Vanessa White

Last updated

Vanessa White
Vanessa White 2014.jpg
White at the Royal Albert Hall in 2014
Born
Vanessa Karen White

(1989-10-30) 30 October 1989 (age 35)
Yeovil, Somerset, England
Occupations
  • Singer
  • dancer
Musical career
Genres
Years active2007–present
Labels

Vanessa Karen White (born 30 October 1989) is an English singer who rose to fame in 2008 as a singer in the girl group The Saturdays. White began her career as a theatre actress at an early age, appearing in several West End productions. She played Young Nala in The Lion King and between 2000 and 2002, [1] she was cast as one of the King's daughters in The King and I . White successfully auditioned for The Saturdays in 2007, after a period attempting to carve out a solo singing career. Once White had joined the group, they began recording music and releasing a number of hits. The group later gained another record deal with Geffen Records after having huge success in the United Kingdom. White and the rest of the group then signed a deal with Island Def Jam Records and Mercury Records to distribute their music in the United States, [2] which led to their first UK number-one single "What About Us". White's vocal range has been compared to Christina Aguilera and Mariah Carey. White is the youngest member of the group. [1]

Contents

While still remaining a member of The Saturdays, White began to pursue music projects outside the group, firstly featuring on a number of songs by Master Shortie and Vince Kidd's "The Zoo". When The Saturdays decided to take a hiatus in 2014 after completing their Greatest Hits Live! tour, White decided to record her own solo music, recording with the likes of Wretch 32. She has released two Extended plays Chapter One and Chapter Two. White has appeared in a number of successful reality television shows, including Chasing the Saturdays (2013), The Saturdays: 24/7 (2011) and Ghosthunting With... The Saturdays (2010). As an individual, she also participated as a contestant in the first series of Popstar to Operastar and the seventeenth series of I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here .

Life and career

Early life and career beginnings

Vanessa White was born on 30 October 1989 and grew up with two siblings, an older brother, Ryan and a younger sister, Celine. [3] Like The Saturdays bandmate, Frankie Bridge, White enrolled at the Sylvia Young Theatre School based in West London where she was chosen for West End theatre productions, including The Lion King [4] and The King and I . [4] When she was 13, she also appeared on the kids version of Stars in Their Eyes in 2003, performing as Beyoncé.

2007–2014: The Saturdays

The Saturdays onstage, 2009 The Saturdays.jpg
The Saturdays onstage, 2009

Since 2007, White has been a member of girl group The Saturdays. As of October 2017, the group has achieved thirteen Top 10 hits, and five Top 10 albums. [5] [6] The Saturdays released their debut single "If This Is Love" in July 2008. It peaked at number eight in the UK. [7] The group subsequently released a follow-up single "Up", which charted at number five in the UK [7] and later earned a Silver Disc in the United Kingdom. [8] In late October 2008, the group released their first studio album Chasing Lights . White, who is known for her powerful voice and is referred to by other members of the band as "our Christina Aguilera" due to her extensive vocal range, [9] is the only member of The Saturdays to have a solo part on every track of their debut album. She has also received comparison to American singers Alicia Keys, Beyoncé and Mariah Carey. [1] [10] Chasing Lights charted at number nine in the UK, and went Platinum according to the BPI. [8] The band released a third single from the album, "Issues", which also went Silver, [8] followed by a cover of "Just Can't Get Enough", originally recorded by Depeche Mode. The song debuted at number two in the UK, behind Flo Rida's "Right Round". The fifth and final single from the album was "Work", which was the first single by the group to fail to reach the top 20. The group later went on a UK tour titled The Work Tour . On the Dundee leg of The Work Tour, White was about to go on stage when she tripped over a cable backstage and tore a ligament in her ankle, forcing her to miss a large proportion of the show that night. Once paramedics had strapped up her foot, she was permitted to join the group on stage in a wheelchair. White appeared on stage in the next few shows sitting on a bar stool and gradually began to stand for more and more songs as the tour progressed. In October 2009, the group released a second studio album, Wordshaker , which charted at number nine and was given a silver certification by the BPI. [8] The first single from the album, "Forever Is Over", charted at number two in the UK. The Saturdays were by now appearing in advertisements for several products including a brand of deodorant, tampons, [11] mobile phones, an operating system, and hair removal products. [12] In early 2010, the girls released a second and final single from their second album, "Ego", which charted at number nine, [7] the single gained a certification of Silver by the BPI. [8]

