Ricki Lee Coulter

born on 10/11/1985 in Auckland, Auckland Region, New Zealand

Ricki-Lee Coulter

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
Ricki-Lee
Birth name Ricki-Lee Coulter
Born November 10 1985
Auckland, New Zealand
Origin Queensland, Australia
Genres Pop, R&B
Occupations Singer-songwriter
Years active 2004-Present
Labels Shock (2004–present)
Pony Canyon (2007–present)
Ministry of Sound (2007–present)
SonyBMG Australia (2006-2007)
Associated acts Young Divas (2006-2007) Savage, Backstreet Boys, Hillary Duff
Website http://www.ricki-lee.com

Ricki-Lee Coulter (born November 10, 1985), commonly known as Ricki-Lee, is an Australian R&B & pop singer, songwriter, TV presenter and radio presenter. Ricki-Lee was born in Auckland, New Zealand and moved to Queensland, Australia when she was 3 weeks old.

She rose to fame in 2004 as a contestant on Australian Idol. She is also a former member of Australian girl group, Young Divas. Ricki-Lee has already released 2 studio albums and co-hosted Idol during its 2008 and 2009 seasons, and is preparing for the full release of her third studio album, Hear No, See No, Speak No. Her platinum hit song, "Cant Touch It", has been used in the Sex & The City 2 movie trailer and will also be on the "Sex & The City" soundtrack. The trailer was released world-wide on April, 8 2010.

Early life

Coulter was born in Auckland, New Zealand on November 10, 1985 and moved with her mother to Queensland, Australia when she was 3 weeks old.[1] In Queensland, her younger sister was born. Ricki-Lee developed a keen passion for playing netball for Queensland and was on the verge of playing for Australia when a serious knee injury requiring reconstructive surgery ended her netball career.[1]

Musical career

Australian Idol 2004

Main article: Australian Idol (season 2)

Ricki-Lee auditioned for the second series of Australian Idol. Considered a major contender to win the Australian Idol competition, Ricki-Lee was unexpectedly voted out in 7th place. The judges described her departure as a scandal. [2]

Australian Idol performances

  • Audition: "Don't Let Go" - En Vogue
  • Top 30- "Can't Get Enough of Your Love Babe" - Barry White
  • Top 12- Australian Hits: "Hopelessly Devoted to You" - Olivia Newton-John
  • Top 11- Pop: "Work It Out" - Beyoncé
  • Top 10- 60's: "Proud Mary" - Tina Turner
  • Top 9- Disco: "Don't Stop Till You Get Enough" - Michael Jackson
  • Top 8- Idol's Choice: "I Have Nothing" - Whitney Houston
  • Top 7- The Beatles: "We Can Work It Out" - The Beatles Eliminated

2005–2006: Ricki-Lee

Main Article: Ricki-Lee

After declining a deal from SonyBMG, Ricki-Lee signed with Australia's biggest Independent Label, Shock Records, [3] and released her first single "Hell No!" in June 2005. The single, written in collaboration with Roselyn Della Sabina and Audius Mtawarira,[4] debuted at #5, spent three weeks in the Top 10 and 3-months in the Top 40.[5] Her second single "Sunshine" also went Top 10, peaking at #8 and spent four months in the Top 40.[5] "Breathe", her third single release, debuted Top 20, peaking at #14.[5] The S-T album Ricki-Lee debuted at #30 and was certified gold[5]

2006–2007: Young Divas Project

Main Article: Young Divas

In 2006, Ricki-Lee joined with former Australian Idol contestents Paulini Curuenavuli, Emily Williams, and Kate DeAraugo, to form the Young Divas project.[6] Their first single "This Time I Know It's For Real", a remake of the Donna Summer 1989 song, was a major success, reaching # 2 on the Australian charts. Happenin' All Over Again was released as the second single reaching number nine on the ARIA charts and was certified Gold. The third & final single released, Searchin was not as successful as the two first singles, only peaking at forty on the singles charts. While the self titled album reached # 4.[7] On June 23, 2007, Ricki-Lee officially announced she would be leaving the group.[8] After months of rumours and speculation of infighting, she stated that she was leaving to focus on her solo career, saying "I just couldn't do it all - I really had to get back to doing what I love doing, and that's my solo career." She was later replaced by Australian Idol runner up (2006), Jessica Mauboy and released their second album, "New Attitude" in November 2007. In 2008, both Paulini and Jessica Mauboy left the group to continue their solo career and since then the Young Divas disbanded.[9]

2007–2008: Brand New Day and Ricki-Lee: The Singles

Main Article: Brand New Day (Ricki-Lee album)

In August 2007, Ricki-Lee released her first single (from her second album), "Can't Touch It", which debuted at #2 on the ARIA Charts.[5] "Can't Touch It" achieved Platinum Status through ARIA. Ricki-Lee's second solo album, entitled Brand New Day was released on August 11 and went Top 40, achieving gold status.[5] The album was re-released with a bonus second CD - her first S-T album Ricki-Lee, in December 2007. The second single from the Brand New Day album was Love Is All Around. This single debuted at # 5, making it the second highest new entry for the week after Kylie Minogue.[5] "Can't Sing A Different Song" became Ricki's third consecutive Top Ten single from her current album when it debuted into the ARIA Chart at #8 making it her sixth consecutive Top 20 single since she hit the charts in 2005.[5]

