Myron Avant (born April 26, 1978 in Cleveland, Ohio), better known as Avant is an American R&B singer-songwriter. He is best known for hits such as "Separated" (the remix to which features Kelly Rowland), "My First Love," which one version features KeKe Wyatt, and "Read Your Mind" (remix featuring Snoop Dogg on the extended promo vinyl and released September 30, 2003). He was featured in the remix to the Lloyd Banks song "Karma" from the 2004 album The Hunger for More, and has had a cameo appearance in the 2004 feature film BarberShop 2: Back in Business.

His self-titled fifth album, Avant, was released on December 9, 2008. Avant is now signed to Verve Forecast and released his sixth studio album The Letter (formerly titled "Wake Up") on December 21, 2010,^[1] featuring production from the likes of The Pentagon; Mike City; Marshall Leathers; and Kajun.^[2] Avant cites R.Kelly as his biggest influence and inspiration.

Discography [link]

Studio albums [link]

Solo singles [link]

Featured singles [link]

• 2002: "Cleveland Is the City" (Bone Thugs-n-Harmony featuring Avant)
• 2005: "Super Saucy" (Baby Bash featuring Avant)
• 2005: "Stickwitu" (Pussycat Dolls featuring Avant)
• 2005: "Karma" (Lloyd Banks featuring Avant)
• 2005: "Bedroom Boom" (Ying Yang Twins featuring Avant)
• 2006: "Claim My Place" (Diddy featuring Avant)
• 2007: "Phone Sex (Thats What's Up)" (Karma featuring Avant)
• 2010: "Skies Wide Open" (Brian Culbertson featuring Avant)

References [link]

1. ^ "Avant MySpace announcement". http://www.myspace.com/avant/blog/541125801. Retrieved December 18, 2010. 
2. ^ Avant interview by Pete Lewis, 'Blues & Soul' February 2011
3. ^ ^{a b c d} "Gold & Platinum - Avant". RIAA. http://riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=1&table=SEARCH_RESULTS&action=&title=&artist=avant&format=&debutLP=&category=&sex=&releaseDate=&requestNo=&type=&level=&label=&company=&certificationDate=&awardDescription=&catalogNo=&aSex=&rec_id=&charField=&gold=&platinum=&multiPlat=&level2=&certDate=&album=&id=&after=&before=&startMonth=1&endMonth=1&startYear=1958&endYear=2010&sort=CertificationDate&perPage=25. Retrieved November 25, 2010. 
4. ^ ^{a b} "Avant > Charts & Awards > Billboard Albums". allmusic. http://www.allmusic.com/artist/p385927/charts-awards. 

External links [link]

• Avant's official website
• Avant's official MySpace page
• Avant on Geffen Records
• Avant on Singersroom
• Avant 2011 audio interview at Soulinterviews.com

Nicole Elikolani Valiente Prescovia Scherzinger^[2] (born June 29, 1978) is an American singer, songwriter, dancer, record producer, model and actress. Scherzinger is well known as the lead singer of the Pussycat Dolls. Previously, Scherzinger was a backing vocalist for the late-1990s rock group Days of the New and was a part of reality TV girl group Eden's Crush. After the disbandment of the group, she joined the Pussycat Dolls and became the group's lead vocalist during their transition into a career in music.

With the Pussycat Dolls, she released two albums, PCD and Doll Domination and embarked on several concert tours.^[3] When Scherzinger joined the multi-platinum group, they became a worldwide phenomenon, releasing two albums, 2005’s PCD, which has sold nine million copies worldwide, and 2008’s worldwide million-seller Doll Domination. They’ve also scored a string of massive hit singles, including the number ones "Don’t Cha" and "Buttons," the Grammy-nominated "Stickwitu," "I Hate This Part," and "When I Grow Up," which hit the Top 10 in 16 countries. In 2009, Scherzinger wrote and recorded an adaptation of A.R. Rahman’s "Jai Ho" (from the film "Slumdog Millionaire") which went to number one in 17 countries. The group won three Billboard Music Awards, two MTV Video Music Awards, and toured with Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, and The Black Eyed Peas. "I'm very proud of what we’ve done," Scherzinger says. "It was really high-quality pop music, thanks to Ron and Jimmy, and I loved the whole process."^[4][5]

After leaving the group in December 2010, Scherzinger began a solo career with the release of her debut studio album Killer Love. The album's second single, "Don't Hold Your Breath" peaked at number one on the UK Singles Chart, marking her first number one hit as a solo artist.^[6] Scherzinger became the winner of the tenth season of Dancing with the Stars in early 2010. She was a judge on the first season of the US version of The X Factor, which premiered in September 2011.

Early life[link]

Scherzinger was born Nicole Elikolani Prescovia Valiente in Honolulu, Hawaii, into a staunchly Roman Catholic family.^[7][8] Her father, Alfonso Valiente, is of Filipino descent, and her mother, Rosemary, is mixed Hawaiian and Russian descent, as Nicole's grandmother was Russian while her grandfather is Hawaiian.^{[9][10][11][12][13]} Her mother was eighteen at the time of Scherzinger's birth and lived in an inner city neighborhood.^[14] Scherzinger's parents separated when she was still a baby. When she was six years old, her maternal family moved to Louisville, Kentucky,^[15] with her sister, Keala, and her German American stepfather, Gary Scherzinger. She took her stepfather's surname after he adopted her.^[15]

She first attended Bowen Elementary, and later attended Meyzeek Middle School as an adolescent. Scherzinger states that, growing up, her family did not have a lot of money, and she thanks her mother for all the support she gave her to become what she is today. Scherzinger began performing in Louisville, attending the Youth Performing Arts School at duPont Manual High School, and performing with Actors Theatre of Louisville.^[15] As a teenager, Scherzinger was the first runner-up at the 1996 Kentucky State Fair's Coca-Cola Talent Classic contest.^[15]

Music career[link]

2001–02: Career beginnings[link]

In 2001 Scherzinger competed in the premiere season of The WB's television show, Popstars, on which she earned a spot in the all-girl pop group Eden's Crush alongside the other four chosen members Ivette Sosa, Maile Misajon, Ana Maria Lombo and Rosanna Tavarez . Eventually, she became one of the main vocalists for the group. The group's 2001 US single, "Get Over Yourself (Goodbye)", peaked at number one in sales and hit the top ten on Billboard Hot 100. At the time Eden's Crush was touring in support of both *NSync and Jessica Simpson.^[16] Scherzinger was approached to be the fourth member of The Black Eyed Peas, but was forced to decline because she was a member of Eden's Crush and was under contract. The position was given, instead, to Fergie. Later, however, Eden's Crush' record company, London-Sire Records, folded and the group eventually disbanded.^[17] In November 2007 Scherzinger spoke of her time in Eden's Crush:

It was hell... I was in a band with five other girls and every day was torture for me. We were on TV all the time and the atmosphere was awful... Every day I was in that band I cried my eyes out. The band was meant to be fun and frivolous but the reality was that it was miserable... I was too sensitive back then, but I got toughened up. I couldn't have gone into the Dolls without my experience in Crush.^[14]

After the disbanding of Eden's Crush, Scherzinger made a few promotional solo appearances under the stage name of Nicole Kea, including covering "Breakfast in Bed" for the soundtrack to 50 First Dates in 2003.^[18] Scherzinger later worked with Yoshiki of Japanese rock band X Japan on his Violet UK project. She sang the English version of "I'll Be Your Love" live with the Tokyo Symphonic Orchestra. The track also appeared on the 2003 Various Artists album Exposition of Global Harmony.