In summer 2010, the Saturdays released their first mini album (their third album overall) Headlines! , [13] which charted at number 3 in the UK and number 10 in Ireland. [7] The band released their eighth single, "Missing You", which charted at number three in the UK and number six in Ireland. [14] Band member Rochelle Wiseman confirmed that the second single from the album would be "Higher" [15] [16] It was later confirmed by the band's official website that Flo Rida had recorded vocals for "Higher". [17] [18] On Your Radar was the girls' third studio album, reaching a disappointing number 23 in the UK and spending only three weeks in the UK Top 75, but featured the top-ten hits, "All Fired Up" and "Notorious" as well as single, "My Heart Takes Over". In December 2011, the group went on their first headlining arena tour, the All Fired Up Tour! The first single from their fourth studio album "30 Days", which was released in May 2012, peaked at number seven. Later in the year, they temporarily moved from London to Los Angeles in the hope of breaking America. To help increase their single sales in America, E! Network broadcast Chasing The Saturdays , a reality TV show following the girls during their three-month stay in America. The show premiered in January 2013 but was cancelled after one series. The band released "What About Us" (featuring rapper Sean Paul) in March 2013, which became their first number one single and was the biggest selling single of the year (at that point). Later on in the year, "Gentleman" and "Disco Love" were released; with both of them charting in the top 15. Their album Living for the Weekend became the band's fourth top ten album. The final single taken from the album was a fan favourite. The radio mix of "Not Giving Up" was released in April 2014 and was their seventeenth top 40 single. The band went on hiatus in 2014, and released a greatest hits album Finest Selection: The Greatest Hits the same year. The only single released from the album, "What Are You Waiting For?" charted at number thirty-seven, making it their lowest-charting single to date.

2015–present: Chapter One and Two

On 21 September 2015, White released her first solo track entitled "Relationship Goals." The song was intended as a preview of her solo album which was scheduled to follow in 2016, but failed to surface. [19] On 13 November 2015, she released her official debut single, "Don't Want to Be Your Lover", with the music video for the song released on the same day. On 7 January 2016 she released a music video for new track "Nostalgia," and announced that it, alongside her two previously released tracks, would be included on her debut EP, Chapter One. The EP was released on 19 February 2016 and was followed by another promotional single, "Lipstick Kisses". On 8 September 2016, she released a new single, "Low Key". Her second solo EP, Chapter Two, was released on 31 March 2017; preceded by singles "Good Good" and "Running Wild". [20]

Television work

White appeared in a number of reality television shows including Ghosthunting With... The Saturdays in 2010, The Saturdays: 24/7 in 2011 and Chasing the Saturdays in 2013.

In January 2010, White participated in the first series of the ITV celebrity reality television programme Popstar to Operastar . She was the second contestant eliminated, on 22 January.

In November 2017, White was confirmed as a participant on the seventeenth series of I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! . She was the fourth to be eliminated and finished in eighth place on 5 December 2017. During her time in the jungle, White became a popular topic on social media due to her lack of knowledge about the music industry, which was highlighted during a 'bushtucker trial'.

In 2018, she participated in E4 show, All Star Driving School.

