitter or blog posts it gives people a place to offload. Whenever I have bought somebody's record I always flick through and search for the ones that I really relate to at that time, they become my favourites, I play that song to death and then the rest of the album gets its chance. Music is there to milk an emotion I think. Whether it be a party track when you want to feel sky high or an emotional song when you need something to draw out how you feel inside. That's my sticks+stones and it's so comforting to know that it's yours too. I'm going to try my best to speak to Michael Gove the educational secretary about how we can work out a better support system in schools for people finding themselves in unbearable situations every time they walk through the school gate… I'll keep you posted on that. Wish me luck!
—Roberts discussing Cinderella's Eyes track "Sticks + Stones" and her advocacy for anti-bullying which stemmed from writing the track.[76]
After winning Popstars: The Rivals, becoming one fifth of Girls Aloud, Roberts soon found herself subject to bullying.[77] She was branded "the ugly one" of the group, and would often "cry herself to sleep" finding herself to be a victim of "faceless" bullying fuelled by celebrities such as Chris Moyles and Lily Allen.[77] Soon after the comments had an effect on her mental stability after suffering from an "identity crisis" the taunts brought her close to a breakdown leaving her feeling "miserable and confused" and finding comfort in alcohol.[77] Prior to her fame Roberts never found flaws with her red hair calling it a "prized possession" but after critics picked on her image she saw it as a flaw with Roberts explaining "I hated it and I hated people judging me. I'd put on the telly and there'd be someone saying something cruel, or I'd open up a magazine and read it. Normal people don't have people telling them day to day they're ugly or miserable. [...] I'd think, "stop being so vain, you've got this amazing job" but it wasn't enough. It didn't stop me feeling bad".[18] "People feel they can say nasty things and have anonymity behind the net – as they did with all the nasty comments about me – without fear of recrimination", Roberts said, and five years after the bullying she found herself in a "better place", with critics commenting on her image positively with writers such as Clemmie Moodie from British newspaper Daily Mirror saying "the 25-year-old radiates confidence and, with a string of fashion successes has blossomed."[77]
Roberts then wrote the track "Sticks + Stones" in response to these times, finding herself cautioned by the serious subject matter, she wanted to write a track that was not self-indulgent featuring a "universal" chorus" and lyrics such as "I was too young for so many things. Yet you thought I'd cope with being told I'm ugly".[77] After the release of her debut album Cinderella's Eyes, which featured the track, Roberts appeared on the British television show BBC Breakfast to discuss bullying in relation to the track.[78] Soon afterward she advocated the issue on BBC News; in an interview she discussed the lyrical themes of the track, and during the interview named social networking site Twitter as being a tool which highlights the severity of the issue of bullying, finding the problem to be "out of control" in a schooling environment.[79] Roberts continued to advocate on the issue of bullying; in an interview given to Rolling Stone, she stated she was "sick" of an image-driven society.[80] After her success with the anti-tanning bill Roberts took a similar stance with bullying saying "it doesn't need to happen" and found that British laws were failing to combat the issue with Roberts saying "People are still scared to go to school, kids are threatening to kill themselves; it's disgusting that it persists. So, again, I'm giving a voice to a cause, to hopefully affect change."[80] Roberts then progressed to the British education secretary Michael Gove to raise the issue.[79]
Discography
- Cinderella's Eyes (2011)
Filmography
Year | Title | Notes |
---|---|---|
2002 | Popstars: The Rivals | Winner |
2005 | Girls Aloud: Home Truths | — |
2006 | Girls Aloud: Off the Record | — |
2007 | St Trinian's | Cameo |
The Sunday Night Project | Presenter | |
2008 | The Passions of Girls Aloud | — |
Britannia High | Cameo | |
The Girls Aloud Party | Presenter and performer | |
2009 | Nicola Roberts: The Truth About Tanning | Presenter |
2010 | Britain's Next Top Model | Guest judge |
2012 | Girls Aloud: Ten Years at the Top | — |
Styled to Rock | Mentor and judge | |
2013 | Ten: The Hits Tour | — |
2020 | Got What It Takes? | Guest judge |
VJ Day 75: The Nation's Tribute | Herself | |
2020-2022 | The Masked Singer | 2020: Winner, masked as Queen Bee 2021: Guest panelist for the final episode 2022: Guest performer, as Queen Bee, with Robobunny |
2022 | Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special | Herself |
References
- ^ a b c d Roberts 2009, p. 218
- ^ Chronicle, Chester (17 August 2011). "Girls Aloud star Nicola Roberts, of Runcorn, to front Alder Hey charity appeal". chesterchronicle. Retrieved 4 August 2018.
