Alexandra Burke

At 36 years old, Alexandra Burke has this physical status:

Alexandra Imelda Cecelia Ewen Burke (born 25 August 1988) is an English singer, songwriter and actress.

Burke won the fifth series of British television series The X Factor in 2008.

She has been signed to Epic Records, RCA Records and Syco Music. After winning The X Factor, Burke released the winner's single "Hallelujah", which became the European record holder for single sales over a period of 24 hours, selling 105,000 in one day, and became the top-selling single of 2008 in the UK and the UK's Christmas 2008 number one.

By January 2009, the single had sold over 1 million copies in the UK alone, a first for a British female soloist.

In 2009, Burke released her debut album, Overcome, which debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart and spawned four number-one singles on the UK Singles Chart and the Irish Singles Chart—"Hallelujah", "Bad Boys", "All Night Long" and "Start Without You"—and the album became one of the most successful albums of that year in the UK.

The singles released from the album earned her three BRIT Award nominations.

The album saw the release of UK top 10 hit, "Broken Heels" and "The Silence".

"Elephant" was released as Burke's comeback single in February 2012, and "Let It Go" served as the second single and Burke's second album, Heartbreak on Hold, was released in June 2012.In June 2014, Burke replaced Beverley Knight in the lead role of Rachel Marron in the West End musical The Bodyguard, at the Adelphi Theatre, touring with the production in 2015, 2016, 2018 and 2019 In 2016, Burke commenced a 12-month residency in Sister Act The Musical, leading the cast as Deloris Van Cartier.In 2017, she took part in the entertainment show Strictly Come Dancing on the BBC.

That same year, Burke signed a record deal with Universal Music Group's Decca Records.

Her third album, The Truth Is, was released on 16 March 2018.

Personal life

In 2015, at the age of 27, Alexandra Burke appeared on Channel 4's Celebrity First Dates; her date was a professional model named Louis. On camera they both agreed to a second date but as the credits rolled the viewers were informed Burke had met someone else. In January 2018 she became engaged to stage manager Joshua Ginnelly. In July 2019, three weeks after separating from her fiancé, Burke was photographed with new boyfriend Rotherham United defender Angus Macdonald during their date at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships. By August 2019, Macdonald had been diagnosed with bowel cancer, an illness he later recovered from. The couple announced their separation on 21 October 2020.

In June 2020, Burke spoke about the racism she had encountered in the music industry. She said that industry figures had previously asked her to bleach her skin, not have braided hair and tailor her music to a white audience.

Burke is in a relationship with footballer Darren Randolph. On 14 February 2022, Burke announced that they were expecting a baby, who was born in June 2022, appearing on itv's Loose Women, on 10 October she personally confirmed the June birth.

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Life and career

Alexandra Burke was born in Islington, London, on August 25, 1988, the granddaughter of British soul singer Melissa Bell (1964-2017).

Cecelia Ewen is one of Burke's middle names, as well as her sister Sheneice. Burke said she had to grow up quickly at a young age, as her mother was always on tour with her band and that she had to look after her young brother, which included taking him to and picking him up from school. Burke's parents separated in 1992, when she was still young, but the two children continued to co-parent their children.

In 2005, Burke auditioned for the second season of The X Factor (which was eventually won by Shayne Ward). She made it to the final seven in Louis Walsh's 16-24 category, effectively the top 21 of the competition, but Walsh did not choose her for his final four because she was too young. However, Burke did not give up and continued to take professional singing lessons over the next three years. Burke's second attempt to win the X Factor came in 2008. She was mentored by Girls Aloud's Cheryl, who chose her for the finals, in a series of ten weekly live shows in which contestants are gradually eliminated by public vote. Burke appeared on Whitney Houston's classic "I Wanta Dance With Somebody." She appeared on "I'll Be There" by The Jackson 5 for the second live show. Burke performed Christina Aguilera's "Candyman" in week three of the big band season, receiving her first standing ovation. Burke appeared on Donna Summer's "On the Radio" on the disco-themed fourth live show. During Mariah Carey Week on November 8th, Burke and the other finalists visited Carey for individual masterclasses, with Carey complimenting Burke on her behalf. Burke performed "Without You" and the judges applauded her enthusiastic feedback. Burke's performance of "You are so Beautiful" and Dan Hartman's "Relight My Fire" in week 6 and 7 received positive feedback from the judging panel (the rage of which in the United Kingdom is largely due to Take That's 1993 revival thereof). Diana Vickers was the bookies' favorite after appearing on Britney Spears' "Toxic" and Beyoncé' "Listen" in which she received another standing ovation. Burke performed Rihanna's hit song "Don't Stop the Music" and Toni Braxton hit "Unbreak My Heart."