Personal life

Vanessa began dating menswear stylist Gary Salter in 2011. [21] They ended their relationship in April 2017. [21]

Discography

Extended plays

List of extended plays
TitleAlbum details
Chapter One
  • Released: 19 February 2016
  • Label: Karma Artist Recordings
  • Formats: Digital download
Chapter Two
  • Released: 31 March 2017
  • Label: Salute The Sun Records
  • Formats: Digital download

As lead artist

List of singles as lead artist
TitleYearPeak chart positionsAlbum
UK
"Relationship Goals"
(featuring Chloe Martini) [22]
2015Chapter One
"Don't Wanna Be Your Lover"
(featuring Nick Brewer) [23]
"Nostalgia"
(featuring Wretch 32) [24]
2016
"Lipstick Kises"
(featuring Wretch 32) [25]
"Low Key"
(featuring Illa J) [26]
non-album single
"Good Good" [27] 2017Chapter Two
"Running Wild" [28]
"Boy 4 Life" [29] 2023TBA
List of singles as featured artist
SingleYearPeak chart positionsAlbum
UK
"Swagger Chick"
(Master Shortie featuring Vanessa White)
2009A.D.H.D
"The Zoo"
(Vince Kidd featuring Vanessa White)
2013Oddball
"Faking It"
(Chloe Martini featuring Vanessa White)
2017Never Twice The Same
"Rotation" [30]
(Gearsluts featuring Vanessa White)
2018Geared Up – EP

Music videos

SingleYearFeaturedDirector
"The Zoo"2013 Vince Kidd Katia Ganfield
"Relationship Goals"2015 Aaron Renfree
"Don't Want to Be Your Lover"
"Nostalgia"2016
"Lipstick Kisses" Wretch 32

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stevie Nicks</span> American singer-songwriter (born 1948)

Stephanie Lynn Nicks is an American singer-songwriter, known for her work with the band Fleetwood Mac and as a solo artist.

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

Nadine Elizabeth Louise Coyle is an Irish singer. In 2002, she was selected as a member of Girls Aloud, a pop girl group created through ITV's reality competition show Popstars: The Rivals. The group went on to receive large success, achieving a string of 20 consecutive UK top ten singles, two UK number one albums, five consecutive platinum selling studio albums, and receiving nominations for five BRIT Awards, winning Best Single in 2009 for "The Promise".

Fascination Records is a United Kingdom-based record label, owned by Universal Music Group, and operated as an imprint of Polydor Records. The label was launched in spring of 2006, and is managed by former TOTP Magazine editor Peter Loraine.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">If This Is Love</span> 2008 single by The Saturdays

"If This Is Love" is the debut single by English-Irish girl group The Saturdays from their debut album, Chasing Lights (2008). It was co-written by Joe Belmaati, Michaela Breen, Vince Clarke, Mich Hansen, Alison Moyet, John Reid, Remee and Ina Wroldsen. The song was produced by Belmaati in collaboration with Cutfather. The track samples a heavily synthesised backing rhythm from Yazoo's 1982 song "Situation".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Frankie Bridge</span> English singer

Francesca Bridge is an English singer, formerly a member of S Club Juniors and a member of girl group the Saturdays. Bridge began her career when she auditioned for Simon Fuller's reality television competition S Club Search in 2001, broadcast on CBBC. She successfully auditioned and won a place in the pop group S Club Juniors. Bridge and the rest of the group then starred in their own reality TV show S Club Junior: The Story. Together with the band, Bridge successfully released seven singles and two albums. Whilst in the group, she made an appearance in S Club 7's TV show Viva S Club. The group then began featuring in their own children's musical television programme I Dream. Bridge played a main role in the show and went onto release the duet single "Dreaming" along with fellow S Club 8 member Calvin Goldspink.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chase & Status</span> English music duo

Chase & Status are an English electronic music duo composed of Saul Milton (Chase) and Will Kennard (Status). In addition, Andy Gangadeen is the drummer when the band performs live. MC Rage formerly performed as MC with the group, but left in July 2021 to focus on solo ventures. The duo are from London, and formed in 2003 after meeting at university in Manchester. The duo have since released seven studio albums and collaborated with major artists such as Plan B, CeeLo Green, Rihanna, Example, Tinie Tempah, and Stormzy. They run the independent record label MTA Records. William Kennard founded ELAM in 2014.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Saturdays</span> British-Irish girl group

