Cheryl: My Story

Last updated

Cheryl: My Story
Cheryl My Story cover.png
Author Cheryl Tweedy
Rachel Murphy
Country United Kingdom
Language English
Genre Autobiography
Publisher Harper
Publication date
11 October 2012
Media typePrint
Pages320
ISBN 978-0007500154

Cheryl: My Story is an autobiography written by the British recording artist Cheryl, who was known at the time as Cheryl Cole, co-written with Rachel Murphy. It was published by Harper on 11 October 2012. In addition to dealing with her childhood and her rise to fame as a member of the girl group Girls Aloud, Cheryl also discusses her volatile marriage with the footballer Ashley Cole, her life-threatening battle with malaria and her relationship with The X Factor boss Simon Cowell. While Cheryl was the subject of criticism for some of the book's content, Cheryl: My Story was well received by entertainment critics, who complimented the candid nature of the autobiography. It topped The Sunday Times Bestseller list, selling an average of 2,000 copies a day in its first five months of release.

Contents

Conception

In April 2012, it was reported that Cheryl had signed a deal with HarperCollins to release an autobiography in November of that year. [1]

Cheryl decided to write an autobiography to "set the record straight." [2] [3] Cheryl stated, "I'm sick of reading lies and I'm sick of reading misquotes. Enough was enough, it was time to put out my side of the story and the truth." [2] She added, "It was a battle with myself, how I normally am, because I am a very private person." [2] [3] Cheryl confessed that she knew the autobiography would be "frank and open. It was the best thing for me at that time. Just putting all the rumours to bed." [3] Appearing on British daytime television programme This Morning in September 2012, Cheryl told Denise van Outen, "I've actually got a lot of stuff to say and things to put straight and it's been a cathartic experience – more than I thought." [4]

The book was co-authored by Rachel Murphy, who has ghost-written a number of other Sunday Times Bestselling books. [5] Cheryl revealed the autobiography's cover on Twitter on 3 October 2012, tweeting "It's REALLY here !!!! #Emotional." [6]

Synopsis

The book's earliest chapters deal with Cheryl's childhood in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. Cheryl discusses smoking cannabis as a teenager, watching friends become hooked on heroin when the drug flooded their estate and seeing her elder brother Andrew sent to prison. [7] She reveals that Andrew and her sister Gillian learned that Cheryl's father Garry wasn't their real dad, causing both of them to turn to alcohol, drugs and crime in various capacities. [8] Cheryl also writes about an infamous altercation with a nightclub washroom attendant in January 2003, which led her to be found guilty of assault occasioning actual bodily harm later that year. [9] Cheryl maintains in the autobiography that the woman hit her first. [7]

Cheryl: My Story captures Cheryl's rise to fame on the ITV reality television programme Popstars: The Rivals , which led to the formation of girl group Girls Aloud. Alongside Nadine Coyle, Sarah Harding, Nicola Roberts and Kimberley Walsh, Girls Aloud released twenty consecutive top ten singles and became the United Kingdom's biggest selling girl group of the 21st century. Cheryl discusses her relationship with her bandmates, particularly the alleged rift with Coyle that garnered extensive tabloid attention. In 2008, Coyle failed to attend the BRIT Awards with her bandmates, stating "it's not my thing." [10] Cheryl discusses how Nadine Coyle living in the United States and attempting to launch a solo career took its toll in the group, culminating in the Out of Control Tour in 2009. Cheryl writes, "Having her manager actually on tour with us was crossing the line, and that’s when I knew that it was finally time for us to take a break." [10] However, Cheryl denies rumors of any actual rift between her and Coyle. [11]

In the book, Cheryl "does not hold back when writing about other significant characters in her life, most notably former husband Ashley Cole and former boss Simon Cowell." [7] For the first time, Cheryl details her divorce from Ashley Cole following his adultery, detailing the moment she found out he had cheated on her with hairdresser Aimee Walton. [12] She confesses to "shaking him, kicking and scratching his face." [13] Cheryl turned to medical help to cope with the divorce, confessing to taking minor tranquilisers. [13] She admits to visiting a sexual health clinic following his infidelity. [12]