2003–10: The Pussycat Dolls[link]

In May 2003, Scherzinger joined the Pussycat Dolls burlesque troupe, who were being re-cast as recording artists. She had first seen them performing on The Late Show with David Letterman in November 2002, where Carmen Electra sang "Big Spender" from the Bob Fosse musical Sweet Charity. In 2006, Scherzinger said "It caught my eye because I’d played Velma Kelly in [Fosse's] Chicago in college."^[19] In one interview she spoke of her role with the Pussycat dolls stating that it was a "challenge fronting the group" but that "every girl has something different to bring and add to the success".^[20]

Scherzinger performing in 2006

The success of PCD brought Scherzinger into the media spotlight and she went on to record a series of duets/guest vocals with a wide array of male vocalists. In 2005, she appeared on recordings by Shaggy, Vittorio Grigolo and Will Smith. In 2006 she sang co-lead vocals with Avant on his single "Lie About Us", and Diddy's hit "Come to Me" (which she also co-wrote). Other appearances are listed in discography. In the biography section of her official website she says that everyone recognises her from the Pussycat Dolls's debut single "Dont Cha" which although amazing does not fulfill her musical desires. When asked what she intended to achieve with her solo career she commented "Some people only have their glasses half full, but there was never a limit to mine."^[21] The purpose of the album was to appeal to younger audiences, show them "the heart of Nicole" and show that she is "not always strong and fearless".

Doubt was cast over the future of the album when the Pussycat Dolls released their second album Doll Domination which featured some of the songs which had initially been recorded for Scherzinger's own album. "Happily Never After" and "Who's Gonna Love You" were placed on the album with no changes whilst additional backing vocals were added to "When I Grow Up" before it was released as the album's lead single.^[22] In 2010 during an interview with X magazine she also revealed that "I Hate This Part", a song which became a top-ten hit in Europe for the Pussycat Dolls, was also intended for her own solo album.^[23] Christopher "Tricky Stewart" and The-Dream were also working with Scherzinger and produced, wrote and recorded at least two songs for the album. Both of the known recordings, "Punch You In Your Sleep" and "I'm a Cheat" were re-allocated to The-Dream's ex-wife Christina Milian who has recorded them for her fourth studio album Elope due in 2010.^[24]

Furthermore it was revealed that Keri Hilson (a writer who has been heavily involved in writing for the Pussycat Dolls) had written a song called "Alienated" for Scherzinger, however when the album was delayed and shelved Hilson reclaimed the song and instead recorded the song with producer Cory Bold for her own debut studio album In a Perfect World...^[25] Reviews later went on to give the song critical acclaim for its "electro-blips and whispery raps that are alluring."^[26][27] In September 2009 it was confirmed that the teary ballad, "Just Say Yes" was reclaimed by Gary Lightbody who has since re-tooled and reworked the song.^[28] It was released as the lead single from his band, Snow Patrol's compilation album Up to Now, on November 2, 2009.^[29] Addressing the delayed release of her solo album, in September 2008 Scherzinger said, "Despite what other people might write, it was my decision, ultimately. I actually put some of my solo songs on the Pussycat Dolls' new album Doll Domination. Everything is all about timing. I believe it will come out next year, and it will be able to coexist wonderfully with the Dolls' album. It's completely separate from what you've heard with "Baby Love" and "Whatever U Like," and I'm still working on it — that's what happens when you're a perfectionist."^[30] She was interviewed by Billboard magazine in April 2009 regarding her own career plans as well as what The Dolls were up to. She said "the current incarnation of the album is just in talks and in the writing process. I haven't started recording yet." She plans to enter the studio again after the Pussycat Dolls have finished their World Domination Tour. Speaking about the project Scherzinger said she will be working again with Will.i.am, Timbaland as well as with new associates Lady Gaga and A.R. Rahman.^[31] In April 2008, Scherzinger recorded a cover version of "Rio" by Duran Duran for an advertising campaign for Unilever's Caress brand of body wash. A commercial video was released, and the single was released via download only, after May 2008.^[32] In 2008, in support of Barack Obama, she was one of many musicians to contribute to a track by will.i.am called "Yes We Can".^[33] Also on September 5, 2008, Scherzinger joined an all-star cast to perform the charity song "Just Stand Up" on live TV.^[34] The Pussycat Dolls returned to the Music scene on May 27, 2008 with the new single "When I Grow Up" which reached number nine on the U.S. Hot 100 and number one on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play. The song topped several European charts and became a worldwide top ten hit. The follow-up single "Whatcha Think About That" with Missy Elliott failed to enter the U.S. charts but managed to reach top 20 in several other countries including the UK with a limited release.

After a slight delay and with two singles released the album, Doll Domination was finally released as a standard and deluxe edition. The latter featured a disc with a solo song by each of the girls. The album debuted at number four on the Billboard 200, with 79,000 copies sold in its first week beating their debut album by one chart position but selling 20,000 less copies. It only spent seven weeks in the top 100, compared with their debut album which sat in the top 100 for nearly one year. In January 2009 it re-entered the top 100 following several more successful singles. The album in original form spawned two other singles, worldwide top 20 hit "I Hate This Part" and the number-one club song "Bottle Pop" which only received a limited release in the US and Oceania. On January 2009 they embarked their second world tour called Doll Domination Tour to support Doll Domination.^[35] Lady Gaga opened for them in Europe and Australia,^[36][37] while Ne-Yo supported the Pussycat Dolls in the UK leg.^[38] In mid-2009 they opened for Britney Spears' tour The Circus Starring Britney Spears on the first leg in North America.^[39]

The Pussycat Dolls opening at The Circus Starring Britney Spears

In April 2009 Scherzinger confirmed to Billboard that the album would be re-released to give more people a chance to get their music.^[40] In Europe the album was re-released with three or four new songs.^[41] In Australia a compilation called Doll Domination 2.0 was released with six songs from the original version plus four new songs whereas the UK received a six-song EP called Doll Domination: The Mini Collection released on April 27, 2009 featuring four of the original songs plus a remix and a new song.^[42] In August 2009 the album was repackaged once more, this time as Doll Domination 3.0 to include all of the previously released bonus songs on one CD with the original album. Its release was limited to Europe and the UK where the group's singles had all reached top 20. The repackaged versions spawned two more singles: the worldwide number one "Jai Ho! (You Are My Destiny)" (featured on the soundtrack for Slumdog Millionaire) and euro-pop remix of "Hush Hush" (retitled "Hush Hush; Hush Hush")^[42] which reached top 20 internationally. Following Scherzinger's over-emphasis in the release of these two singles there were several emotional outbursts to the media including one by Thornton during one of the group's appearances on tour.^[43] In 2009, Billboard ranked the Pussycat Dolls as the 80th most successful musical act of the 2000s.^[44] Scherzinger performed "America the Beautiful" at WWE's WrestleMania XXV in Houston, Texas at the Reliant Stadium on April 5, 2009.^[45] Scherzinger performed with guitarist Slash on October 2 in Las Vegas.^[46]