- ^ Roberts 2009, p. 220
- ^ Roberts 2009, p. 217
- ^ a b Kadri, Anisa (23 August 2010). "Nicola Ward, Story of the girl who turned down Girls Aloud". Closer. Retrieved 1 September 2011.
- ^ a b Roberts 2009, p. 21
- ^ a b c d Roberts 2009, p. 22
- ^ a b Roberts 2009, p. 23
- ^ Roberts 2009, p. 28
- ^ Roberts 2009, p. 60
- ^ Roberts 2009, p. 63
- ^ Roberts 2009, p. 59
- ^ Roberts 2009, p. 148
- ^ Roberts 2009, p. 65
- ^ Roberts 2009, p. 70
- ^ Roberts 2009, p. 78
- ^ Roberts 2009, p. 95
- ^ a b c d Roberts 2009, p. 100
- ^ Roberts 2009, p. 308
- ^ Roberts 2009, p. 312
- ^ a b Roberts 2009, p. 171
- ^ Roberts 2009, p. 173
- ^ Roberts 2009, p. 250
- ^ a b Roberts, Nicola (26 September 2011). "Guest Blog: Nicola Roberts – Lucky Day 5 – G-A-Y and Hair". Holy Moly. Archived from the original on 29 September 2011. Retrieved 26 September 2011.
- ^ Roberts 2009, p. 217
- ^ Copsey, Robert (1 August 2011). "Nicola Roberts confirms 'Lucky Day' single release". Digital Spy. Retrieved 11 August 2011.
- ^ a b c Nicholson, Rebecca (4 June 2011). "Nicola Roberts: Diplo and Metronomy dance to the bang of my drum". The Guardian. Retrieved 11 August 2011.
- ^ Moynihan, David (21 June 2011). "Nicola Roberts collaborator: 'New songs are wild cards'". Digital Spy. Retrieved 11 August 2011.
- ^ Roberts, Nicola (6 May 2011). "Are You In?". Polydor Records. Archived from the original on 12 August 2011. Retrieved 13 August 2011.
- ^ a b Copsey, Robert (18 June 2011). "Nicola Roberts interview: "I begged for Kate Bush"". Digital Spy. Retrieved 11 August 2011.
- UK Singles Chart. Retrieved 11 August 2011.
- ^ Williams, Andrew (26 June 2011). "Nicola Roberts: I thought I'd won the jackpot when I got in Girls Aloud". Metro. Retrieved 11 August 2011.
- ^ "Song of the Day 'Lucky Day'". Popjustice. Retrieved 14 August 2011.
- ^ Lambden, Dan. "Track Review: Nicola Roberts 'Lucky Day'". SoSoGay. Archived from the original on 29 September 2011. Retrieved 14 September 2011.
- ^ a b Mackay, Emily. "First Listen – Nicola Roberts, 'Cinderella' s Eyes'". Album review. Archived from the original on 22 October 2012. Retrieved 25 September 2011.
- ^ "Archive Chart". Official Charts Company. 1 October 2011. Retrieved 25 September 2011.
- ^ "Nicola Roberts Cinderella's Eyes". Apple. Retrieved 24 September 2011.
- ^ Hunter-Tilney, Ludovic (24 September 2011). "Nicola Roberts: Cinderella's Eyes". Financial Times. Retrieved 24 September 2011.
- ^ Lanchno, James (22 September 2011). "Nicola Roberts: Cinderella's Eyes, CD review". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 24 September 2011.
- ^ Montgomery, Hugh (2 October 2011). "Album: Nicola Roberts, Cinderella's Eyes (Polydor)". The Independent. Archived from the original on 20 June 2022. Retrieved 5 October 2011.
- ^ "Archive Chart". Official Charts Company. 8 October 2011. Retrieved 3 October 2011.
- ^ "Archive Chart". Official Charts Company. 8 October 2011. Retrieved 3 October 2011.
- ^ "Archive Chart". Official Charts Company. 8 October 2011. Retrieved 3 October 2011.
- ^ "Irish Albums Chart". Irish Recorded Music Association. Archived from the original on 14 June 2012. Retrieved 3 October 2011.
- ^ Copsey, Robert (8 November 2012). "Nicola Roberts: 'Yo-Yo' review". Digital Spy. Retrieved 16 January 2012.
- ^ "Nicola to co-host Rihanna's new fashion talent TV show". Polydor Records. 25 January 2012. Archived from the original on 28 January 2012. Retrieved 28 January 2012.
- ^ "Girls Aloud reunion plans confirmed by Nadine Coyle". Digital Spy. 4 March 2012. Retrieved 19 August 2012.
- ^ "Girls Aloud will record new album, says Kimberley Walsh". Digital Spy. 11 March 2012. Retrieved 19 August 2012.