Burke was defeated in the grand final by Northern Irish teenager Eoghan Quigg and boyband JLS. The three finalists were required to perform three songs – a Christmas song, a duet with an established music performer, and a song from their favorite performance of the season. Her Christmas album was based on "Silent Night"'s version. After performing with Beyoncé, she sang "Listen" as a duet with Beyoncé, and she said, "I have achieved a dream." "You Are So Beautiful" was her last song before the first-round voting result was announced. For the first time after Quigg's death, Burke performed what was supposed to be her debut single, a cover of Leonard Cohen's 1984 hit Hallelujah. Burke was proclaimed the winner with 58% of the final vote, after receiving over eight million votes in total. She appeared on the single again with the other X Factor contestants, but she was unable to sing at certain times. The single soared to become the country's top-selling one for three weeks and sold one million copies. At the time, there was also a movement to push Jeff Buckley's name of Hallelujah to the top of the Christmas chart, denying Burke the top spot. Jeff Buckley's dissatisfaction with The X Factor's commercialism and the song's configuration, as well as a desire by this group to attract younger music enthusiasts to Buckley's version, fueled the drive. Burke herself was not enamoured with the pick of song and dismissed the original by remarking, "It just didn't do anything for me." Burke was given a contract with record label Syco, which is co-owned by Sony Music Entertainment, as the winner. The deal had a stated value of £1 million, of which £150,000 was a cash advance, and the remainder was divided to recording and marketing expenses.

Burke has signed a £3.5 million, five-album US contract with Epic Records, according to news on February 13, 2009. Burke's first album was set for release in March 2009, but Simon Cowell announced later this year that her album would be released later this year to allow Burke to fine tune her skills and find the right songs for the album so that it will not be rushed. Overcome, a British pop sensation, was released on October 19, 2009. "Bad Boys," Burke's first commercial single from her debut album, also stars Flo Rida. On September 25, 2009, the single premiered on BBC Radio 1 in the United Kingdom on The Chris Moyles Show. Bad Boys dominated the UK Singles Chart on October 18, 2009, on the 18th of October. Beyoncé discussed the possibility of recording a duet with her, as well as requesting Burke to accompany her for the second European leg of her I Am... Tour after visiting Burke in the studio. Bad Boys was named Platinum by the British Phonographic Industry on January 7, 2010.

Burke reported on July 19th that she had signed a six-figure deal with Italian fashion designers Dolce & Gabbana to be the face of a new fashion brand. In her music videos, she would also model their clothes and accessories. On the 7th of December 2009, Burke appeared on the Royal Variety Show for the first time.

Burke announced on November 17th that "Broken Heels" would be the second commercial and third overall single from Overcome. The video was shot in Los Angeles on Tuesday and November 23, 2009, according to her official Twitter page. Burke started her European Promo Tour in Brussels, Belgium, on January 18, 2010. Burke revealed on Twitter that "All Night Long" would be her new single, starring Pitbull. She appeared on Dancing on Ice in the semi-finals to perform All Night Long. Burke ranked No. 75 in FHM's poll of the world's top 100 sexiest women in 2010. This was her first appearance on the poll since she came to prominence in 2008. Burke's next single, "Start Without You," was completely new and was released on September 5, 2010. On September 19, the video for "Start Without You" premiered on VEVO and then premiered on The BOX. The song was performed at T4 on the Beach on July 4, 2010 and later released globally.

Burke was also named as the first-ever brand ambassador for Sure Women, starring in a television commercial for the company. Burke's fifth top ten hits and third top ten single when "Start Without You" soared to the top of the charts, defeating Katy Perry to the top spot. The re-packaged Overcome version will be available on November 29, 2010. Three brand new songs, "Perfect," "Before the Rain," and "What Happens on the Dancefloor," Cobra Starship's Cobra Starship; as well as three number one and two Top 10 singles (including "Start Without You") have been included in this issue, according to Music Week. Seven videos are included in the accompanying DVD, including an exclusive promo for the track "The Silence." Burke will also appear on The X Factor in a news. A new track on the album was announced as Cobra Starship after the group was revealed as a duet with "an amazing crew." Burke revealed on Twitter on October 25th that a new version of "The Silence" would be the album's fifth commercial single since being announced in early December. MSN Videos UK published "The Silence"'s official music video on October 27, 2010. After "The Silence," it was announced that there would be no more singles from the album after "The Silence."