[edit] 2006–08: Solo guest appearances & Her Name is Nicole

From 2006 until late 2008 Scherzinger had been working on her debut album which was titled Her Name Is Nicole. She recorded/wrote about 75–100 songs for the album which was supposed to be released in 2007 before being pushed to October 16, 2008 and later into 2009 before being shelved.^[47][48] She told MTV "I've always said that in the Pussycat Dolls, I kind of feel like Superwoman. But that's just one of my alter egos. I've got the vulnerable, lovesick side of me amongst others which all appear on my record."^[49]

Scherzinger in 2007

The album saw Scherzinger work with a wide roster of producers and song writers some of whom had worked with Scherzinger for albums with the Pussycat Dolls. Sean Garrett and Polow da Don worked on "Whatever U Like" (featuring T.I.) which was released as the album's lead single^[50] on July 24, 2007 but deemed unsuccessful reaching just 57 in Canada. "Baby Love" was the second single released on September 10, 2007. Although well received and compared to the Pussycat Dolls' song "Stickwitu"^[50] the track did not chart well in the United States. Internationally the single fared well reaching Top 15 in most countries including the UK, and mainland Europe. It was remixed to be included on Doll Domination as a bonus track. The third single "Supervillain" was described as having a "danceable jam with a catchy chorus" and featured a reggae–dancehall interlude. Written by Rock City and produced by Mad Scientist it was only released to US iTunes in November 2007. The song's synthy melodies and disco-motown feel with Scherzinger's 5-octave range were not enough to chart in the US.^[21] Fourth single "Puakenikeni" (a type of flower in Hawaii) also released to iTunes in November was produced by Akon to as a tribute to Scherzinger's heritage^[21] but failed to chart.

Other songs included the critically acclaimed "Just Say Yes", written by Gary Lightbody (of Snow Patrol) which was a soft and slow song with its pulsing, electronic beat.^[50] She told MTV of her excitement to record the song previously rejected by Gwen Stefani. "I'm such a huge fan of Snow Patrol's music, I felt like I was supposed to make it my own. "It's a very honest and truthful song."^[49] Ne-Yo gave Scherzinger two songs, "Happily Never After" a slow ballad of which Scherzinger said she felt it "important for young girls to have an empowering message that they deserve better".^[21] Interestingly the song was originally written for Britney Spears to record for her album Blackout in 2007.^[20] The other song has a tear jerking ballad called "Save Me from Myself" for which Scherzinger helped Ne-Yo in developing the hook before recording the song.^[21] When commenting on another song "March" Scherzinger said she wanted a powerful record. "It's about never giving up on your dreams and it’s about what I went through to get where I am today."^[20] Timbaland produced and featured on the song "Physical"^[21] on which his trademark vocals can be heard over the upbeat melody and thumping baseline.^[50] Part of the song was used in the film Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (which she made a short cameo in). The album sessions also produced a number of other songs including "When Your Falling" (also co-written by Akon)^[21] "Power's Out" a riveting duet with English singer Sting (featured in Revlon adverts with Jessica Alba)^[21] and "I M.I.S.S You" written by Pharrell Williams and produced by The Neptunes.^[50]

[edit] 2010–11: First number one hit, Killer Love, and solo European tour

Scherzinger confirmed that she has done one song with Slash for his solo album Slash released in April 2010.^[51] On February 1, 2010 along with other artists Scherzinger had re-recorded "We Are the World", a charity single for the victims of the 2010 Haiti earthquake.^[52] The song debuted during NBC's coverage of the opening ceremonies of the 2010 Winter Olympics.^[53] It was released as a single on iTunes on February 12, 2010 accompanied by the music video.^[54]

Then in August 2010 Swedish-Moroccan electropop producer RedOne was interviewed by the BBC. In the interview he revealed he had been working on Scherzinger's album. "I just finished her album. Her last one never came out because it was collecting hamburgers, like fast food. One from McDonald's, one from Burger King, and so on. It tasted good, but it wasn't consistent. Her new record – people are really going to go crazy about it because it's the real her."^[55] Scherzinger confirmed these reports in a September 2010 interview with X magazine. In reference to Her Name is Nicole she said "It was actually my decision not to put it out, not the label's". Then she said "I've been working with RedOne, which is an honour. He's an unbelievable producer and musician. He had made some amazing songs with Lady Gaga. Now, there is someone with the 'x factor'. I can't touch GaGa or RedOne in that space, but I know that we've created something unique of our own."^[23] Scherzinger's new single, "Poison", premiered on her official website and YouTube account on October 14, 2010.^[56] It is due for release on November 29, 2010.^[57] A picture from the video shoot was revealed by MTV, showing Scherzinger dressed provocatively.^[58] "Poison" serves as the first single from the album and peaked at number three on the UK Singles Chart becoming Scherzinger's most successful single, until her #1 hit with "Don't Hold Your Breath" in Spring of 2011.

On November 18, 2010, she joined Prince on-stage during his concert in Abu Dhabi. While working with RedOne she has also recorded vocals for songs which will be included on Mohombi's debut album. Mohombi is the first signee to RedOne's record label.^[59] Scherzinger appeared at the Jingle Bell Ball at London's O2 Arena on December 4, 2010.^[60] The second single, "Don't Hold Your Breath", was released on March 13, 2011 and preceded the album, Killer Love, which was released March 21, 2011.^[6] The song debuted at #1 on the UK Singles Chart.^[61]

"Right There" impacted UK radio in April 2011 as the third single in the United Kingdom.^[62] For its release in the US, it was remixed to feature two new verses from American rapper 50 Cent, it serves as her first American lead single from her debut album, "Killer Love". "Right There" was released as a digital download in the US on May 17, 2011 and sent to US mainstream radio on May 24, 2011.^[63] On June 12, Sherzinger performed at Capital FM's Summertime Ball at Wembley Stadium in London.

On August 16, 2011, Scherzinger released "Don't Hold Your Breath" in the United States as her second US single. The singles,"Right There (feat. 50 Cent)" & "Don't Hold Your Breath" were to precede her debut album, "Killer Love." This version of Killer Love was originally set to feature an alternate track listing with American hip-hop artist Snoop Dogg to appear on one of the new songs recorded for the album.^[64] On The X Factor USA semi finals, Scherzinger performed a brand new song, "Pretty", which was recorded days before its performance. The album was originally planned for an August release back in 2011, but was later pushed back to November 15. Shortly after, it was confirmed that it would be released on December 6, but the album was then pushed back again to 2012. On March 23, Scherzinger revealed that the US Killer Love release was cancelled for her second album.^[65] Scherzinger has recorded more than 40 songs to be considered for her US solo debut album, but insists that it "will not be finished until the very last minute. I don't know if I will ever feel like I have finished the album."^[66]

Scherzinger also released a music video for "Wet", which was released as a single in the UK in August 2011. On November 14, 2011, Killer Love was re-released in Europe. In October 2011, Scherzinger released a new song titled "Try with Me", it is the lead single from the European re-release.^[67] The music video for "Try with Me" premiered on 18 October 2011 on MSN. Scherzinger and her team, including X Factor choreographer Brian Friedman, were held at gunpoint by a local gang when they were travelling through the mountains to the Xilitla rainforest in Mexico to shoot the video. They were released without harm but shaken by the experience.^[68][69] To further promote the album, Scherzinger began her Killer Love Tour on February 13, 2012.^[70][71]

[edit] 2012—: Sophomore studio album

On March 20, it was announced that Scherzinger will perform for the F1 Rocks Malaysia concert.^[72] During a press conference in Malaysia, Scherzinger confirmed that there will be a new album released worldwide.^[73] Scherzinger had tweeted statements regarding the new album on March 29, 2012. Scherzinger has also been working with new producers like Michael Warren, Nexus, Alex Da Kid, Dallas Austin, and more.^[74][75] She later confirmed that her next single will be a Dallas Austin production.