The Saturdays are an English-Irish girl group based in London, England. The group formed during the summer of 2007 and has been on hiatus since 2014. The lineup consists of Frankie Bridge, Una Healy, Rochelle Humes, Mollie King, and Vanessa White. They were formed through Fascination Records, a sub-division of Polydor Records, which gave them an instant record deal with the label. As soon as the contract was finalized, the Saturdays went on tour with Girls Aloud during their Tangled Up Tour. The group's music style is pop, but throughout their career, their management has experimented with dance-pop and electropop. Songwriters and producers Ina Wroldsen, Steve Mac, Camille Purcell, and Quiz & Larossi have helped create their music. In July 2008, The Saturdays released their debut single and first Top Ten hit, "If This Is Love". Their debut album, Chasing Lights, released the same year, charted at number nine on the UK Albums Chart; it was certified platinum by the BPI and produced three more top ten singles: "Up", "Issues", and "Just Can't Get Enough". "Work" was also released from the album. The group's first concert tour, The Work Tour, took place in 2009. The group's second album, Wordshaker, produced the Top Ten hits "Forever Is Over" and "Ego". In 2010, the Saturdays released a mini album, Headlines!, which contained the top 10 hits "Missing You" and "Higher", the latter of which featured guest vocals from Flo Rida. The mini-album was supported by the group's second concert tour, The Headlines Tour. Their third album, On Your Radar, was released in 2011 and resulted in two top 10 singles: "Notorious" and "All Fired Up".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Up (The Saturdays song)</span> 2008 single by the Saturdays

"Up" is a song by British-Irish girl group the Saturdays from their debut studio album, Chasing Lights (2008). It was co-written by the track's producers, Josef Larossi and Andreas Romdhane of Quiz & Larossi, in collaboration with Ina Wroldsen. "Up" was first released by Fascination and Polydor Records on 13 October 2008 as the second single from Chasing Lights. It was accompanied by a B-side entitled "Crashing Down"; originally recorded by the Nolans in 1982, and written by Benjamin Findon, Robert Puzey and Mike Myers, and produced by Jewels & Store. The Saturdays previously collaborated with Ina Wroldsen for their debut single "If This Is Love", as well as on six other tracks chosen for the album. Future singles including Ego, also came from collaboration with Ina Wroldsen and Rhys Barker. The song is upbeat and, has prominent pop and electropop genre characteristics. It contains lyrical influences from feelings of feminism and self-confidence in a personal relationship with your lover.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Work (The Saturdays song)</span> 2009 single by The Saturdays

"Work" is a song by British-Irish girl group The Saturdays from their debut studio album, Chasing Lights (2008). The song was written by Ina Wroldsen, Harry Sommerdahl and Kalle Engström. It was released on 29 June 2009 as the album's fifth and final single.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rochelle Humes</span> English singer and presenter (born 1989)

Rochelle Eulah Eileen Humes is an English singer and television presenter. Humes began her career in the pop groups S Club Juniors and The Saturdays, and has gone on to co-present the ITV entertainment series Ninja Warrior UK. Humes regularly guest-hosts This Morning, and since 2019, she has co-presented the BBC game show The Hit List alongside husband Marvin Humes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Issues (The Saturdays song)</span> 2009 single by the Saturdays

"Issues" is a song British-Irish girl group The Saturdays. The song was written and produced by Carl Sturken and Evan Rogers. The single was released as the band's third official single, from their first studio album, Chasing Lights. "Issues" was officially released on 5 January 2009 in the United Kingdom. The single gained mixed reviews from pop music critics.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mollie King</span> English singer, songwriter and radio presenter (born 1987)

