X is an English singer best known for being a member of a pop group from 1997 to 2001 and again from 2011. She participated on the second series of Popstar to Operastar before being voted off in the Semi Finals. X has the vocal range of a soprano.
Early career
X began her career in the pop trio TSD with Cossie and Bonnie. They had little success and were dropped by their record label after the release of their second single "Baby I Love You".
1997–Present
X auditioned for the lineup that would become a well-known pop group. She was offered a place in the group on the condition that she lost weight. The group was formed by Steve Crosby & Barry Upton alongside Manager Tim Byrne after auditioning hopefuls who answered an ad in The Stage newspaper. Byrne had previously been involved in the production of the Smash Hits Poll Winners Party, the BBC collaboration with the pop magazine, Smash Hits. Byrne was looking to manufacture a band in order to release a single as a one-hit wonder.
Their first single was a techno line dance song. Though not typical of what would become their style, it became their first hit both in the UK and internationally. Despite only peaking at number 14, the single achieved considerable longevity in the fast-paced singles climate of 1998, racking up over four months on the UK chart. The
track remains one of the highest selling singles never to reach the top 10 on the UK Singles Chart. Its release in Australia gave the group their first number one in 1997.
In 2001, following their Boxing Day split, the group were heavily criticised by their own fans. Many UK tabloid papers published the fans' disgust on their front pages, displaying quotes taken from the group’s message boards. After the group spent much of 2001 strongly dismissing
claims of a split, fans were furious and accused the group of capitalizing off the success of a host of merchandise released in the lucrative pre-Christmas market. However, it has since come to light that two members left the group on the last night of the "Gold: Greatest Hits" tour because of their ongoing unhappiness within the band, although the group’s official statement stated that the split was caused by their belief that they should end on a high, while they were at their best and could be remembered for being the best of their kind.
Ever since the band's break-up, rumours had been circulating that they would reunite in one form or another. In 2009, it was revealed that the band had been approached to perform a series of concerts. They hinted that a future reunion was possible, but that "it isn't the right time right now". In Early 2011, rumours began circulating that the group would reunite for a TV series and a one-off concert to mark the tenth anniversary of their 2001 split. Despite the claims being reported by various news stations and newspapers, the reunion was denied by bands members. X also announced on 9 July 2011, that a group reunion would be "silly", but she would "never say never". However, contrary to these claims, just 12 days later, it was announced that the group would be reuniting for a four-part Sky Living documentary, depicting their split and the interim years. The band would also release their 'Ultimate Collection', as well as potential new material.
On 10 October 2011, the group appeared for the first time on This Morning, performing "It's the Way You Make Me Feel" and "Tragedy" and announced their fourteen-date 2012 arena tour entitled 'The Ultimate Tour'. They also announced that they had reformed as a band full term. On 14 October 2011, the group appeared on Lorraine and sang "Deeper Shade of Blue", to which they also sang during an appearance on Loose Women on 24 October 2011. They have since added an additional 6 performances and removed 2 from the tour bringing the total number to 18 dates, they have also announced a new date at the Summer Saturdays at Newmarket Racecourse on 25 August 2012. On 16 October 2011, their new album The Ultimate Collection went to number one in the UK Album charts. The group performed a medley of their singles including "Deeper Shade Of Blue" and "One For Sorrow" on 19 November for Children In Need. The group appeared on Chatty Man on 25 December 2011 and performed a medley of "One For Sorrow", "Deeper Shade Of Blue" and "Tragedy".
2001–11: Life after the group
After she and her fellow group mate resigned during the last leg of their final tour, the two continued singing as a duo. The pair experienced success with their debut single "DJ", which reached No. 3 in the UK Singles Chart, and their next two singles, which both charted in the Top 10. While the duo had initial success, their album Another You, Another Me, which was released in 2002, did not chart high. X also co hosted alongside Brian Dowling and Cat Deeley on SMTV Live in 2002. She took a break from singing to plan her wedding to group dancer Mark Webb. The duo disbanded in 2003. X married Webb on 2 August 2003; the couple split in 2005. After leaving her music career X wanted to take a break from music and concentrate on other projects, she was set to release a debut solo album but due to falling pregnant X decided to not pursue music any further.
It was announced in May 2011 that X would be taking part in Popstar to Opera Star 2011 making it her first major high profile appearance in nearly ten years. The series started on ITV1 on 5 June. X appeared on OK! TV on 6 June to promote the show. Despite a much-praised performance of the Queen of the Night aria from Mozart's Magic Flute in the semi-final, she lost out on a place in the final to Cheryl Baker.
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