Supplementary ventures[link]

Acting[link]

Scherzinger has made minor appearances as an actress. She appeared in the TV comedy, Half & Half, My Wife and Kids and the 2003 film, Love Don't Cost a Thing. She also had a role in 2001 as one of the "Pop Stars" in the episode, "Finally!", of the show Sabrina, the Teenage Witch, and also made appearances in Wanda at Large, Chasing Papi, Be Cool and Cane. Scherzinger was intended to be cast in one of the lead roles in the upcoming movie with the Filipino Boxing Champion, Manny Pacquiao, together with professional wrestler, Dave Batista. She was about to play the leading lady of the Filipino Champ, but her audition was cancelled and the role went to the Filipina actress, Ruffa Mae Quinto. She also made an appearance in the Nickelodeon show, Big Time Rush, as herself. In 2010 Scherzinger appeared in the How I Met Your Mother episode "Glitter", as Robin Scherbatsky's former best friend, Jessica Glitter. She has also recorded a version of "GoldenEye" — the theme song of the 1995 Bond film GoldenEye — for the 2010 video game GoldenEye 007. Scherzinger is currently slated to play Lily Poison in the upcoming film Men in Black 3, to be released May 25, 2012.^[76]

Modelling[link]

In 2006 she made a "Bench Body" brand underwear commercial in the Philippines, and in October 2008 she promoted Clear Shampoo and Conditioner. Both commercials were reportedly aired throughout Southeast Asia. She appeared in a Nike shoe commercial with basketball player LeBron James. In 2010 she made a commercial for the C&A campaign.^[77] She appeared on the covers of numerous Cosmopolitan editions (British, Bulgarian, Croatian, Estonian, Italian, Indonesian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Mexican, Mongolian, Portuguese, Romanian, Spanish and others). Scherzinger frequently has appeared in FHM Magazine's 100 Sexiest Women poll, ranking #49 in 2006, #22 in 2007, #49 in 2008, #60 in 2009, and #73 in 2010. In 2011 she jumped 64 places to rank #9.^[78]

Musical theatre[link]

Scherzinger majored in acting and musical theatre at Wright State University, where she played Velma Kelly in Chicago and Julie La Verne in Show Boat.^[19] She put her studies on hold in 1999 to sing backing vocals for the rock band, Days of the New.^[79]

Scherzinger performing at the Tacoma Dome in Washington

In late 2009 it was reported that Scherzinger was working closely with Andrew Lloyd Webber on the musical Love Never Dies, the sequel to The Phantom of the Opera.^[80] Although she has not yet appeared in the show, her version of the title song - Love Never Dies - was played on the Chris Evans Breakfast Show on Monday 1 April 2011.^[81]

On June 4, 2010, it was announced that Scherzinger would take on the role of Maureen in the Hollywood Bowl production of the rock musical Rent, directed by Neil Patrick Harris.^[82] She played the role from August 6–8, 2010.

On October 28, 2010, Scherzinger took part in the 35th anniversary of The Rocky Horror Picture Show.^[83]

As part of the 25th Anniversary of The Phantom of the Opera, Scherzinger performed the title song at The Royal Variety Performance - held in The Lowry, Manchester - on Monday 5 December 2011. She performed alongside four former Phantoms (Simon Bowman, Earl Carpenter, John Owen-Jones and Ramin Karimloo). The performance was aired on ITV1 on Wednesday 14 December 2011.^[84] Her performance received critical acclaim.

Reality television[link]

In December 2009 Scherzinger served as a celebrity judge on NBC's reality singing competition, The Sing-Off,^[85] along with singer-songwriter Ben Folds and Boyz II Men bandmember Shawn Stockman. The show was hosted by singer Nick Lachey. Scherzinger's role was to critique performances of the competitors and vote on eliminations in all but the final round, which was determined by audience vote. In the show finale, Scherzinger performed "You Don't Own Me" with competition finalists the Beelzebubs of Tufts University. She returned to her role as judge for a second season of The Sing-Off in December 2010, but did not return for a third season.

Scherzinger at the New Jersey X Factor auditions in June 2011

On March 1, 2010, it was announced that Scherzinger would be a celebrity contestant on Dancing with the Stars for the tenth season and would be partnered with Season 7 champion Derek Hough.^[86] On May 25, 2010 Scherzinger won Dancing with the Stars season 10.^[87]

On July 1, 2010, MTV reported the media mogul, Simon Cowell, had hired Scherzinger as a guest judge for the seventh series of the UK reality TV series The X Factor after regular judge, Dannii Minogue, went on maternity leave. According to The Daily Mail, she was one of several celebrities being considered for a role on the U.S. version of The X Factor, and so the role on the UK version served as an important screen test and opportunity to impress the producers.^[88] Following praise from the show's producers, Scherzinger was asked to return as a guest judge after it was discovered that Cole had contracted malaria and was unable to film the 'bootcamp' stages of the competition.^[89] Fellow judge and permanent panel member Louis Walsh praised Scherzinger, saying "My favourite though was Nicole who I had never met before. This girl has the X Factor in every way. She just got it, was incredibly impressive and ticked every box."^[90] The host of the show, Dermot O'Leary, also praised Scherzinger, saying she was his favourite guest judge. "She was brilliant, tailor-made for it and hilarious too. We were all stunned by her beauty."^[91] Scherzinger has been credited in the formation of One Direction, which includes: Zayn Malik, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, Liam Payne, and Harry Styles. She also left her mark on the competition after she persuaded producers to change the ages of the judging categories. An X Factor spokesman told the media that "At Nicole's suggestion, and agreed by Simon and Louis, the boys' and girls' category age limit has been increased to 28. The judges believe this will strengthen the competition and talent."^[92] Additionally, it was reported that Scherzinger would be asked to help Cowell or Walsh during the "judges' houses" stages of the competition where each judge is given a category of acts to mentor and then, with the help of other celebrities and musicians, they choose three acts to take through the live finals.^[93] However, this proved to be wrong as Walsh chose Sharon Osbourne and Cowell chose Sinitta.

On May 5, 2011, Scherzinger was announced as one of two co-hosts of the first season of Cowell's U.S. version of The X Factor alongside Steve Jones. On June 6, a Fox press release announced Scherzinger would replace Cheryl Cole, whose contract had been terminated. As a result, Scherzinger joined the judging panel alongside Cowell, Paula Abdul, and L.A. Reid, leaving Jones to host The X Factor by himself. The show premiered on Fox on September 21, 2011.^[94] Scherzinger mentored the Over 30s category throughout season one where her most successful act was Josh Krajick who came second overall in the competition. During the Judges' Houses stage of the competition, Scherzinger was aided by friend and fellow artist Enrique Iglesias to help decide which of her acts should go through to the Live Shows stage. Her Judges' Houses location was in Malibu, California.

