Rachel Stevens
Rachel Stevens | |
---|---|
Born | Rachel Lauren Stevens 9 April 1978 Southgate, London, England |
Occupations |
|
Years active | 1993–present |
Works |
|
Spouse |
Alex Bourne
(m. 2009; div. 2022) |
Children | 2 |
Musical career | |
Genres | Pop |
Instrument(s) | Vocals |
Labels | Polydor |
Website | rachelstevens |
Rachel Lauren Stevens (born 9 April 1978) is an English singer, businesswoman, model and actress. She has been a member of the pop group
In July 2004, Stevens released the single "Some Girls" as a charity record for Sport Relief, and the single's success prompted Polydor to re-issue Funky Dory with three new songs.[1] Come and Get It, her second studio album, was released in October 2005. It peaked at No. 28 in the UK, and two of its three singles reached the Top 10.[2] Following the release, Stevens took an extended hiatus from her music career.
In 2008, she came second in the
Early life
Born in
Her father is Michael Stevens and she has two brothers.In 1993, she first caught attention by winning a modelling contest sponsored by UK teen magazine Just 17, beating 5,000 other competitors.[6] Following her first modelling jobs, she decided to study at the London College of Fashion, where she achieved a diploma in business. During that time she also worked for a film company and later in public relations, but began to lose interest and decided to pursue a career in singing instead.
Career
1998–2003: S Club
The group rose to fame by starring in their own BBC television series, Miami 7, in 1999. Over the five years they were together, S Club 7 had four UK No.1 singles, one UK No.1 album, a string of hits throughout Europe, including a top-ten single in the United States, Asia, Latin America and Africa. They recorded a total of four studio albums, released eleven singles and went on to sell over fourteen million albums worldwide. Their first album, S Club, had a strong 1990s pop sound, similar to many artists of their time. However, through the course of their career, their musical approach changed to a more dance and R&B sound which is heard mostly in their final album, Seeing Double.
The concept and brand of the group was created by Simon Fuller, also their manager through 19 Entertainment; they were signed to Polydor Records. Their television series went on to last four series, seeing the group travel across the United States and eventually ending up in Barcelona, Spain. It became popular in 100 different countries where the show was watched by over 90 million viewers.[7] The show, which was a children's sitcom, often mirrored real life events which had occurred in S Club, including the relationship of Hannah Spearritt and Paul Cattermole, as well as the eventual departure from the group of the latter. As well as the popularity of their television series, S Club 7 won two Brit Awards—in 2000 for British breakthrough act and in 2002, for best British single. In 2001, the group earned the Record of year. S Club's second to last single reached number-five in the UK charts and their final studio album failed to make the top ten. However, on 21 April 2003, during a live onstage performance, S Club announced that they were to disband.[8]
2003–2004: Funky Dory
In 2003, after S Club disbanded, Stevens signed a £1.5 million solo four-album deal with
2005–2007: Come and Get It and films
In March 2005, Stevens released her new single, "Negotiate with Love", that was a top ten hit in the UK.[16] "So Good" was released in July 2005 and also peaked at number 10,[17] being hailed as "tastily produced and sassily delivered."[18] In mid-2005, Channel 4 broadcast a documentary which followed Stevens through the summer as she promoted "So Good". Her second album, Come and Get It, produced by Richard X and Xenomania, was released in October 2005 and peaked at number 28 in the UK.[17] The album was included on The Guardian list "1,000 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die".[19] The third and final single was "I Said Never Again (But Here We Are)", which peaked at number 12 in the UK[17] and was commended by HMV.co.uk for its "astonishingly flawless vocal performance" and as Stevens's "most commercially accessible and quirky single since "Some Girls"."[4]