Cheryl details her relationship with Simon Cowell, who originally offered her a position as a judge on Britain's Got Talent . In 2008, Cheryl replaced Sharon Osbourne on the judges panel for series five of The X Factor . Cheryl remained on the show for two more series before Cowell offered her a job on season one of The X Factor US , before her role was taken by Nicole Scherzinger. Cheryl talks that Cowell should’ve at least told her himself that she would be replaced by Scherzinger, instead of by a show producer. Cheryl talks about her time on The X Factor UK, referencing her time mentoring contestants such as Cher Lloyd and Katie Waissel. [14]

Cheryl also discusses her battle with malaria, which she contracted during a 2010 trip to Tanzania with friend Derek Hough. [15] During her bout with malaria, Cheryl sent four days in an intensive care unit and spent a further week of respite at the London clinic. [15] She writes that she was so "frightened and exhausted" during her illness that the thought of death "relieved" her. [15] Both of Cheryl's lungs were filled with fluid, while her liver grew to three times its normal size. [16] She was close to needing lifelong dialysis. [16]

Cheryl: My Story also deals with Cheryl's distaste for invasive news media and paparazzi, citing a specific incident in which someone attempted to take a picture of her suffering from malaria in hospital. [7] Cheryl's also recalls climbing Mount Kilimanjaro with bandmate Kimberley Walsh and other celebrities for Comic Relief, as well as her friendship with Dancing with the Stars dancer and choreographer Derek Hough. Cheryl described Hough as "one of the most kind and sensitive and gentlemanly men I have ever met," adding that he was by her side throughout her malaria battle and departure from The X Factor. [8]

Release

Prior to the book's release, Cheryl: My Story was serialised exclusive by the British tabloid newspaper The Sun in the week preceding its publication.

The book was originally published in hardcover by Harper on 11 October 2012 in the United Kingdom, [17] preceding its paperback release on 11 April 2013. [18] An E-book release of the autobiography was also made available. [19] In addition to capitalizing on the Christmas market, the publication of Cheryl: My Story also accompanied the tenth-anniversary reunion of Girls Aloud. Cheryl held a book signing at the Corinthia Hotel London on 1 December 2012. [20] The autobiography was also released by HarperCollins in select international markets. It received a Canadian release on 23 October 2012, followed by an Australian release on 1 November 2012. [21]

Reception

Critical response

Heat joked, "Forget Fifty Shades of Grey – this is the sensational page-turner everyone will be talking about." [21] NOW called the autobiography "startingly honest." [2] [21] Hello magazine said that the book was "set to fly off the shelves and tell a few home truths." [21] Fran Frith of Yuppee magazine wrote, "I’m not ashamed to admit that it was a gripping read and I was genuinely excited to see what the next chapter would reveal." [22] Michelle Davies of the Daily Express gave the autobiography four stars out of five. [7] Davies commented, "Cheryl’s autobiography really excels is in its early chapters, when she writes about growing up in Newcastle." [7] Regarding the chapters on her divorce from Ashley Cole, Davies wrote, "What she writes is ugly, raw and heartbreaking: the portrait of a young woman madly in love who is devastated by her husband’s betrayal." [7] Davies felt that Cheryl's "continual complaints about the press" were less enjoyable, recognizing that while "she deserves some sympathy […], her complaints wear a bit thin when they come within a 300-page book detailing her entire life." [7]

Response from subjects

Cheryl's former husband, Chelsea F.C. and England footballer Ashley Cole, was warned that his infidelities would be discussed in the book. [12] Cheryl personally gave him a copy of the book prior to its publication, as it was "only fair." [23] A source told the Sunday Mirror , "Ashley knew what the book was going to say as he had seen it beforehand. He sees this as a bit like his comeuppance. He knows what he did was wrong and he has apologised to Cheryl. They always spoke after the split and throughout the divorce. They want one another to be happy now." [12]