On January 30, 2012 it was confirmed that Scherzinger would not return to The X Factor along with host Steve Jones and fellow judge Paula Abdul due to Cowell and FOX deciding not to renew their contracts.^[95]

Artistry[link]

Influences[link]

Scherzinger's style has been influenced by rock n' roll ever since her start in the business. She claims that she prefers wearing a "grown up" style of clothing including leather jackets and boots, which can be seen on her very first solo tour. When asked about her trend, she told People: "My style has evolved into being a little bit more grown up. It's rock 'n' roll inspired, but chic. Glam rock." She also added: "If I wear a lace dress, I throw on a leather jacket to toughen things up, or some crazy boots. "I like dresses that are sassy, but have clean lines."^[96]

Scherzinger's idol, Houston (right) performing "My Love Is Your Love" on Good Morning America, September 1, 2009

Scherzinger biggest influence on music has been Whitney Houston. When Scherzinger was growing up in Louisville, Kentucky, she received a Christmas gift at the age of six. It was a tiny purple boombox and a cassette of Whitney Houston’s chart-topping 1985 self-titled debut album. "My parents had no money, but they got me this player and Whitney’s album, which had ‘Greatest Love of All’ on it," Scherzinger recalls. "That was it for me. From that moment on I wanted to sing. Her voice was so powerful; every note she sang just felt like the truth."^[4] Her other musical influences are Tina Turner, Prince and Michael Jackson.^[97]

Personal life[link]

Scherzinger considers herself to be a devout Roman Catholic.^[98] After a three-year relationship and engagement to 311 singer, Nick Hexum, as well as a brief relationship with reality TV star, Talan Torriero, Scherzinger began dating 2008 Formula One World Champion, Lewis Hamilton in 2008. She had met Hamilton at the European Music Awards in Munich in November 2007. They went public at the Monaco Grand Prix six months later. The couple split in January 2010 when they had been together for 20 months. However, in July 2011 Scherzinger’s father, Alfonso Valiente, confirmed the couple were engaged. On October 21, 2011 it was reported that the couple had split again. Scherzinger and Hamilton continued seeing each other, confirmed their reunion on December 2, 2011. The couple blamed their hectic lifestyles for the on-off relationship.^{[99][100][101]}

Over the past five years, Scherzinger has been ranked in Maxim's Hot 100 at 22 and 21 in 2006 and 2007 respectively. In 2008 she ranked at number 19 along with the Pussycat Dolls. In 2009 she ranked at number 49^[102] and in 2010 at number 24.^[103] In 2011, Scherzinger was ranked at 51.^[104]

Discography[link]

As a Pussycat Doll

• PCD (2005)
• Doll Domination (2008)

As a solo artist

• Killer Love (2011)

Tours[link]

As a Pussycat Doll

• Honda Civic Tour (2006)
• Back to Basics Tour (2007)
• PCD World Tour (2006–2007)
• Doll Domination Tour (2009)
• The Circus Starring Britney Spears (2009)

As a solo artist

• Killer Love Tour (2012)

Filmography[link]

Television[link]

Films[link]

Awards and nominations[link]

References[link]

External links[link]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Nicole Scherzinger

• Official website
• Nicole Scherzinger at the Internet Movie Database

Kelly Rowland
Rowland Hosts TW Steel Events At Ivy Penthouse in Sydney, Australia 2012.
Background information
Birth name	Kelendria Trene Rowland
Born	(1981-02-11) February 11, 1981 (age 31) Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
Origin	Houston, Texas
Genres	R&B, pop, hip hop, dance
Occupations	Singer, songwriter, dancer, actress, television personality
Years active	1997–present
Labels	Columbia, Universal Motown, Universal Republic[1]
Associated acts	Destiny's Child, Nelly, David Guetta
Website	kellyrowland.com

Kelly Rowland (born Kelendria Trene Rowland on February 11, 1981) is an American recording artist, songwriter, dancer, actress and television personality. She rose to fame as one of the founding members of the American R&B girl group Destiny's Child, one of the world's best-selling girl groups of all time. As a solo artist, Rowland has sold four million albums and 18 million lead/featured singles worldwide.^[2]

Rowland began her solo career in 2002 with the release of her debut album Simply Deep, which contained influences of alternative-R&B and rock music. It included her joint worldwide number-one single "Dilemma" with rapper Nelly, as well as subsequent singles "Stole", "Can't Nobody" and "Train on a Track". Following the group's disbandment in 2005, Rowland released her second solo effort Ms. Kelly in 2007. Considerably less successful than its predecessor, the album produced the hit singles "Like This" and "Work". In 2009, Rowland scored her second number-one hit with French DJ David Guetta on his single, "When Love Takes Over". The song resulted into their 2010 joint single "Commander". This was Rowland's third number-one hit on the Hot Dance Club Songs chart and first offering from her third album Here I Am (2011). The album spawned five other singles, including the US R&B number-one "Motivation", and the UK top-ten hit "Down for Whatever".

Apart from her work in music, Rowland has also launched a career in film and television. In 2002, she made her debut with guest stints on sitcom series such as The Hughleys and Taina, prior to appearing in the big-screen movies like the horror film Freddy vs. Jason (2003) and the romantic comedy The Seat Filler (2004). In 2009, she served as the host of the first season of the Bravo competition series The Fashion Show alongside Isaac Mizrahi. In 2011, Rowland joined the judging panel on the eighth series of the British reality television competition The X Factor. Rowland's work has earned her several achievements, including four Grammy Awards and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame with Destiny's Child. She has been honored by ASCAP and Essence magazine for her contributions to music.

Life and career[link]

1981–1996: Early life and career beginnings[link]

Kelendria Trene Rowland was born in Atlanta, Georgia. She is the daughter of Doris Rowland Garrison and Christopher Lovett. When she was seven, her mother took her and left her father, who was an abusive alcoholic.^[3] At the age of eight, she relocated to Houston.^[4] Rowland was placed into a rapping and dancing group, along with friends Beyoncé Knowles and LaTavia Roberson.^[5] Originally named Girl's Tyme,^[6] they were eventually cut down to six members.^[7] West coast R&B producer, Arne Frager, flew into Houston to see them and eventually brought them to his studio, The Plant Recording Studio, in Northern California.^[7] As part of efforts to sign Girl's Tyme to a major label record deal, Frager's strategy was to debut them in Star Search,^[8] the biggest talent show on national TV at that time.^[7] They participated, but lost the competition.^[9][10]

To manage the group, Mathew Knowles, Beyoncé's father, resigned in 1995 from his job as a medical-equipment salesman.^[11] He dedicated his time and established a "boot camp" for their training.^[8] At this time Rowland moved in with the Knowles.^[12] Not long after the inclusion of Rowland, Mathew cut the original lineup to four with LeToya Luckett joining in 1993.^[7][13] Rehearsing in Tina Knowles' hair styling salon and their backyards, the group continued performing as an opening act for other established R&B girl groups of the time.^[13] They auditioned before record labels and were finally signed to Elektra Records, only to be dropped months later, before they could release an album.^[14]

1997–02: Breakthrough with Destiny's Child[link]

Taken from a passage in the Biblical Book of Isaiah, the group changed their name to Destiny's Child in 1993.^[13] Together, they performed in local events and, after four years on the road, the group was signed to Columbia Records in late 1997. That same year, Destiny's Child recorded their major label debut song, "Killing Time", for the soundtrack to the 1997 film, Men in Black.^[10][13] The following year, the group released their self-titled debut album, spawning hits such as "No, No, No".^[9] The album established the group as a viable act in the music industry, amassing moderate sales and winning the group three Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards.^[13] The group rose to stardom after releasing their multi-platinum second album, The Writing's on the Wall, in 1999.^[15] The record features some of the group’s most widely known songs such as "Bills, Bills, Bills", Jumpin' Jumpin' ", and "Say My Name," which became their most-successful song at the time, and would remain one of their signature songs. "Say My Name" won the Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals and the Best R&B Song at the 2001 Grammy Awards.^[13] The Writing's on the Wall sold more than 15 million copies worldwide,^[9] essentially becoming their breakthrough album.^[16][17]

Destiny's Child performing their 2000 hit "Say My Name" during their farewell concert tour, Destiny Fulfilled ... And Lovin' It.