In 2005 Stevens also appeared in the comedy films Deuce Bigalow: European Gigolo and Spider-Plant Man. She also appeared in comedy film Suzie Gold. From November 27 to December 17, 2005, she toured in UK with the Come and Get It Tour.[20] In the following years, Stevens planned to release a third album, but dropped.[21]
2008–present: Business and other projects
Since 2008, Stevens has been working as a businesswoman, co-creating clothing and makeup lines with British brands, in addition to philanthropic work – she worked for 5 years in the
In 2013 Stevens was mentor assistant on the
On 9 November 2022, Stevens announced that she would be performing at Mighty Hoopla 2023, marking her first solo performance since 2005, but after the passing of S Club member Paul Cattermole, she pulled out of the show.[35][36]
Other ventures
Philanthropy
In 2005 Stevens fronted the Everyman
In 2005 Stevens also took part in the Make Poverty History campaign, which aims to eliminate poverty in developing countries by cancelling old debts, improving the way aid is given and removing barriers, so these countries can trade more effectively with the rest of the world. Stevens donated an undisclosed amount of money to the campaign, and also starred in television and magazine advertisements supporting the cause. Her official website also displayed the campaign's official online banner.[6]
On 15 November 2011 it was reported that Stevens had recorded a collection of songs about fruit and vegetables as a way of helping to encourage children to eat
Stevens is also an ambassador to WaterAid, an organisation that promotes clean water in developing countries all over the world. During a 2012 trip to Ethiopia, Stevens remarked, "It was such a great feeling to see the women laughing and chatting while they were washing their clothes and drinking clean water. Everyone looked healthier and a lot happier and the village felt full of life."[38]
Endorsement deals
Whilst in S Club 7 Stevens fronted the World Wide Fund for Nature. More recently, she has been the front woman for Pretty Polly,[39] Sky Sports, Marks & Spencer,[40] and Focus Dailies.[41] In 2009, Stevens became the new ambassador for Schwarzkopf Herod Gliss hair products.[42] In October 2011 Stevens fronted the launch of Seven Seas Health Oils.[43]
Personal life
In her earlier years in S Club, Stevens dated
In June 2008, Stevens became engaged to her boyfriend of 18 months, Alex Bourne.[50] The couple had planned to marry in the autumn of 2008, but postponed their wedding until 2 August 2009 due to Stevens' busy autumn schedule training and performing on Strictly Come Dancing.[51][52] The wedding was a Jewish one.[53] On 19 May 2010 the couple were expecting their first child.[54] Her first daughter was born in 2010 and her second in 2014. In July 2022, Stevens announced on her Instagram that she and Bourne were divorcing.
Occasional reference is made by the virtual band
Stevens has stated that she "observe[s] some of the (Jewish) holidays and I'll go to the synagogue on special occasions".[5]
Discography
- Funky Dory (2003)
- Come and Get It (2005)
Filmography
Film
Year | Title | Role | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
2003 | Seeing Double | Rachel | |
2004 | Suzie Gold | Tina | |
2005 | Deuce Bigalow: European Gigolo | Louisa, the Dirty Girl | |
Spider-Plant Man | Jane–Mary Watson | ||
2008 | Glendogie Bogey | Patricia Ravelston | Voice role |
Television
Year | Title | Role | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
1999 | Miami 7 | Rachel | Main Role |
Back to the '50s | Television film | ||
Boyfriends & Birthdays | |||
The Greatest Store in the World | Herself | ||
2000 | L.A. 7 | Rachel | Main Role |
S Club 7 Go Wild! | Herself | Reality television | |
Artistic Differences | Rachel | Television film | |
Christmas Special | |||
2001 | Hollywood 7 | Main role | |
S Club Search | Judge / Mentor | Reality television | |
2002 | Viva S Club | Rachel | Main role |
Pop Idol
|
Guest mentor | Episode: "Will Young" | |
2006 | Happy Hour | Herself | Episode: "Thanksgiving" |
2008 | Strictly Come Dancing
|
Contestant | Season 6
|
2009–2014 | Herself | Christmas Specials
| |