Cheryl angered Katie Waissel, who appeared on the seventh series of The X Factor UK, by claiming she only put her through to the live shows to make "good TV." [24] Waissel tweeted at Cheryl: "I thought you were better than this. Shame I trusted you. You live and learn." [24] [25]

Some members of Cheryl's family accused her of cashing in with the book deal. [26] Cheryl's nephew, her sister Gillian's son, has allegedly dealt with bullying at school following the release of the book. [24] [26] Emma Stanners, the girlfriend of Cheryl's brother Andrew, said: "He's got to go to school with everyone saying: 'Your mam used to be a druggie.'" Stanners commented, "I just can't believe where Cheryl is coming from. She can say all this about others but nobody else can say anything about her." [24] [26]

Commercial performance

Cheryl: My Story topped The Sunday Times Bestseller list. The Guardian reported that Cheryl: My Story had sold on average 2,308 copies a day in the first five months of its release. [27] As of February 2013, the autobiography had sold 274,666 copies, generating £2.5 million in sales. [27]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Girls Aloud</span> English-Irish girl group

Girls Aloud were an English-Irish pop girl group that was created through the ITV talent show Popstars: The Rivals in 2002. The group comprised singers Cheryl Tweedy, Nadine Coyle, Sarah Harding, Nicola Roberts and Kimberley Walsh. The group achieved a string of twenty consecutive top ten singles in the United Kingdom, including four number ones. They also achieved seven certified albums, of which two reached number one. They have been nominated for five Brit Awards, winning the 2009 Best Single for "The Promise".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nadine Coyle</span> Irish singer, actress and model

Nadine Elizabeth Louise Coyle is an Irish singer, songwriter, actress and model. In 2002, Coyle was selected as a member of the girl group Girls Aloud, with whom she has been successful in achieving a string of 20 consecutive UK top ten singles, two UK number one albums, five consecutive platinum selling studio albums and received nominations for five BRIT Awards, winning Best Single in 2009 for "The Promise".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kimberley Walsh</span> English singer, television personality and actress (born 1981)

Kimberley Jane Scott is an English singer, television personality and actress. She rose to fame in late 2002 when she auditioned for the reality series Popstars: The Rivals on ITV. The series announced that Walsh had won a place as a member of the girl group Girls Aloud. The group achieved large success, having twenty consecutive top ten singles in the UK, six studio albums have all been certified platinum by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI), two of which went to number one in the UK, and accumulating a total of five BRIT Award nominations. In 2009, Girls Aloud won "Best Single" with their song "The Promise".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nicola Roberts</span> British singer-songwriter

Nicola Maria Roberts is a British pop singer. She rose to prominence in late 2002 upon winning a place in Girls Aloud, a girl group created through ITV's Popstars: The Rivals. The group's success helped them win the competition and they were later entered in Guinness World Records as the most successful reality television music-group. They enjoyed 20 consecutive top-ten singles, spawning five albums and positive critical responses.

<i>Girls Aloud: Off the Record</i> British TV series or programme

Girls Aloud: Off the Record is a six-part series recorded by Girls Aloud for E4 that started on 11 April 2006 at 10:30pm. The show was produced by E4 and Monkey Kingdom Productions for Channel Four Television Corporation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cheryl (singer)</span> English singer and television personality (born 1983)

Cheryl Ann Tweedy is an English singer and television personality. Born and raised in Newcastle upon Tyne, she rose to fame in late 2002 upon winning a place in Girls Aloud, a girl group created through ITV's Popstars: The Rivals. While still in the group, she began a solo career in April 2009, and between then and 2014, she released four studio albums – 3 Words (2009), Messy Little Raindrops (2010), A Million Lights (2012) and Only Human (2014). Collectively, the albums included ten singles, five of which – "Fight for This Love", "Promise This", "Call My Name", "Crazy Stupid Love" and "I Don't Care" – reached the top position on the UK Singles Chart. Cheryl was the first British female solo artist to have five number-one singles in the UK, and she held the record for the British female solo artist with the most UK number-one singles until Jess Glynne overtook her in 2018.