On the December 9, 2007 Ricki-Lee announced that she had signed with Japan's biggest independent label Pony Canyon[10] and also signed to the major UK label Ministry Of Sound after a representative of the label heard "Can't Touch It" on the radio and approached her management.[10] Her single "Can't Touch It" was released as U Wanna Little Of This, a remix by Roselyn Della Sabina, Bob Sinclair and Hed Kandi of "Can't Touch It", which peaked at #1 on the UK Commercial Club Pop Charts and #2 on the UK Upfront Club Charts in 2008.[11] Ricki-Lee announced in January 2008 her Australian first solo tour, The Brand New Day Tour, kicking off in Queensland on March 6th, 2008 and finishing up in Sydney on March 31st, 2008 in Sydney.[12]

It was announced that Ricki-Lee would be releasing a compilation album of her hit singles, entitled 'Ricki-Lee: The Singles" on November 8 through Shock Records.[13] The first single from the album was "Wiggle It" featuring "Savage" which was co-written by Australian R&B artist Israel Cruz.[14] The single was written in 2006 and was initially meant to be released with her sophomore album Brand New Day.[14] The track features a chorus sample from 90's hit "Wiggle It" by 2 In A Room. "Wiggle It" had a physical release on September 13, 2008 & digital release on September 16, 2008[14] peaking at 11 on the ARIA Charts.[15]

2009–present: Hear No, See No, Speak No

Main Article: Hear No, See No, Speak No

Earlier this year, Ricki-Lee was in L.A working on her third studio album set for release in early 2010.[16] Ricki-Lee was nominated for her first Logie Nomination for her participation as a Co-Host on Australian Idol for the category "Most Popular New Female Talent",[17] but lost out to Jessica Marais from Packed to the Rafters.

Ricki-Lee revealed via Twitter that her upcoming new single will be released July 31st, 2009, and has been revealed to be called "Don't Miss You". It had its debut airplay on Nova100 on July 20 2009. The music video premiered on Ten Network's Video Hits. The song is about her relationship between her and her ex husband, Jamie Babbington, and was a top thirty hit.

The second single from the upcoming album is "Hear No, See No, Speak No" which was released on November 20, 2009, with the album of the same name to be released in early 2010.[16]

In March 2010 Ricki-Lee toured with the Backstreet Boys for the duration of their Australian leg of their World Tour. Perth, Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, at the Perth concert on 02 March she debuted her next single Not broken.[18]

Discography

Main article: Ricki-Lee Coulter discography

Studio Albums

  • Ricki-Lee (2005)
  • Brand New Day (2007)
  • Hear No, See No, Speak No (2010)

EPs

  • Ricki-Lee: The Singles (2008)

Tours

Headlining

  • 2008: The Brand New Day Tour[12]

Support act

Awards and nominations

Year Type Award Result
2006 Urban Music Awards Best R&B Album (for Ricki-Lee) Nominated
Nickelodeon Australian Kids' Choice Awards Fave Aussie Artist Won
Fave Song (for "This Time I Know It's For Real" with Young Divas) Won
2007 Fave Female Singer Won
AIR Awards Best Performing Independent Single/EP (for "Can't Touch It") Nominated
2008 Nickelodeon Australian Kids' Choice Awards Fave Aussie Nominated
Fave Singer Won
2009 Logie Awards Most Popular New Female Talent (for Australian Idol) Nominated

Radio career

On January 14, 2008 Ricki-Lee joined Brisbane radio station B105 FM as part of their breakfast team for 6 weeks to replace dj Camilla Severi, who had given birth.[20]

In December 2008, Ricki Lee was apart of the Summer Breakfast Show on the Today Network alongside Mike Goldman and Brian McFadden.[21]

In 2010 Ricki-Lee joined Scott Dooley and Merrick Watts on Nova 969 for the breakfast show.

Television career

Coulter has appeared on several television programs including Friday Night Games, Rove, Sunrise, Today and Bert's Family Feud Celebrity Challenge. Coulter was one of the celebrity performers on Celebrity Circus, and performed with Marcia Hines on An Audience With Marcia Hines, a special which aired on Foxtel in 2005.

