Alexandra Burke – X Factor

Singing since the age of 5 and performing live by the time she was 9 years old, vocal powerhouse Alexandra Burke – who has sold more than four million records worldwide – has a signature soulful sound that was crafted throughout a childhood filled with music.

Melissa Cecelia Ewen Bell, Burke’s mother, known to many as the ‘last leading lady’ of hit group Soul II Soul, took her to perform every weekend wherever they could find a live band. The British star’s amazing voice and vocal range developed quickly, capturing the heart of legendary recording artist Stevie Wonder, who wanted to sign her to Motown at age 12. From that point forward, offers for a record deal kept coming in yet education remained the top priority. It wasn’t until age 16 that Burke first auditioned for UK’s “The X Factor,” but as fate would have Alexandra was not chosen to compete. Turning a setback into an opportunity, she took time to perfect her skill and came back to win the shows title in 2008.