Mollie Elizabeth King is an English pop singer, songwriter, radio presenter and a member of girl group The Saturdays.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Una Healy</span> Irish singer (born 1981)

Una Theresa Imogene Healy is an Irish singer. She rose to fame in 2008 as a member of five-piece girl group The Saturdays, who are signed to Fascination and Polydor Records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Saturdays discography</span>

British-Irish girl group The Saturdays have released four studio albums, one compilation album, two extended plays and eighteen singles. The Saturdays were formed in 2007, with a number of different auditions through their management: Frankie Sandford, Rochelle Wiseman, Una Healy, Mollie King and Vanessa White were the successful auditionees and were granted a place within the band.

The Headlines! Tour was the second headlining concert tour by English-Irish girl group the Saturdays. The tour consisted of dates in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and, for the first time, the Republic of Ireland. The set list included songs from their two studio albums: Chasing Lights and Wordshaker, as well their first EP Headlines!. All dates sold out within one month.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Work Tour</span> 2009 concert tour by the Saturdays

The Work Tour was the debut headlining theatre tour by English-Irish girl group the Saturdays. The tour became the group's first headlining tour, but second time touring. The tour opened on 2 June 2009, and lasted for 24 shows, finishing on 7 July 2009. The tour featured all of their songs from their debut album, a medley of covers, and two new songs that would feature on their then untitled, and up-coming second studio album Wordshaker.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Notorious (The Saturdays song)</span> 2011 single by The Saturdays

"Notorious" is a song by British-Irish girl group The Saturdays, released as the lead single from their third studio album, On Your Radar. The song was written by Ina Wroldsen and Steve Mac, who also produced the song. The single was released digitally on 22 May 2011. "Notorious" was recorded in 2011 after the band were looking for a new sound to release in their third album. According to the lyrics in the song the band are loving life, they like to go out and enjoy themselves however they work hard and they all have a bad and naughty side to them. The lyrics of the song has been described as "playful". Vanessa White said the song was a more "grown up" approach to the music they have released before. The group performed the song live for the first time on So You Think You Can Dance and the song received its first radio airplay on The Chris Moyles Show.

<i>On Your Radar</i> 2011 studio album by the Saturdays

On Your Radar is the third studio album by British-Irish girl group the Saturdays. It was released 21 November 2011 under Fascination Records. The album was recorded in London, New York City, Oslo and Stockholm, with Steve Mac, who had been instrumental in the production of the band's previous albums, served as a producer on the album, with additional producers and songwriters also being included in the making of the record, including Lucas Secon, Taio Cruz, Labrinth, Tracklacers, Space Cowboy, Brian Higgins and Lucie Silvas.

<i>Chasing the Saturdays</i> (EP) 2013 EP by The Saturdays

Chasing the Saturdays is the second extended play by British-Irish girl group The Saturdays. It was released on 27 January 2013 in the United States and Canada alone through Fascination and Mercury Records. The EP was the group's first release under Mercury since signing a US distribution deal. The EP collection is titled after their reality television programme, Chasing the Saturdays, which is broadcast through American television network E!. It follows the band trying to break into the American music market.

<i>Living for the Weekend</i> (The Saturdays album) 2013 studio album by The Saturdays

Living for the Weekend is the fourth studio album by British girl group The Saturdays. It was first released on 11 October 2013, and in the United Kingdom on 14 October 2013, by Fascination Records and its associated record labels. Living for the Weekend was recorded between 2011 and 2013 in Los Angeles, London and New York City. Longtime collaborator Steve Mac returned to work on the album, as well as enlisting a range of new producers and writers including Rodney Jerkins, Autumn Rowe, Diane Warren, Carl Ryden, DNA Songs, David Schuler, Priscilla Renea, Camille Purcell, Jim Jonsin and many more. The album was preceded by their first US release, an EP called Chasing the Saturdays.