2009 | The Sunday Night Project | Various roles | Episode: "Rachel Stevens and Joe Swash" |
2013 | The X Factor New Zealand | Mentor assistant | Season 1
|
2015–2016 | The Voice of Ireland
|
Judge / Mentor | 5
|
2017 | Celebrity MasterChef
|
Contestant | Series 12
|
2022 | Dancing on Ice | Contestant | Season 14
|
Stage
Year | Title | Role |
---|---|---|
2019 | Rip It Up The 70s | Rachel[33] |
Concert tours
Awards and nominations
Year | Award | Category | Work | Result |
---|---|---|---|---|
2003 | Smash Hits Awards | Best Dressed Star | Herself | Won |
National Music Awards | Favorite UK Female Singer | Herself | ||
Meteor Music Awards | Best International Female | Herself | Nominated | |
The Record of the Year Awards | Record of the Year | " Sweet Dreams My LA Ex "
| ||
2004 | Smash Hits Awards | Best Dressed Star | Herself | Won |
Most Fanciable Female | Herself | |||
Celebrity Awards | Sexiest Female Celebrity | Herself | ||
Popjustice £20 Music Prize Awards | Best British single | "Some Girls" | ||
"Sweet Dreams My LA Ex" | Nominated | |||
Meteor Music Awards | Best International Female | Herself | ||
Best album | Funky Dory | |||
Brit Awards
|
Best British Single | "Sweet Dreams My LA Ex" | ||
NME Awards | Best Female Artist | Herself | Won | |
Disney Channel Kid's Choice Awards | Best Female Artist | Herself | ||
Annual Showbusiness Awards | Recording Artist of the Year | Herself | ||
2005 | Glamour Awards | Woman of the Year | Herself | |
Smash Hits Awards | Most Fanciable Female | Herself | ||
Popjustice £20 Music Prize Awards | Best British single | "Negotiate with Love" | Nominated | |
2006 | Jammy Awards | Outstanding Female Singer | Herself | Won |
Popjustice £20 Music Prize Awards | Best British single | "I Said Never Again (But Here We Are)" | Nominated | |
2009 | Digital Spy Reality Awards | Sexiest Female | Herself | Won |
Rear of the Year | Rear of the Year | Herself | ||
2014 | FHM Awards | Sexiest Woman of All-Time | Herself |
Notes
- ^ Jamie Gill. Rachel Stevens 3. Rachel Stevens Online – originally from Yahoo! Launch. 7 October 2003. Retrieved 5 February 2006.
- ^ Azeem Ahmad. Rachel Stevens 5. MusicOMH. 8 December 2003. Retrieved 5 February 2006.
- ^ Rachel Stevens 6. Rachel Stevens Online – originally from HMV.co.uk. June 2004. Retrieved 5 February 2006.
- ^ Rachel Stevens 7. Rachel Stevens Online – originally from Yahoo! Launch. July 2004. Retrieved 5 February 2006.
- ^ Rachel Stevens 8. Rachel Stevens Online – originally from London News Review. 23 September 2004. Retrieved 5 February 2006.
- ^ Rachel Stevens 9. Virgin.net. 2005. Retrieved 6 February 2006.
- ^ Rachel Stevens 10. HMV.co.uk. Aug. 2005. Retrieved 6 February 2006.
- ^ Rachel Stevens 12. Rachel Stevens Online. 2006. Retrieved 29 January 2006.
- Rachel Stevens 16. The Daily Record. 2006. Retrieved 1 May 2006.
- ^ Rachel Stevens 17. Everyman. 2005. Retrieved 29 January 2006.
- ^ Rachel Stevens 18. RSO: Make Poverty History. 2005. Retrieved 29 January 2006.
- ^ Stephen 4 Stevens", The Daily Mirror. 2006. Retrieved 11 November 2006.
- ^ "Rach's Oli Nice Bloke", The Daily Mirror. 2006. Retrieved 11 November 2006.
References
- ^ "Sport Relief '04 Media Pack" (PDF). BBC. Archived (PDF) from the original on 6 September 2014. Retrieved 4 March 2013.
- ^ Petridis, Alexis (14 October 2005). "Pop CD: Rachel Stevens, Come And Get It". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 21 September 2013. Retrieved 4 March 2013.
- ^ Sinyard, Ally. "Rachel Stevens is officially the sexiest woman of all time". FHM. Archived from the original on 8 August 2014. Retrieved 3 August 2014.
- ^ Sherwin, Adam (19 December 2008). "Rachel Stevens the favourite to win Strictly Come Dancing". The Times. Archived from the original on 27 October 2014. Retrieved 27 October 2014.(subscription required)
- ^ a b "Jewish Showbiz News". somethingjewish.co.uk. Archived from the original on 26 August 2014. Retrieved 26 April 2012.
- ^ Greenstreet, Rosanna (9 July 2004). "Q&A: Rachel Stevens". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 18 May 2019. Retrieved 18 May 2019.
- ^ "S Club reach for the top". BBC News. 18 June 2000. Archived from the original on 13 October 2007. Retrieved 4 September 2007.