- ^ Smart, Gordon (6 December 2013). "Nicola receives disc award for her help with Little Mix's album DNA". Retrieved 15 December 2013.
- ^ "Cheryl Cole confirms Girls Aloud Reunion will be in November 2012". Music Eyz. Archived from the original on 23 September 2012. Retrieved 24 December 2012.
- ^ "Top 40 Official UK Singles Archive". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 26 November 2012.
- ^ "Girls Aloud premier new single, 'Beautiful 'Cause You Love Me' – Listen". Digital Spy. 13 November 2012. Retrieved 14 November 2012.
- ITV. Archived from the originalon 4 November 2012. Retrieved 19 November 2012.
- ITV. Archived from the originalon 16 December 2012. Retrieved 1 December 2012.
- ^ "Girls Aloud to make comeback". CBS News. 19 October 2012. Retrieved 19 October 2012.[permanent dead link]
- ^ Savage, Mark (19 October 2012). "Girls Aloud reveal reunion plans". BBC News. Retrieved 19 October 2012.
- ^ "Girls Aloud's Nicola Roberts starts work on second album". Digital Spy. 11 October 2011. Retrieved 19 August 2012.
- ^ "Nicola Roberts not sure of second solo album". 4Music. 13 January 2012. Retrieved 19 August 2012.[permanent dead link]
- ^ Moodie, Clemmie (29 September 2013). "Cheryl Cole and Nicola Roberts to write songs together to keep spirit of Girls Aloud alive". Mirror. Retrieved 30 September 2013.
- ^ Tangcay, Jazz (7 January 2014). "Nicola Roberts is working on a new album". SoSo Gay. Archived from the original on 8 January 2014. Retrieved 8 January 2014.
- ^ ACE. "ACE Repertory". mobile.ascap.com. Retrieved 5 March 2018.
- ^ Rob Copsey (11 July 2018). "Cheryl reveals her new album is nearly finished and she wrote every track with Girls Aloud's Nicola Roberts". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 19 August 2018.
- ^ Ali, Jade (3 December 2019). "Nicola Roberts to make West End debut in City of Angels". London Theatre Direct. Retrieved 15 February 2020.
- ^ Lee, Jess (17 February 2020). "The Masked Singer winner Nicola Roberts reveals struggles with Queen Bee costume". Digital Spy. Retrieved 18 February 2020.
- ^ The Newsroom (14 August 2020). "Let's celebrate VJ Day 75 without crowds". Retrieved 2 October 2021.
- ^ Channon, Max (4 June 2022). "Platinum Jubilee Party at the Palace in pictures as it happened". WalesOnline. Retrieved 15 June 2022.
- ^ a b Roberts 2009, p. 101
- ^ Roberts 2009, p. 138
- ^ Hunt, Elle (6 January 2020). "Nicola Roberts: 'My therapist said I was one of the most resilient people she'd ever met'". The Guardian. Retrieved 26 October 2021.
- ^ Hellen, Nicholas (22 July 2018). "Girls Aloud star Nicola Roberts wins apology from CPS over stalking case". The Sunday Times. Retrieved 26 October 2021.
- ^ "Nicola Roberts relaunches Dainty Doll make-up range". BBC News. 25 August 2010.
- ^ Roberts 2009, p. 297
- ^ Roberts 2009, p. 293
- ^ a b "Nicola Roberts: The Truth About Tanning". BBC. Retrieved 13 October 2010.
- ^ a b "Government and Girls Aloud star back under-18 tan ban". BBC News. 13 January 2010. Retrieved 13 October 2010.
- Polydor. Archived from the originalon 14 October 2011. Retrieved 11 October 2011.
- ^ a b c d e Moodie, Clemmie (27 September 2011). "Nicola Roberts: I was bullied for four years over the way I looked". Daily Mirror. Retrieved 8 October 2011.
- ^ Roberts, Nicola. "Guest Blog: Nicola Roberts, Lucky Day, Sticks + Stones". Holy Moly. Archived from the original on 24 September 2011. Retrieved 8 October 2011.
- ^ a b "Nicola Roberts: 'Twitter highlights bullying problem'". BBC News. 30 September 2011. Retrieved 8 October 2011.
- ^ a b Nika, Colleen (11 October 2011). "Nicola Roberts, One-Fifth of Britain's Biggest Girl Group, Talks Solo Record and Style Ambitions". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on 12 October 2011. Retrieved 19 November 2011.
Works cited
- Dreams That Glitter. Transworld Publishers Limited. 2009. ISBN 978-0-552-15760-5.
External links
- Official website
- Nicola Roberts at IMDb