References

  1. 1 2 3 Saturday Fight Fever Daily Star . 4 March 2009. Retrieved 1 January 2012.
  2. "The Saturdays sign joint record deal in America". BBC. Archived from the original on 2 December 2017. Retrieved 13 September 2017.
  3. "Vanessa White". The Saturdays Central. Archived from the original on 28 July 2011. Retrieved 10 December 2010.
  4. 1 2 "Vanessa White". My Celebrity Fashion. Archived from the original on 14 November 2010. Retrieved 10 December 2010.
  5. The Saturdays OfficialCharts.com. Retrieved 4 August 2010.
  6. Balls, David. "The Saturdays: 'Wordshaker'". Digital Spy, Retrieved 5 August 2010.
  7. 1 2 3 4 "love story (taylor swift) | full Official Chart History | Official Charts Company". Officialcharts.com.
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 "The Saturdays certifications". Archived from the original on 15 January 2013. Retrieved 21 November 2017.
  9. "Official Site". The Saturdays. Archived from the original on 14 March 2009. Retrieved 6 August 2014.
  10. "The Saturdays – Any Day of the Week". Archived from the original on 24 October 2011. Retrieved 30 April 2009.
  11. "The Saturdays are the new faces of Tampax Pearl". Sugarscape.com.
  12. "The Saturdays are new faces of Veet". Femalefirst.co.uk. 22 May 2009.
  13. "Interview with Una Healy – RTÉ Ten". Raidió Teilifís Éireann. 24 June 2010. Retrieved 31 August 2010.
  14. "The Saturdays Missing You CD Single Release". Universal Music. Retrieved 27 June 2010.
  15. "Music – News – Wiseman 'reveals next Saturdays single'". Digital Spy. 5 August 2010. Retrieved 31 August 2010.
  16. Lee, Ann (5 August 2010). "The Saturdays to release Higher as next single". Metro. Retrieved 21 November 2017.
  17. "Future Releases". Galaxy FM. Archived from the original on 27 February 2010. Retrieved 3 September 2010.
  18. "The Saturdays record a track with Flo Rida". Archived from the original on 4 September 2010.
  19. "interview | vanessa white". Schonmagazine.com. 21 September 2015.
  20. "SRNO keeps Vanessa White's track "Low Key"". Earmilk. 28 October 2016. Retrieved 28 October 2016.
  21. 1 2 "Vanessa White, Gary Salter Split: 'It Was A Hard Decision,' Source Claims". Ibtimes.com. 25 April 2017.
  22. "Vanessa out of The Saturdays' first solo thing is called 'Relationship Goals'". Pop Justice. 21 September 2015. Retrieved 20 October 2023.
  23. "Premiere: Vanessa White – 'Don't Wanna Be Your Lover' ft. Nick Brewer". Clash Music. December 2015. Retrieved 20 October 2023.
  24. "Vanessa White Shares 'Nostalgia'". Clash Music. 7 January 2016. Retrieved 20 October 2023.
  25. "Vanessa White releases debut EP Chapter One, shares new single "Lipstick Kisses (ft. Wretch 32)"". The Line of Best Fit. 23 February 2016. Retrieved 20 October 2023.
  26. "Vanessa White unveils new track 'Low Key' featuring Illa J". Celeb Mix. 29 September 2016. Retrieved 20 October 2023.
  27. "Vanessa White's "Good Good" Is The Raunchy R&B Anthem You Need For Valentine's Day". The Fader. 13 February 2017. Retrieved 20 October 2023.
  28. "'First Look Friday' Alum Vanessa White Returns With "Runnin' Wild"". Okay Player. April 2017. Retrieved 20 October 2023.
  29. "Vanessa White drops glorious new single 'Boy 4 Life'". Celeb Mix. 20 October 2023. Retrieved 20 October 2023.
  30. "Rotation (feat. Vanessa White) by Gearsluts". Music.apple.com.