"Graffiti My Soul" is a song by British-Irish all-female pop group Girls Aloud, taken from their second studio album What Will the Neighbours Say? (2004). Written and produced by Brian Higgins and his production team Xenomania, the track was originally written for Britney Spears. "Graffiti My Soul" includes a sample of Peplab's "It's Not the Drug."

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Can't Speak French</span> 2008 single by Girls Aloud

"Can't Speak French" is a song performed by British all-female pop group Girls Aloud, taken from their fourth studio album and serving as the third and final single from the album Tangled Up (2007). The song was written by Miranda Cooper, Brian Higgins and his production team Xenomania, and produced by Higgins and Xenomania. Described as "a swirling, slower cut with great jazzy guitar changes," Higgins said it was "the easiest Girls Aloud single they made." Upon its release in March 2008, "Can't Speak French" charted within the top ten on the UK Singles Chart, continuing their five-year streak of top ten hits.

<i>Popstars</i> (British TV series) discography

Popstars (UK) is a British reality television show produced for ITV that aired for two series. The first series, Popstars, aimed to find five singers to form a new pop group. During the second series, Popstars: The Rivals, two music groups were formed to compete for the Christmas number-one single in the United Kingdom.

<i>The X Factor</i> (British series 7) Season of television series

The X Factor is a British television music competition to find new singing talent. The seventh series started on ITV on 21 August 2010 and ended on 12 December 2010. The series saw the creation of the boy band One Direction, from boys who entered the competition as individuals. The winner of the competition was Matt Cardle. Cardle was mentored throughout the show by Dannii Minogue. After the victory, he released his debut single "When We Collide". A total of 15,448,019 votes were cast throughout the series. It was presented by Dermot O'Leary, with spin-off show The Xtra Factor presented by Konnie Huq on ITV2, who took over from Holly Willoughby.

<i>Insatiable</i> (album) 2010 studio album by Nadine Coyle

Insatiable is the debut studio album by Irish recording artist Nadine Coyle. It was released in the United Kingdom and Ireland on 8 November 2010, through Black Pen Records. Looking to transition from the electropop styles of her previous music as part of Girls Aloud, Coyle began to work on a solo album during the hiatus of the group. She enlisted writers and producers such as Toby Gad, Guy Chambers and William Orbit, co-writing its thirteen tracks alongside them. Coyle began to embrace a more sophisticated sound with Insatiable, and its songs incorporate genres of pop rock and R&B.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Insatiable (Nadine Coyle song)</span> 2010 single by Nadine Coyle

"Insatiable" is the debut solo single by Irish recording artist Nadine Coyle. Co-written with Guy Chambers and produced by Ricci Riccardi, the song was released as the lead single from Coyle's debut solo album of the same name (2010). The accompanying music video for "Insatiable" was directed by Wayne Isham and features Coyle performing with a live band against various backdrops. It charted in Ireland, Scotland, the UK and charted on the European singles chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Promise This</span> 2010 single by Cheryl Cole

"Promise This" is a song by English recording artist Cheryl Cole, taken from her second studio album Messy Little Raindrops (2010). It was released in the United Kingdom and Ireland as the album's lead single on 24 October 2010 by Fascination Records. The up-tempo dance-pop song was written by American songwriter Priscilla Renea Hamilton, British music producer Wayne Wilkins, and Christopher Jackson and produced by Wilkins. The lyrics to "Promise This" reference Cole's personal life and relationships, as well as incorporating the French language. The single's release came in the aftermath of a public divorce from footballer Ashley Cole, as well as a life-threatening battle with malaria.