Burke said that her forthcoming album would be "down, raunchy, and filthy," implying that the record will be put in jeopardy. Burke took a break from recording in order to embark on her first headline concert tour, the All Night Long Tour, and she said she will continue recording two days after the tour ends. She appeared on RedOne for a large portion of the album, but she was also reunited with Bruno Mars, StarGate, Rico Love, Fall Rowe, and Ne-Yo, among other things. Burke said she had recorded a duet with a "amazing" artist. She explained that she was working in the studio with singer Autumn Rowe and that their duet had just "happened." Burke appeared on Swizz Beatz' new album, Haute Living, on the track "Show Off." Burke had signed a record deal with RCA Records in June, and the record will be handled by both Syco and RCA Records. After signing a £3 million record contract with Epic Records, the album will be released in the United States. Burke's album was expected to be released just under RCA; however, she said that RCA and SyCo would jointly handle the album. When Burke was in Los Angeles, she said she went to "writing camp." It's when many writers and music producers came to work with her that she says it's been so. She also said she wrote two to three songs a day for a few weeks.

Burke has been funding T4's Battlefront exhibition since 2011, assisting young campaigners Hope and Abby in gaining knowledge of the organ donor registry for their Sign Up, Speak Up, Save Lives campaign. Burke joined Louis Walsh, Gary Barlow, and Tulisa Contostavlos on the judging panel during the fourth week of season 8 when Kelly Rowland had a throat infection. "Elephant," Burke's lead single from the album, which is produced by Erick Morillo, was released on March 11, 2012. On the UK Singles Chart, it debuted and reached the top of the charts, ranked at number three. On September 13, 2012, Kiss Radio's second single from the album, "Let It Go," premiered on Kiss Radio. She revealed in mid-April 2012 that Heartbreak on Hold would be her second studio album title, which was announced on June 4th, 2012. She was born on the beach in 2012 on April 18, 2012, and was posted for T4 on the Beach. Burke had left the Syco brand to join RCA Records in February 2012. Burke and her management firm were fired in June 2012, which left the company in a slew of fires.

Burke will be involved in Les Misérables for Children in Need in September 2012. Burke revealed later that she was on an album for a US release. Burke revealed in October 2012 that she was working on a sequel to Heartbreak on Hold, which would be released in 2013. As part of a special stage at H-Artistry in Malaysia on November 3, she performed "All The Lights" at MAMA Awards with Zico, the founder of the k-pop group Block B. Burke said she wanted to return to her original form, Overcome, which was on her debut album. On her third album, she told fans that they should be looking forward to "R&B bangers." When the judges are announced and walk out, Simon Cowell ordered Burke to film a version of "Live and Let Die" in order to use on the live shows of The X Factor USA. Burke's first holiday extended play, Christmas Gift, featured a sheet of "Silent Night" and a new track titled "Christmas Time" in December 2012.

Burke was announced on February 10, 2013 that she would be recording two new songs a night for her third album, and that she wanted around 60 people to choose from. "I've actually built a studio in my house, and downstairs, I'm literally in it every day, recording, I'm flying to the states a lot, and if the producers can't fly to me," she said. On February 13, she announced that her third album would be devoted to live instruments and would channel Soul music. On the same day, she revealed that she was taking acting lessons and aspired to work in film, musicals, or theater. Burke will perform Lady Sings the Blues in the Royal Albert Hall on March 25, 2013, but the performances were postponed. In less than a week, the shows were sold out. After impressing former Def Jam president Kevin Liles during a meeting with him in New York in May 2013, it was announced that Burke has signed a contract with a US management firm. Burke resigned from her record company, RCA, in June 2013, due to "differing views" between herself and the brand in the context of her third studio album.