Along with their commercial successes, the group became entangled in much-publicized turmoil involving the filing of a lawsuit by Luckett and Roberson for breach of contract. The issue was heightened after Michelle Williams and Farrah Franklin appeared on the video of "Say My Name", implying that Luckett and Roberson had already been replaced.^[13] Eventually, Luckett and Roberson left the group. Franklin would eventually fade from the group after five months,^[9] as evidenced by her absences during promotional appearances and concerts. She attributed her departure to negative vibes in the group resulting from the strife.^[13] After settling on their final lineup, the trio recorded "Independent Women Part I", which appeared on the soundtrack to the 2000 film, Charlie's Angels. It became their best-charting single, topping the Billboard Hot 100 for eleven consecutive weeks.^[13][16] The success cemented the new lineup and skyrocketed them to fame.^[6] Later that year, Luckett and Roberson withdrew their case against their now-former band mates, while maintaining the suit against Mathew, which ended in both sides agreeing to stop public disparaging.^[13]

Later that year, while Destiny's Child was completing their third album Survivor, Rowland appeared on the remix of Avant's single "Separated" which reached the top spot of the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart.^[18] Survivor, which channeled the turmoil the band underwent, spawned its lead single of the same name, which was a response to the experience.^[19] The song went on to win a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.^[20] The themes of "Survivor", however, caused Luckett and Roberson to refile their lawsuit;^[13] the proceedings were eventually settled in June 2002.^[17] Meanwhile, the album was released in May 2001, debuting at number one on the US Billboard 200 with 663,000 units sold.^[21] To date, Survivor has sold over twelve million copies worldwide, over forty percent of which were sold in the US alone.^[22] The album also spawned the number-one hit—"Bootylicious". After releasing their remix album, This Is the Remix (2002), the group announced their temporary break-up to pursue solo projects.^[13]

[edit] 2002–05: Simply Deep, Destiny Fulfilled and group disbandment

Rowland in 2003.

Still with Destiny's Child, Rowland teamed up with rapper Nelly in 2002 to record the chorus and bridge vocals on the track "Dilemma" for his album Nellyville.^[23] Released as the album's second single, the song rose to one of the most successful singles of the year, topping many charts worldwide, and saw Rowland establishing herself as a solo artist, winning her a Grammy for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration and a Billboard Award the following year.^[24]

Originally due in early 2003, the success of the collaboration caused the label to advance the release date of her debut solo album, Simply Deep, which Rowland rushed within three weeks to get done.^[25][26] The album has a mixture of alternative-R&B and rock music.^[27][28] Featuring production contribution by Mark J. Feist, Big Bert, Rich Harrison, and singers Brandy and Solange Knowles providing background vocals, the album took Rowland's solo work further into an alternative music mixture, which Rowland described as a "weird fusion [of] a little bit of Sade and a little bit of rock."^[25][29] Released stateside in October 2002 and internationally in 2003, Simply Deep peaked at number twelve on the Billboard 200 in the US, where it was eventually certified gold by the RIAA for more than 600,000 copies sold.^[30] Released to even bigger success in international territories, the album topped the UK Albums Chart and became a gold-seller in Ireland, Hong Kong, Singapore, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and other countries, resulting into a worldwide sales total of 2.5 million copies.^[26][31] In her review for Simply Deep, Caroline Sullivan of The Guardian wrote, "Thanks to the ubiquitous 'Dilemma', a song that practically peeled off its clothes on the spot, Destiny's Child's Kelly Rowland is no longer a mere backing vocalist for Beyoncé Knowles."^[32]

The album yielded three singles. "Stole", a rock pop-influenced mid-tempo track about loss, was released as the album's lead single and became an international top ten, peaking at number two in Australia and the United Kingdom, where it remains her highest-charting solo single to date.^[33][34] Stateside, the song failed to capitalize on the success of "Dilemma", reaching the top thirty only.^[35] The album's second single, an up-tempo track entitled "Can't Nobody", charted significantly lower in the US, but enjoyed top twenty success throughout Australia and parts of Europe, where it became another top five hit on the UK Singles Chart.^[36] Final single "Train on a Track" was featured on the soundtrack of the romantic comedy film Maid in Manhattan (2003) but failed to chart or sell noticeably, except for the UK again, where it became her fourth consecutive top twenty entry.^[37]

Destiny's Child star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

After a three-year journey that involved concentration on individual solo projects, Rowland rejoined Beyoncé Knowles and Michelle Williams for Destiny's Child's fourth studio album Destiny Fulfilled, released in November 2004.^[13] The album hit number two on the Billboard 200, and spawned "Lose My Breath", "Soldier", "Girl", and "Cater 2 U" as notable mainstream records.^[38] In support of the album, Destiny's Child embarked on the 2005 Destiny Fulfilled ... And Lovin' It world tour, which started in April and ran through September. On the Barcelona, Spain visit, the group announced their disbandment after the end of their final North American leg.^[13][39] In October 2005, the group released a compilation album, entitled #1's, including all of Destiny's Child's number-one hits and most of their well-known songs. The greatest hits collection also includes three new tracks, including their final single "Stand Up for Love". Destiny's Child was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in March 2006.^[40][41] According to Time magazine, they were recognized as the world's best-selling female group of all time.^[42][43]

That same year, Rowland was featured on American rapper Trina's single "Here We Go", the lead single of the Glamorest Life album (2005). The song peaked at number seventeen on the Billboard Hot 100, successfully becoming another top twenty entry in Finland, New Zealand, the United States, and the United Kingdom with the collaboration.^[44]

[edit] 2007–08: Ms. Kelly

Kelly Rowland on the red carpet at MTV Asia Awards 2006 in Bangkok, Thailand.

Rowland's second solo album, Ms. Kelly, was released in June 2007. Not as successful as its predecessor,^[45] the album produced the hit singles "Like This" and "Work". Originally entitled My Story, the album's first version was actually scheduled for a June 2006 release, but the singer, her management and Columbia Records decided to shelve the album last minute to re-work a version with a different vibe as the singer considered the final tracklisting "too full of midtempos and ballads."^[46][47] Rowland eventually consulted additional producers to collaborate on the album, renamed Ms. Kelly, including Billy Mann, Scott Storch, and Atlanta-based Polow da Don, who contributed to the single "Like This", a collaboration with rapper Eve, to the album.^[48] A moderate success around the globe, the song reached the top ten in Canada, Ireland, Slovenia and the United Kingdom.^[49] Upon its release, Ms. Kelly debuted at number two on the U.S. Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, with moderately successful first week sales of 86,000 copies.^[50] Outside the United States, the album widely failed to reprise the success of Simply Deep, barely reaching the top forty on the majority of all charts it appeared on, except for the United Kingdom where it opened at number thirty-seven.^[51]