<i>Messy Little Raindrops</i> 2010 studio album by Cheryl Cole

Messy Little Raindrops is the second studio album by English singer Cheryl Cole, released on 29 October 2010 by Fascination Records. The project is the follow-up to Cole's multi-platinum debut solo album 3 Words (2009), following seven successful years as a member of girl group Girls Aloud. Recorded in Los Angeles and London, Cheryl mainly worked with Wayne Wilkins, who previously produced Cole's number one debut single "Fight for This Love".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Katie Waissel</span> English singer-songwriter

Katie Waissel is an English singer-songwriter who came into the public eye when she finished seventh in the seventh series of The X Factor. She is also known for being a housemate in Celebrity Big Brother 18, where she finished in eighth place.

Mary Byrne is a top 10 selling Irish singer and TV presenter based in Ireland and the UK. Mary rose to fame in 2010 after becoming a finalist on the seventh series of The X Factor. Following her elimination in the live semi-final, she signed a record deal with Sony Music Ireland. Byrne and her fellow The X Factor finalists gained a number-one single on the UK Singles Chart and the Irish Singles Chart with a cover of David Bowie's "'Heroes'" in aid of Help for Heroes.

<i>A Million Lights</i> 2012 studio album by Cheryl

A Million Lights is the third studio album by English singer Cheryl, released on 15 June 2012 through Fascination Records. Following her divorce from Ashley Cole, this is Cheryl's first album to be released under the mononym Cheryl, dropping her married surname. The album was recorded in 2011 and 2012. As the executive producer of the album, Cheryl enlisted a variety of producers such as Alex da Kid, Calvin Harris, will.i.am, Pantha, Agent X, HyGrade, Dada Life, Jim Beanz, Taio Cruz, Mathias Wollo, The Beamer Boyz, Billy Wes, Electric, Bibi Jones and Dave Munday. Sonically, A Million Lights is a pop, dance and R&B album that draws influence from other genres such as dubstep, house and electronic music in its production.

"Screw You" is a song recorded by English recording artist Cheryl and British hip hop artist Wretch 32 for the former's third studio album A Million Lights (2012). "Screw You" was produced by Hy-Grade and written by Megan Nicolle Thomaston, Kingsley Brown, Daniel Traynor and Wretch 32.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cheryl videography</span> Music videos by Cheryl

British recording artist Cheryl has appeared in numerous music videos and films. Her videography includes ten music videos, three guest appearances in other artists' videos, two film appearances and several television appearances.

"Beautiful 'Cause You Love Me" is a song recorded by British girl group Girls Aloud from their second compilation album, Ten (2012) and their final single release. It was written by Rachel Moulden and produced by Jim Eliot. The song received mixed reviews from music critics, who thought that ballads were not the group's best efforts. Upon the release of Ten, it charted at number 97 on the UK Singles Chart. The accompanying music video was directed by Paul Caslin, and consists mostly of beauty shots from each member. The song was performed on a few programmes, such as Children in Need 2012 and Top of the Pops.