- ^ "S Club to split up". BBC News. 21 April 2003. Archived from the original on 21 June 2006. Retrieved 25 August 2007.
- ^ "S Club's Rachel signs £1m deal". BBC News. 26 June 2003. Archived from the original on 10 October 2008. Retrieved 3 February 2008.
- ^ "Rachel Stevens: Biography". Billboard. Archived from the original on 11 October 2022. Retrieved 19 May 2008.
- ^ Sexton, Paul (6 October 2004). "Peas, Dido Top U.K. Charts". Billboard. Retrieved 19 May 2008.
- ^ Gill, Jamie (7 October 2003). "Rachel Stevens – 'Funkydory'". Yahoo!. Archived from the original on 17 January 2005.
- ^ "Rachel Stevens – Music Charts". acharts.us. Archived from the original on 19 April 2008. Retrieved 19 May 2008.
- ^ Sexton, Paul (11 October 2004). "Robbie, R.E.M. Overtake U.K. Charts". Billboard. Archived from the original on 27 April 2014. Retrieved 19 May 2008.
- ^ Freeman, Hadley (10 June 2005). "Club class". The Guardian. London. Archived from the original on 13 January 2008. Retrieved 19 May 2008.
- ^ Sexton, Paul (4 April 2005). "Christie Rules U.K. Charts Again". Billboard. Archived from the original on 6 September 2014. Retrieved 19 May 2008.
- ^ a b c "Rachel Stevens – Music Chart". acharts.us. Archived from the original on 30 September 2007. Retrieved 27 July 2007.
- ^ "Rachel Stevens – So Good". virginmedia.com. Archived from the original on 8 May 2008. Retrieved 19 May 2008.
- ^ Petridis, Alexis (15 October 2005). "Rachel Stevens, Come And Get It". The Guardian. London. Archived from the original on 11 October 2022. Retrieved 19 May 2008.
- ^ a b "Rachel Stevens UK tour dates". Music News. 8 April 2014. Archived from the original on 26 December 2014. Retrieved 20 August 2014.
- ^ "Trio of talent get animated in Glendogie Bogey". BBC. Retrieved 7 August 2010.
- ^ "Rachel Stevens admite que há 'potencial' para gravar o terceiro álbum". Retro Pop Magazine. London. Archived from the original on 11 October 2022. Retrieved 12 January 2021.
- ^ Irvine, Chris (29 August 2008). "Rachel Stevens: Strictly Come Dancing is 'scary'". The Daily Telegraph. London. Archived from the original on 29 August 2008. Retrieved 31 August 2008.
- ^ Doyle, Damien (28 August 2008). "Rachel Stevens For Strictly Come Dancing". MTV. Archived from the original on 31 August 2008. Retrieved 31 August 2008.
- ^ "Nothing in Common (Demo) by muumuse on SoundCloud – Create, record and share your sounds for free". Soundcloud.com. 7 July 2011. Archived from the original on 1 August 2011. Retrieved 16 November 2011.
- ^ "Former S Club 7 member Rachel Stevens has confirmed that the group has discussed a reunion". 24 March 2013. Metro. 24 March 2013. Archived from the original on 4 May 2013. Retrieved 13 May 2013.
- ^ Kelly, Aoife (6 October 2014). "Una Foden and Rachel Stevens announced as new judges on 'The Voice of Ireland'". The Irish Independent. Independent News and Media. Archived from the original on 10 October 2014. Retrieved 6 October 2014.
- ^ "S Club 7 reunite for Children in Need". BBC News. 22 October 2014. Archived from the original on 22 October 2014. Retrieved 22 October 2014.
- NBCUniversal Cable). Archivedfrom the original on 25 October 2014. Retrieved 22 October 2014.
- ^ Rachel Stevens plays Innuendo Bingo, archived from the original on 21 August 2021, retrieved 17 December 2019
- ^ "Rachel Stevens stuns with youthful appearance on MasterChef". HELLO!. 24 August 2017. Archived from the original on 2 March 2021. Retrieved 30 December 2020.
- ^ Meechan, Lauren (9 April 2018). "Rachel Stevens turns 40: S Club 7 singer shows underboob in scantily-clad throwback snaps". Express.co.uk. Archived from the original on 29 March 2021. Retrieved 30 December 2020.