It Takes Two

Main article: It Takes Two (Australian TV series)

Ricki-Lee was a mentor on the celebrity singing show It Takes Two on Channel 7.[22] Ricki-Lee mentored former tennis star Scott Draper. On Tuesday 4 March, Coulter and Draper were eliminated from It Takes Two. Both returned for the Grand Final episode on April 22nd, 2008.[23]

It Takes Two performances

These are the songs performed by Ricki-Lee and Scott Draper performed on the show:[24]

  • Episode 1 - Pop: "Playing To Win" - John Farnham
  • Episode 2 - Rock: "I Don't Want To Miss A Thing" - Aerosmith
  • Episode 3 - Movies/Musicals: "Summer Nights" - Grease - John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John
  • Episode 4 - Ballads: "How Am I Supposed to Live Without You" - Michael Bolton Eliminated
  • Episode 6 - Special group performance (girls): Crazy In Love - Beyonce Knowles & Boogie Wonderland - Earth Wind & Fire Medley
  • Episode 10 (Grand Final) - Group performance: You Don't Have To Be A Star - Marilyn McKoo & Billy Davis Jnr

Australian Idol

Ricki-Lee returned to Australian Idol as a member of the hosting team for the sixth season in 2008, alongside the primary hosts James Mathison and Andrew G.[25] After Mathison vacated his hosting position before the seventh season in 2009, Andrew G was the sole primary host, whilst Ricki-Lee expanded her hosting role.

Personal life

Coulter married childhood sweetheart, Jamie Babbington in September, 2007.[26] A copy of the wedding invitation was printed in Australian women's magazine Woman's Day. However, after little over a year of marriage, on October 17, 2008 it was announced that Coulter and Babbington had split. This split became the subject of a particularly spiteful song released by Coulter in August 2009, entitled Don't Miss You, which indicated that the split was significantly more acrimonious (from Ricki-Lee's perspective at least) than was originally indicated in press releases of the time.

It is rumoured that she has been dating Neighbours star Brett Tucker.[27]

Ambassador for Jeans for Genes

In 2008, Ricki-Lee was named the ambassador for 'Jeans for Genes Day', a charity fundraising event that benefits research into childhood genetic diseases. Coulter had previously worked with the charity for three years and raised over $100,000.[28]

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 Music Australia. Ricki-Lee Biography Ricki-Lee Biography. Retrieved August 23, 2008.
  2. The Age. Fallen Idol The Age. Retrieved August 23, 2008.
  3. The Age. On the road with Ricki-Lee The Age. Retrieved August 19, 2008.
  4. Gumtree. Luscious Fridays presents AUDIUS MTAWARIRA Live Gumtree. Retrieved August 19, 2008.
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 5.7 australian-charts.com. Ricki-Lee chart peaks Australian-Charts.com. Retrieved August 19, 2008.
  6. The Herald Sun. Through the Idol years The Herald Sun. Retrieved August 19, 2008.
  7. australian-charts. Young Divas chart peaks australian-charts.com. Retrieved August 19, 2008.
  8. Ricki-Lee Has Ditched The Young Divas!
  9. The Daily Telegraph. Ricki-Lee quits Young Divas The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved August 19, 2008.
  10. 10.0 10.1 undercover.com.au. Ricki-Lee Scores Ministry Of Sound Deal Undercover.com.au. Retrieved August 19, 2008.
  11. shock.com.au. Ricki-Lee Takes The UK Charts By Storm Shock Records. Retrieved August 19, 2008.
  12. 12.0 12.1 accessallareas.net.au. Ricki-Lee announces tour! accessallareas.net.au. Retrieved August 19, 2008.
  13. RICKI-LEE : The Singles
  14. 14.0 14.1 14.2 Access All Areas. Ricki-Lee Wiggles It with New Single! AccessAllAreas.net.au. Retrieved August 19, 2008.
  15. RICKI-LEE - WIGGLE IT (SONG)
  16. 16.0 16.1 auspOp : pure. pOp. love.: RICKI-LEE SINGLE AND ALBUM DELAYS. Auspop.blogspot.com (2009-10-22). Retrieved on 2010-04-25.
  17. Ricki-Lee nominated as best new female talent
  18. Ricki Lee Coulter - Not Broken Live @ Backstreet Boys concert 02.03.10 Perth Challenge stadium. YouTube. Retrieved on 2010-04-25.
  19. Ricki-Lee goes global
  20. Courier Mail. Battle of the airwaves Courier Mail. Retrieved August 19, 2008.
  21. Brian McFadden, now with Delta Goodrem, bins ex's clothes
  22. CourierMail.com.au. Ricki-Lee scores Paulini's TV gig Courier Mail. Retrieved August 19, 2008.
  23. TV.com. It Takes Two: Season 3, Episode 4 TV.com. Retrieved August 23, 2008.
  24. It Takes Two. It Takes Two Song List It Takes Two. Retrieved August 23, 2008.
  25. Ricki-Lee returns to Idol, ninemsn. URL accessed on 2008-05-31.
  26. The Courier Mail. Australian idol Ricki-Lee Coulter secretly weds The Courier Mail. Retrieved August 19, 2008.
  27. The HeraldSun. Ricki-Lee Couler and husband Jamie Babbington split"The Herald Sun". Retrieved October 17, 2008.
  28. Ricki-Lee fits the bill nicely for Jeans for Genes Day, The Daily Telegraph, New Limited, June 24, 2008. URL accessed on 2008-06-30.

External links

This page was last modified 13.05.2010 15:09:43

This article uses material from the article Ricki-Lee Coulter from the free encyclopedia Wikipedia and it is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License.