References

  1. ↑ Piper, Dean (22 April 2012). "Cheryl Cole to wreak revenge on Simon Cowell with tell-all book". Daily Mirror . Trinity Mirror . Retrieved 11 January 2014.
  2. 1 2 3 4 Hurley, James (22 April 2013). "Cheryl: "I'd took enough of other people's rubbish"". MSN Music . MSN. Archived from the original on 15 May 2013. Retrieved 11 January 2014.
  3. 1 2 3 "Cheryl Cole explains decision to write autobiography last year". Closer (UK). Bauer Media Group. 24 April 2013. Retrieved 11 January 2014.
  4. ↑ Sperling, Daniel (11 September 2012). "Cheryl Cole on tell-all autobiography: 'Some people should be scared'". Digital Spy . Hachette Filipacchi Médias . Retrieved 11 January 2014.
  5. ↑ "Rachel Murphy". jonathan-conway.com. Retrieved 29 February 2020.
  6. ↑ Sperling, Daniel (3 October 2012). "Cheryl Cole reveals "emotional" autobiography – picture". Digital Spy . Hachette Filipacchi Médias . Retrieved 11 January 2014.
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Davies, Michelle (21 October 2012). "Book review: Cheryl Cole My Story by Chery Cole". Daily Express . Northern & Shell . Retrieved 11 January 2014.
  8. 1 2 "The seven biggest revelations in Cheryl's new autobiography My Story". Capital FM . Global Group. Archived from the original on 16 December 2012. Retrieved 11 January 2014.
  9. ↑ "Singer Tweedy guilty of assault". BBC News . BBC. 20 October 2003. Retrieved 11 January 2014.
  10. 1 2 Baggs, Michael (12 October 2012). "Cheryl Cole discusses tricky Girls Aloud relationship with Nadine Coyle". Gigwise . Giant Digital. Retrieved 11 January 2014.
  11. ↑ Copsey, Robert (12 October 2012). "Cheryl Cole denies Nadine Coyle feud: 'We gelled well'". Digital Spy . Hachette Filipacchi Médias . Retrieved 11 January 2014.
  12. 1 2 3 4 "Ashley Cole dubs revelations in Cheryl Cole's new book his 'comeuppance'". Metro . Daily Mail and General Trust. 7 October 2012. Retrieved 11 January 2014.
  13. 1 2 Merriman, Rebecca (8 October 2012). "Cheryl Cole: I was out my head on tranquilisers following Ashley cheating claims". Entertainmentwise . Giant Digital. Archived from the original on 2 December 2014. Retrieved 11 January 2014.
  14. ↑ "Cheryl Cole discusses Cher Lloyd in her autobiography". Look . IPC media. 15 October 2012. Retrieved 11 January 2014.
  15. 1 2 3 Sperling, Daniel (8 October 2012). "Cheryl Cole on malaria battle: 'I was relieved to be dying'". Digital Spy . Hachette Filipacchi Médias . Retrieved 11 January 2014.
  16. 1 2 Potter, Lisa (8 October 2012). "Cheryl Cole on malaria battle: 'I was relieved to be dying'". Marie Claire (UK). IPC Media . Retrieved 11 January 2014.
  17. ↑ Cole, Cheryl (2012). Cheryl: My Story. ISBN   978-0007500154.
  18. ↑ "Cheryl: My Story (Paperback)". Waterstones . Retrieved 11 January 2014.
  19. ↑ Cheryl: My Story by Cheryl Cole . Retrieved 11 January 2014.{{cite book}}: |work= ignored (help)
  20. ↑ Cheryl Cole signing her book, 'Cheryl: My Story' with fans on Flickr
  21. 1 2 3 4 "Cheryl: My Story". HarperCollins. Archived from the original on 22 December 2013. Retrieved 11 January 2014.
  22. ↑ Frith, Fran (10 February 2013). "Review: Cheryl Cole, My Story". Yuppee Mag. Retrieved 11 January 2014.
  23. ↑ "Cheryl Cole tells Alan Carr that she still doesn't know why Ashley Cole cheated on her". OK! . Northern & Shell. 12 October 2012. Archived from the original on 17 January 2014. Retrieved 11 January 2014.
  24. 1 2 3 4 Mahajan, Nikhita (23 October 2012). "Cheryl Cole: "My book told the truth – deal with it!"". Reveal. Nat Mags . Retrieved 11 January 2014.
  25. ↑ Katie Waissel [@katiewaissel24] (16 October 2012). "@cherylcole thought you were better than this. Shame I trusted you. you live and you learn" (Tweet). Retrieved 11 January 2014– via Twitter.
  26. 1 2 3 "Cheryl Cole accused of cashing in by family". Evening Chronicle . Trinity Mirror. 15 October 2012. Retrieved 11 January 2014.
  27. 1 2 Chalabi, Mona (7 February 2013). "Top selling biographies and autobiographies since 2001". The Guardian . Retrieved 11 January 2014.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.