- ^ a b Gibb, Bill. "Former S Club 7 and Strictly star Rachel Stevens on hitting her stride after 40 and joining 70s dance show". The Sunday Post. Archived from the original on 2 February 2021. Retrieved 30 December 2020.
- ^ "Rachel Stevens confirmed for Dancing on Ice 2022 series". Archived from the original on 5 October 2021. Retrieved 5 October 2021.
- ^ "Mighty Hoopla announces insane line-up with Kelly Rowland, Rachel Stevens and Years & Years and we've all lost our minds". 9 November 2022. Retrieved 9 December 2022.
- ^ Rachel Stevens pulls out of Mighty Hoopla after Paul Cattermole death
- ^ "Rachel Stevens visits Streatham nursery to promote healthy eating". Streatham Guardian. 17 November 2011. Archived from the original on 7 April 2012. Retrieved 17 November 2011.
- ^ Rachel Stevens emotional over Africa visit. Archived 19 July 2013 at the Wayback Machine Contactmusic.com 26 November 2012.
- ^ "Why the bottom has fallen out of stocking sales". London Evening Standard. 7 July 2018. Archived from the original on 27 April 2008. Retrieved 19 May 2008.
- ^ Julia, Pearlman (11 October 2005). "Marks & Spencer's sales increase fuelled by Twiggy ad campaign". Brand Republic. Archived from the original on 9 October 2008. Retrieved 19 May 2008.
- ^ Clark, Nicola (29 August 2007). "Media: Focus Dailies in ITV dating shows deal". Brand Republic. Archived from the original on 11 September 2008. Retrieved 19 May 2008.
- ^ [dead link]
- ^ Macleod, Ishbel (12 October 2011). "Seven Seas launches new range of Health Oils with TBWA\Manchester". The Drum. Archived from the original on 15 September 2012. Retrieved 22 December 2012.
- ^ "Rachel Stevens Seeing Ex After Split". Contactmusic.com. Retrieved 7 August 2010.
- ^ "S Club's Rachel to wed Holby City star". BBC News. 18 February 2002. Archived from the original on 9 March 2008. Retrieved 3 February 2008.
- ^ "Rachel Stevens splits with fiance". BBC News. 10 January 2004. Archived from the original on 9 December 2008. Retrieved 3 February 2008.
- ^ Stoneman, Justin. "Rachel Stevens Interview". Virginmedia.com. Archived from the original on 5 February 2008. Retrieved 3 February 2008.
- ^ "Sun, Sea and Man For Rachel". Digital Spy. 1 May 2006. Archived from the original on 5 February 2008. Retrieved 3 February 2008.
- ^ Kilkelly, Daniel (1 October 2006). "Rachel Stevens dates Van Outen's ex". Digital Spy. Archived from the original on 5 February 2008. Retrieved 3 February 2008.
- ^ "Rachel Stevens & Alex Bourne". Now! Magazine. 25 June 2008. Archived from the original on 15 October 2017. Retrieved 24 May 2017.
- ^ "Rachel Stevens puts Strictly before wedding". Tellyzone. 16 September 2008. Archived from the original on 12 October 2009. Retrieved 7 August 2010.
- ^ "Rachel Stevens Marries in Lavish Ceremony". Sky News. Archived from the original on 16 July 2012. Retrieved 7 August 2010.
- ^ Shure, Jan (6 August 2009). "Rachel Stevens' wedding: the Jews talked..." The Jewish Chronicle. Archived from the original on 23 July 2015. Retrieved 27 October 2014.
- ^ "Rachel Stevens – Stevens Pregnant – Contactmusic Ne". Contactmusic.com. 19 May 2010. Archived from the original on 22 May 2010. Retrieved 7 August 2010.
- ^ "Joey Fatone, Gorillaz, Thomas Jones". MTV Cribs. July 2006. MTV.
- ISBN 1594489319.
- ^ "Rachel Stevens cancels tour of Turkmenistan". Pop Justice. 8 April 2014. Archived from the original on 3 September 2014. Retrieved 20 August 2014.
External links
- Official website
- Rachel Stevens at IMDb
- Rachel Stevens Gallery
- Rachel Stevens at Allmusic
- Rachel Stevens discography at Discogs
- FHM's Rachel Stevens Special