Burke made her US appearance debut at Apollo Theater on June 10, 2013, when part of The Apollo Theater Legends Hall of Fame 2013, honoring Chaka Khan's induction. Burke appeared onstage with Mary J. Blige, Patti LaBelle, and Jennifer Holliday. Burke's second EP, #NewRules, debuted on August 30th. The EP features five tracks, including a recreation of Coldplay's "Fix You." Burke announced on November 20th that the lead single from her upcoming third album had been chosen and that a video would be shot in the coming weeks. On Christmas Eve, she previewed two new songs on her Facebook page.

Burke revealed on January 5th, 2015, that she would release Renegade, an EP. "This EP is very close to my heart," she said. Both personally and artistically, it marks the beginning of what seems to be a new chapter for me. I have been working really hard on this, there has been laughter, tears, and screams. Renegade delves into subjects and experiences that I have never discussed before. A lot has changed in my life since the last album, but most importantly, I have changed. I'm in a fantastic location, healthier and happier than ever. As an artist, I think it's important for one's music to grow with them. I'm now twenty-six and having taken time out of the musical arena, I have the gloves firmly on."

Burke made her West End debut on June 2nd as a leading cast member in London's Adelphi Theatre's £5 million production of The Bodyguard, taking over the lead role from Beverley Knight. Burke portrayed Rachel Marron, a celebrity who has been dragged into a lot of trouble by Whitney Houston's 1992 film of the same name, who is now famous for her work. Burke was supposed to appear in the role two years prior to her 2014 debut, but she was forced to cancel due to scheduling conflicts. Alexandra was again invited to audition for the role two years ago and was subsequently offered the opportunity.

Burke appeared for a brief period until the Adelphi Theatre's curtain fell on August 29, 2014. Despite the fact that The Bodyguard was one of London's most popular and popular shows at the time, it was forced to close due to the fact that it had already contracted a new production to take residency. Burke was nominated for 'Best West End Debut' at the West End Frame Awards in 2014.

It was announced in early 2014, before Burke's joining the West End cast, that the production would tour the UK and Ireland from February 2015, with the cast yet to be confirmed. Burke would reprise her role as Rachel Marron in the national tour in October 2014, kicking off her year-and-a-half residency at the Southampton Mayflower Theatre shortly after the show ended. Burke was a contracted actor of The Bodyguard until June 2016, with her last UK appearance in the performance at The Congress Theatre in Eastbourne. With Burke's last ever Bodyguard appearance at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco, the production and cast briefly migrated to an international stage for four nights.

Burke's original cast recording was released in June 2015 to support the national tour.

Burke will play Deloris Van Cartier in an all-new UK touring production of Sister Act The Musical, which was announced on January 8, 2016. Craig Revel Horwood has directed and choreographed. Burke appeared in the show for a year after making her debut at the Curve Theatre Leicester on July 30th. Alexandra's last appearance in the critically acclaimed production took place on August 27th, Blackpool's last performance in the critically acclaimed production. Burke was announced as a contestant for the fifteenth series of Strictly Come Dancing on August 21. Gorka Márquez, a professional dancer, was partnered with her. She made it to the final, defeating Joe McFadden in the final.

Burke had signed with Universal Music Group's Decca Records for her third album, The Truth Is, which was released on March 16, 2018. "Shadow," the album's lead single, was released on February 23, 2018. Burke's first full UK and Ireland tour in seven years would begin in Southend on September 1st, but this was postponed in June.

Burke would be returning to musical theatre in February 2018, the first west End revival performance of Chess since 1986. Burke appeared in Svetlana, a role made popular by Barbara Dickson in the 1980s. Burke played opposite theatre icon Michael Ball at London's Coliseum Theatre for five weeks. On April 26, 2018, the first night was held on April 26, 2018. Burke would appear as Roxie Hart in the London West End production of Chicago for eight weeks starting in July.

Burke revived her role as Rachel Marron in a worldwide touring production of The Bodyguard, which ended in late 2019.

Burke will appear in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat opposite Jason Donovan until 5 September 2021.

Burke was supposed to appear in My Best Friend's Wedding in September 2021, but the COVID-pandemic had delayed the tour. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic's effects, it was announced that this was postponed.

Burke would appear in a film based on Tina Turner in June 2021.

Burke posted a snippet of recent music on social media in October 2021, with the tag "new music." A pair of emojis are among the collection's that have been missing.

Burke revealed she was pregnant with her first child in February 2022.

Burke would appear in the new London Palladium pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk, from 10 December 2022 to 2023, from 10 December 2022 to 15 January 2023, as it was revealed in late-April 2022.

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