Rowland had been working on the conception of her second solo album on and off since 2004, with some of her early recordings — such as the Bryan Michael Cox-produced "Bad Habit" — even being used on the Destiny's Child's albums Destiny Fulfilled (2004) and Destiny's Child: Live in Atlanta (2006).^[47] The album's first draft, entitled My Story, saw her actually writing and recording with a wider range of well-known contemporary R&B producers and artists as she wanted to go "in the urban, more R&B route [in general]" with the album, involving Big Tank, Patrick "J. Que" Smith, Rich Harrison, Rodney Jerkins, and Robin Thicke.^[47] Female rappers Remy Ma and Shawnna also lent their voices to guest parts.^[47] Anxious to avoid hasty productions as on previous album Simply Deep, Rowland took a wider role in the production of the album: she co-wrote the majority of the songs and shared ideas in which one to produce. "I wrote a lot on this record [...] and it's especially from me [to my fans]," she said of the album. "It's more R&B [...] and it definitely has a feel-good vibe to it as well."^[47]

A few months before the scheduled release of My Story however, Rowland felt the album was not going into the direction she had previously envisioned, and thus, she asked to revamp the album.^[52] "It was basically a list of songs that I put together about the past three years of my life, with love and relationships," she said of the original track listing. "And I remember listening to the record, and I was just like, 'I don't want this to be too deep to where, you know, [I] lose people.' And the record was too full of midtempos and ballads, so I wanted to bring it up a little bit."^[46] Rowland eventually consulted new producers to collaborate on the album, including Mysto & Pizzi, Sean Garrett, Scott Storch, Polow da Don, and Eve.^[48]

In addition, the singer decided to rename the album. "I really put my heart and soul into this record," she said, "and not only am I excited that everyone's going to hear the music, I'm looking forward to people getting to hear the real me. That's the reason I called the album Ms. Kelly. Because the title is all about respect, being an adult and that's how I feel about my life, and my music."^[46] Rowland cited former bandmate Beyoncé Knowles, and singers Brandy and Whitney Houston as major inspirations while recording her album.^[46]

In continued support of the album, Rowland released the album cuts "Ghetto" and "Work" as singles, respectively. While the Snoop Dogg-featured "Ghetto" underperformed stateside, the latter became a top ten hit in most European markets including France, Italy, and the United Kingdom.^[53] In 2008, a reissued version of the album, branded Ms. Kelly Deluxe, received a release. Its lead single is the previously unreleased Bobby Womack cover "Daylight", a collaboration with Travie McCoy (of alternative rap group Gym Class Heroes)^[54] that reached the top twenty of the UK Singles Chart.^[55] By April 2008, Ms. Kelly had managed to sell just over 1.2 million copies worldwide.^[45] Also in 2008, Rowland recorded a single with French singer Nâdiya, an uptempo urban pop track entitled "No Future in the Past", for which a video was shot in Miami, Florida during July 2008.^[56]

[edit] 2009–present: New management, label, Here I Am and fourth studio album

French DJ David Guetta and Rowland performing at the Orange Rockcorps in London, England in 2009.

In February 2009, a duet with Italian singer Tiziano Ferro, entitled "Breathe Gentle", was released as a single and reached the top ten of the Italian Singles Chart and the Dutch Singles Chart.^[57][58] Also, in early 2009, Rowland ended her professional relationship with both manager Mathew Knowles and former label Columbia Records to explore other ventures.^[59][60] Her first step was the house collaboration "When Love Takes Over", the lead single of French DJ David Guetta's 2009 studio album One Love, for which Rowland contributed vocals on three tracks.^[61] The song was released in April 2009 and saw major international success, peaking at number-one in several countries around the globe.^[62] The same year, it was announced that Rowland had drafted Jeff Rabhan as her new manager.^[63]

In 2010, Rowland signed up to record the MTN theme song for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South African, "Everywhere You Go", featuring an all-star supergroup of international artists called Rhythm of Africa United.^[64] Rowland also continued touring Europe, Asia and Australia as a solo artist throughout late 2009 and early 2010, including a performance as one of the headlining acts of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras party with George Michael also headlining.^[65] She was also part of the world tour Supafest, which took place in 2010, touring the major cities in the world.^[66]

Rowland performing at Supafest in Sydney, Australia 2012.

Despite being without a label for almost one year, Rowland embarked on the recording sessions for her third studio album Here I Am and it was during one of these recording sessions that she caught the attention of label boss Sylvia Rhone which led to the signing of a new record deal with Universal Motown Records, and later switching to Universal Republic Records^[67][68] Since then she has been completing the project which Rowland described as containing a lot of "up-tempo tracks" and being "a mixture of different sounds that express me and where I'm at right now in my career".^[69] The album is known to include collaborations with David Guetta and Rico Love which includes the album's lead single "Commander". It was Rowland's third number-one hit on the Hot Dance Club Songs chart.^[70] In addition, Dr. Luke, Ester Dean and Ne-Yo with StarGate are respectively responsible for the American album's two U.S. lead singles, "Rose Colored Glasses" and "Grown Woman".^[71] The latter was later excluded from Here I Am due to the single not performing well on the U.S. charts. American record producer Jim Jonsin also contributed to the album and described Rowland's new sound as Donna Summer-esque,^[72] In December 2010, Rowland collaborated with Tinie Tempah on his single "Invincible," taken from his album Disc-Overy (2010). It reached number eleven on the UK Singles Chart.^[73] In addition, she reunited with rapper Nelly on the single "Gone" from his album entitled 5.0 (2010). She also appeared on Italian DJ Alex Gaudino's single "What a Feeling", released in March 2011.^[74][75]

In April 2011, Rowland released the song "Motivation" featuring Lil Wayne, as the fourth overall single from Here I Am. It topped the U.S. Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart for seven consecutive weeks.^[76] The U.S. version of Here I Am was released in July 2011. The album debuted at number three on the U.S. Billboard 200, and number one on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, with first week sales of 77,000 copies. To date, it is Rowland's highest debuting and charting album in the United States. In August 2011, Rowland was announced as the ambassador and spokesperson for Empress, the second perfume by Sean Combs.^[77] In December 2011, TW Steel unveiled Rowland as a worldwide ambassador Special Edition timepiece watches to follow in Summer 2012.^[78] As of December 2011, Here I Am has sold 178,000 copies in the US.^[79] "Lay It on Me" and "Down for Whatever" were released as the album's fifth and sixth overall singles, respectively. The international version of Here I Am was released on November 28, 2011 in the UK.^[80]

Work on Rowland's fourth album reportedly began in August 2011. Rico Love remarked in an interview with Rap-Up magazine, "While she's on tour, I'm gonna be writing records for her new album. We can kinda roll that out and drop her new single in late spring 2012. Excited about that".^[81] In an interview with MTV News, Rowland stated that the album will have a theme: "I made sure that I locked in on a concept and everyone that's come in to work on this album, we've all built around it. It's just building up so beautifully. I'm so proud! So I can't wait till all of my fans hear it."^[82] Rowland was honoured for her contribution to the music industry at Essence magazine's 2012 Black Women in Music event, which took place on February 8, 2012.^[83] Rowland's song, "Need a Reason", featuring rappers Future and Bei Major, appeared on the soundtrack of the upcoming film, Think Like a Man (2012).^[84] She was recently in Australia for the urban music festival, Supafest.^[85]

Musical style and influences[link]

Rowland cites Whitney Houston as her greatest music inspiration,^[86] and after Houston's death she has declared:"I am beyond heartbroken..Whitney Houston was undoubtedly one of the greatest singers & performers of all time & such a huge influence on me..She embraced me when I first started out with Destiny's Child, with love, with encouragement and with that powerhouse voice".^[87] Beside "The Voice", Rowland cites among her great music influences Sade,^[88][89][90] Brandy^[91] and Janet Jackson^[92] too. For her second solo album she says was inspired by Beyoncé's energy.^[91] From the beginning of her career Rowland has always sung R&B music, with influences hip hop, soul, pop and rock. As brought on her official website, beginning from 2008, with the remix of "Work ", produced by Freemasons, Rowland experiments a new sound, more directed to the dance music with influences europop and house.^[93] Notable her collaborations with djs David Guetta, Alex Gaudino and Diplo^[94] According american record producer Jim Jonsin in the Rowland's new sound there are many elements of Donna Summer's music.^[72]

Other ventures[link]

Film and television career[link]

Rowland branched out into acting with a guest stint on the sitcom The Hughleys in 2002, before appearing in other UPN shows such as Eve and Girlfriends in the years of 2003 and 2006 respectively.^[47] Having played the role of Tammy Hamilton, an ambitious 21-year-old apprentice to realtor Toni (Jill Marie Jones) in latter sitcom, Rowland initially hoped her three-episode stint would expand to a larger recurring role, but as the show was moved to The CW network the following year plans for a return eventually went nowhere.^[47] Also in 2003, she appeared in American Dreams as Martha Reeves of Martha & The Vandellas, singing a version of the group's single "Nowhere to Run".^[95]

In 2004, Rowland made her big screen debut in the slasher film Freddy vs. Jason, a crossover film directed by Ronny Yu. Cast as one of the female leads, she portrayed Kia Waterson, the frank best friend of lead character Lori Campbell, played by Monica Keena.^[96] Released to generally mixed reviews from critics, the movie topped the U.S. box office, gaining $36.4 million on its first weekend.^[97] Budgeted at $25 million, the film became a financial success, resulting in a worldwide box office total of $114.3 million.^[97]

The following year, Rowland returned to the big screen, this time for a lead role in the romantic comedy The Seat Filler, starring opposite Duane Martin and Shemar Moore. Executive produced by Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith, the film hit theaters in the summer of 2005 and debuted at number eighteen at the box office top twenty.^[98] It eventually earned a total domestic gross ticket sales of $10.2 million. In the film, for which she recorded two songs, Rowland played a pop star who falls for an awards-show seat filler in which she mistakes for a high-profile entertainment attorney.^[99] Released to a limited number of festivals only, the film went straight to DVD in 2006.^[47]

In October 2007, Rowland auditioned for the role of Louise, Carrie Bradshaw's assistant, in the 2008 film adaptation of HBO's comedy series Sex and the City. The part eventually went to Jennifer Hudson.^[100] In fall 2007, Rowland appeared as a choirmaster on the NBC reality show Clash of the Choirs. Rowland was among superstars like Michael Bolton, Patti LaBelle, Nick Lachey, and Blake Shelton. Rowland's choir finished fifth in the competition.^[101] In 2009, she was cast to host Bravo's reality competition series The Fashion Show alongside Isaac Mizrahi. The series premiered on May 7, 2009.^[102]

On 30 May 2011, Rowland was confirmed as a judge for the eighth series of British television show The X Factor.^{[103][104][105]} In addition to her judging stint, Rowland also had a supporting role in the motion picture Think Like a Man (2012) which was filmed earlier this year. The film also stars Keri Hilson, Chris Brown and Gabrielle Union.^[106] On 30 April 2012 it was officially announced that Rowland had stepped down as a judge on X Factor UK, due to a conflicting schedule.^[107][108]

Philanthropy[link]

Rowland and the Knowles family founded the Survivor Foundation, a charitable entity set up to provide transitional housing for 2005 Hurricane Katrina victims and storm evacuees in the Houston, Texas area.^[14] The Survivor Foundation extended the philanthropic mission of the Knowles-Rowland Center for Youth, a multi-purpose community outreach facility in downtown Houston.^[14] Also in 2005, Rowland and Knowles lent their voices to a collaboration with Kitten K. Sera, entitled "All That I'm Lookin for." The song appeared on The Katrina CD album, whose proceeds went to the Recording Artists for Hope organization.^[109]

In 2006, Rowland joined other artists such as Pink and Avril Lavigne in ads for so-called empowerment tags for the ALDO Fights AIDS campaign, which went on sale exclusively at ALDO stores and benefited the YouthAIDS initiative.^[110] In 2007, Rowland, along with stars such as Jessica Simpson and the cast of Grey's Anatomy autographed pink Goody Ouchless brushes that were made available for auction on eBay, with all proceeds going to Breast Cancer Awareness.^[110] In addition, the singer teamed up with Kanye West, Nelly Furtado and Snoop Dogg to design a Nike sneaker for another eBay auction. All proceeds went to AIDS Awareness.^[110]

In 2008, Rowland officially became ambassador for MTV's Staying Alive Foundation, which aims to reduce discrimination against HIV and AIDS victims.^[111] She has since visited projects in Tanzania and Kenya to promote the charity, and underwent a HIV and AIDS test in Africa to raise awareness of the deadly diseases.^[112] In March 2009, she spearheaded a bone marrow drive.^[61] As reported, Rowland also is readying a new charity called I Heart My Girlfriends, which will serve as an interactive support system for teenage girls.^[61]

In 2009, Rowland connected with Serve.MTV.com, MTV’s platform to connect young people with local volunteerism opportunities, for a series of on-air PSAs. From battling homelessness to beautifying impoverished neighborhoods to saving whales, Rowland was joined by the likes of Cameron Diaz, will.i.am, and Sean Kingston as they discuss causes they volunteer to support, and urge young people to join with their friends in making civil service a part of their lifestyle.^[113] Also in 2009, Rowland along with fellow singers Alesha Dixon and Pixie Lott created T-shirts for River Island in aid of the Prince's Trust, profits from which help change young lives.^[114] In March 2010 Rowland launched her brand new charity, I Heart My Girlfriends. According to Rowland’s official website, the charity focuses on self-esteem, date violence prevention, community service, abstinence, sports, drug and alcohol and smoking avoidance, obesity, disabilities, education and more.^[115][116] On April 26, 2010, she was at Grand Ballroom's "City of Hope — Spirit of Life Awards" for a charity event.^[117]

Discography[link]

• Simply Deep (2002)
• Ms. Kelly (2007)
• Here I Am (2011)

Tours[link]

Headlining

• 2003: Simply Deeper Tour
• 2007: Ms. Kelly Tour

Supporting

• 2010: Supafest
• 2011: F.A.M.E. Tour (as an opening act for North America)
• 2012: Supafest

Awards and nominations[link]

A

American Music Awards^[118]

ASCAP Women Behind the Music Awards^[119]

B

Billboard Music Award^[120]

Billboard R&B/Hip Hop Awards^[121]

C

Capital FM Awards^[122]

D

Danish DeeJay Awards^[123]

G

Grammy Awards^[124]

I

International Dance Music Awards^[126][127]

M

MTV Europe Music Awards^[128]

MTV Video Music Awards^[129]

MTV Video Music Awards Latin America

MTV Video Music Awards Japan^[130]

N

NRJ Music Awards^[131]

S

Soul Train Awards^[132][133]

T

Teen Choice Awards^[134]

TMF Awards Holland

W

World Music Awards